JACKSON: Plenty of reasons to watch the Saints down the stretch

By Ross Jackson

It can become easy to be disenchanted with watching teams later in the season that aren’t alive in the playoff.

Though the New Orleans Saints are still technically able to make the playoffs, the chances are so slim that for many fans the reasons to watch can seem as if they are dwindling.

But the truth is that there are still plenty of reasons to remain engaged as the season comes to a close over the final three weeks.

The first of which comes down to the young players that are vying for a spot in the team’s future. With a head coach search on the way and question marks at numerous positions, young players like rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, left tackle Taliese Fuaga and second-year rusher Kendre Miller want to show that they can be a part of pioneering a potentially new offense in 2025.

On the defensive side, rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry and third year corner Alontae Taylor are looking to prove that they are the starting cornerback tandem of the future in New Orleans. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, who already has 7.5 sacks on the year, can continue his breakout second season.

Beyond the young players, veterans are looking to prove that they are still very much a part of this team’s future as well. Tight end Foster Moreau has been outstanding this season, but he is about to enter the final year of his deal with an out this offseason. If his stellar play in 2024 hasn’t made it clear enough that he deserves to stick around already, his next three games could certainly cement his future with his hometown team.

Defensive players like defensive end Cameron Jordan and linebacker Demario Davis have put together some great performances down the stretch since receiving a clean slate from interim head coach Darren Rizzi. Continuing that high level of play for the next three games could hush some of the expected narratives that are likely to arrive this offseason about veteran player departures and even retirements.

Rizzi himself is about to face his toughest test yet with the best opponent left on the schedule coming up on Monday Night Football. Back in 2021, former coach Dennis Allen seemingly won the head coaching gig in New Orleans post-Sean Payton by stepping into his role in a primetime game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 9-0 slugfest win for New Orleans was the catalyst for many who expected Allen to eventually get the lead role once Payton announced his departure.

Rizzi could mimic that magic moment with a win in some adverse conditions and a rookie starting quarterback against the Packers. A win over a Green Bay team that, on paper, outmatches the Saints from numerous angles could propel the long-time Saints coach into the full-time role.

In the same vein, New Orleans can improve its status as a desirable destination with some momentum to close out the season.

For now, the Saints are often discussed below other open head coach positions. But the organization could shift that thinking by finishing strong and putting on a true display of the young talent a potential new hire could have at its disposal as they would look to rebuild either or each side of the ball.

The better the building blocks, the more appealing the landing spot. That ties everything together.

A strong performance at the end of the season helps the young players that are out to prove themselves, which in turn elevates Rizzi for his preparation, coaching and leadership and benefits the organization as a whole to maximize its potential reach for its future.

Whether short or long term, there are major things at stake during this closing trio of games. Even if the postseason isn’t likely. 

So, if you’re looking for reasons to keep watching, look no further. There’s plenty to learn, for better or worse, about who the New Orleans Saints are and who they have the potential to become.