After a promising 2-0 start to the season, the New Orleans Saints have faced a dramatic downturn, now caught in a six-game losing streak. This troubling trend has fueled ongoing discussions about the job security of head coach Dennis Allen. Initially viewed as a coach under pressure, Allen seemed to alleviate some of those concerns early in the season with a surprisingly effective offensive performance. However, recent struggles on both offense and defense have reignited questions about his future with the team.
Following the Saints’ disappointing 26-8 loss, Allen faced inquiries about his relationship with the front office amid the team’s attempts to snap the losing streak. He emphasized that conversations about performance are a regular part of the job, stating, “We have conversations every day, you know what I mean? So I don’t feel any more sense of having to have these conversations.” He acknowledged the reality of the NFL being a results-driven league, stressing the necessity for improved performance from the team.
The Saints currently rank near the bottom in various defensive metrics, sitting 28th in both passing and rushing yards allowed per game. This decline is particularly stark given that New Orleans finished in the top 10 for scoring defense during Allen’s first two seasons as head coach. Known for his defensive prowess as a former coordinator, Allen was expected to maintain that standard, but various issues have arisen, contributing to a lack of offensive production as well.
Injuries have played a significant role in the Saints’ recent struggles. Quarterback Derek Carr and key receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed (who will miss the remainder of the season) have faced setbacks, further complicating the team’s offensive efforts. A mid-game quarterback change from Spencer Rattler to Jake Haener did not yield the desired results, as Allen hoped to inject some energy into the offense. He revealed that Haener was only informed of the switch just before he entered the game.
The Saints also made a change in offensive coordinators, moving from Pete Carmichael to Klint Kubiak, which raised expectations. Despite these adjustments, the team sits at 16th in scoring. The potential return of Carr in Week 9 could be crucial for breaking the losing streak and may also impact Allen’s chances of keeping his job, with his overall record at the helm of the Saints now standing at 18-24.
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