METAIRIE – Before the New Orleans Saints began their final practice of the week in preparation for Sunday’s game at the New York Giants, team owner Gayle Benson made a stop on the practice field to hold a brief conversation with head coach Kellen Moore.
Days after making public comments about her disappointment with the team’s 1-4 start to the season, Benson visited with Moore on field during the portion of practice that is open to the local media.
The quick conversation was approximately 28 seconds in length. Moore indicated that the interaction was supportive and that the team is united moving ahead in Sunday’s game in New York.
“It’s always good to see (Mrs. Benson),” he said. “She likes to pop in and catch some practice here and there, and so it’s always good to see her. She’s always been great, and she’s always supportive.”
Moore also said that this was not the first time the two spoke since her public comments.
The showing may have been one to show the backing of Moore, but the public response has been split between over the Saints’ second-year coach.
One thing is for sure, Benson’s comments have sparked interest in what the future holds for the Saints with them in the midst of trying to rebound from a three-game home losing streak. Another setback, this one to the Giants, would further exacerbate the issue.
The Saints have suffered a loss in an emotion-filled matchup with Atlanta in a game to commemorate the team’s 20th anniversary of the return to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina. Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees was honored at halftime and his name was unveiled in the team’s Ring of Honor.
The compass shifts to a two-game road trip for New Orleans that includes the NFL’s first-ever game in France in Week 7.
Finding a way to get the team back on track against the Giants, followed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, will be a must.
If things continue in a downward spiral for the club, the amount of pressure now rising in the Saints’ headquarters would eventually reach a tipping point.
The conversation with Benson carried a considerate tone, per Moore. But only winning is sure to keep it that way with Saints facing a pair of very consequential games now on the way.
