Da Boot Sports
7/30/2025
Article Courtesy of Crescent City Sports
By: Rene Nadeau


   One could argue that the Saints’ offensive line in 2025 is the most scrutinized position group—one that may ultimately dictate the level of success the team can achieve this season.Pro Football Focus ranked the Black and Gold O-line 30th in the league last season, suggesting there’s nowhere to go but up.
   The arrival of new head coach Kellen Moore, along with a revamped staff and several offseason moves aimed at improving the starting unit, gives the Who Dat Nation reason for optimism.
   Six-year veteran right guard Cesar Ruiz has steadily improved throughout his career since being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has logged 4,706 career NFL snaps. Pro Football Focus ranked the 6-foot-4, 316-pound Camden, New Jersey native as the 30th-best offensive guard in the league last season. Despite battling knee issues, he earned a 72.4 pass-blocking grade from Week 8 through the end of the season, allowing just one sack, 2.2% pressure rate, two quarterback hits, 13 pressures, and only one penalty.
   The nuances of the Saints’ RPOs and run schemes may seem mundane at first glance, but Ruiz believes fans will be pleased with the results.
   “Sitting in the (offensive line) meeting and it’s, ‘Wow, we’re capable of doing that?’” he exclaimed with a wide-eyed smile. “We talk about how excited we are about these plays. We can’t wait to get out on the field and run them. To the casual observer, it may seem like a normal run play, but to us, we see the possibilities.”
   There’s a new approach in the offensive huddle, but the emphasis on physicality hasn’t changed.
   “It’s a different offense, a different play caller,” Ruiz continued. “It’s not the same scheme as 2024. We want to be able to run the ball. Our identity is to run the ball and be physical. If we do that successfully, it’ll open up everything else.”
   Ruiz is out to prove that his 2024 campaign was no fluke. He’s focused on taking a major leap forward this season, buying into Moore’s offensive creativity.
   “I love football. I love plays that are new,” he said. “I’ve been amazed by all the things we’re able to do in a single play. The offensive line loves it. The skill guys love it.”
   The 2025 Saints’ offense still aims to set the tone and control the flow of games.
   “Absolutely, our offense should dictate the tempo of the entire drive,” Ruiz explained. “We want to play on our terms. We want to go up-tempo, no-huddle. We want to use different cadences for different plays. It’s all on the offensive line.”
   The offensive line has undergone a transformation.
   Taliese Fuaga, a first-round choice last year, returns after making 17 starts at left tackle, but now shifts to right tackle. 2025 first-rounder Kelvin Banks Jr. steps in at left tackle.
   A 2022 first-rounder, Trevor Penning, moves to left guard. Seven-year veteran Eric McCoy continues to anchor the center position and is arguably one of the league’s best. Ruiz feels confident in the line’s newfound chemistry.
   “Me and Fuaga, we joked all offseason that we can’t believe we’re playing next to one another,” Ruiz said of the new pairing on the right side. “It’s kind of like what I had with Ryan Ramczyk (45 starts). We didn’t have to say much—we were just always on the same page. That’s happening now with me and Tali. It’s great. It’s fun. I love working with him.”

   Twenty-one-year-old rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks has also impressed in early camp.
   He picks things up very fast,” Ruiz observed. “He’s very smart. He’s very confident, and that’s really important. He’s putting in extra work after practice. He wants to be great.”
   Fourth-year veteran Trevor Penning, who struggled to find his footing at both tackle spots, may have found a permanent home at left guard.
   “It’s a natural fit for him,” Ruiz said of the 6-foot-7, 325-pounder. “Trevor is a very gifted human being physically. His frame and mentality are built for playing guard.
‘   I’m going to smash my opponent. I’m going to dump you on the ground. I’m going to bully you.’ That’s his MO. That’s how he plays the game. There’s no better place to do that than offensive guard—in a phone booth, in tight space. I’m excited for him. I love seeing him work.”
   But it’s not just about brute force. The Saints’ daily routine is built to maximize each player’s productivity and help them reach their peak.
   “Ten minutes after practice, we spend time working on the details,” Ruiz said, emphasizing the group’s camaraderie. “The offensive line is a close-knit unit. We shower, then we watch film together. We share what we saw at practice before we even meet with the coaches. We all get on the same page.”
   A key addition this offseason is Ted Rath, the team’s new Director of Sports Science. Rath, named Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year in 2022 (his second time earning the award), has 15 years of NFL experience.

   He and Kellen Moore first worked together in Detroit from 2012 to 2014, when Moore was a backup quarterback. Under Rath’s guidance, the Saints have developed a strategic plan that incorporates individualized nutrition, injury prevention, and recovery—all with the goal of improving performance and reducing injury risk.
   One of the team’s favorite recovery tools is the “Cool Tank,” stationed at the far east side of the practice field. The chamber reaches 22 degrees and helps players regulate their body temperature after intense work.
   “It’s hot outside. The cooler brings your body temp down,” Ruiz said with a smile. “It gives you a reset. Then you can go back out and give it your all. That cool tank is a lifesaver.”
   Given the rash of injuries that plagued the team last season, the Saints are determined to become one of the league leaders in sports science, with an eye on promoting player wellness and team unity.
   “There’s a big emphasis now—even in the pre-practice warmups,” Ruiz explained. “We get a two-hour break after practice to eat lunch, relax, and do rehab. It gives us time to take care of our bodies, talk to teammates, and bond. I love it. I understand the benefits, but for the younger guys, it’s a chance to learn how to manage their bodies. That break is huge.”
   Now 26 years old (as of June 14), Ruiz has played in 75 NFL games, with 69 starts. He sees the 2025 season as a launchpad toward greater success.
   “Our standard is to be the best in the league,” he said of the offensive line’s goals. “That’s how we work every single day—with the mindset of being the best. That standard isn’t going to change. We want to be physical and set the tone.”
If the offensive line can maintain that standard, the rest of the offense is sure to follow.

​John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Da Boot Sports
7/23/2025
Article Courtesy of Crescent City Sports
By: Les East


   METAIRIE – The expectations for the 2025 New Orleans Saints are modest at best.Oddsmakers generally expect them to be among the worst teams in the NFL, no network plans to show any of their games in prime time, and although fans seem able to muster the typical mid-summer enthusiasm they also seem cautious in hoping for an end to a four-year playoff drought.

But none of that matters.

What does matter is what the coaches and players do, beginning with the first training camp practice, which lasted a little more than an hour Wednesday morning.

Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis made an important distinction during his pre-camp news conference Tuesday, noting that expectations come from “outside the building” whereas “inside the building” expectations are replaced by “aspirations.”

“The expectations out there are that it’s going to take a long time (to have success), but our goals are still the same,” Loomis said.


“Our goals are to win every game, to win the NFC South and work toward a Super Bowl. That’s what we’re working toward.

“I don’t look at it as a rebuild even though you might say we have a lot of young players that we want to develop. I don’t think that teams really think about expectations. They think about goals and ‘how do we get there?’”

The low expectations are understandable given that the team had a 5-12 record a year ago, Kellen Moore has never been a head coach before, the quarterback group is the least experienced in the NFL and the roster is filled with question marks.


“I recognize that we’ve got a young team here,” Loomis said. “The most important position in the building is inexperienced. That’s the reality of it. We can’t put our head in the closet and not recognize that. We do recognize that so we have to be particularly good in a lot of other areas and develop the quarterback.”

Just as the low expectations are understandable, so too is hope that this team can exceed expectations.

The last two times that the Saints brought in a new head coach from outside the organization they were coming off a bad season, faced low expectations and exceeded those expectations significantly.

Loomis arrived in New Orleans in 2000 as assistant general manager, working with first-year general manager Randy Mueller, who hired Jim Haslett to be head coach.

New Orleans entered that season with a streak of seven consecutive non-winning seasons, the last six of which featured a losing record. The 1999 team had gone 3-13. Mueller overhauled the roster and Haslett guided the 2000 team to a 10-6 record, the NFC South title and the franchise’s first playoff victory – a 31-28 triumph over the reigning Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams.

In 2006 the Saints were coming off a disastrous 3-13 season in Haslett’s final season, which was skewed because of the franchise’s displacement to San Antonio because of Hurricane Katrina.

The expectations for rookie head coach Sean Payton and a remade roster were very low, but the team went 10-6 again, won the NFC South again and went to the NFC Championship Game for the first time.

“There’s always an opportunity for things to fall into place and be successful,” Loomis said.
The last time the Saints hired a head coach they promoted Dennis Allen from defensive coordinator when Payton resigned after 2021 season.


“We recognize that it doesn’t always happen overnight,” Loomis said. “Occasionally it does happen within the span of a short time.”
The workout Wednesday was the first of 23 training-camp practices, five of which will take place in Irvine, California in conjunction with the preseason opener against the Chargers in Los Angeles on August 10.

They will return home for their final two preseason games in the Caesars Superdome, where they will open the regular season September 7 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Ultimately whether this team is better or worse than the expectations for it won’t be fully known until the regular season ends early next January.

“We’re building,” running back Alvin Kamara said after practice. “We have to earn the respect of these coaches and we’ve got to get back the respect of the fans. Sundays will take care of themselves.”

Kamara added that he doesn’t pay attention to “the noise” of outsiders’ expectations.

Defensive end Cameron Jordan felt the same way.

​“What’s important,” Jordan said, “is how we feel about us.”

​John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Da Boot Sports
7/22/2025
Article Courtesy of Crescent City Sports
By: CCS Staff


   In a heartfelt announcement that has sent shockwaves through the local sports community, New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu, affectionately known as the “Honey Badger,” has chosen to retire from the NFL. The New Orleans native shared his decision Tuesday on social media.

   “I’m a little surprised but we had some advance notice,” said Saints GM Mickey Loomis. “Just have so much respect for Tyrann and what he’s accomplished. He’s a legendary Louisiana player, legendary NFL player. Really appreciate his time with us.”

   “As I hang up my cleats, I’m filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that’s shaped me in every way,” the 33-yeard old Mathieu wrote on Instagram. “From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing. Football gave me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community.”

   The former St. Augustine High School and LSU standout expressed deep appreciation for the coaches, teammates, and fans who supported him through the highs and lows. “To every coach who believed in me, every teammate who battled beside me, and every fan who showed up, cheered, and rode with me through the highs and lows, thank you. You gave me strength when I needed it most, and your love carried me farther than I ever imagined,” he added. The retirement is not framed as a goodbye but as “the next chapter,” leaving fans hopeful for his future contributions to the community.

   Mathieu’s time at LSU was when he became a household name as a dynamic All-American defensive back. Known for his tenacity and playmaking ability, he set a Southeastern Conference record with 11 career forced fumbles and earned the “Honey Badger” nickname, inspired by his relentless style. His college highlights include sparking the No. 1 Tigers to their 11th SEC title and a BCS title game berth in 2011.

   Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2013, Mathieu’s NFL career included stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won a Super Bowl ring in 2020, and a return to his roots with New Orleans. Mathieu also spent the 2018 season with the Houston Texans.

​   His 2020 season with the Chiefs was particularly notable, earning him First-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod with 62 combined tackles, six interceptions, and a touchdown. Returning to New Orleans in 2023, Mathieu expressed his desire to retire with the Saints, a wish now fulfilled on his own terms after 11 NFL seasons.


   For the Saints, finding a replacement at Mathieu’s starting safety spot becomes another priority in the first training camp under new head coach Kellen Moore. The first scheduled practice of camp is slated for Wednesday at the team facility.
While Mathieu’s playing days are over, his impact on the region will endure.
For now, local fans unite in gratitude for Tyrann Mathieu’s incredible journey. As he said, “This isn’t goodbye — it’s just the next chapter.”

​John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Da Boot Sports
7/22/2025
Article Courtesy of Crescent City Sports
By: CCS Staff


   New Orleans, LA – July 22, 2025 – The New Orleans Saints announced today the introduction of their reimagined “Gameday Golds” alternate uniform for the upcoming 2025 NFL season.
   Caesars Sportsbook, a Patron Saints Partner, will serve as the presenting partner of the gold uniform, further reinforcing its commitment to the Saints’ gameday fan experience.

   The Saints last wore gold jerseys in 2002 against the Minnesota Vikings. The 2025 version presents a modern twist on the historic look, designed to commemorate the team’s rich legacy while ushering in a new era of Saints football.

   The “Gameday Golds” aim to evoke nostalgia for long-time supporters while offering a fresh, bold look that connects the team’s past, present, and future. More details on when the Saints will debut the new alternate uniform on-field during the 2025 season will be shared in the coming weeks.

​   For additional information, visit www.neworleanssaints.com.

​John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Da Boot Sports
7/9/2025
Article Courtesy of BleacherReport.com


​   Heading into a new era with Kellen Moore taking over as head coach, the New Orleans Saints are making some stylistic changes to their uniform for the 2025 season.
   The Saints unveiled their new white and gold helmets on Wednesday.

   The white helmet will be a much better match when the Saints use their alternate uniforms. They introduced an alternate black helmet in 2022 that clashed with the color rush uniforms.

   New Orleans brought back the traditional all-white uniforms and gold helmets for its Week 16 game against the Green Bay Packers last season.
  Per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football, the current plan is for the new white helmets to only be worn with the color rush uniforms.
 
   It's unclear if the black helmets are going away, but the Saints might be looking to change the vibes because that look wasn't working for them. They have an 0-4 record in games with the black helmets, with the most recent loss being a 26-13 defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 7 last season.
   
   The Saints could use all the positive mojo they can get coming off a 5-12 record in 2024. They haven't made the playoffs since Drew Brees' final season in 2020.
 
​   Moore was hired in February after winning a Super Bowl as offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. This will be his first stint as a head coach after seven seasons as an assistant in the NFL.

   

Da Boot Sports
7/5/2025
By: Da Boot Sports Staff


   The Dome Patrol was the New Orleans Saints' amazing linebacking unit from 1986 to 1992. Rickey Jackson, Vaughn Johnson, Sam Mills & Pat Swilling were a major force in the NFL. In 1992 all four were invited to the Pro Bowl. it marked the first and only time in NFL history that four linebackers from the same team have made the Pro Bowl together. 
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​John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.