What went wrong in Nashville for the Saints
This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to travel to Nashville and see the Saints take on the Titans. Although it was a cold and windy day in Music City, the Saints seemed red hot coming into this game as they needed a win to bounce back from last week’s loss against the Falcons. Unfortunately, things didn’t go the Saints way as they would end up falling to 5-4 in a 23-21 loss. Let’s break down the things that went wrong here.
What went wrong…
Let’s dive into it. For starters, the Saints have a gaping hole of inconsistency at the kicker position. Brian Johnson would make 1 of his 3 attempts on Sunday. Missing these two points were not the sole reason the Saints lost this game, but it played a major part. As I was there in the stadium, I can attest to the fact that it was a bit windy which could’ve played a part in these missed attempts, but missing back to back field goals is hard to excuse. Moving forward, the Saints are going to need to focus more on this position because these extra points matter in close games.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 14: Adam Trautman #82 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
TE Adam Trautman needs to be addressed. While he would end the game with 5 receptions for 32 yards, he would ultimately play a part in the Saints’ demise. On a 2 point conversion attempt that would’ve had the Saints possibly sending the game into overtime, Trautman would jump off sides, sending the Saints backwards and forcing them to throw rather than have Hill attempt to run it in. Trautman has consistently made headline news for game breaking plays like this. Moving forward, Trautman needs to clean up his act. These type of plays will make or break the Saints moving into the post season (if they make it that far).
I’m not sure why we aren’t seeing more of Taysom Hill, but man do the Saints need the energy he brings to the field and this offense. Whenever Hill is under center at QB, you’re not sure what he’s about to do. Is he going to throw the ball or run it up the middle or possibly to the side. Defenses usually are scrambling trying to figure out how to take this power house of a human being down. Part of this may be due to the fact that Hill suffered a concussion a few weeks back in Washington. Since coming back, Hill’s role in the game plan has been limited. Health may be a concern and if it is, all we can hope for is that Taysom Hill recovers soon and can be more of an integral role in this offense.
The score is what it is and the Saints are going to need to put this loss behind them. Coming up for them is a game with the Philadelphia Eagles. That game will by no means be an easy one. Last season, QB Jalen Hurts would end up with over 100 rushing yards as the defense spent the entire game in a frenzy trying to contain him. The Saints can definitely go into this game and win. Over this season, the Saints have proven to be a better team on the road. Let’s hope for a bounce back victory this week as the Saints are looking to return back to New Orleans a victor.
