NewOrleans.Football: Saints Podcast

Kellen Moore made a move during the Saints’ bye week: T.J. Paganetti is out as run game coordinator, and Brendan Nugent will lead the run game. Nick Underhill breaks down what was and wasn’t working, the questions this change raises, and Moore’s own explanation of the staff’s new workflow. Then Nick looks back at the last four Saints draft classes and discusses why Jordyn Tyson’s story is still unfolding. Chapters: 00:00 The Saints make a coaching change 00:26 Show introduction 01:18 Why T.J. Paganetti was let go 02:25 Will the move actually fix the run game? 04:03 Brendan Nugent’s role raises questions 05:53 Erik McCoy’s answer and the Cleveland test 07:23 The run game’s track record 09:00 What must change now 10:47 Commercial break A 14:54 Moore explains the staff changes 18:10 What remains the same for players 20:59 Moore on the decision and run-game problems 22:22 Why Nugent stayed 23:42 Can the same staff get better results? 27:03 Paganetti’s role and Moore’s response 29:06 Commercial break B 32:56 Grading the last four Saints drafts 35:48 Why it’s too soon to judge Jordyn Tyson NewOrleans.Football

Nick Underhill examines what Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts said he spotted in Tyler Shough’s presnap checks, then compares it with his own timing study. He also reviews where the Saints stand at the bye: the NFC South, receivers, tight ends, offensive line, running backs, defense and the urgency of building around Shough. Chapters 0:00 A decisive bye week 0:49 Welcome and show setup 1:40 The Panthers make changes in the NFC South 5:14 What Elandon Roberts noticed about Shough 7:37 Roberts explains what he saw on film 10:18 Nick’s study of the Saints’ timing 14:46 The Saints’ self-scouting challenge 16:18 Commercial break 20:03 The roster at the bye 20:55 Tyson and the receiving group 23:44 Tight ends and personnel packages 24:33 The offensive line has to improve 26:45 Running backs and returning players 28:33 How the remaining schedule could shape the season 30:35 The state of the Saints’ defense 32:40 Commercial break 35:59 How long can the Saints wait around Shough?

Nick Underhill and Mike Triplett discuss Gayle Benson's recent statements, the pressure on Kellen Moore and the changes the Saints need to make during the bye week. They examine the run game, first-quarter scoring, whether opponents are reading the offense, and how the team might approach the trade deadline. The conversation also covers the home crowd, player buy-in and which veterans the Saints should consider moving while protecting Tyler Shough's development. CHAPTERS 0:00 A pivotal bye week for the Saints 0:22 Welcome and show setup 1:12 Mike Triplett on Gayle Benson’s statements 6:46 How much time do Moore and Loomis have? 9:51 What Kellen Moore must fix during the bye 15:22 Why the defense is a different case 16:58 Should Moore keep calling plays? 17:41 Commercial break A 21:30 Fans, attendance and pressure on ownership 24:07 Does Moore still have the locker room? 27:56 Are the Saints tipping their plays? 30:02 Saints trade deadline approach 32:14 Alvin Kamara, Cam Jordan and Cesar Ruiz 36:21 Commercial break B 39:44 Defensive trade candidates 42:19 Juwan Johnson and Tyler Shough's support 44:35 Defensive line and developing young players

Nick and Mike break down the Saints' 16-10 loss to the Steelers in Paris and discuss where Kellen Moore goes from here as the team enters its bye week. After another slow start and poor performance from the running game, they examine why the same issues continue to plague the Saints and what needs to change to turn things around. They also discuss the mounting pressure on Moore and his coaching staff, whether significant changes are needed during the bye week, and how the team's struggles are impacting Tyler Shough's development. Thumbnail Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

# Why I’m picking the Saints to beat the Steelers Nick reports from Paris as the Saints prepare to face the Steelers. He discusses the wind and rain, whether New Orleans can lean on its running game, and why its slow first quarters remain a concern. He revisits Mickey Loomis’s response to Gayle Benson and asks what visible progress should look like under Kellen Moore. The show also covers pass protection, possible help for the defense, Aaron Rodgers’s snap count and Nick’s pick in the Get Gordon Question of the Day. CHAPTERS 0:00 Saints–Steelers week from Paris 0:42 Show opening and sponsors 1:47 Wind, rain and the practice week 3:16 Will the Saints need to run the ball? 4:54 The Saints’ first-quarter problem 7:25 Kellen Moore and faster starts 8:15 Pressure after the Giants win 9:29 The Steelers’ late arrival and practice decision 10:26 Commercial break A 14:11 Mickey Loomis responds to Gayle Benson 15:31 What real progress would look like 17:48 Offensive line and blitz protection 20:15 Opening drives and first-quarter possession 21:09 A turning point for the Saints’ season 21:52 A defensive return that could change the matchup 23:08 Aaron Rodgers’ snap-count challenge 23:50 Secondary decisions and the path to a win 24:42 Commercial break B 27:38 Get Gordon: Saints or Steelers? 28:48 What the Saints must do on the first drive 29:48 The weather risk behind the pick 30:13 Paris plans and signoff

Nick Underhill reports from the Saints' week in France, then plays and reacts to Mickey Loomis' first comments since Gayle Benson's remarks about the team's results. He examines the defense's returning players, Kellen Moore's commitment to the run, Tyler Shough's development and the Saints' slow starts. The Saints are preparing in France for their game against Pittsburgh. Nick Underhill looks at what Kaden Elliss' return could mean for the defense and why Martin Emerson deserves a larger role. He then examines whether Kellen Moore will stick with the run and play action, plays Mickey Loomis' response to Gayle Benson's comments and discusses what the organization needs to change. Loomis also addresses the team's rebuilding process, Tyler Shough, Jordyn Tyson and the finish to the last game. The Get Gordon question asks how the Saints' offensive and defensive slow starts affect each other. Presented by Loft 18. Chapters 0:00 Saints practice in France and what's at stake 0:41 Welcome and show sponsors 1:29 How the Giants win changed the mood in France 4:07 Kaden Elliss and other defenders return to practice 5:29 Why Martin Emerson should play more 7:35 Kellen Moore, slow starts and the running game 8:49 Why the Saints keep abandoning the run 10:37 First commercial break 14:23 Mickey Loomis responds to Gayle Benson 16:50 Can a rebuild excuse repeated mistakes? 19:55 The evaluation of Kellen Moore 21:55 What Loomis says about Tyler Shough 24:46 Jordyn Tyson's injury timeline 25:49 Loomis on the Saints' long-term goals 27:00 Learning from the late-game collapse 28:31 Second commercial break 31:50 Get Gordon: Why do the Saints start slowly?

Nick Underhill checks in from Paris ahead of Saints-Steelers. He revisits the Saints' win over the Giants, Tyler Shough's toughness, and the stretch around halftime that helped turn the game. The win bought New Orleans breathing room, but the slow starts, uneven execution, and late-game decisions still need answers. Nick also looks at Kellen Moore's matchup with Mike McCarthy, how the Saints are handling the trip, and the injury watch for Jordyn Tyson, Kaden Elliss, and Cesar Ruiz. In the Get Gordon question of the day, he weighs whether another poor showing could prompt Gayle Benson to consider changes during the bye week. Chapters 00:00 Saints-Steelers: A big test in Paris 00:51 Welcome to the show 01:40 Shough's toughness and the Giants rewatch 03:36 How the Saints won the middle eight 04:59 Slow starts and closing games 10:18 Day A block A 14:04 The Paris trip and Steelers test 18:22 Kellen Moore and Mike McCarthy 21:36 Injury watch: Tyson, Elliss and Ruiz 22:58 Jeremiah Wright's film and next step 25:23 Day A block B 28:18 Get Gordon: Could Gayle Benson make changes? 30:44 Coaching accountability before the bye Thumbnail photo: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images.

Saints survive the Giants, but Kellen Moore still has work to do The Saints found a way past the Giants, but the uneven start and a late scare left plenty to discuss. Nick Underhill and Mike Triplett examine what the win means for Kellen Moore after Gayle Benson's comments, whether the offense's best stretch can last, Tyler Shough's play, Alvin Kamara's role, and the fourth-quarter breakdown. They close with three up and three down and the Gordon question of the day: what would Moore have to show in the next game to change their assessment? Chapters 0:00 Saints win, but the concerns remain 1:01 The fourth-quarter scare 4:56 What the win means for Kellen Moore 6:41 Gayle Benson's message 8:35 The offense showed what it can be 11:29 Slow starts and the next test 15:33 Commercial break — A block 19:19 Can the running game sustain the offense? 21:47 How the Giants nearly came back 24:45 Tyler Shough's uneven day 26:22 Moore's answers about injuries 29:30 Alvin Kamara's role 31:28 Three up, three down 34:54 Commercial break — B block 38:06 Gordon question: What would change the view of Moore? 39:29 The offensive plan Moore needs to show

Nick Underhill previews a high-stakes Saints–Giants matchup after Gayle Benson’s comments about the team’s results. He breaks down what New Orleans needs from Kellen Moore’s opening script, how Tyler Shough can answer pressure and attack the middle of the field, and what Benson’s practice visit says about her support for the coach. Nick also walks through NOF’s new interactive playcalling and scouting tool, then answers whether an ugly loss could lead to a change—and why the next two games matter. 0:00 Why the Giants game matters 1:14 Loft 18, Matt Bowers and Ochsner 2:15 The stakes for the Saints against New York 3:09 Kellen Moore and the slow starts 5:07 Can Shough answer the blitz? 7:33 Defense without Kaden Elliss 8:05 Gayle Benson's visit to practice 13:01 Commercial break — A block 16:52 Inside NOF's playcalling simulator 19:07 Building a drive against the Giants 24:08 Setting up play action 33:18 Third and fourth down in the simulator 35:10 Commercial break — B block 38:07 Get Gordon: Could the Saints make a change?

Nick Underhill explains why he is picking the Saints to beat the Giants after Gayle Benson called their 1–4 start unacceptable. He examines Kellen Moore’s response, Tyler Shough’s and Erik McCoy’s reactions, and why the Giants–Steelers stretch puts Moore and Mickey Loomis under pressure. The pick comes with a warning: Nick uses PFF play-calling tendencies and down-by-down success rates to show why the Saints’ offense is built on an unstable foundation. Screens and play action are scarce, first- and second-down success lags, and their strong third- and fourth-down results cannot carry the offense forever. He also answers whether Benson’s comments should affect Jordyn Tyson’s return. 00:00 The Saints pick, despite the warning signs 00:28 Welcome to the show 01:28 Why Nick is picking the Saints against the Giants 04:38 Gayle Benson’s message and Kellen Moore’s response 11:35 Preparation, urgency and the pressure on Moore and Loomis 14:48 Tyler Shough reacts to Benson’s comments 17:14 Erik McCoy on the team’s sense of urgency 19:11 Commercial break A 22:56 Saints play-calling: motion, screens, play action and tempo 27:17 The early-down problem and unsustainable third- and fourth-down success 31:43 Commercial break B 34:55 Gordon question: Should Benson’s comments affect Jordyn Tyson’s return?

Gayle Benson’s comments put Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore under fresh scrutiny. The show examines what the owner’s message means, why the Saints’ recent losses raised questions about preparation, and what Moore needs to show on the field. It also reviews Loomis’s recent draft classes, considers whether the Giants and Steelers games can change the season’s direction, and closes with a Get Gordon question about the trade deadline. CHAPTERS 0:00 Opening and Gayle Benson’s message 5:43 What Benson’s comments mean for Moore and Loomis 8:30 Tom Benson, Drew Brees and the Saints’ standard 12:25 Kellen Moore and the next two games 15:01 Why preparation is under scrutiny 20:06 How the Saints need to respond 25:05 Day A A-block commercials 28:50 Mickey Loomis and accountability 32:16 What a coaching change could mean for the front office 37:13 Recent draft classes and roster building 41:39 Can the upcoming games change the outlook? 47:14 The offense and the three-year plan 50:59 Day A B-block commercials 53:54 The Giants game and Moore’s response 57:56 Get Gordon: trade deadline decisions

Nick Underhill reacts to Gayle Benson’s Quarterback Club remarks about the Saints’ 1–4 start, Kellen Moore and Mickey Loomis. He plays video of Benson’s speech, courtesy of Ken Trahan and Crescent City Sports, examines what her message means for accountability and the Giants and Paris games, then answers a Get Gordon question about why fans keep showing up. CHAPTERS 0:00 Gayle Benson puts Moore and Loomis on notice 0:28 NOF opening 0:32 Welcome and show sponsors 1:16 Benson says 1–4 is unacceptable 2:47 Who Benson holds accountable 3:50 Why naming Mickey Loomis matters 4:39 A planned speech with real weight 5:13 What changes for the Saints now 6:15 Giants, Paris and the next two games 8:08 Day B A-block commercials 11:53 Return and Ken Trahan’s video 12:32 Watch Gayle Benson’s Quarterback Club remarks 13:56 Benson: one-and-four is not acceptable 15:32 Benson promises decisions to improve 16:16 Rouses: the Saints’ standard and history 18:10 Tom Benson’s legacy and today’s standard 18:48 Moore, Loomis and player accountability 19:23 Can the Saints respond on the field? 21:11 Day B B-block commercials 24:23 Get Gordon: why do fans keep showing up? 25:12 A thank-you to NOF supporters

Can Saints save their season? Nick Underhill lays out why the Giants game and the following week in Paris could shape the Saints’ season. Terron Armstead joins to discuss how the team can reset, what he sees from the offensive line, Sean Payton’s weekly preparation and whether New York is a must-win. Nick then runs a two-round Saints mock draft and answers the Get Gordon question about whether the current schemes fit the roster. CHAPTERS 0:00 Why Saints–Giants and the Paris trip matter 1:08 NOF opening 1:12 Welcome and show sponsors 1:50 Why the Saints need a Giants win 3:04 Tyler Shough’s hand and the missing play-action game 4:02 The schedule and a path back into contention 5:18 Resetting expectations for a young Saints team 9:30 Day B A-block commercials 13:16 Chabert Insurance and Terron introduction 13:25 Terron Armstead: how the Saints can get right 17:57 Keeping the locker room focused amid the noise 19:25 Sean Payton’s week-to-week preparation 22:42 What Terron sees from the offensive line 24:53 What makes a great offensive line coach? 25:45 Terron on Dan Roushar’s attention to detail 27:27 Finding the Saints’ identity and fixing the run game 31:55 10K Thirst Quencher: stopping mistakes from snowballing 34:46 Is the Giants game a must-win? 38:17 Terron’s belief in Tyler Shough 39:06 Could the Paris trip echo the Saints’ 2017 turnaround? 41:19 Day B B-block commercials 44:31 Bobby Hebert’s: two-round Saints mock draft 46:48 Round 1: Colin Simmons 47:17 Round 2 options and roster needs 48:44 What an edge-rusher double dip would mean 51:15 Get Gordon question: are the schemes fitting the roster? 52:17 The offensive line and the Saints’ scheme fit 54:15 NOF closing Thumbnail photo: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images.

Nick Underhill takes a second look at the Saints' loss to the Vikings and the offense's struggle to build a consistent plan. He examines play-action and screen usage, Tyler Shough's workload and throw chart, then reacts to Kellen Moore's answers about blitzes and early-down decisions. A listener question closes the show with a look at what reporters can actually see at practice and why Nick thinks the game plan matters more. The Giants game is next, and Nick explains why it feels pivotal. CHAPTERS 0:00 Second look at the Vikings loss 1:06 Welcome and sponsors 2:04 Drew Brees questions the offense 2:32 Why play action disappears 4:59 Comparing the offense with Pete Carmichael's 7:23 A disconnected run game and injury questions 9:09 The hits Tyler Shough is taking 9:49 Kellen Moore's postgame answers 12:54 Moore on play action and early downs 15:26 First-down play-action numbers 17:12 How usage changes after halftime 20:19 A-block commercials 24:04 Moore on screens and blitz answers 26:40 Shough's throw chart and the middle of the field 29:06 Why the Giants game matters 29:31 B-block commercials 32:27 Get Gordon question: what practice reveals 34:07 The problem Nick sees in game planning

Nick Underhill and Mike Triplett break down the Saints' loss to the Vikings and why it feels bigger than one bad afternoon. They discuss New Orleans' preparation for Minnesota's pressure, its limited use of play action, Kellen Moore's offensive plan, the mistakes that keep creating long-yardage situations, and concern about player buy-in and accountability. They also look at the few positive defensive plays, Tyler Shough's difficult day, Alvin Kamara's role, the receiver rotation, and what the next three games could mean for the season. CHAPTERS 0:00 Saints hit a crossroads after Vikings loss 0:37 Welcome to NewOrleans.Football 1:19 A halftime lead turns into another home loss 4:11 Why the Vikings blitz caught the Saints 5:04 Accountability after repeated mistakes 6:15 Are the players still bought in? 8:33 Slow starts and the offensive identity 9:46 Why the Saints barely used play action 12:45 What is Kellen Moore's plan? 16:06 Long-yardage drives and mixed-down football 17:41 A-block commercials 21:20 What needs to change after this loss? 22:52 How Moore can regain the team's trust 25:07 The left tackle plan under pressure 27:17 Protecting Tyler Shough from hero ball 27:53 Hardhide Whiskey segment: individual bright spots 29:38 Special teams and players trending down 30:21 Why did Alvin Kamara have a smaller role? 32:25 The receiver rotation and missed connections 34:57 Bobby Hebert's segment: ups and downs 36:33 B-block commercials 39:45 Get Gordon question: the next three games 42:00 The state of the Saints after five games

The Saints need a response against Minnesota. Nick Underhill breaks down why this game matters so much for a team trying to avoid a 1–4 start, what the mood in the Superdome could be for Drew Brees' Ring of Honor celebration, and the challenge Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough face against the Vikings' aggressive defense. Nick goes through Minnesota's personnel and blitz looks, the Saints' protection and offensive adjustments, and what it would take to get the season moving in the right direction. In the Get Gordon question of the day, he answers your questions about a Maxx Crosby trade, whether the Saints should buy or sell, how to judge progress this season, and Moore's outlook. CHAPTERS 0:00 The Saints need a response against Minnesota 1:26 Welcome to NewOrleans.Football 2:36 Drew Brees, the Dome and the fan mood 3:39 Why the fan base is frustrated 6:46 A rebuild still needs answers from Kellen Moore 9:37 Vikings fans and Sunday's atmosphere 10:30 Minnesota's defensive personnel 14:21 Minnesota's offensive threats 15:50 A-block commercials 19:29 The Vikings' blitz and the Saints' response 23:27 Tyler Shough against pressure 28:21 What the Atlanta pressure showed 30:13 B-block commercials 33:26 Get Gordon question of the day 33:56 Would a Maxx Crosby trade make sense? 37:50 Should the Saints buy or sell? 38:20 What would salvage the Saints' season? 39:37 Can Kellen Moore recover? 41:15 How to judge the Kellen Moore hire 48:02 Final thoughts before Minnesota

Updated Saints win total Nick Underhill and Mike Triplett revisit their Saints win picks ahead of Minnesota. They discuss why the game feels like a must-win, what went wrong against Atlanta, and whether Kellen Moore can fix the slow starts, protection and run game against Brian Flores' defense. They also check the injury outlook and answer the Gordon question of the day about Tyler Shough's throws over the middle. CHAPTERS 0:00 Why the Minnesota game feels like a must-win 0:40 Welcome and show sponsors 1:15 What the Saints need to fix 3:21 Brian Flores' pressure and the Saints' secondary 4:39 Offensive line and protection concerns 5:52 The Falcons game: coaching decisions and tackling 7:49 How the Saints can regain their early-game rhythm 9:53 Commercial break 13:32 Nick and Mike revisit their season outlook 17:08 Why the run game has fallen short 19:57 Slow starts and Kellen Moore's decisions 22:37 The opening script and finding answers on offense 28:26 Updated Saints win total and the rest of the schedule 39:48 Injury watch and the keys to Minnesota 40:44 Could Flores' blitzes help Tyler Shough? 44:42 Commercial break 47:38 Gordon question of the day: Shough's throws over the middle

Nick Underhill breaks down the loss to Atlanta, the run game and protection problems putting too much on Tyler Shough, and the PFF grades behind the performance. Nick compares Shough’s throw charts, reacts to Kellen Moore’s press conference, examines the field goal and clock-management decisions and identifies how New Orleans can turn things around. Thumbnail photo: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The Saints have plenty to prove after a concerning performance against the Falcons on Monday night. Nick Underhill and Mike Triplett break it all down. - Why New Orleans continues to struggle with slow starts and consistency - What went wrong for Brandon Staley’s defense against Atlanta - Why the Saints still haven’t found answers in the run game

Nick Underhill breaks down how the Saints can navigate a mounting injury report and what they need to do to beat Atlanta on Monday night. - How Brandon Staley can adjust against Bijan Robinson and Atlanta’s weapons - Why getting the run game going is critical for the Saints’ offense - Why Monday night should be considered a must-win game for New Orleans