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In Week 7, the Saints fell 26–14 to the Chicago Bears on the road, rallying from a 20-point deficit only to be undone by turnovers and an inability to sustain drives. (neworleanssaints.com) The offense sputtered early — just 13 yards on 24 plays in the first quarter — and though Chris Olave had a breakout day with two touchdowns, Spencer Rattler’s three interceptions and a FG miss loomed large. (neworleanssaints.com) Overall, New Orleans enters Week 9 at 1–7, having lost three straight, with their only win coming against the Giants in Week 5. Their defense has shown moments of toughness — particularly versus the pass — but allows large run chunks and seems gassed late in games. Offensively, the Saints lack explosiveness beyond Olave’s deep threat; their running game is limited, and quarterback play has hovered between turnover severity and conservative advance. Their red zone efficiency has dropped, and turnovers have been a recurring theme. The team’s metrics show negative EPA/play in second half scripts and high rate of failed third downs, especially when trailing. Momentum is weak, and confidence from coaching appears stretched.
Injuries
Offense: - Alvin Kamara – RB – Limited Participation (ankle) (neworleanssaints.com) - Devin Neal – RB – Limited Participation (ankle) (neworleanssaints.com) - Rashid Shaheed – WR – Limited Participation (hip) (neworleanssaints.com) - Chris Olave – WR – Full Participation (ankle) (neworleanssaints.com) Defense: - Alontae Taylor – CB – Limited Participation (shoulder) (neworleanssaints.com) - Juwan Johnson – TE – Full Participation (neck) (neworleanssaints.com)
Coaching & Scheme
Head coach Kellen Moore has struggled to generate consistent offensive rhythm. His playbook shows promise in pre-snap motions and misdirection to free up receivers, but many of those plays break down when Rattler faces pressure or when blitz picks are correctly identified. New Orleans tends to lean on two-receiver sets with heavy use of the slot and tight end zones when trailing. Defensively, coordinator Joe Barry has shifted between scheme structures — fourth-down shells, zone coverages with safeties deep — but pass rush has been uneven without a dominant edge presence. The Saints want to force turnovers and blitz often, but too much aggression has led to big plays allowed when opponents beat initial coverage drops. Fitness and depth are concerns, as late-game fatigue is hurting tackling and gap discipline in the run game.
Matchup Analysis
If New Orleans wants to keep this game competitive, starting fast is essential. The Rams have shown early-drive dominance, especially in the wake of the bye, scoring on multiple of their opening possessions. Saints can’t afford to fall behind in the first half; their success rate when trailing by more than 10 points has been abysmal. Chris Olave will need to get free on vertical routes early — Rams secondary, injured at CB, is vulnerable in deep zones, particularly when Witherspoon is unavailable. Over the middle, the Saints tight end(s) and slot receiver targets may find pockets against zone drops. However, the Rams’ edge rush and linebackers are better vs. the run than New Orleans has shown vs. teams like Chicago; if the Saints try to establish Kamara and Neal on the ground, they’ll likely get stuffed behind the line and forced into 3rd-and-long frequently. Queens in pressure-generation matter: Saints must avoid negative snaps and hold offensive balance. Turnovers are their biggest kryptonite; Rams get huge lift from takeaways and points off turnovers. Defensively, Saints will try to convert third-down holds and force field goals, but if Rams stay patient and use tempo, the Saints’ defensive war wear increases.
Team Summary
New Orleans remains a team in search of identity. Their lone win masks deeper issues in offensive execution, quarterback decision-making, and defensive stamina. They can generate splash plays — Olave is dangerous deep, and Kamara can break an edge — but those are infrequent and too often nullified by turnovers. Their win condition hinges on creating explosive plays early, maintaining ball security, and minimizing big plays allowed, especially downfield. Against the Rams, that likely requires winning turnover margin, converting red zone chances, and keeping time of possession, limiting the Rams’ possessions and their initial drives. If the Saints’ defensive front can pressure Stafford early, disrupt timing, and enforce quick throws, they may force errors. But given Los Angeles’s healthier offensive roster and defensive edge, the burden falls on New Orleans to play perfectly.
Key Takeaway
New Orleans must avoid falling behind early — if they do, their struggles in second-half comebacks combine with Rams excellence in opening games will make the game uncompetitive. Without a clean turnover margin, taking this game seems unlikely.