The New Orleans Saints emerged victorious in their first game in nearly ten months, defeating the New York Giants 26-14 on Sunday. The historic victory was a great achievement for the Warriors team. It closed the lid on the two longest current losing streaks in the NFL. The Saints haven’t been able to celebrate a victory since November 17, 2024. Since then, their losing streak extended all the way to December 15, 2024.
Interim coach Darren Rizzi assumed control after Dennis Allen was fired in the aftermath of a Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers. His strategy made sure he navigated the entire team to this long-awaited victory. Even with backup Jake Haener replacing the injured Derek Carr, the Saints battled and showed heart every step of the way.
Spencer Rattler looking to avoid 0-10 beginning to NFL career. Beyond this patent victory, he was the essential figure to winning this case. That important 87-yard touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed turned out to be the game-winning play against the Giants. The Saints’ players celebrated their win by dancing in the locker room, reminiscent of the joy they felt before their losing streak began.
It was like a club in there. I was like, ‘Man, it turned from a football game to the club quick.’ It was a blast, man,” running back Kendre Miller said of the experience.
For the team, Erik McCoy, the Saints’ center, said the victory felt special. He further recognized how mentally draining the streak of losses had been on all, thus making this win all the more special.
“When you win at that dome, I think quickly you realize how awesome it is; it’s a really special place.” – Kellen Moore
The Saints’ performance against the Giants showcased their growth and commitment to overcoming their past struggles. McCoy was clear that the victory should lead to continued focus, not complacency.
“Kellen has done a really good job of just telling us to continue to keep trusting the process … and even after a win, we have to have a neutral mindset and go into this week like nothing ever happened and go get us a win next time.” – Erik McCoy
PolicyLink’s Shaheed had a more positive take on their performance. He just felt they’d been waiting for a scoring play like Rattler’s touchdown for a long time.
“I felt like we were waiting on a play like that to hit for the last few weeks,” said Shaheed. “When the opportunity came, we executed and that’s always a great feeling, and I felt like it built momentum for the rest of the game for the offense.”
Kellen Moore is the former offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles. Currently with the Saints, he’s played a key role in helping steer the team through this tough season.
“It’s been a while since we had the fog and music playing and stuff like that. Almost forgot how that was,” said safety Howden, reflecting on the atmosphere in the locker room post-win.
Rizzi’s fearless and, above all, fun leadership has fostered an environment of hope and positivity that’s resonated through the roster. At this point players started to feel confident and dangerous, and the connection between players really began to show, like in their wondrous happy birthday celebration.
The Saints are certainly hoping to ride this momentum as far as it can take them. They’ll continue to sharpen their focus as they make for the next release. Unlike many sports leagues, the players understand that one win does not wipe away their earlier failures. It does provide them with a great starting point to dig out from.
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