Saints set to have first losing season since 2016; so, what went wrong?
 

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The New Orleans Saints have guaranteed their first losing season since 2016.

The Saints went 7-9 that year, the final of three straight losing seasons under then-coach Sean Payton. They rebounded to make the playoffs four straight years before falling just short in Week 18 last season.

While the Saints (4-9) have not been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, the best they can hope for this season is an 8-9 record.

Here’s where coach Dennis Allen’s first season went wrong:

ESPN

Re: Saints set to have first losing season since 2016; so, what went wrong?
 

Re: Saints set to have first losing season since 2016; so, what went wrong?
 

Health.

Re: Saints set to have first losing season since 2016; so, what went wrong?
 

Fixed it for you :)

Re: Saints set to have first losing season since 2016; so, what went wrong?
 

Bingo!

Re: Saints set to have first losing season since 2016; so, what went wrong?
 

Didn't the 2021 Saints team go through 4 different QBs & had 24 HR fitness managers playing on the O line, yet somehow finished 2nd in the division and 9 wins?

Get better depth because all teams have health/injury concerns every single season.

Re: Saints set to have first losing season since 2016; so, what went wrong?
 

But in fairness Major 5 of those wins were with a healthy Winston starting. Without him stating Payton had the Saints at 4-6. He was struggling too. He lost 40-29 and 30-6 in back to back games last year. Just pointing it out.

Re: Saints set to have first losing season since 2016; so, what went wrong?
 

Injuries and roster holes. The Saints did the best they could addressing the WR position, but there just wasn't enough resources to properly address the running game. With the QB's on the roster, it was very vital to have a great running game, and unfortunately that didn't pan out. Ingram showed his age and Kamara seemed to seriously wear down. Hopefully the running game can be fixed for 2023 and maybe a better fit at QB can be found.

Re: Saints set to have first losing season since 2016; so, what went wrong?
 

Some teams have more severe health/injury concerns, however. Just look at the defending Super Bowl Champions. Did McVay and his coaching staff suddenly forget how to coach? They are sitting with the identical won/loss record as the Saints.

Re: Saints set to have first losing season since 2016; so, what went wrong?
 

If those things aren’t addressed ain’t no coach gonna make a difference. Allen shored up the WR and OL holes Payton left him. He might have been Ok if Winston hadn’t broken his back. But without a QB, he really needed his RBs to show up. Instead they fumbled.