Let's just be honest: That was an old-school butt whooping at the Caesars Superdome, and the Saints were on the wrong end of it yet again.
New Orleans fell to the Bucs 26-9. The offense couldn't get in the endzone. The defense couldn't get off the field. It was Saints' 11th loss in their last 18 home games.
“I’m going to give the game ball to the fans for showing up to this garbage,” said the Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert,
It was a harsh, but not inaccurate assessment after a game that featured just 197 net yards of offense, missed opportunities, a turnover inside the 10 (after a timely interception), and a 17-play, 87-yard touchdown drive where the Bucs converted on four third downs.
Going back to the loss the Packers, which the Saints led 17-0 with 12 minutes remaining, the New Orleans offense hasn't scored a touchdown in 7 quarters.
"You’re only 2-2 and we're acting like the sky is falling, but it’s how you lose," Hebert continues. "When you blow a 17-point lead with 12 minutes left, and then you lay an egg in front of the home fans, hell yea, you should be concerned."
Related
The Saints will have an opportunity to right the ship, but it'll have to happen on the road with a trip to New England to face the 1-3 Patriots, then Houston to face the 2-2 Texans. One issue for the Saints is the defense that started with season without allowing a touchdown for 7 straight quarters has suddenly fallen off, and the current version of the Saints offense doesn't appear capable of winning games across from a defense that isn't playing at an elite level.
“I’m dejected. I’m disheartened. Double-digit wins? Right now, you play like this, there might be a repeat of last year and you’re hovering around .500. … If they go 8-9, 9-8 everybody got to go," Hebert said. "Sorry. That’s not living up to expectations, considering the expectations from the organization and the fan’s point of view."
Listen to Bobby Hebert's full rant in the player above. Can't see the embed? Click here.