Kellen Moore and the Saints find their seats warmer than usual after owner Gayle Benson delivered a notably critical assessment this week of where the club stands after a 1-4 start.
On its surface, it sure seemed like Benson was putting her employees on notice. Coach Kellen Moore took the comments in stride Wednesday, telling reporters Benson didn't say anything he, his staff and his players didn't already know.
"Mrs. B's great," Moore said, via The Associated Press. "We all want better results, and that's how this business is.
"We're all shooting for the same goals and aspirations. It's about getting there together, collectively. And so that's the focus of our group."
Following a strong finish to the 2025 season, the Saints' aspirations entering 2026 were simple: win the very attainable NFC South. Through five weeks, though, they've appeared more like a bottom-tier outfit than one capable of keeping pace with the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons.
Week 4's blowout loss to Atlanta -- roughly 20 years after the memorable night in which the Saints reopened the Superdome and dominated the Falcons -- stung especially intensely, perhaps inspiring Benson's stern words.
On the bright side, there's plenty of football left to play. But after losing three straight, the Saints are aware they're running out of time to turn this ship around.
"Obviously, you want to have a sense of urgency every game," center Erik McCoy told the AP. "But when you're 1-4, it's like, 'All right, we can't take too many more losses if we want to do something this year.'"
Benson's comments were out of character for the usually reserved owner, underscoring a sense of urgency she might have felt the rest of her team needed to adopt. We can guarantee they're aware of it now, though.
New Orleans will play at the New York Giants on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
