The New Orleans Saints are back in the loss column as they fall on the road to the Houston Texans and go to 3-3 on the season. The offense sizzled out repeatedly as the defense came to play in the second half.
So we’ve got some important questions to answer while analyzing the 20-13 loss: What went right? What went wrong? And what’s the bottom line?
What went right?
The Saints offense actually moved the ball down the field pretty well. Derek Carr had 353 yards of passing which usually comes with a nice day of offense, but it didn’t today.
Chris Olave had a very nice day, finally. He had 16 yards combined the past two weeks, but got back into the offense with 96 against the Texans. Though the Saints didn’t get the win, it should be a nice confidence builder for he and Carr.
The defense came out of the half with a nice performance after looking shaky in the first half.
Demario Davis and Granderson each walked away with a sack and two tackles for a loss. Cameron Jordan and Marshon Lattimore also each had a tackle for a loss.
Zack Baun logged his first career interception, but ended up fumbling the ball away a few moments later.
What went wrong?
Everything else?
The conversation has to start with Pete Carmichael and his continued disappointment as a play caller. The Saints offense fell apart after in Houston territory and the play calling had a lot to do with it. The offense just looked lost and players were set up for failure repeatedly.
Blake Grupe also had a horrific day that led to a lot of failed drives.
The Saints offense got within the Texans 30-yard line on each of the last four drives. Those four drives totaled three points.
Grupe missed a 52-yard field goal which is more understandable than his missed 29-yard chip shot that missed by a lot. It is the shortest missed field goal in the NFL this season up to this point.
The offensive line has been dealing with injury, but still looked weaker than expected in this one. Carr was rushed on a lot of attempts and Kamara had to work hard for yards. Carr was sacked twice, but the pressure numbers will likely look pretty intense for this game.
And what's the bottom line?
The bottom line for this team is pretty simple. The Saints won’t be able to win anything serious until there is a major shifting of responsibilities in the offensive staff. The play calling duties and offensive line coaching have simply not been up to snuff with the rest of the offense.
Something has to change in Dennis Allen’s regime or else the change will happen without him after the season.
