Just weeks ago, the New Orleans Saints looked like a team on the rise. A 1-1 start had the offense humming, and fans were dreaming of a playoff push. Fast forward to today, and those dreams have turned into a nightmare. The Saints are 1-4, and the fan base is in full revolt against head coach Kellen Moore.
Sunday's 23-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings was supposed to be a celebration. The franchise inducted legendary quarterback Drew Brees into its Ring of Honor, honoring the man who brought a Super Bowl to New Orleans. Instead, Moore's offense delivered a dud for the ages. The Saints mustered just 96 passing yards, with rookie QB Tyler Shough completing 16 of 25 passes for no touchdowns and two interceptions. It was a performance so lifeless that it overshadowed the tribute to Brees.
The frustration isn't just about one game. Since taking over last year, Moore is now 7-15 as a head coach and has never guided the team above .500 for even a single week. The last two losses have been particularly painful: a blowout to the arch-rival Atlanta Falcons on the 20-year anniversary of the Superdome reopening after Hurricane Katrina, followed by this dud on Brees' big day. Fans have had enough.
Social media erupted with calls for Moore's job. One angry fan wrote, "I said it last week; I'll say it again, I am out on Kellen Moore. Until proven otherwise I am on the (expletive) hate train. We as a whole city hell even state deserve way better than this shit. WE HAD 3 (expletive) HOME GAMES IN A ROW AND WENT 0-3." Another added, "I thought that Dennis Allen was bad, then Kellen Moore said – here – hold my beer!" A third demanded, "Get kellen moore out the building, and ship em back to philly. Get a coach that isn't as bland as a plain bagel, and can cook up and scheme things." Perhaps the most damning: "Kellen Moore might be worse than Dennis Allen….and I couldn't stand Dennis Allen."
The comparison to Dennis Allen is brutal but telling. Allen, who preceded Moore, was widely criticized for his conservative approach and inability to win big games. Now, fans are saying Moore might be even worse. The offense, which showed promise early, has regressed dramatically, and the team appears unprepared and uninspired.
While Shough deserves some patience as a rookie, Moore is the one feeling the heat. The Saints have a road game against the New York Giants next week, and it's likely their last chance to salvage the season. If they fall to 1-5, Moore's seat will go from warm to scorching. Ownership may have no choice but to consider a change.
For a city that lives and breathes football, the current state of the Saints is unacceptable. The fans have made their feelings clear: they want Moore out. Whether the front office listens remains to be seen, but the pressure is mounting. As one fan put it, "We deserve better." And right now, it's hard to argue.
