NEW ORLEANS – Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi figured one way to help New Orleans overcome its seven-game skid was to think about something other than the losing streak itself.
Rizzi’s message thus revolved around the idea that a new regime means a ‘new start’.
“Almost a new season,” Rizzi, who was promoted after the firing of third-year coach Dennis Allen last week, said Monday. the changes, so I think that was a good thing.
“We talked about hitting the refresh button or the restart button or whatever you want to call it, so I think everyone in the building last week had an approach that was just 1-0, 1-0, 1-0, Rizzi continued. “But overall it was a good thing for the entire organization and the city to get off the mark.”
And that’s exactly what the Saints did, beating the Falcons 20-17.
Guard Cesar Ruiz said Rizzi’s approach resonated in the locker room.
“The emphasis was on winning,” Ruiz said. “Just winning this game. Being 1-0 every week, that was the emphasis, and it feels good that we got that, not only to break the streak, but to break the streak.” for Rizz, who cares a lot about us and does a lot to set us up for success.”
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (10) celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in New Orleans. Credit: AP/Gerald Herbert
Yet it remained just one match. A loss to struggling Cleveland this week could wipe out much of the goodwill built last weekend.
Now, Rizzi said, maintaining the momentum “will be our biggest challenge.”
“It’s a little easier to get on board right away and see if everything goes well,” Rizzi said. “The changes we made last week were well received… but I want the guys coming in here to think every day about, ‘What’s next?’
“Are we going to see a few more wrinkles this week? Heck yeah,” Rizzi continued. “We’re going to try to do that every week. Try to keep everyone sharp. … I think as a coach you can always keep it fresh.”
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in New Orleans. Credit: AP/Gerald Herbert
What works
When opposing offenses drive to or inside the New Orleans 20-yard line, the Saints’ defense ranked in the top third of the league in keeping them out of the end zone. New Orleans ranks ninth in the NFL in defensive red zone percentage. The Falcons scored just one touchdown after reaching the red zone. Their other TD came on a 37-yard run by Bijan Robinson.
What needs help
The Saints defensive front has had some unflattering numbers lately. After allowing 181 yards against Atlanta, the Saints have yielded 122 or more yards in five of six games, including 277 against Tampa Bay and 225 against Denver.
Stock up
Veteran WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a midseason acquisition, had three catches and they were big ones. He finished with 109 yards and two touchdowns. He might have had more production if the Falcons hadn’t turned more coverage on Valdes-Scantling after he cut Atlanta open for two catches of 40 or more yards in the first half.
Stock down
CB Alontae Taylor may be the Saints’ best defensive back right now, but his aggressiveness could hurt him with the refs. He was penalized three times for 34 yards and his shortest penalty, a 5-yarder for defensive holding, resulted in an automatic first down.
Injuries
The Saints are hoping to get Erik McCoy back after his seven-game absence due to a groin injury. Veteran center Connor McGovern, who has started the past five games, was waived Monday, an indication that McCoy is about ready to play after returning to practice last week, or that New Orleans has another center in mind to fill in until McCoy is done. .
Linebacker Pete Werner left Sunday’s game with a hand injury.
Key number
O — The number of turnovers the Saints have committed in their past three games.
Next steps
New Orleans hosts Cleveland on Sunday in former Saints QB Jameis Winston’s return to the Superdome.
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