The New Orleans Saints are off to a 1-4 start for the second consecutive season, and team owner Gayle Benson chose to turn up the heat with a stern -- and very clear -- message.
Benson offered a lengthy rebuke of the team's performance during her speech this week in front of the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club. Never the type to seek out microphones, the intent behind Benson's choice to throw down the gauntlet rings loudly.
"We cannot change the results of our first five games," Benson said. "We are responsible for what we do next. I expect better, our fans deserve better, and I am determined to see that we deliver."
The Saints have missed the postseason for the past five seasons, and early returns look like they are on track to make that six. The last time New Orleans reached a playoff game was with Drew Brees at quarterback, and fittingly Benson's statement comes just two days after the team inducted Brees into the team's Ring of Honor at halftime of a 23-13 loss to the Vikings. Benson also pointed directly to the loss to the Falcons a week earlier, a Monday Night Football showdown that served as the 20th anniversary of the Domecoming game.
Here is Benson's full speech:
"Before we embark on our 60th season, I want to address where we stand. We are 1-4 … and that is not acceptable to me and it falls short of what our fans truly deserve. I hear the frustration directed toward our team and our organization. It is not lost on me. Our fans invest their time and their hearts in the Saints. They are right to expect more than we have delivered. As an owner the responsibility does start with me. I will not make excuses and I will not accept this level of performance as our standard. I am committed to making the decisions necessary to improve this team. Everyone in this organization understands the urgency. We must prepare better, execute consistently and correct the mistakes that are costing us the games.
"Words will not restore our fans’ confidence. Our performance must do that. Our 60th season reminds us why that responsibility matters. Generations of families have built their Sundays around the Saints. Their loyalty has sustained this franchise through extraordinary victories and very difficult years. We must never take it for granted. 20 years ago the Saints returned to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina and we all remember Steve Gleason’s blocked punt, the roar of the crowd and what it meant to see our city come together once again. Losing this year’s anniversary game to Atlanta was truly disappointing. Hearing our fans’ memories of that homecoming reinforced how deeply this team is woven into their lives.
"This season, we also honored Drew Brees at his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction and this past Sunday with his place in the Ring of Honor. Watching Drew receive his gold jacket at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium was especially meaningful to me. His legacy includes a championship, extraordinary records and a lasting commitment to New Orleans. It also includes a standard of preparation, discipline and accountability. The best way to honor that legacy is to uphold those standards today.
"Kellen Moore and his coaches are responsible for preparing our players to perform. Mickey Loomis and our football staff are responsible for building a roster capable of sustained success. Our players are responsible for their preparation and execution, and I am responsible for holding this organization accountable. There is a great deal of football ahead of us, but our response must show it on the field.
"On October 25, as you all know, we face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris, with a trip to the Giants game this Sunday. Our priority is to prepare to win. Through the NFL’s Global Markets program, teams build relationships with fans internationally, and I chose France because of its deep historical and cultural ties to Louisiana. This game is part of our participation in the league’s international schedule and we intend to make that commitment count. Our business staff is working closely with economic development leaders throughout Louisiana to attract international business an investment to our city, state and region. Those relationships can create opportunities here at home long after our game ends. I’m also working to bring the Super Bowl back to New Orleans in 2031, however there are no promises from the league to date and hopefully we will hear something in March. Our city’s hospitality, culture and people make us an exceptional host and we are determined to earn that opportunity. These efforts matter to our community.
"Our obligation to deliver better football remains very clear. To the coaches here today, you all know what leadership requires when a team struggles. You confront the problems, make corrections and hold yourself to the same standard that you demand of others. That is what I expect throughout our organization. To our fans, I hear you very loudly, I understand your disappointment and I share your determination to see this team succeed. Your support deserves a response you can see on the field. We cannot change the results of our first five games. We are responsible for what we do next. I expect better, our fans deserve better, and I am determined to see that we deliver."
The Saints have been among the most consistent in the league when it comes to practicing patience, but even that commitment is clearly being tried of late. The team stuck with Dennis Allen for the better part of three seasons before a seven-game skid forced the team's hand. Allen was hired largely on the basis of continuity, with the goal to extend the success of the Sean Payton era even after his retirement. The team went 7-10, 9-8 and 5-12 in those three seasons.
Current head coach Kellen Moore and GM Mickey Loomis were mentioned by name in Benson's remarks. Moore is in just Year 2 but has presided over a team that has consistently struggled to score -- particularly early in games -- and has a record of 7-15 since taking over. The team opted to retain the vast majority of its coaching staff from a season ago, with the team hopeful to take advantage of a late-season surge that included a four-game winning streak with then-rookie QB Tyler Shough.
Loomis, on the other hand, has been atop the Saints front office for more than two decades. The performance to open the season has driven significant criticism and frustration among the fanbase. Late in each of the last two Saints losses, road fans were able to start loud chants in the Superdome, particularly during the loss to the Vikings.
"As an owner the responsibility does start with me. I will not make excuses and I will not accept this level of performance as our standard," Benson said. "I am committed to making the decisions necessary to improve this team. Everyone in this organization understands the urgency."
The team owner's message might've been directed toward the fans, but the impact should resonate around the building just as loudly.
The Saints (1-4) travel to face the Giants (3-1-1) for a noon kickoff inside Metlife Stadium on Sunday. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.
