Let's Be Honest About The Saints' Inconsistencies

The assessment may not win friends and influence people with the Saints organization, but let's be honest.

NEW ORLEANS — An inconsistent player performance is symptomatic of a conflicting message from the coaching ranks.  Players need the truth.  It's just the tip of the iceberg.  Don't be surprised, there's been an undercurrent of discontent growing since the Tampa Bay loss.

The Saints' locker room atmosphere after losing to the Jaguars was understandably solemn.  There was an eerie feeling that there was more to the situation than just broken-off routes.  The players' distressed body language and banter hinted at a probable troubling development — losing the locker room.

"I think our team is too inconsistent right now," Dennis Allen told the media during his postgame commentary.  Leaders demand consistency from players.   Players respond to the consistent messages from their coaches. Each holds the other accountable.

Oct. 22, 2023; Dennis Allen addressing the media after the Saints-Jaguars; Credit: Kyle T. Mosley

"I would say much like I've said about a lot of our guys on our team.  I think there's things he's done really well.  I think there's a little bit of inconsistency.  I think that's, overall, a part of the group," Allen noted on Derek Carr's performance against the Jaguars.  "Each and every one of us, individually, needs to be more consistent.  And, I think if we're able to do that collectively as a group, we would be more consistent."  ESPN's Katherine Terrell asked how Carr could be more consistent.  Allen replied, "We're not going to try and point fingers at anybody.  We all got to be better."

Saints fans have been wrestling with whether or not Allen holds Pete Carmichael Jr., Derek Carr, and himself accountable for the team's inconsistencies.  Quietly, players are wondering as well. But soon, will they remain quiet?  Kamara and Jordan have already expressed dissatisfaction with losing; how long before more express displeasure?

Last season, Dennis Allen chose to start Andy Dalton over Jameis Winston.   Although Dalton was losing games for New Orleans, Allen kept his message to the media consistent by saying, "He [Dalton] gives us the best chance to win."   He didn't by going 6-8 as the starter, and he's now Bryce Young's backup in Carolina.

New Orleans missed the postseason dance and turned to Derek Carr as its franchise quarterback.  The goal for Carr is simple: Sign a $150M deal and restore the Saints to winning.  Seven games later, the team is in disarray at 3-4 with 10 ten games remaining in the season.  Will changes occur this week? Well...

Jameis Winston's health affected his play during the losses to Tampa Bay and Carolina.  As head coach, he signed off on allowing his starting quarterback to play with broken vertebrae and a torn foot ligament.  Fast forward a season, the decision to let Carr play against Tampa Bay after suffering an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder was controversial and was not discussed enough.  Winston was ready to start, but Carr was applauded for his competitive spirit.  New Orleans would lose 26-9 to the Bucs in front of a home crowd.

Like it or not, the onus falls on Allen.  The embattled coach must communicate a clear and consistent message with definitive action.  It is essential to have cohesion among the team.  If not, the locker room could be lost.  Will it?

We shall see.