The New Orleans Saints’ season, once full of promise after a 2-0 start, has spiraled into disappointment, culminating in a painful 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The defeat, which marked their seventh consecutive loss, has placed head coach Dennis Allen firmly on the hot seat and exposed deeper issues within the team.
Despite a valiant effort from Alvin Kamara, who tallied an impressive 215 total yards, the Saints fell short as critical mistakes and late-game execution woes continued to plague them.
The game took a significant turn early when Chris Olave, the team’s leading receiver, left in the first quarter with a concussion after a hard hit from Panthers safety Xavier Woods. This absence left quarterback Derek Carr, who was making his return from an oblique injury, struggling to find offensive momentum. Carr’s 236-yard day with a lone touchdown wasn’t enough to counteract the Saints’ inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
The offense’s troubles were further amplified by former Saints All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas, now a free agent, who unleashed a series of critical posts on social media during the game. Thomas’s tirade on X began shortly after Olave’s injury, sparking a public feud that carried into postgame discussions.
Carr addressed Thomas’s comments in his press conference, stating, “I have love for Mike. When he does that, I don’t really care for that obviously. I’ve had so many teammates over the years, and he’s the one dude who didn’t get along with me. I don’t know what I did to him. I don’t know why he feels any type of way. I’m sorry for whatever he’s dealing with to make him feel like he’s gotta do that, I don’t know.”
The friction between Carr and Thomas added another layer of tension to a Saints team already struggling under pressure. As the Saints prepare to face the Falcons, Dennis Allen’s future with the team hangs in the balance, and the internal strife only heightens the uncertainty surrounding their season.
