Da Boot Sports
9/21/2025
Article Courtesy of Crescent City Sports
By: Ken Trahan


   It was hard to watch. I feel bad for those that faithfully did so from start to finish Sunday.
   
   The New Orleans Saints went with their “whiteout” look at Lumen Field.

   From a symbolic perspective, the color rush uniform represented waving the white flag before this one even started. These Saints surrendered, figuratively. Then, they surrendered literally.

   The Seahawks had lost seven of their last eight games at home.

   The Saints were the panacea, a true remedy for those losing ways.

   Enjoying themselves immensely were Klint Kubiak, John Benton and Andrew Janocko and Michael Byrne. All four were on the staff of Dennis Allen in New Orleans last season. Kubiak certainly enjoyed calling plays against this Saints defense.

   As for rookie New Orleans coach Kellen Moore, it was a bitter homecoming. The Prosser, Washington native no doubt enjoyed returning to his original home state but no doubt did not enjoy watching his team perform so poorly.

   Moore and his staff must absorb blame as well.

   On this day, this was not a well-prepared team. This was not a well-coached team. This was not a disciplined team. Then again, this is not a talented NFL team.

   The result was a direct result of all of the above.

   Here are my quick takes on the 44-13 Seattle win over the Saints:


**Inactives for the Saints were Khristian Boyd, Taliese Fuaga, Trey Palmer, Devin Neal, Dillon Radunz, Devaughn Vele and Chase Young.

**Cam Jordan started and played in his 229th career game, surpassing Drew Brees for the most games played in franchise history.

**Torricelli Simpkins started at left guard while Asim Richards started at right tackle.

**The Saints took the opening kickoff and drove to the Seattle 45-yard-line. On third down, Rattler threw short and a bit errant for Juwan Johnson. Kellen Moore elected to go for it on fourth-and-two. Rattler rolled right and had Alvin Kamara open deep but overthrew him, a big miss.

**The Saints got a stop and it did not matter as Bryan Bresee committed a personal foul well after a play, a terrible mistake. That came just after Bresee had a shot at a sack of Sam Darnold and missed him.

**That led to a 12-yard touchdown pass from Darnold to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The drive covered 55 yards in six plays, taking 2:32 off the clock. Jonas Sanker was the closest defender to Smith-Njigba.

**Tight end Jack Stoll had his first catch as a Saint on the next series, an 8-yard completion.

**Then, Moore went for his “tush push” play on fourth and less than a yard from the New Orleans 38-yard-line. Simpkins committed a false start which was actually a good thing as Rattler came up short and the Saints had to punt.

**Tory Horton then returned Kai Kroger’s punt 95 yards for a touchdown. He was untouched as the coverage was simply awful and Seattle took a 14-0 lead with 7:31 to play in the first quarter.


**It was the first punt return for a touchdown in 10 years for Seattle. It was also the longest punt return in Seahawks history. Nehemiah Pritchett appeared to get away with a block in the back adding to the misery.

**Kelvin Banks and Chris Olave then committed false start penalties, followed by a hold against Banks to start the next offensive series. The Saints actually committed another rholding penalty, this one on Richards, but it was mercifully declined and the Saints had to punt.

**Anthony Bell came off the edge, completely unblocked, and blocked Kroger’s next punt attempt. It was a complete blown protection scheme, giving Seattle the ball at the New Orleans 11-yard-line. It was the first punt the Saints had blocked since 2011.

**Justin Reid went down on the next play, leaving the game and Kool Aid McKinstry also left. Both were evaluated for concussions but were cleared to return.

**Kenneth Walker III scored on a 3-yard run on the next play to make it 21-0 with 4:22 to play in the opening quarter.

**The 21 points were the most scored in a first quarter by the Seahawks since 2006.

**For the second straight week, Rattler had an interception negated by a penalty which sustained a drive for New Orleans.

**The Saints outgained Seattle 94 yards to 54 yards in the opening quarter and possessed the ball for 12 minutes to just three minutes for the Seahawks and New Orleans trailed 21-0.

**The Sains mounted a drive covering 65 yards in 16 plays but it stalled. Blake Grupe kicked a 27-yard field goal to make it 21-3 with 12:47 to play in the first half.


**The Saints then allowed a 60-yard kickoff return by Dareke Young to the New Orleans 38-yard-line.

**Horton caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from Darnold two plays later to extend the lead to 28-3 with 11:18 to play in the half. Horton whipped McKinstry.

**Devon Godchaux then committed a roughing the passer penalty. Of course, Darnold still completed a 45-yard pass to Smith-Njigba, who whipped McKinstry, making it a 60-yard gain on the play.

**That led to a 1-yard touchdown by Walker and it was 35-3 with 7:42 to play in the half. The drive covered 76 yards in four plays. It was easy, way too easy.

**Banks committed yet another false start.

**Grupe then continued his poor season, missing a 52-yard field goal wide right.

**While Grupe could not make a 52-yard effort, Jason Myers nailed a 56-yard effort to make it 38-3 with 1:29 to play in the half.

**The largest deficit for the Saints in the Sean Payton era was 21 points.

**New Orleans drove to the Seattle 6-yard-line. On the final play of the half, Grupe kicked a 22-yard field goal to make it 38-6 at halftime.

**The 38 points were the most allowed by the Saints in the first half in the 59-year history of the franchise.

**The Saints had 206 yards to 177 for Seattle in the half.

**New Orleans had eight penalties for 62 yards in the half, continuing the parade of mistakes which have plagued the team in all three games.


**The second half began the same way. Somehow, Nathan Shepherd managed to commit a holding penalty on a run play by Seattle.

**Somehow, the Saints got a stop.

**Somehow, Reid was offside, make that way offside as he blocked a field goal attempt. With a second chance, Myers nailed a 46-yard attempt to increase the lead 41-6 with 11:29 to play in the third quarter.

**Myers capped another drive with a 37-yard field goal to make it 44-6 with 4:39 to play in the third quarter.

**The Saints finally scored a touchdown on the first play of the first quarter as Rattler, scrambling right, found Stoll in the back of the end zone with a 13-yard touchdown pass, the first touchdown of Stoll’s career, to make it 44-13 with 14:53 to play in the game.

**The drive covered 80 yards in 11 plays, taking 4:46 off the clock.

**Drew Lock took over for Seattle at quarterback, at that point.

**Seattle punted for the first time with 13 minutes to play in the game.

**Rashid Shaheed returned a punt 40 yards to the Seattle 44-yard-line.

**Rattler committed his first turnover of the season on a fourth down play as Derion Kendrick picked off a throw as he was rolling right and nearing the boundary.

**Rookie Quincy Riley forced a fumble with a hard hit on George Holani and Pete Werner recovered with 3:31 to play in the game.


**Tyler Shough entered the game for his first NFL action and his first two passes were incomplete, forcing a punt.

**New Orleans finished with 11 penalties for 77 yards and Seattle declined two other infractions. That trend continues.

   Rattler finished 28 of 39 for 217 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Chris Olave had 10 catches but for only 57 yards.

   This offense has no explosiveness, whatsoever.

   The longest play from scrimmage was a 21-yard completion from Rattler to Johnson. That was the only play in excess of 20 yards for New Orleans.

   The Saints have scored just 47 points in three games.

​   It is the first 0-3 start for the Saints since 2016. It was also the seventh straight loss for New Orleans, dating to last year.

   It was the first game since Oct. 2, 2022 that Seattle scored 40 or more points in a game when the Seahawks beat Detroit 48-45.

   Where do you go from here?

   It is certainly a learning experience for Moore, the youngest head coach in the league in his first head coaching position.

   Any objective observer realized this would be a rebuilding season resulting in a poor record for the Saints.
 
   Did anyone see it being this bad already?

   Perhaps some did.

   The Saints were competitive in losses to Arizona and San Francisco.

   They were not competitive, in any way, at Seattle.

   I thought and stated that this team could win five or six games and that would be acceptable progress, given the circumstances.

   Based on what we saw today, reaching that number of wins seems improbable, at best.

​

Da Boot Sports
9/14/2025
Article Courtesy of Crescent City Sports
By: Ken Trahan


   In a season which figures to be a long, perhaps very long one for the New Orleans Saints, you were looking for improvement Sunday against San Francisco.
   
   In fact, with the 49ers dealing with an abundance of key players injured and without their starting quarterback, the Saints had a realistic shot at pulling an upset Sunday at Caesars Superdome.

   Instead, the team and its fans left upset after a solid effort which simply was not good enough.

   For the 2025 New Orleans Saints to win a game, much less games, they have to be near perfect.

   With seven penalties, a missed field goal and a turnover, that was not the case despite some positive signs.

   When healthy, San Francisco is markedly better than the Saints.

   Not healthy, that margin was thin.

   Of course, the Saints had a few key players out as well.

   The result was predictable.

​   The 49ers won a close, competitive game.

   For the second straight week, the Saints had to play from behind all afternoon which is hard to do.

   For the second straight week, the Saints lost, this time 26-21 to the 49ers.


   Here are my Quick Takes:
**Saints inactives included Kristian Boyd, Jonathan Bullard, Trey Palmer, Trevor Penning, Xavier Truss, Rezjohn Wright and Chase Young.
**After a penalty on Taliese Fuaga on the first series of the game, Spencer Rattler connected with Rashid Shaheed on a perfectly thrown 39-yard completion to the San Francisco 26-yard-line. Shaheed was interfered with and still caught the outstanding throw.
**Rattler then missed a wide open Chris Olave for what would have been a 26-yard touchdown pass. It was a poor throw, well behind Olave.
**Blake Grupe, who missed a 37-yard field goal in week one, missed a 40-yard attempt wide right.
**The New Orleans defense forced a 3-and-out with Alontae Taylor breaking up a Mac Jones pass on third down.
**Juwan Johnson dropped a pass on the next possession after Alvin Kamara ran twice for 21 yards and the Saints had to punt.
**Isaac Yiadom committed a pass interference penalty on the next San Francisco series to extend the drive as he interfered with Jauan Jennings.
**Carl Granderson got a sack after Bryan Bresee had Jones in his grasp to slow him down.
**Fadil Diggs then committed an illegal hands to the face penalty.
**San Francisco took a 6-0 lead with 3:25 to play in the opening quarter as Jones hit Luke Farrell with an 11-yard touchdown pass. The drive covered 14 plays, 80 yards in 7:56. Newly signed Eddy Pineiro missed the extra point wide right.


**The next possession was killed by a holding penalty against Erik McCoy, negating a first down scramble by Rattler.
**Johnson then dropped another pass, his third in two weeks.
**The Niners mounted another drive and Pineiro kicked a 44-yard field goal to extend the lead to 9-0 with 11:23 to play in the first half. The drive covered nine plays, 39 yards, taking 5:02 off the clock.
**Rattler was sacked by Upton Stout on the first play of the next drive as Kamara missed the attempted block on the blitzing cornerback.
**Granderson got a sack on the next San Francisco possession.
**The Saints cut the deficit to 9-7 with 1:14 to play in the half as Rattler hit Johnson with an 18-yard touchdown pass. The throw was excellent, as was the catch. Upon replay review, the call was upheld. The drive covered 12 plays, 84 yards, taking 5:34 off the clock.
**The momentum died quickly. The New Orleans defense came up empty, allowing the 49ers to drive 77 yards in nine plays, taking just 1:07 for Jones to hit Christian McCaffrey with a 7-yard touchdown pass to give San Francisco a 16-7 lead with seven seconds left in the half. It was simply a poor defensive series.
**San Francisco finished the half with 192 yards to 155 for the Saints.
**Grupe’s struggles continued. He mishit the second half kickoff, short of the prescribed landing zone, giving San Francisco the ball at its 40-yard-line.
**Kool Aid McKinstry then sustained the drive with an illegal hands-to-the-face penalty when the Saints had stopped San Francisco.


**Justin Reid went down hurt on the next play, replaced by Terrell Burgess. Reid was able to return.
**Jones was hit by Chris RumphII, he fumbled and Demario Davis recovered at the San Francisco 47-yard-line.
**New Orleans reached the San Francisco 21-yard-line and on fourth-and-one, Rattler kept it and converted a first down, running left with a 3-yard run to sustain the drive.
**The Saints took advantage with Rattler hitting Rashid Shaheed with a 3-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 16-14 with 7:11 to play in the third quarter. The drive covered 47 yards in 10 plays, taking 5:08 off the clock.
**San Francisco responded with a 46-yard field goal by Pineiro to expand the lead to 19-14 with 3:20 to play in the third quarter. The drive went 49 yards in eight plays, taking 3:51 off the clock.
**Rattler continued to play well, completing 14 straight passes but on a short completion to Kamara, the star running back fumbled it away when hit by Fred Warner, who also recovered it and San Francisco was given the ball upon replay with the initial call of Kamara being down by conduct overturned.
**San Francisco took advantage, driving to score as Jones hit Jennings with a 42-yard touchdown pass to give the 49ers a 26-14 lead with 12:18 to play in the game.
**The Saints fought back, driving 71 yards in 13 plays with Rattler throwing his third touchdown pass, a 3-yard completion to Devaughn Vele to make it 26-21 with 6:18 to play in the game.
**Bryan Bresee batted down a pass to help the Saints get a needed stop.
**Unfortunately, the Saints went 3-and-out with Rattler getting sacked on third down by Nick Bosa.


**Needing a stop, the Saints got it and forced a San Francisco punt.
**New Orleans had to start at its own 6-yard line with 2:40 to play in the game.
**The Saints moved it to their own 43-yard-line but on fourth-and-two, Rattler was sacked and fumbled to clinch the win for San Francisco. Bryce Huff beat Taliese Fuaga off the corner and Bosa got there as well with simply no pass protection.

   Kamara narrowly missed recording the 12th career 100-yard rushing game of his illustrious career, rushing 21 times for 99 yards.

   Kamara added six catches for 21 yards but had the crucial lost fumble.

   It was the first game in which Rattler has thrown for multiple touchdowns. He missed an easy touchdown throw early to Olave but played well after that. The second-year pro finished 25 of 34 passing for 206 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers for a very good Quarterback Rating of 118.

   Rattler was sacked three times and the Saints sacked Jones three times. Each team had a turnover.

   Davis played well again, once again leading the Saints in tackles with 11. Granderson had seven tackles, including two sacks.

   It was the first time the Saints have scored 20 points in nine games, dating to last season.

   Despite showing some improvement, it came against a San Francisco team which came in banged up and lost its fullback and a starting guard in the game.

   The Saints make the long trip to Seattle next week to face the Seahawks, who won at Pittsburgh 31-17 in impressive fashion.

​

Photos Below By: Michael Bacigalupi

Da Boot Sports
9/7/2025
By: David Penn


   NEW ORLEANS, LA - The Saints (0-1) opened the season in the Caesar’s Superdome on Sunday and the 2025 edition of the New Orleans Saints is underway. The Saints ultimately lost to the Cardinals (1-0), but it wasn’t all bad news.

   Arizona opened up the scoring with a field goal in the first quarter, but the Saints would go ahead 7-3 on an 18 yard scamper by Alvin Kamara.

   The Cardinals would score a pair of touchdowns before the half and took a 20-10 lead into the intermission.

   In the second half the only scoring allowed was a field goal by each team, which provided the final margin of 20-13.    
   Throughout the game, penalties and discipline seemed to be the biggest hindrances to the Saints. The black and gold were flagged 13 times for 89 yards. The Cardinals were flagged 9 times for 54 yards, including a penalty that wiped away a  Cardinals interception.
    
   Spencer Rattler started for the Saints and did well managing the game, Rattler didn’t turn the ball over and as the contest went on, seemed to get more comfortable with the flow of the game. Rattler fired a pass to tight end Juwan Johnson that would have tied the game, but was punched out as Johnson hit the ground. Rattler finished the day 27/46 for 214 yards and also added 29 yards rushing on 4 attempts.
    
   Alvin Kamara scored the Saints lone touchdown and had 11 carries for 41 yards. The Saints receiving core was led by Johnson who hauled in 8 catches for 76 yards. Chris Olave made his return to the field and had 7 receptions for 54 yards. Rasheed Shahid also returned for the black and gold and caught 6 passes for 33 yards, Shahid’s was also instrumental in the return game.
    
   The defense was stout for the most part. Aside from one explosive play, the Saints consistently pressured Kyler Murray and logged 5 sacks. There were no turnovers in the game. The Saints defense held the Cardinals offense to an average of 4.6 yards per play. Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson each logged 1.5 sacks. Kool-aid McKinstry did give up a big play to Marvin Harrison Jr but bounced back well after and logged 7 tackles.
    
   The Saints will host the San Francisco 49ers on September 14th, who are fresh off their season opening win over the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff for the game will be at noon.

Photos Below By: Michael Bacigalupi

​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
9/3/2025
By: Terrill J. Weil


   NEW ORLEANS, LA - Kellen Moore has his daily press conference to discuss the season opener and answer questions from the media. Starting quarterback Spencer Rattler also met with the media.

​   Video of the press conference is posted below.

​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
9/2/2025
Article Courtesy of New Orleans Saints
​By: Staff


   The New Orleans Saints will debut their new "Gameday Golds" alternate uniform during the team’s Week 1 home opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

   Presented by Caesars New Orleans, a Patron Saints Partner, the "Gameday Golds" are part of the ongoing effort to enhance the Saints' gameday experience. This will mark the first time since 2002 that the team takes the field in gold jerseys. The updated design offers a modern twist on the original look, honoring the team's history while ushering in a new chapter for the franchise.

   As part of the uniform rollout, the Saints will host a Prize Hour Jersey Drop presented by Caesars Sportsbook on Monday, September 1 through Thursday, September 4. Each day, fans will have the opportunity to win one of 10 autographed Cam Jordan gold jerseys during a fast-paced 10-minute giveaway window at 12:00 PM.

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​

Da Boot Sports
9/2/2025
Courtesy of New Orleans Saints
​By: Staff


   Here are your Five Things to Know about the New Orleans Saints for Monday, Sept. 1
   1. It's game week as the Saints prepare to take on the Arizona Cardinals in the Caesars Superdome on Sept. 7. The team is not scheduled to practice, however, Coach Kellen Moore will speak with the media around 1 p.m. and Saints fans can watch live on NewOrleansSaints.com or on Saints YouTube, X or Facebook channels.

   2. The locker room will be open to the media so check back for any player interviews from open locker room.

   3. Saints fans can expect a new episode of the New Orleans Saints Podcast where Erin Summers will speak with a guest about the upcoming Saints season.


   4. Saints fans can take a trip down memory lane and catch a broadcast of Walking Together Forever: The Story of the 2009 Saints on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network at noon.

​   5. It is the final week to join us for the 2025 Saints Kickoff Run presented by Hancock Whitney. With just five days until the race hosted on Saturday, Sept. 6 prior to the Saints home opener on Sept. 7, the run will start in Champions Square and finishing on the 50-yard line of the Caesars Superdome. A post-race party with live entertainment and a beer garden will take place in Champions Square. Saints will also host a Kids Fun Run presented by Ochsner Children's at 9:15 a.m.

​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
8/26/2025
Article courtesy of Crescent City Sports
By: CCS Staff


   New Orleans Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis announced today that the club has acquired OL Asim Richards (pronounced AH-sum) from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for future considerations. Richards, 6-4, 307, has appeared in 21 games with one start for Dallas over the past two seasons after originally being selected in the fifth round (169th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of North Carolina.
   
​   Additionally, the club made the following roster moves to reach the National Football League-mandated reduction to 53 players.
   

     The Saints have terminated the contracts of the following five players:
   S - Terrell Burgess
   RB - Clyde Edwards-Helaire
   G/C - Shane Lemieux
   WR - Dante Pettis
   DE - Jonah Williams


      The Saints have waived the following 15 players:
   WR - Kevin Austin Jr.
   CB - Dalys Beanum
   S - Elliott Davison
   DE - Fadil Diggs
   DE - Isaiah Foskey
   QB - Jake Haener
   LB - D’Marco Jackson
   T - Easton Kilty
   CB - Rico Payton
   DT - Jayden Peevy
   CB - Jayden Price
   LB - Nephi Sewell
   K - Charlie Smyth
   TE - Treyton Welch
   RB - Marcus Yarns


         The club also placed the following three players on Injured Reserve:
   DT - John Ridgeway III
   T - Barry Wesley
   T - Landon Young


          Finally, two players were placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list:
   TE - Taysom Hill
   TE - Foster Moreau

   **NOTE: NFL players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list can return to practice after a minimum of four games of the regular season, provided they are placed on the reserve/PUP list. Once cleared to practice, a player then has a 21-day window to be activated to the 53-man roster. If the 21-day period expires without the player being activated, they must remain on the PUP list for the remainder of the season


   Beginning Wednesday, the Saints may establish a practice squad of up to 17 players (one extra spot available through the league’s International Pathway Program).
   On Sunday, September 7, the Saints will open up the regular season at 12:00 p.m. CT, facing the Arizona Cardinals at the Caesars Superdome on CBS.

Da Boot Sports
8/26/2025
Article Courtesy of Crescent City Sports
By: CCS Staff


   NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore announced Tuesday that second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler will start in the team’s regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on September 7 at the Caesars Superdome.
   The decision follows a closely contested quarterback competition with rookie Tyler Shough during the preseason.

   “We’re not getting into this QB debate throughout the season. Spencer’s our starting quarterback. Tyler’s gonna continue to develop,” Moore noted.
   Rattler, a 2024 fifth-round draft pick who went 0-6 as a starter in his rookie season, started the Saints’ final preseason game against the Denver Broncos, completing 5 of 8 passes for 43 yards and leading two field-goal drives. The South Carolina product made two preseason starts compared to one by Shough.
​

​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
8/23/2025
By: Terrill J. Weil


   NEW ORLEANS, LA - The Saints (0-2-1), concluded their preseason with a 28-19 loss to the Denver Broncos. The biggest question going into the season opener next week will be, who will start at quarterback? Neither Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough have been able to out-play the other, putting up very similar stats.  

  
 QUARTERBACKS:
   Spencer Rattler had an average day, finishing 5-8 for 43 yards. He led the Saints on two scoring drives that ended with field goals.

   Tyler Shough finished his day going 12-20 for 102 yards with a rushing touchdown.

   Jake Haener went 5-9 for 37 yards.
 

 GAME NOTES:
   *The defense gave up 103 yards rushing.

   *Cornerback Quincy Riley had a big interception to end a long Denver drive. 

   *The Saints once again failed to rushed for over 100 yards, finishing with 76 on the day.

​   *Rejzohn Wright and Jonas Sanker both led the team in tackles with nine each.

   *Jasheen Davis and Khistian Boyd each registered a sack.

   *Offensive Lineman Landon Young was carted off the field late in the second quarter with an injury.

   *The defense gave up 396 total yards of offense. 

 
 THE GAME:
​   
   New Orleans got on the scoreboard first, as they drove 23 yards in six plays culminating in a 56 yard field goal by Blake Grupe. 3-0 Saints. 

   Denver answered with a nice long drive to tie the game at 3-3. The Broncos moved the ball 39 yards in 12 plays, ending with a 32 yard field goal by Will Lutz. 

   The Saints responded to retake the lead with a nine play, 26 yard drive. Another Grupe field goal put New Orleans up, 6-3, late in the first quarter. 

   The lead changed hands again, as Denver moved 72 yards in ten plays, taking the lead on a 19 yard touchdown pass from Bo Nix to Courtland Sutton. 10-6, Broncos with 13:36 left in the first half.

   The Saints gave Denver great field position for their next drive, turning the ball over on downs on their own 36 yard line. The Broncos took advantage, adding a 29 yard field goal by Lutz. 13-6, Denver with 6:35 remaining in the second quarter.

   Tyler Shough entered the game for New Orleans on their next possession. Shough drove the Saints to a score, moving 40 yards in ten plays, culminating with a 48 yard field goal by Blake Grupe to cut the Denver lead to 13-9 with 1:51 left in the first half. 

   Denver quickly moved the ball deep into Saints territory, but had to settle for a Will Lutz 25 yard field goal, extending the lead to 16-9 with only 13 seconds remaining until halftime. 

   Denver moved deep into Saints territory on their first offensive possession of the second half, but the New Orleans defense came up with their first turnover of the day, when Quincy Riley intercepted a tipped pass to end the long, time consuming Denver drive. 

   The Saints returned the favor quickly, when Que Robinson sacked and slapped the ball loose from Tyler Shough. Denver recovered the ball on the New Orleans 19 yard line.  

   Denver turned the Shough fumble into a score when Audric Estime powered into the end zone from five yards out. After a failed two point conversion attempt, Denver now lead, 22-9 with 3:00 left in the third quarter.

   Shough led the Saints on their best drive of the day, going 77 yards in 14 plays, ending with an 11 yard touchdown run by Shough. The score cut the Denver lead to 22-16 with 13:19 left in the contest. 

   Denver then drove into Saints territory, but turned the ball over on downs when Ehlinger was sacked by Jasheen Davis on 4th and six at the New Orleans 42. 

   Jake Haener entered the game as the Saints took the ball over, first and ten and mid-field. Haener was able to drive the team into Denver territory, setting up a Charlie Smyth 52 yard field goal. The Saints now trailed 22-19 with 7:09 left in the contest. 

   Denver responded with a nice drive, moving 79 yards in 14 plays, culminating with a five yard touchdown pass from Sam Ehlinger to Kyrese Rowan. The scoring pass was a prayer thrown up by Ehlinger who was scrambling for his life, under extreme pressure. The two point conversion attempt failed as Denver now led, 28-19 with 2:14 left in the contest.

   Kellen Moore will need to make his final roster cut down by Tuesday August 26 by noon.

   The Saints will open up the 2025 season at home in the Dome against Arizona on Sunday, September 7 at noon. 

​   

Photos Below By: Michael Bacigalupi

​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
8/17/2025
By: Terrill J. Weil


   NEW ORLEANS, LA - The Saints showed fight as they scored a late touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars to end the contest in a 17-17 tie. Trailing 17-9 with only 2:39 left on the clock, Spencer Rattler led an 87 yard, 11 play drive for a touchdown and a two point conversion to even the contest. Jonas Sanker then came up with a huge interception with nine seconds remaining as Jacksonville was in New Orleans territory. There is no overtime in preseason. 

 
 QUARTERBACKS:
   Tyler Shough got the start , but had an average performance, finishing, 9-12 for 66 yards. Shough was sacked twice and had to deal with some shaky protection by the offensive line. 

   Spencer Rattler had a solid outing, going, 18-24 for 199 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He made several nice throws and showed poise while leading the team on the late touchdown drive. Rattlers interception was a costly one however, as it came late in the game, deep in Jacksonville territory. A score there could of been the difference in the ball game. 

 
 GAME NOTES:
   The Saints finished the day with 87 yards rushing. 

   Mason Tipton had six catches for 100 yards.

   Dante Pettis had four catches for 57 yards and a touchdown.

   Jaylan Ford and Jonas Sanker each registered a huge interception at key moments of the contest.

   Kendre Miller showed speed and toughness as he rushed for 21 yards on six carries. 

   Velus Jones had a couple of nice runs, finishing with 29 yards on four carries to lead the team.

   The punting battle seems to be dead even. James Burnip and Kai Kroeger were both solid, putting up similar stats.

   Quincy Riley led the defense with nine tackles.

 
 THE GAME:

   Jacksonville moved the ball well on the opening possession of the contest, but turned to ball over deep in Saints territory, when an offensive lineman stepped on Trevor Lawrence's foot, tripping him up, causing a poor exchange to Tank Bigsby that put the ball on the turf. Vernon Broughton recovered the ball for the black and gold at the New Orleans 12 yard line. 

   The Jaguars picked up where they left off on their second offensive possession, easily moving down the field against the Saints, driving 55 yards in eight plays, culminating with a seven yard touchdown pass from Trevor Lawrence to Parker Washington. 7-0, Jacksonville with 2:32 left in the first quarter. 

   The Saints offense finally showed some life after sputtering on their first two possessions, driving 55 yards in ten plays before settling for a 55 yard field goal by Blake Grupe. With 7:25 left in the first half, Jacksonville clinged to a, 7-3 lead.

   Once again, the Jaguars easily moved down the field to answer the Saints score. Bhayshul Tuten punched it in from three yards out to end a seven play, 66 yard drive, extending the Jacksonville lead to 14-3 with 3:21 left in the second quarter. 

   The Jaguars were able to add to their lead as they drove 40 yards in nine plays to add a 53 yard field goal by Cam Little on the last play of the first half. The contest headed into the halftime break with Jacksonville holding a 17-3 advantage. 

   The Saints took the second half kickoff and with the aid of a 45 yard defensive pass interference penalty, were able to add a 23 yard field goal by Charlie Smyth. 17-6, Jaguars with 11:07 left in the third quarter. Spencer Rattler started the second half for New Orleans. 

   The Saints defense came up with their first big play of the game, when Jaylan Ford made a nice interception on a Nick Mullens pass to end a long Jacksonville drive. The turnover gave New Orleans the ball at their own 15 yard line. 

   New Orleans took advantage of the turnover, driving 68 yards in eight plays, setting up a 40 yard field goal by Charlie Smyth, cutting the Jaguars' lead to 17-9 with :17 left in the third quarter. The highlight of the drive was a beautifully thrown 45 yard bomb from Rattler to Mason Tipton, setting up a first and ten at the Jacksonville 36 yard line. 

   Spencer Rattler then led New Orleans on an 11 play, 87 yard touchdown drive to even things up at 17-17. With :27 left in the contest, Rattler hit Dante Pettis for a 20 yard touchdown. Rattler then ran in the two point conversion. 

   With Jacksonville inching closer to field goal range, Jonas Sanker intercepted a Seth Henigan pass at the New Orleans 36. he returned it 40 yards to the Jacksonville 24 yard line with no time left, ending the game in a tie. 

​   The Saints will close out the preseason on Saturday, August 23, against Sean Payton's Denver Broncos in the Superdome. Kickoff is set for Noon.

Photos Below By: Michael Bacigalupi

Da Boot Sports
8/14/2025
Article Courtesy of New Orleans Saints
By: Todd Grffagnini


   The New Orleans Saints held their final practice at Crawford Field in Irvine, Calif., on Wednesday. … Under partly cloudy skies and a stiff south, southwest breeze, the practice lasted just one hour and the team was in shells (helmets and shoulder pads). … The reason for the short practice was that the team announced after practice that on Thursday there will be a joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams that will be held at the Dignity Health Sports Park complex, which is the home of the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer. The practice will begin at 11 a.m. Pacific time and last till approximately 12:45 p.m. Coach Kellen Moore mentioned that the amount of reps the respective first team offenses and defenses will get will be similar to a real game. … We will livestream the practice on NewOrleansSaints.com with myself and Team Reporter Erin Summers providing commentary throughout. … The team also announced that wide receiver Bub Means was played on season ending IR due to an ankle injury. … There were three 11-on-11 periods on Wednesday, with quarterback Tyler Shough taking first-team reps until the final period, which was an 11-on-11 final-minute situation. Spencer Rattler would quarterback that final portion, ending the 40-yard drive with 55 seconds left by throwing an interception to safety Julian Blackmon, who coincidentally ended the Tuesday practice the exact same way, by picking off Rattler.


Special teams:   

   Both kickers kicked into the wind Wednesday toward the west goal post and both were perfect. Blake Grupe and Charlie Smyth were successful from extra point, 42 yards from the right hash, and 48 yards from the left hash. Grupe is now 34 of 35 on all kicks since training camp began. … Punter Kai Kroeger held for Grupe and James Burnip held for Smyth. Both punters also got a period where they kicked into the wind. I would say with the punting Wednesday, which is still an ongoing battle, that Kroeger has a slight edge, but both will get ample opportunities live in the joint practice Thursday and in the last two preseason games.

   

Play of the Day:   

   A few candidates, considering how short the practice was. Tyler Shough had a nice 25-yard pass downfield to tight end Juwan Johnson. Rattler converted a beautiful pitch and catch of 25 yards to Brandin Cooks, which was Rattler's best throw of the day. Cooks leaped high in the air to bring it down, which really fired up Saints wide receivers coach Keith Williams, who let Cooks know about it as he came off the field. We have to give it to this one though. During a rare 7-on-7 drill in the past two weeks, the ball was at the 14-yard line and Rattler was at quarterback. Rattler threw a seemingly innocent pass in the middle of the field to Mason Tipton who made the catch at about the 8-yard line. As the defense collapsed on him, Tipton alertly looked to his right, where running back Velus Jones Jr. was even with him on the right sideline. Tipton threw an overhand lateral back to Jones, who caught it, and streaked untouched into the end zone for the touchdown, drawing yelps from everyone in attendance, including the media. We'll see you Thursday in Carson for the joint practice vs the Rams!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams to conduct joint practice on Thursday, August 14!

​   Saints will return to New Orleans on Friday for their 2025 preseason home opener against Jacksonville
​

Da Boot Sports
8/10/2025
By: Terrill J. Weil


​   INGLEWOOD, CA - The Saints dropped preseason game No. 1, 27-13 in a sluggish performance against the Chargers on the road. Three Saints turnovers lead to 17 points for Los Angeles. 

 QUARTERBACKS:   
   Spencer Rattler had five possessions and finished his day going, 7-11 for 53 yards. he also rushed for 22 yards on three carries to lead the team in rushing.  Rattler was sacked three times. 

   Tyler Shough went 15-22 for 165 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

   Jake Haener had limited action late in the game and finished 5-8 for 41 yards and an interception. 

 GAME NOTES:  
   The defense gave up 27 points and 148 yards rushing. 

   The offensive line gave up five sacks and struggled to run block as the Saints only managed 61 yards rushing. 

   14 different players caught a pass for the Saints. 

   New Orleans committed seven penalties for 56 yards. 

   Linebacker Jaylan Ford led the team with eight tackles.

   Fadil Diggs, Chris Rumph II and Khristian Boyd each registered a sack. 

​    INJURIES:
​   The Saints lost two offensive lineman to injury. Two plays into the game, center Will Clapp left the field with a foot or ankle injury. In the second quarter, left guard Trevor Penning suffered an injury. Both players were carted to the locker room.  Also, wide receiver Bub Means and tight end Mason Pline also left the game with injury. 
   


   THE GAME:

​   On New Orleans' opening offensive possession, Spencer Rattler drove the Saints 50 yards on ten plays before the drive stalled at the Chargers 49. But the Saints received a gift second possession when Miller-Haynes muffed James Burnip's punt. Treyton Welch recover the ball at the LA 17 yard line, setting up a first and ten. However, the Saints couldn't take advantage of the turnover as they turned the ball over on downs when Kendre Miller was tackled for a three yard loss on 4th and goal from the one yard line. 

   Los Angeles got on the board first thanks to a 44 yard field goal by Cameron Dicker. The score was set up by a New Orleans turnover when Spencer Rattler fumbled while being sacked on second and nine at the Saints 40. 3-0 The Chargers led, 3-0 with 13:34 left in the second quarter.

   The Chargers extended their lead late in the second quarter as they went on a 14 play, 85 yard drive, culminating with a five yard touchdown run by quarterback Trey Lance. The two point conversion attempt failed. 9-0 Chargers with 1:38 left in the first half. 

   Tyler Shough entered the contest with 1:38 left and drove the Saints to their first points of the day. Blake Grupe ended the 42 yard, nine play drive with a 31 yard field goal with five seconds left in the first half. We went to the break with Los Angeles on top, 9-3. Shough looked good, making some solid throws on the drive.

   Tyler Shough would make his first big mistake of the contest mid-way through the third quarter. On a third and six, Eric Rogers stepped in front of Shough's pass and raced 55 yards for the score. The two point attempt was successful, putting the Chargers up, 17-3 with 9:48 left in the quarter. 

   Shough responded to the pick six with a beautiful 55 yard touchdown pass to a wide open Mason Tipton to end the five play, 82 yard drive. With 7:23 left in the third quarter the Saints pulled to within, 17-10. 

   Los Angeles increased their advantage as Dicker drilled a 40 yard field goal to end a 12 play, 48 yard drive that ate 7:10 off of the game clock. 20-10, Chargers with 4:50 left in the contest.

   Los Angeles added to their lead on an 11 yard touchdown run by Raheim Sanders with only 1:49 remaining in the game.

   New Orleans finished off the scoring with a 50 yard field goal by Charlie Smyth with 15 seconds left.

   Next up the Saints will host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, August 17. Kickoff is set for 12:00pm.

​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
8/9/2025
Article Courtesy of New Orleans Saints
By: Todd Gaffagnini


   Friday marked the 13th training camp practice for the New Orleans Saints, the second in Irvine, Calif., and featured a 66-play "call it" scrimmage, featuring extra points, field goals, and special teams periods with kickoffs and punts. … Practice time was 4 p.m. Pacific with a temperature of 80 degrees, and a stiff breeze out of the southwest at 15mph. … Players not participating in the scrimmage were wide receiver Chris Olave (ankle), defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (illness) and defensive back Rico Payton (illness). … After the scrimmage, Coach Kellen Moore told everyone the answer to the one question people have been asking for the last two weeks. Who would start the first preseason game Sunday vs. the Los Angeles Chargers? Spencer Rattler will start the game, followed by Tyler Shough, then Jake Haener. Moore also stressed that just because this was the rotation Sunday, it does not mean that would be the rotation on opening day against the Arizona Cardinals. … The amount of reps for each quarterback Sunday will depend on the flow of the game. Moore also mentioned that the quarterbacks were informed of the decision before Friday's scrimmage. … It was a tough day for kicker Charlie Smyth, who battled the aforementioned wind, as he missed all of his field-goal attempts wide right from 41, 50, and 44 yards. Smyth did make all of his extra-point attempts..


Offensive Play of the Day:   
   There were plenty to choose from, so let's get to it. Rattler capped off an opening drive of nine plays and 65 yards with a beautiful touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed of 31 yards down the left sideline. … Shough hit wide receiver Bub Means on a right sideline pass that Means somehow came down with for 11 yards, despite excellent coverage by Jayden Price. … A few plays later, Rattler found Brandin Cooks on a tremendous back shoulder throw and a better catch by Cooks for 12 yards. …Shough had his own 65-yard drive one series later. This one took only five plays, and the last three were outstanding. On first down at the plus 47-yard line, Shough avoided a blitz from defensive end Jasheen Davis, and rolled toward the right sideline, and uncorked one deep down the sideline where wide receiver Dante Pettis made the catch in traffic (my personal play of the day). The gain would be 32 yards to the plus-25. On the next play, Shough stood tall and calmly delivered a quick slant to the speedy Mason Tipton who by all accounts scored a touchdown. Much to the chagrin of the entire offensive sideline, the official ruling was down at the 2-yard line. Shough then made it moot by executing a perfect fake on a read option to running back Cam Akers, and kept it himself, finding nothing but Bermuda grass for the easy touchdown. … Two series later, Rattler on a third-and-goal from the five, threw a self-admitted ill-advised back foot pass to the back left pylon of the west end zone where Cedrick Wilson Jr. would somehow come down with it, despite being surrounded by black jerseys. … Finally, Shough added his second touchdown on a third-and-goal from the 3. First avoiding a would be sack by Chase Young and tossing a perfect floater to Kevin Austin Jr. for the touchdown.


Defensive Play of the Day:
   Plenty to choose from here as well. Solid plays by linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner littered the first drive. … On Shough's second drive on a fourth-and-1 from the minus 44-yard line, linebacker Nephi Sewell stuffed running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, denying a first down and a turnover on downs. … Rookie edge rusher Fadil Diggs registered three sacks Friday, including two drive stoppers on Shough, both on third down plays. … Linebacker Jaylan Ford had his second straight solid day, this time stuffing running back Velus Jones Jr. on a third-and-two with a vicious tackle for loss. … Finally, the only interception of the day occurred with Jake Haener at quarterback. At the plus 40-yard line Haener tried a pass over the middle of the field about 10 yards intended for Kevin Austin Jr. The ball was tipped straight up in the air by linebacker Isaiah Stalbird, and fluttered into the waiting arms of rookie safety Jonas Sanker who grabbed the pick and brought it back for 10 yards. We'll enjoy an off day Saturday, and the next time we will talk it will be preseason football action as the Saints take on the Chargers from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Game time is 1:05 p.m. local and 3:05 p.m. back in New Orleans, and can be seen on Fox-8 with Joel Meyers, Jon Stinchcomb and Erin Summers on the call, and on WWL Radio with Mike Hoss, Deuce McAllister and Jeff Nowak. See you Sunday!

​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
8/8/2025
Article Courtesy of New Orleans Saints
By: Todd Graffagnini


   Thursday's padded practice took place at Crawford Field at the University of California Irvine. … The Saints spent a month here last year during training camp due to the construction of the cafeteria at the Saints facility. … Both practice fields are Bermuda grass and orientate east to west. … The temperature at the beginning of practice was 78 degrees under sunny skies, with a steady 10-15 mph wind coming out of the south southwest. … The Saints released punter Matthew Hayball before the trip to California, and re-signed quarterback Hunter Dekkers. … They also signed tight end Mason Pline, a second-year player from Furman. Pline spent 15 weeks on the 49ers practice squad last season. … Cornerback Rico Payton missed Thursday's practice with an illness, while tight end Juwan Johnson and safety J.T. Gray participated fully. … Thursday's practice was originally scheduled for one hour, 40 minutes but ended a full 20 minutes early at 5:20 p.m. locally. … Kicker Blake Grupe remained in the zone, nailing all five of his kicks (for the first time kicking west and into the wind), with his longest coming from 49 yards. Grupe is now 30 of 31 on all training camp kicks.


   It was evident from the time the team walked out on the practice field at Cal-Irvine they were ready to practice and practice hard. After spending the first two weeks in Metairie, batting the heat and humidity, the team experienced really none of that Thursday. Fred McAfee, vice president of player engagement, had the California soundtrack rolling on the huge speaker that plays music throughout each practice and kept the players loose and dancing during stretching and in between individual and team reps. Coach Kellen Moore told the media post practice that the trip to California was like a "good little refocus and hit a little reset button" after the first two weeks of camp. It was one of those practices that was fun to watch as a spectator with nice plays on both sides of the ball, drawing encouragement from each sideline constantly. Also, we saw a special teams period featuring punt coverage and gunners trying to beat the coverage at full speed, also drawing more yells from each side. Friday's practice will be a scrimmage like the one in Metairie last Sunday, just not the length of 126 plays. That will determine for the most part who will play during the preseason game on Sunday against the Chargers.

Plays of the Day:   Lots to choose from here, which again, reflects what type of day it was in Irvine. Quarterback Spencer Rattler rolled out to the left, then tossed a throw back to the right to Juwan Johnson from the 20-yard line. Johnson was in full stride and got stopped at the 1-yard line. On the next play from the 10-yard line, Rattler executed a perfect zone read, and handed the ball off to running back Cam Akers who scampered in for an easy touchdown. Another rep showed inspired play on both sides of the ball. With Jake Haener at quarterback, and the ball at the plus 8-yard line heading into the east end zone, Haener took the snap and immediately got pressure from blitzing linebacker Jaylan Ford from the left side. Haener somehow eluded the fierce rush, and still backpedaling, threw off his back foot to the left sideline, where wide receiver Dante Pettis made the grab, but before he could get in the end zone, he was drilled out of bounds at the 1 by rookie safety Jonas Sanker. Finally, with the teams moving to the west end zone now, with Tyler Shough at quarterback and the ball at the 7-yard line, Shough handed the ball off to Clyde Edwards-Helaire who proceeded to try and find a hole off right guard. About two yards into the rush, Edwards-Helaire stopped on a dime, avoided contact, cut back to the left and waltzed into the end zone, prompting the normally reserved Alvin Kamara to come off the bench for a leaping high five with CEH. It was the second TD of the day for CEH and capped off a fun day on the West Coast.

​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
8/6/2025
Article Courtesy of Crescent City Sports
By: Todd Graffagnini


   As we are officially in game week, Tuesday's practice was a bit shorter coming off the 126-play scrimmage Sunday, but still repetitions were maximized as they have been all camp long. … Coach Kellen Moore mentioned post practice that running back Devin Neal has a hamstring issue and will be out a couple of weeks. Wide receiver Moochie Dixon was out with a shoulder, and tight end Juwan Johnson did not practice either, but Moore was not concerned at all. … Kicker Charlie Smyth continued his uphill battle against Blake Grupe by going three for five on field goals with misses from an extra point and from 51 yards. Both misses were wide left. Smyth is now 15 for 26 in all his camp kicks. … All three punters saw work, with each getting one live rep punt. Matthew Hayball had one for 40 yards, James Burnip for 47 yards, and Kai Kroeger ended the day with a 50-yarder, which was also against the wind. … Each punter did very well on the down the ball drill near the end of practice. … For the final 11-on-11 period, the team split up to work on both fields, with Tyler Shough running the first team nearest the Saints facility on the south field, while Spencer Rattler ran the twos nearest Airline Drive on the north field, making the yet another sellout crowd very happy considering most of the practice was run on the south field away from them. …Despite Rattler running the twos in the final period he still ran a bunch of reps with the ones on Tuesday. ... The jerseys were switched back to the first week of camp with the offense wearing white jerseys and the defense black jerseys.

   Defensive back's coach Terry Joseph has come full circle. From a standout baseball player from Archbishop Shaw to a stellar career at Northwestern State then a four-year pro career, to a 19-year college football assistant coach and now to an NFL assistant in his hometown. As the practices continue to build, it appears more and more that the defensive back room could be one of strength for this Saints team. We saw more of that during Tuesday's practice as Alontae Taylor stepped in front of Alvin Kamara during 11-on-11 drill but was not able to hang on a sure pick-six, but nonetheless, a PBU. Safety Jordan Howden continued to get reps with first team, (along with Justin Reid) and had a tremendous sequence during the split field 11-on-11. Against Tyler Shough, Reid jumped a sideline left route and like his counterpart Taylor, drop a sure pick-six. Just a few plays later though, Howden would not be denied. This time Shough looked to wide receiver Chris Olave on the left hash for about 20 yards. Howden would have none of it, sprinting over to his right and making the interception near the sideline and raced back up the field for big yardage. On the right side, cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry did not allow one completion from his cover Tuesday, and Taylor continues to wreak havoc as a blitzer and a strong cover on the slot receiver. The opportunity to see them all in action Sunday against another team is one that each player and coach is excited about.

   We'll go with a couple here. During the first 11-on-11 period and Spencer Rattler at quarterback, he threw a deep cross to wide receiver Rashid Shaheed who was moving right to left and wide open. Shaheed made the catch easily and turned immediately up field for a huge gain, that if it was during a game, could have been a touchdown with Shaheed's speed. The other play came on the first rep with Tyler Shough at quarterback. He rolled right, avoiding a sack by Carl Granderson who came in hard from the left side. It appeared that Shough was going to throw the ball away and live for another down as he was only one step from the right sideline, but that wasn't the case. Instead Shough threw on the run and somehow found wide receiver Chris Olave who was surrounded by black shirts yet came up with the catch for a big play of 25 yards, drawing the loudest reaction from the fans of the entire practice. … It's plays like that one that Shough was known for in college and we are starting to see those plays slowly but surely at the professional level.
​

Da Boot Sports
8/3/2025
Article Courtesy of New Orleans Saints
By: Todd Graffagnini

    Team ran 126 unscripted plays during longest practice of camp
 
   The New Orleans Saints took the opportunity Sunday to hold a full scale scrimmage, complete with regular pregame warm-ups, outside at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. … In attendance was Joe Dumars, New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, as well as the Southern Miss football team. … Officially, not including field goals, there were 126 plays run during the scrimmage, which lasted for 2 hours and 30 minutes, the longest practice of camp. … All three quarterbacks had numerous opportunities with different and multiple situations. … Tyler Shough would be the only quarterback to find the end zone, leading the second team offense on an 11-play drive that began at his own 35-yard line, capped off by a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Michael Jacobson. … Kicker Blake Grupe continues to have a brilliant camp, connecting on all six of his field-goal attempts, including 59- and 54-yarders, and his only extra point. Grupe is now 25 for 26 on all kicks during training camp. … Punter Matthew Hayball got all of the punting work Sunday, and showed very good consistency with several booming spirals that went over 50 yards. … The Saints will get a much deserved day off Monday before returning to work Tuesday in a padded practice, before flying to Irvine, Calif., on Wednesday.

Kellen Moore Press Conference: 8/3/2025

​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
7/30/2025
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.