Frustration surrounding the New Orleans Saints’ poor 1-4 start seems to go beyond just the fans. On Tuesday, principal owner Gayle Benson expressed her concerns, just a couple of days after the team extended its losing streak to three games.
“That is not acceptable to me,” Benson remarked during her address at the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club luncheon. The Saints had high expectations following quarterback Tyler Shough’s promising rookie season, with hopes of competing for the NFC South title and making a playoff run under head coach Kellen Moore.
However, a narrow overtime loss to the Detroit Lions in the season opener hinted at the challenges ahead. They managed a win in Week 2 but then faltered against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 and were overpowered by the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4. To cap it off, the Minnesota Vikings defeated New Orleans 23-13 in Week 5.
“It falls short of what our fans truly deserve,” Benson added. “I hear the frustration directed towards our team and our organization. It’s not lost on me. Our fans invest their time and hearts in the Saints, and they are right to expect more than we have delivered.”
During her nearly eight-minute speech, she rarely critiqued the NFL franchise publicly but made it clear that the current trajectory is unsustainable. Benson, who usually keeps a low profile during the season, directly challenged both Moore and long-time general manager Mickey Loomis while taking responsibility for the team’s struggles.
“Kellen Moore and his coaches are responsible for preparing our players to perform,” she stated. “Mickey Loomis and our football staff are responsible for building a roster capable of sustained success. Our players need to prepare and execute effectively. And I am responsible for holding this organization accountable.”
Loomis has been a staple in the Saints’ front office for over twenty-five years. Just last year, Benson called suggestions to dismiss him “ridiculous,” asserting he was doing a “great job.” “I am committed to making the necessary decisions to improve this team,” she explained. “Everyone here gets the urgency. We must prepare better, execute consistently, and fix the mistakes that cost us games.”
Benson also reflected on the Saints’ 45-24 loss to Atlanta, especially disappointing since it occurred during a game marking the 20th anniversary of the Superdome’s reopening after Hurricane Katrina. “Losing this year’s anniversary game to Atlanta was truly disappointing,” she mentioned.
She reiterated that she would not “accept this level of performance” and stressed the need for meaningful on-field progress to restore trust. “Our fans’ confidence cannot be restored with just words,” she emphasized. “Our performance must do that.”
Looking ahead, the Saints are set for a vital two-game stretch, featuring a matchup in New Jersey against the Giants and an international game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, part of the NFL’s first game in France.
