The New Orleans Saints endured a humiliating defeat on Monday night, falling 34-0 to the Green Bay Packers in a prime-time disaster. For a team already grappling with injuries and inconsistent play, the performance marked a new low in a season riddled with disappointment.
Without quarterback Derek Carr and star running back Alvin Kamara, the Saints turned to rookie Spencer Rattler, who struggled mightily against Green Bay’s relentless defense. Rattler completed just 15 of 30 passes for 153 yards, with a costly interception and a fumble that epitomized the Saints’ offensive woes. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi refused to blame the loss on the injuries, stating, “We dressed the 48 guys that we dressed. We didn’t perform well enough.”
Defensively, New Orleans had no answer for Green Bay’s balanced attack. The Packers amassed 188 rushing yards, with Josh Jacobs leading the charge, extending his streak of games with a touchdown to six. The Saints’ defense, often a bright spot this season, was unable to generate the pressure or turnovers needed to keep the game close.
Meanwhile, the Packers’ methodical offense dominated time of possession, particularly with a grueling 96-yard touchdown drive that set the tone for the evening. The Saints, playing with a patchwork lineup and lacking the depth to match their opponents, found themselves outplayed in every facet of the game.
This defeat not only highlights the glaring issues plaguing the Saints but also casts a shadow over their future. With a 5-10 record, postseason hopes have long been extinguished, and the focus now shifts to salvaging some dignity in the final games of the season.
While Rizzi’s leadership has been steadfast, the team’s inability to execute on both sides of the ball underscores a systemic need for change. The Saints will host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, where they’ll look to restore some pride and provide their fans with a reason to believe in brighter days ahead. For now, however, this shutout loss serves as a harsh reminder of how far the Saints have fallen from the playoff-caliber teams of seasons past.
