The New Orleans Saints fell to the Green Bay Packers in a crushing 34-0 defeat on Monday Night Football, officially cementing their elimination from playoff contention and casting serious doubts on interim head coach Darren Rizzi’s future. This marks the Saints’ second consecutive loss after last week’s narrow defeat to the Washington Commanders, dropping their record to 5-10. In stark contrast, the Packers improved to 11-4, solidifying their position as NFC playoff contenders.
While the Saints’ offensive struggles were expected without Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, and Chris Olave, the ineptitude was startling. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who replaced Jake Haener after last week’s loss to Washington, made a few plays with his legs but was otherwise overwhelmed. Sacked three times by the Packers, Rattler has now been taken down 17 times in just five games. The offense managed only 177 total yards and didn’t cross midfield until the third quarter, continuing a troubling trend of futility under backup quarterbacks.
The Saints are now 0-5 this season when starting a quarterback other than Carr, averaging just 12.8 points per game in those contests compared to 24.5 points when Carr is under center. With Carr under contract for two more seasons and carrying a $51.4 million cap hit in 2025, the team faces significant decisions about the quarterback position moving forward.
A Game of Missed Opportunities
The Saints became the first team this season to be shut out, failing to score a single point in what can only be described as an abysmal offensive performance. For a team that had shown glimpses of fight and resilience under Rizzi’s leadership, Monday night’s game was a stark departure from previous efforts.
New Orleans struggled in every phase of the game, failing to protect rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who was sacked three times. The Saints also lost the turnover battle, couldn’t generate any traction offensively, and could not control the line of scrimmage. According to ESPN Research, it was the first time the Saints had been shut out in consecutive first halves since 1997.
Saints Deficiences Too Much For Rattler to Overcome
Rattler, making his second start after replacing Jake Haener last week, faced relentless pressure and failed to generate much offensively. While he has shown flashes of potential, the circumstances around him—including injuries to top targets like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling—make it nearly impossible to evaluate him fairly.
Rattler’s struggles mirrored a larger problem for the Saints: their quarterback room’s lack of depth and experience. The decision to enter the season with two inexperienced backups, Haener and Rattler, has proven costly, especially in games like this one where veteran poise was sorely needed.
The Rizzi Question: Is This the End?
At 3-3 as interim head coach, Darren Rizzi has shown the ability to inspire effort and toughness in his players. Still, Monday’s lopsided loss raises serious questions about whether he’s the right choice to lead the Saints long-term. While Rizzi secured wins against weaker opponents, he has now dropped games to playoff-caliber teams like the Rams, Commanders, and Packers.
The loss to Green Bay exposed glaring issues with the Saints’ roster and game management, leading many to wonder if Rizzi has what it takes to elevate a struggling team in key matchups. The team’s inability to capitalize on opportunities and the reemergence of issues like missed tackles, penalties, and poor execution suggests that the problems extend beyond the roster.
The Saints’ Roster Dilemma
The Saints’ aging core—featuring veterans like Cam Jordan, Tyrann Mathieu, and Demario Davis—is nearing the end of its effectiveness. Injuries have further depleted a roster that already lacked depth, leaving the Saints unable to compete with the league’s top teams. Additionally, the offensive line remains a significant concern, with multiple injuries and inconsistent play undermining the passing and rushing attacks.
As the team heads into the offseason, it’s clear that significant changes are needed, not only in the coaching staff but also in personnel. Whether or not Rizzi remains at the helm, the Saints must prioritize rebuilding the trenches, adding playmakers, and addressing the quarterback position.
Quarterback Woes and the Future
The Saints’ quarterback situation remains murky. Derek Carr, sidelined with a fractured left hand, has two years remaining on his contract but hasn’t shown enough to solidify himself as the team’s long-term answer. Meanwhile, Rattler and Haener have failed to convince anyone that they can step into a starting role.
The Saints face a critical decision in the offseason: do they stick with Carr and attempt to develop their young quarterbacks, or do they pursue other options through free agency and the draft? Reports linking the Saints to coaching candidates like Aaron Glenn and Mike Vrabel suggest that a new regime could also bring a fresh approach to the quarterback room.
Looking Ahead
The Saints will close their season with matchups against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While these games may no longer have playoff implications, they allow the team to evaluate younger players like Kendre Miller and determine what pieces are worth keeping for the future.
For Darren Rizzi, these final games represent a last chance to make his case for the full-time job. However, with the performance against Green Bay still fresh in decision-makers minds, the odds appear stacked against him.
Final Thoughts
Monday night’s loss was more than another defeat—a harsh reminder of how far the Saints have fallen from their once-dominant form. As the season winds down, the focus will inevitably shift to what comes next: a new head coach, a revamped roster, and, perhaps most critically, a solution to their quarterback woes. Whether Darren Rizzi plays a role in that future remains to be seen, but his chances of securing the top job seem as bleak as the Saints’ playoff hopes this season.
