Takeaways from the Saints Eighth Loss on the Season to the Rams

The New Orleans Saints faced a tough setback in their 21-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at the Superdome, a game marked by missed opportunities and a sluggish offensive performance. Despite flashes of promise on both sides of the ball, the Saints struggled to maintain consistency, allowing the Rams to capitalize on crucial moments. This loss not only puts a dent in New Orleans' playoff aspirations but also raises questions about the team’s offensive execution and defensive depth. Here are the key takeaways from a challenging afternoon in front of the home crowd. 

Run Defense

The Saints’ run defense, a glaring issue throughout the season, was again exposed as a significant liability against the Rams. Los Angeles rushed for 160 yards, with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum consistently gashing the front seven for five to six yards per carry. This isn’t a new problem. It has persisted over the years under Dennis Allen and special teams coordinator-turned-run-defense overseer Darren Rizzi. The inability to control the ground game puts added pressure on the Saints' secondary and allows opposing offenses to dictate the tempo. Addressing this deficiency is crucial for the team, not just for the remainder of this season but as a focal point heading into the offseason. 

Offensive Stalls

Scoring just 14 points in a must-win game isn’t cut, even with the injuries the Saints are battling. While the offense showed some ability to move the ball, especially getting past midfield, too often drives stalled due to costly penalties or questionable play-calling. These mistakes repeatedly forced the team to settle for field goal attempts instead of finding the end zone. With their margin for error essentially at zero as the playoff race tightens, the Saints can’t afford to squander opportunities to put up touchdowns. Capitalizing on these drives must become a priority if they hope to turn things around this season. 

Injuries and Lack Of Depth

New Orleans’ injury woes and lack of depth have become glaring concerns, severely hampering their ability to compete at a high level. Missing Erik McCoy on the offensive line was evident in their struggles to establish consistency in the trenches, and losing Taysom Hill during the game only exacerbated their limitations. With several of their top playmakers outside of Alvin Kamara sidelined or playing at less than full strength, the offense has lacked the explosiveness needed to offset these absences. These limitations also place immense pressure on the defense to keep games close, creating a cycle that’s difficult to overcome. If the Saints can’t get healthier soon, they risk falling even further behind in a crowded playoff race. 

The Saints’ 21-14 loss to the Rams highlighted some persistent issues that have plagued the team all season: a porous run defense, an offense that falters in crucial moments, and a roster stretched thin by injuries. As the season enters its critical stretch, the margin for error has all but disappeared, and improvements in these areas are non-negotiable. If the Saints hope to salvage their playoff hopes, they’ll need to find answers quickly, whether shoring up their defensive front, improving offensive execution, or leaning on depth players to step up. Otherwise, what began as a season of promise could end in disappointment and significant questions for the future.