By Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank | WhoDatNation.com
Well, Who Dat Nation, I started this morning dreaming about the Eiffel Tower, French wine, and celebrating a Saints victory in Paris. Instead, I’m sitting down here in the Catacombs, surrounded by a bunch of skulls, wondering if any of them could suit up and help our offensive line. Steelers 16, Saints 10. We flew halfway around the world to put on THAT performance? Last week, I finally picked a winner. This week, I picked us again. Somebody should’ve taken my cigar away before I made that prediction!
EIGHTEEN RUSHING YARDS! Not eighteen carries. EIGHTEEN YARDS! We had 17 rushing attempts and couldn’t even get a first down’s worth of yardage twice. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s Jaylen Warren ran for 101 yards by himself. Tyler Shough completed 30 of 38 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown, but when your quarterback has absolutely no running game to help him, what do you expect? Pittsburgh knew we had to throw the football, and they made us pay. I don’t care if we’re playing in Paris, Pittsburgh, or on Veterans Boulevard. You can’t win football games like that!
And here’s what really burns my backside. WE HAD A CHANCE! Down 13–10, we came out after halftime and drove all the way to Pittsburgh’s 10-yard line. I was standing up, cigar in hand, thinking maybe this team had finally figured something out. Then Shough throws an interception to Payton Wilson, and just like that, another opportunity goes straight into the Seine River. We didn’t score a single point in the second half. Pittsburgh converted 10 of 16 third downs, and Aaron Rodgers did just enough to send us home with another loss. You don’t have to be a football genius to see what’s wrong here. We’re getting pushed around when it matters most.
Now we’re 2–5, heading into the bye week, and I’m tired of hearing about potential, progress, and how close we are. Close doesn’t count in the standings! I love this team. I’ve been wearing black and gold long enough to remember when winning two games was considered a successful season. But those days are supposed to be behind us. We’ve got talent, we’ve got loyal fans who traveled across an ocean, and we’ve got a city that lives and dies with every Sunday. What we don’t have is a football team that can put together four quarters of winning football. And I’m starting to wonder how much longer we’re supposed to sit here and accept it.
So, Mrs. Gayle Benson, I’ve got one question for you: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? We’re seven games into this season, sitting at 2–5, and the same problems keep showing up every Sunday. Is anybody going to be held accountable? Is there a real plan to fix this mess, or are we just supposed to keep buying tickets, wearing our jerseys, and hoping for a miracle? The bye week is here. You’ve got time to take a long, hard look at this organization. Because right now, I’m sitting in the Catacombs of Paris, and even the dead are looking at me like they’ve had enough.
I STILL LOVE MY SAINTS. BUT GOOD LORD, THEY’RE MAKING IT HARD!
WHO DAT!
Posted in Who Dat's | Comments Off on From Paris to the Catacombs — Another Loss. Now What, Gayle?
Who Dat Nation, this week is wild. The Saints are playing the Steelers in France — yeah, France. And while the country is literally dealing with riots in the streets, we’re about to kick off super early in the morning. It’s not your normal NFL Sunday, and it feels like everything about this game is out of rhythm.
Why This Game Is Huge
The Saints can’t afford another letdown. We’ve had ugly wins and bad losses, but this one is about survival. The NFC South is still the weakest division in football — maybe the worst of all time — which means every win matters. Dropping this game would be brutal, especially with the playoff race still wide open.
Matchup Rundown
Saints Offense: Tyler Shough has shown flashes, but the offensive line has to step up. The Steelers’ pass rush is one of the toughest in the league, and if Shough doesn’t get time, it’ll be a long morning.
Saints Defense: We can’t let Najee Harris or Jaylen Warren run wild the way Bijan Robinson did against us. Tackling and discipline are non-negotiable.
Steelers: They’re physical, they’re tough, and they’ll test us in the trenches. This is the kind of opponent that punishes mistakes.
Drew’s Take
This game is going to be sloppy, it’s going to be early, and it’s going to feel weird watching Saints football from France. But this is a must-win. The Saints have to prove they can fight through adversity, clean up the mistakes, and show some pride.
Final Score Prediction: Saints 20, Steelers 17.
Posted in Who Dat's | Comments Off on ⚜️ Saints vs. Steelers in France
By Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank | WhoDatNation.com
Well, Who Dat Nation, somebody get me a croissant and a cigar, because apparently we’re taking this show international! After three straight miserable weeks, our Saints finally gave us something to celebrate with that 34–27 win over the Giants. And more importantly, TONY FINALLY PICKED A WINNER! Now we’re heading to Paris to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first NFL regular-season game ever played in France. The Saints are 2–4, Pittsburgh is 4–2, and for the first time in weeks, I’m actually looking forward to Sunday morning. Of course, knowing this team, they’ll probably have me screaming at the television before I finish my first cup of coffee.
Now, let’s not get carried away. Yes, we beat the Giants. Yes, Tyler Shough accounted for four touchdowns. And yes, our running game finally showed signs of life. But let’s remember something: We nearly blew a 24-point lead! You don’t give up 17 unanswered fourth-quarter points and suddenly declare all your problems solved. Pittsburgh isn’t coming to Paris for sightseeing and a nice bottle of French wine. The Steelers have a tough defense, and running back Jaylen Warren is averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Our run defense has been getting pushed around all season, and if we don’t tackle better, Warren might spend more time running through our defense than tourists spend standing in line at the Eiffel Tower.
And what about our offensive line? Cesar Ruiz has missed practice, and that’s the last thing Tyler Shough needs against a physical Steelers defense. We’ve already watched what happens when Shough doesn’t have protection, and I have absolutely no desire to relive that Minnesota disaster. On the brighter side, Kaden Elliss is back in the conversation, and this defense needs every bit of help it can get. Pittsburgh is favored, but not by much. That tells me this isn’t some impossible mountain to climb. The Saints can win this football game if they protect the quarterback, establish the run, and stop giving up those ridiculous big plays. And for the love of everything black and gold, can we please play FOUR quarters this week?
I know there’s been some talk about protests and demonstrations surrounding the Paris game, but I’m not turning this into a political column. I hope everybody stays safe, the fans enjoy themselves, and the focus remains on football. This is a historic opportunity to show France what New Orleans Saints football and Who Dat Nation are all about. Imagine thousands of fans in black and gold yelling WHO DAT inside the Stade de France! And wouldn’t it be something if our Saints gave those fans a victory to remember? We’ve had enough embarrassment this season. Maybe a change of scenery, a little French atmosphere, and a win last Sunday are exactly what this team needs to get something going.
TONY’S PREDICTION: All right, I know what you’re thinking. Tony finally gets one prediction right, and now he’s going to start picking the Saints every week again. Well, you’re damn right! I’m not saying we’re going to dominate Pittsburgh. I’m not saying all our problems disappeared somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. But I saw enough fight against the Giants to believe this team might finally be waking up. So I’m going with SAINTS 24, STEELERS 21! Call me crazy, call me stubborn, but I’m riding with the black and gold. Sunday, October 25, kickoff is 8:30 a.m. New Orleans time. Get your coffee ready, grab some breakfast, and settle in. And if the Saints win two straight, I might just have to trade my victory cigar for a bottle of champagne. VIVE LES SAINTS! WHO DAT!
— Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank
Posted in Who Dat's | Comments Off on From the Westbank: From the Bayou to Paris — Can the Saints Make It Two in a Row?
Who Dat Nation, we got the W against the Giants — but let’s be real, it didn’t feel good. This was one of those “bad wins” where you walk out thinking we almost gave it away.
Almost Blew It
The Saints had control, but late in the game the energy dropped. The offense stalled, the defense let the Giants hang around, and it felt like we were one mistake away from letting it slip. That’s not how you close out games. it also didnt help putting in spencer rattler.
Jamo Factor
And yeah, Jameis Winston — Jamo — now rocking Giants blue. You could see how much he loves New Orleans, and honestly, that love might’ve cost him. He pressed too hard trying to make plays against his old team, and it backfired. In a way, Jamo lost the game for the Giants because he wanted it too much.
Drew’s Take
Everyone looked shaky. The offensive line wasn’t sharp, the defense gave up too many chunk plays, and the offense couldn’t stay consistent. It was just an ugly performance all around. It was like I handed the remote to my younger sister and let her control my madden team.
Not All Doom
But here’s the thing: even ugly wins count. And in the NFC South — the worst division of all time — stacking wins matters more than style points. The Saints can’t keep playing like this, but the door to the playoffs is still wide open.
Final Thought: It was a bad win, but it was still a win. The Saints have to clean it up, play smarter, and stop living on the edge. The season isn’t over — but we can’t keep tempting fate like this.
WHO DAT ⚜️
Posted in Who Dat's | Comments Off on ⚜️ Saints vs. Giants: A Bad Win, But Still a Win
By Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank | WhoDatNation.com
New Orleans Saints 34 – New York Giants 27
WELL, WHO DAT NATION!
SOMEBODY GET ME A CIGAR!
Actually, make that TWO!
Because after three straight losses, three straight weeks of frustration, and enough bad football to make a grown man question his sanity, our New Orleans Saints finally gave us something to celebrate!
SAINTS 34. GIANTS 27.
And you know what makes this even sweeter?
I PICKED THE SAINTS TO WIN!
That’s right!
After getting my predictions wrong against Atlanta and Minnesota, I stuck my neck out again and picked New Orleans to beat the Giants.
I predicted 20–17.
Okay, so I missed the score by a little.
But I got the winner right!
And after the way this season has gone, I’m taking that victory and running with it.
Now, before everybody starts planning the Super Bowl parade, we need to talk about what happened Sunday.
Because this game nearly killed me.
Down 10–0, and I Was Ready to Throw Something
Here we go again.
That’s exactly what I was thinking when the Giants jumped out to a 10–0 lead.
Jameis Winston, our former quarterback, was moving the football. The Saints couldn’t get much going offensively, and I was sitting there wondering if I’d made another ridiculous prediction.
I could already hear my friends laughing.
“Tony, when are you going to learn?”
But then something happened.
The Saints actually started making plays.
Daniel Carlson drilled a 58-yard field goal.
Then, on the ensuing kickoff, the Giants fumbled and Oscar Delp recovered the football.
Suddenly, New Orleans had an opportunity.
And with five seconds left in the first half, Tyler Shough found Bryce Lance for a two-yard touchdown.
10–10 at halftime.
Now THAT was something I hadn’t seen enough of lately.
A team that got punched in the mouth and actually punched back.
Tyler Shough Finally Gave Us Something to Smile About
Remember last week?
Ninety-six passing yards against Minnesota.
Two interceptions.
An offense that looked like it couldn’t find the end zone with a GPS.
Well, this week Tyler Shough decided he’d had enough of that nonsense.
He completed 16 of 30 passes for 144 yards, three touchdowns, and ZERO interceptions.
And he added a rushing touchdown.
FOUR TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS!
Now, 144 passing yards isn’t exactly Drew Brees territory.
But I don’t care.
You know what I care about?
Touchdowns.
Taking care of the football.
And winning.
Shough did all three.
He found Alvin Kamara for a 31-yard touchdown early in the third quarter.
Then he ran one in himself from a yard out.
And when he connected with Chris Olave for an 18-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, the Saints were suddenly ahead 34–10.
THIRTY-FOUR TO TEN!
I nearly fell out of my chair.
For the first time in weeks, I was actually enjoying watching this football team.
And then…
Well, you know what happened.
Leave It to the Saints to Make a 24-Point Lead Feel Dangerous
I swear, this team is going to be the death of me.
We’re ahead 34–10 in the fourth quarter.
Twenty-four points!
I’m thinking about lighting my victory cigar.
I’m thinking about how good it’s going to feel to write something positive.
I’m even thinking about apologizing to Kellen Moore for some of the things I’ve said about him.
And then the Giants start coming back.
Jameis Winston gets replaced by J.J. McCarthy.
And suddenly New York remembers how to play offense.
Touchdown.
Another touchdown.
Field goal.
And before I can finish yelling at my television, it’s 34–27.
SEVEN POINTS!
The Giants had gone from being completely buried to having a chance to tie the game.
And wouldn’t you know it, they got the football back.
McCarthy started marching them down the field.
I’m sitting there with my cigar, wondering whether my blood pressure medication is strong enough.
New York reached the Saints’ 14-yard line.
Fourteen yards away from potentially sending this game into overtime.
But the Saints defense finally got the stop.
And when that final pass fell incomplete?
I didn’t care how ugly the ending was.
WE WON!
The Defense Deserves Credit. But We Still Have Problems.
Let’s give credit where it’s due.
Martin Emerson Jr. intercepted two passes.
Julian Blackmon added another interception.
The Saints forced four turnovers while committing just one themselves.
And those takeaways helped change the entire game.
That’s what I’ve been asking for!
Make plays.
Create opportunities.
Give your offense a chance.
And for much of Sunday, that’s exactly what the defense did.
But here’s the part we can’t ignore.
The Giants finished with 461 total yards.
Four hundred sixty-one!
New York’s quarterbacks combined for 395 passing yards before sack adjustments.
And Malik Nabers caught 12 passes for 165 yards.
That’s not exactly a defensive masterpiece.
The Saints gave up 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and nearly let a 24-point lead disappear.
So yes, I’m happy.
But I’m not blind.
Good teams know how to finish games.
And if we’re going to turn this season around, that fourth quarter needs to be a serious topic of conversation this week.
Because you can’t expect to win many football games giving up that kind of yardage and letting teams back into games.
Still, when you force four turnovers and win on the road, you’ve earned some credit.
And today, the defense earned it.
How About That Running Game?
Here’s something else I liked.
175 rushing yards!
Remember when we couldn’t run the football against Minnesota?
Well, somebody apparently remembered that running backs are allowed to carry the ball.
Kendre Miller led the way with 70 yards on 20 carries.
Alvin Kamara added 34 yards on seven carries, and Shough chipped in another 32.
And C.J. Donaldson contributed 39 yards on six attempts.
Was it perfect?
No.
But it was a running game.
And that’s something we desperately needed.
The Saints finished with 319 total yards, compared to the Giants’ 461.
So no, we didn’t dominate statistically.
But football games aren’t won by whoever has the prettiest box score.
They’re won by whoever scores the most points.
And for once, that was us.
Gayle Benson Asked for Better. She Got a Win.
Remember what we were talking about Friday?
Gayle Benson had expressed her disappointment with the Saints’ start and visited practice to show her support for Kellen Moore.
And I asked whether heads might roll if the Saints went to New York and lost to Jameis Winston.
Well, Mrs. Benson, you got your victory.
And Coach Moore, congratulations.
You needed this one.
The players needed it.
The fans needed it.
And this entire organization needed something positive after the last three weeks.
Does one victory fix everything?
Absolutely not.
But it gives everybody a chance to stop talking about who’s getting fired and start talking about how to build on a win.
That’s a much better conversation.
And I have to give Moore credit.
His offense scored 34 points.
Shough accounted for four touchdowns.
The running game finally showed some life.
And the Saints made enough plays to win.
That’s progress.
Now let’s see if they can do it again.
Jameis, I Still Like You. But Not Today!
I’ve got to say something about our old quarterback.
Jameis Winston finished 14 of 26 for 152 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions before being replaced.
And I’ll admit, I had mixed feelings watching him.
I always liked Jameis.
He brought personality and enthusiasm to New Orleans.
But Sunday?
Sorry, Jameis.
I wanted you to lose.
And you did.
No hard feelings.
You can go back to being one of my favorite former Saints tomorrow.
But today belongs to the black and gold.
From New York to Paris — Now Don’t Waste This Momentum!
Now comes the interesting part.
The Saints are heading to France for their next game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Think about that.
A team that looked completely lost a week ago is now boarding a plane for Paris with a victory under its belt.
That’s got to feel a whole lot better than making that trip after four straight losses.
We’re 2–4.
No, that’s not a great record.
But look around the NFC South.
Carolina is 3–2.
Atlanta is 2–4.
Tampa Bay is 1–5.
We’re still in this thing!
I know. I know.
Some of y’all are rolling your eyes.
“Tony, don’t start talking playoffs after one win.”
And you’re right.
I’m not booking any postseason tickets.
But I’m also not burying a team that’s still very much within reach of the division leaders.
One victory doesn’t save a season.
But sometimes one victory is exactly what a struggling team needs to start believing again.
The Saints have a chance to build on this.
The question is whether they will.
Tony’s Final Thoughts: I’ll Take an Ugly Win Over a Beautiful Loss Every Time
Last week, I asked whether heads would roll if the Saints lost to Jameis Winston.
This week?
I’m just happy we don’t have to find out.
I predicted a Saints victory.
And for once, the boys didn’t make me look like a complete idiot.
They only made me look like a nervous wreck.
But I’ll take it.
I’ll take the four touchdowns from Shough.
I’ll take the 175 rushing yards.
I’ll take the interceptions.
I’ll take the turnovers.
And I’ll absolutely take the victory.
But I’m not forgetting that fourth quarter.
I’m not forgetting the 461 yards we allowed.
And I’m not forgetting that this team still has a whole lot of work to do.
Because here’s the difference between being a loyal Saints fan and being a fool.
A loyal fan celebrates the wins.
A fool pretends the problems disappeared.
I’m celebrating tonight. But I’m keeping my eyes open.
To Kellen Moore and the players, congratulations.
You earned this one.
Now don’t make us wait another month for the next victory.
And to Who Dat Nation?
Light that cigar.
Pour that drink.
Enjoy your Sunday night.
THE SAINTS WON A FOOTBALL GAME!
And after the last three weeks, that feels pretty damn good.
SAINTS 34. GIANTS 27.
WHO DAT!
— Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank
Posted in Who Dat's | Comments Off on From the Westbank: I Picked the Saints. They Won. And I Nearly Had a Heart Attack!
By Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank | WhoDatNation.com
Well, Who Dat Nation, here we go again.
Another week. Another football game. Another chance for our New Orleans Saints to prove they’re actually capable of playing sixty minutes of NFL football.
And after watching this team stumble to a 1–4 record, I’ve got to tell y’all something.
I’m running out of cigars, patience, and excuses.
Last week, I told the Saints to show me something different.
Instead, Minnesota came into the Superdome, held our offense to 142 total yards, and handed us our third straight loss.
Now we’re heading to New York to face the Giants.
And guess who’s waiting for us?
JAMEIS WINSTON!
That’s right. Our old quarterback.
The man who spent four seasons wearing the black and gold is now running the offense for the New York Giants.
And if you think Jameis wouldn’t love to beat his former team, I’ve got some beachfront property in the Ninth Ward I’d like to sell you.
But here’s what really makes this game interesting.
Saints owner Gayle Benson has finally said publicly what Saints fans have been screaming at their televisions for weeks.
This is unacceptable.
And now I’m wondering something.
If the Saints go to New York and lose to Jameis Winston, are some heads finally going to roll?
When Mrs. Benson Starts Talking, You Better Listen
I’ve been following this football team for a long time.
And one thing I’ve learned is that when the person who signs the checks starts publicly expressing disappointment, everybody in that building ought to pay attention.
This week, Gayle Benson made it clear that the Saints’ performance isn’t meeting expectations.
And you know what?
GOOD!
Because it isn’t.
We’re 1–4.
We’ve lost three straight games.
We’ve lost every home game we’ve played this season.
And we’ve managed to turn two special celebrations of Saints history into afternoons we’d all rather forget.
First, the twentieth anniversary of Domecoming.
Then, Drew Brees being honored in the Saints Ring of Honor.
Two incredible occasions.
Two embarrassing losses.
Now Mrs. Benson has spoken out, and on Friday she even showed up at practice.
Reports say she and Coach Kellen Moore shared a hug and a conversation.
That’s nice.
I’m glad everybody’s getting along.
But Tony from the Westbank has a question.
Can somebody hug this football team into blocking, tackling, and scoring touchdowns?
Because if that’s all it takes, I’ll drive to New Orleans myself and start hugging people.
Seriously, though, I don’t believe Gayle Benson showed up at practice just to create headlines. Owners visit practices, and Moore says they’re on the same page.
But nobody should mistake her support for satisfaction.
She wants results.
So do I.
And so does every Saints fan who’s spent money on tickets, jerseys, parking, and overpriced stadium beer.
Jameis Winston: Of Course It Had to Be Him
Now let’s talk about Jameis.
I always liked the guy.
Say what you want about his football decisions, but Jameis Winston never lacked personality.
He could make you jump out of your chair with a beautiful touchdown pass.
And five minutes later, he could make you throw the remote across the living room.
That’s Jameis.
You never knew exactly what you were going to get.
But the man loved New Orleans. He embraced this city, our fans, and our football team.
And now he’s getting another opportunity as the Giants’ starting quarterback.
Through his three starts, New York hasn’t lost with him running the show. They’re 2–0–1 in those games.
And the Giants are 3–1–1 overall.
Meanwhile, we’re 1–4 and still trying to figure out how to put together a decent offensive drive.
Tell me that doesn’t make your stomach turn.
Here’s the thing about Jameis.
He can be unpredictable. He can take chances. He can throw a football into a window that probably shouldn’t be attempted.
But he can also get hot.
And if our defense lets him get comfortable Sunday, he could have one of those afternoons where everything starts clicking.
I don’t want to see Jameis celebrating on the sideline while our defense stands around looking confused.
Not this week.
Not against our former quarterback.
And definitely not with the whole city already wondering what’s wrong with this team.
Tyler Shough Needs Help. NOW.
I’ve been hard on Tyler Shough lately.
But let’s be fair.
Against Minnesota, he threw for only 96 yards with two interceptions.
That’s terrible.
No argument.
But what exactly is he supposed to do when the offensive line can’t protect him and the running game can’t get going?
Football isn’t a one-man sport.
Shough needs time to throw.
He needs receivers getting open.
And he needs a running game that forces defenses to think about something besides rushing the quarterback.
Alvin Kamara has been dealing with a back injury, and Chris Olave has been dealing with an illness. Both are listed as questionable heading into Sunday.
That’s not exactly encouraging.
But injuries or not, Kellen Moore has to find a way to put this offense in a position to succeed.
Short passes.
Quick decisions.
Better blocking.
A little creativity.
Something!
Because if I have to sit through another game where the Saints struggle to reach 150 yards of offense, somebody better check my blood pressure.
And while we’re at it, let’s stop acting like every defensive coordinator in the NFL has discovered some secret formula.
When your offensive line can’t block, the opposing defense doesn’t need a secret formula.
It just needs to show up.
The Defense Has an Opportunity
Here’s some good news.
Jameis Winston can be pressured.
And the Giants have had problems protecting him.
That’s an opportunity for our defensive front.
Cam Jordan and company need to make Jameis uncomfortable from the opening series.
Don’t let him settle in.
Don’t let him stand in the pocket all afternoon.
And for the love of everything black and gold, when somebody has the football in his hands, TACKLE HIM!
We’ve seen too many missed tackles, too many big plays, and too many drives where the defense seems to forget how to get off the field.
The Giants aren’t some unbeatable powerhouse.
They’re a team finding ways to win football games.
Something we used to know how to do.
And that’s what bothers me.
You look at these two teams, and I don’t believe the Saints are so lacking in talent that they should automatically lose.
But right now, New York is playing with confidence.
And New Orleans?
We’re playing like a team waiting for something bad to happen.
That has to change.
Will Heads Roll If We Lose?
Now let’s get to the question everybody’s thinking about.
If the Saints lose to the Giants on Sunday, does somebody lose his job?
Maybe.
But I wouldn’t bet my last cigar on it.
Kellen Moore is still trying to establish himself as the head coach of this football team. And firing coaches every time things go wrong isn’t exactly a recipe for building a winning organization.
But there has to be accountability.
And I’m not just talking about the head coach.
I’m talking about everybody.
The coordinators.
The position coaches.
The players.
The front office.
When a team starts 1–4, nobody gets to point fingers and pretend they’re innocent.
And here’s something else.
Losing to Jameis Winston wouldn’t automatically mean somebody deserves to be fired.
But losing to Jameis while looking as unprepared and confused as we did against Minnesota?
That’s a different conversation.
Because at some point, the question stops being whether this team has talent.
The question becomes whether the people running it know how to use that talent.
And if the Saints fall to 1–5, Mrs. Benson is going to have some difficult questions to ask.
She might not make changes immediately.
But I guarantee you the fans will be demanding answers.
And they should.
Tony’s Prediction: My Heart and My Head Are Fighting Again
All right, here comes the part where everybody gets to laugh at me.
I’ve picked the Saints to win the last two weeks.
And both times, they’ve made me look like a fool.
Against Atlanta, I believed the Domecoming anniversary would inspire them.
Wrong.
Against Minnesota, I believed honoring Drew Brees would light a fire under this team.
Wrong again.
Now we’re playing the Giants.
On the road.
Against our former quarterback.
And I’m supposed to make another prediction?
Good Lord.
My heart tells me the Saints are better than 1–4.
My head tells me they haven’t shown much evidence of that lately.
But there’s one thing I keep coming back to.
The Giants are beatable.
Jameis can make mistakes.
And this Saints team has enough talent to win a football game if the offensive line holds up and the defense actually tackles somebody.
So here goes.
Tony’s Prediction: Saints 20, Giants 17.
There.
I said it.
Again.
Maybe I’m stubborn.
Maybe I’m crazy.
Maybe thirty-plus years of Saints football have finally done permanent damage to my brain.
But I’m not picking Jameis Winston to beat my Saints.
Not yet.
And if they prove me wrong again?
Well, I might have to let somebody else make next week’s prediction.
Final Thoughts From the Westbank: The Time for Talking Is Over
I want to finish with something serious.
Gayle Benson is right to be disappointed.
The fans are right to be angry.
And Kellen Moore and his players have every right to believe they can turn this season around.
But belief doesn’t win football games.
Blocking does.
Tackling does.
Execution does.
And when you keep losing, somebody eventually has to answer for it.
I don’t want to see anybody lose his job.
I don’t enjoy watching coaches get fired or players get released.
I want to see this team WIN.
I want to see Tyler Shough develop into the quarterback we believe he can become.
I want to see Alvin Kamara have room to run.
I want to see Chris Olave making big catches.
I want to see Cam Jordan and this defense make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
And most of all, I want to watch a Saints game without wondering how they’re going to find a way to lose it.
Is that too much to ask?
Sunday, October 18. MetLife Stadium. Noon New Orleans time.
Saints versus Giants.
Jameis Winston versus his old team.
Gayle Benson watching.
Kellen Moore feeling the pressure.
And Tony from the Westbank sitting there with his cigar, hoping somebody finally gives him a reason to smile.
Because if we lose this one, the question won’t just be whether the season can be saved.
It’ll be whether somebody’s job can be saved.
Come on, Saints.
Don’t make me regret picking you again.
WHO DAT!
— Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank
Posted in Who Dat's | Comments Off on From the Westbank: Lose to Jameis… and Heads Could Roll?
Who Dat Nation, I’ve got to say it straight — that game against the Vikings was awful. There’s no sugarcoating it.
Everyone Struggled
The offensive line? Terrible. No protection, no push in the run game, and Shough was running for his life. The defense? Even worse. Missed tackles, blown coverages, zero energy. It felt like every unit on the field was out of sync, and that’s not how you win in the NFL. the only redeeming thing was the 2 fumbles caused by the defense.
Domecoming Hangover
After letting us down in Domecoming, this was supposed to be the bounce-back. Instead, the Saints looked flat again. As a fan, it’s frustrating and disappointing to watch — especially when you know how much talent is on this roster.
Drew’s Take
I’m disappointed. Everyone sucked. It was just an awful game. If the Saints keep playing like that, we’re not going anywhere. But here’s the thing: the season isn’t over.
The NFC South Factor
The only silver lining is that the NFC South might be the worst division of all time. Nobody’s running away with it. That means even after ugly losses, the Saints still have a path to bounce back, stack some wins, and fight their way into the playoffs.
Final Thought: This game was embarrassing, but it’s not the end. The Saints have to wake up, play with pride, and take advantage of a weak division. The playoffs are still possible — but only if we stop looking like this.
WHO DAT ⚜️
Posted in Who Dat's | Comments Off on Saints vs. Vikings: Ugly Loss, But Season Not Dead
Last week, after that embarrassing loss to Atlanta, I wrote a story titled “No More Speeches. Show Me.”
I told the Saints I didn’t want to hear about preparation. I didn’t want excuses. I didn’t want another press conference explaining what went wrong.
I wanted them to SHOW ME.
Well, they showed me, all right.
And I wish to hell they hadn’t.
Minnesota came into the Superdome Sunday afternoon, beat us 23–13, and sent the Saints to 1–4.
Three straight losses. Three straight home losses.
And once again, on a day when we were celebrating one of the greatest players in Saints history, our football team couldn’t give the fans something worth celebrating.
I’ve got my cigar. I’ve got my drink. And I’ve got a question.
What in the hell has happened to our New Orleans Saints?
Ninety-Six Yards. Are You Kidding Me?
Let’s start with the offense.
Tyler Shough finished the game completing 16 of 25 passes for 96 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Ninety-six passing yards.
Not 196.
Not 296.
NINETY-SIX!
The entire Saints offense managed 142 total yards.
I’ve seen more offensive movement in a grocery store checkout line on a Sunday morning.
Now, I’m not putting this entire disaster on Shough. The kid has shown us he can play football. We’ve watched him throw for big numbers earlier this season.
But today? He looked lost.
And that offensive line?
I don’t know what to say anymore.
We spent all week talking about Minnesota’s defensive pressure. We knew the Vikings were going to bring the heat. Everybody in New Orleans knew it.
Apparently, knowing it and doing something about it are two entirely different things.
Chris Olave finished with four catches for 46 yards. Kendre Miller had 30 rushing yards on ten carries. Alvin Kamara carried the ball just three times for 12 yards.
Three carries for Kamara.
Let that sink in.
I’m not saying Kamara would have magically fixed everything. But when your offense is struggling to move the football, you’d think finding ways to get one of your most experienced playmakers involved might be worth considering.
Instead, we watched an offense that couldn’t sustain drives, couldn’t establish a running game, and couldn’t find answers.
And I’m tired of hearing that we’re going to fix it next week.
The Defense Gave Us a Chance. The Offense Gave It Right Back.
Here’s what really gets me.
For all the problems this team has, the defense actually gave us a moment to believe.
Late in the third quarter, Jonas Sanker scooped up a Minnesota fumble and returned it 87 yards for a touchdown.
Eighty-seven yards!
Suddenly, it was 13–13.
The Superdome had life again.
For a few minutes, I thought maybe this was the turning point. Maybe this was the spark we’d been waiting for.
Maybe somebody had finally decided enough was enough.
And what happened?
Minnesota marched down the field and Aaron Jones scored on an eight-yard touchdown run to open the fourth quarter.
Just like that, the Vikings were back in front.
Minnesota finished with 364 total yards. Aaron Jones rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown. Kyler Murray completed 24 of 30 passes for 229 yards and a touchdown.
And while our defense certainly wasn’t perfect, I’m not putting this one entirely on them.
When your offense produces 142 yards and gives the football away twice, you’re asking your defense to perform miracles.
That’s not a winning formula.
That’s a recipe for another miserable Sunday.
Drew Brees Deserved Better Than This
This is the part that bothers me most.
Last week, we celebrated twenty years since the 2006 Domecoming, and the Falcons embarrassed us.
This week, Drew Brees returned to the Superdome to be inducted into the Saints Ring of Honor.
Drew Brees.
The man who helped change everything.
The quarterback who came to New Orleans when this city was still trying to find its footing after Katrina.
The man who gave us hope, gave us unforgettable Sundays, and eventually gave us a Super Bowl championship.
He deserved a standing ovation.
He deserved every bit of recognition he received.
And the fans deserved a football team that understood the significance of the occasion.
Instead, we got another loss.
Think about that.
Two consecutive home games celebrating two of the most important chapters in Saints history.
And two losses.
I’m not saying the players don’t care.
But I am saying that whatever they’re doing isn’t nearly good enough.
Because the Saints teams Drew Brees led weren’t perfect. They lost games. They had bad afternoons.
But you always felt like they had a chance.
Right now?
I’m watching this team and wondering where the next first down is coming from.
That’s a terrible feeling for a Saints fan.
Kellen Moore, It’s Time for Some Answers
Look, I understand this is a long season.
I understand injuries happen.
I understand Minnesota came into this game undefeated, with one of the toughest defenses in football.
But I also understand something else.
Good coaches find ways to adjust.
When something isn’t working, you change it.
When your quarterback is struggling, you find ways to make his job easier.
When your running game disappears, you figure out why.
And when your football team loses three straight games, somebody has to take responsibility.
Kellen Moore, I don’t expect you to perform miracles.
But I do expect to see improvement.
Right now, I’m not seeing much.
We have a quarterback who’s gone from looking promising to looking overwhelmed. We have an offense that can’t stay on the field. And we have a team that keeps finding new ways to disappoint its fans.
At some point, the explanations have to turn into solutions.
Because 1–4 isn’t just a bad start anymore.
It’s becoming a very serious problem.
And Now We Have to Go on the Road
Next Sunday, the Saints head to New York to face the Giants.
And after that, we’re off to Paris to play Pittsburgh.
Two more games away from the Superdome.
Maybe getting out of New Orleans will actually do this team some good.
Because apparently playing at home isn’t helping.
We’re 0–3 in the Dome this season.
Can you believe that?
The Superdome used to be a place opposing teams dreaded visiting.
The noise. The energy. The fans. The atmosphere.
Now teams are coming in and leaving with victories while we’re left trying to figure out what went wrong.
And here’s the scary part.
If this team doesn’t figure something out quickly, we’re going to be talking about draft picks before Halloween.
I don’t want that.
I didn’t wait all offseason for five weeks of football to make me start thinking about next year.
But I’m also not going to pretend everything is fine.
It isn’t.
Tony’s Final Thoughts: I’m Still Here. But I’m Running Out of Patience.
Last week, I predicted the Saints would beat Minnesota 23–20.
I believed the emotion of honoring Drew Brees, combined with the embarrassment of losing to Atlanta, would bring out something special in this team.
I was wrong.
Again.
And I can admit that.
I’ve been a Saints fan long enough to know that sometimes your heart makes predictions your brain should have stopped.
But here’s what I want everybody to understand.
I’m not angry because the Saints lost to an undefeated Minnesota team.
I’m angry because of how they lost.
One hundred forty-two yards of offense.
Ninety-six passing yards.
Two interceptions.
Another wasted opportunity.
Another celebration of Saints history overshadowed by a disappointing performance.
And another Sunday night wondering where this team goes from here.
I don’t need this team to win the Super Bowl this year.
I don’t even need them to win every Sunday.
But I need to see some pride.
Some improvement.
Some evidence that the coaches and players have a plan to turn this thing around.
Because right now, I don’t see it.
And that hurts.
I love this team. I’ve loved them through the good years, the bad years, the paper bags, the heartbreak, and the Super Bowl.
I’m not going anywhere.
But being loyal doesn’t mean being blind.
This isn’t good enough. Not for New Orleans. Not for the fans. And not for that fleur-de-lis.
So congratulations, Drew Brees. Thank you for everything you gave this city. You reminded us what Saints football can be when leadership, talent, preparation, and heart come together.
As for the current Saints?
I’ve got one more thing to say.
Last week I told you to show me.
Today, you did.
Now show me something DIFFERENT.
WHO DAT!
— Anthony “Tony” from the Westbank
Posted in Who Dat's | Comments Off on From the Westbank: I Said Show Me. Well, They Showed Me
Who Dat Nation, this one isn’t just another game. After the Domecoming letdown against the Falcons, the Saints have to prove they can respond. Sunday Morning against Minnesota is the perfect chance to show we’re not folding — we’re fighting.
The NFC South is still wide open. One bad night doesn’t end the season, but stacking losses does. Beating the Vikings isn’t just about the standings — it’s about confidence, momentum, and proving to the fans that this team can finish games.
Saints Offense: Tyler Shough needs protection. The offensive line was a disaster last week, and if they don’t step up, the Vikings’ pass rush will feast.
Saints Defense: Bijan Robinson ran wild on us, and now we face another tough test. The defense has to tackle better and play with pride.
Vikings: They’re not unbeatable, but they’re disciplined. If the Saints bring energy for all four quarters, this game is winnable.
This is bounce-back time. The Saints can’t afford another flat performance. I think Shough makes enough plays, the defense tightens up, and the team shows some fight.
Final Score Prediction: Saints 17, Vikings 14.
Posted in Who Dat's | Comments Off on Saints vs. Vikings — Time to Bounce Back
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