Saints' Ugly Preseason Loss Exposes Discipline, Backup QB Issues
The New Orleans Saints suffered a 34-0 preseason defeat to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, a loss that coach Kellen Moore called "ugly" and a "missed opportunity." The game, played at SoFi Stadium, was the Saints' worst preseason shutout since 1971, according to the Baton Rouge Advocate.
The Saints, who rested their presumptive starters for the second straight preseason game, were outplayed in nearly every facet. The Rams outgained New Orleans 272-98 in total yards in the first half and led 20-0 at halftime. The Saints finished with 293 total yards of offense, as reported by Essentially Sports.
Penalties and Turnovers Plague Saints
Discipline was a major issue for the Saints, who committed 12 penalties for 96 yards. Coach Moore attributed the penalties to "a lack of discipline, lack of detail," and noted that many were under the team's control. He said, "Twelve penalties in a football game, you're not going to win."
The penalties were not just numerous but also drive-killing. Within the first 10 plays, the Saints were flagged for unnecessary roughness, offensive holding, and offensive pass interference. The Baton Rouge Advocate detailed the breakdown: two offensive holding, two defensive pass interference, two for 12 men on the field, and one each for false start, unnecessary roughness, illegal formation, offensive pass interference, defensive holding, and ineligible receiver downfield.
The Saints also committed three turnovers, two in the red zone. Spencer Rattler threw an interception that Rams safety Alex Cook returned 100 yards for a touchdown, and Zach Wilson threw an interception in the first half. Additionally, Tanner Brown missed a 39-yard field goal in the final minute, as noted by several outlets.
Backup Quarterback Battle Remains Unresolved
Zach Wilson started at quarterback for the Saints and completed 6 of 12 passes for 55 yards with an interception. Spencer Rattler went 14 of 23 for 141 yards but had two goal-line turnovers, including the pick-six to Cook. Neither player solidified the backup spot, according to Sports Illustrated and the Associated Press.
Coach Moore said the team would need to watch the film closely, as the offense wanted to accomplish more. The Saints' backup quarterback competition remains murky, a contrast to the Rams, where Stetson Bennett cleared up his team's backup situation with another strong outing.
Rams' Bennett Shines, Saints Defense Struggles
Stetson Bennett, the Rams' presumptive backup to Matthew Stafford, passed for 181 yards on 19-of-31 passing and rushed for two touchdowns. Rams coach Sean McVay praised Bennett, saying, "I think (Bennett) is just getting better and better, and part of it is just the overall command." Bennett himself said he felt more comfortable and used his legs effectively, as the Rams' coaching staff encouraged him to run when a throw wasn't there.
The Saints' defense, which allowed 405 total yards, was also a concern. Essentially Sports noted that the rushing defense has struggled, allowing 151 yards against the Rams after giving up 118 to the Jaguars. The defense was also called for having 12 players on the field twice.
Looking Ahead
The Saints will close the preseason on Friday against the Dallas Cowboys, a matchup that comes after both teams were fined $500,000 by the NFL following brawls in a joint practice last week. According to the Baton Rouge Advocate, the Saints' owner Gayle Benson was fined that amount. The regular season will see the Saints open at Detroit and Baltimore, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
Coach Moore said the loss was a step back, but he wasn't making excuses. As he put it, "Regular season, preseason, does not matter. Those are not the ones you want." The team will look to correct its issues before the season begins.