Saints' Ugly Preseason Loss to Rams: Three Key Takeaways
Source: Nola Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The New Orleans Saints were not merely outscored in their 34-0 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. They were thoroughly outplayed in every phase of the game. The Rams, by contrast, displayed the polish and intensity of a Super Bowl contender, while the Saints appeared sluggish, unfocused, and plagued by self-inflicted errors. It marked the first time since 1971 that the Saints were shut out by such a large margin in the preseason, when the Philadelphia Eagles blanked them 34-0.
Even by the often messy standards of preseason football, this performance was notably ugly. The Saints committed three turnovers, two of which came inside the red zone, and were flagged for 12 penalties totaling 96 yards. Twice they were penalized for having 12 defensive players on the field. The first half alone told the story: the Rams held a 20-0 lead, outgaining the Saints 272-98 in total yards and 19-4 in first downs. New Orleans had more penalties (six for 57 yards) than first downs (four).
Former Saints tackle Jon Stinchcomb, speaking on the WVUE-TV broadcast, did not mince words. "There is just an intensity that is lacking right now," he said. "It has been startling, really, the lack of execution, the lack of intensity and lack of focus." Jermon Bushrod echoed that sentiment during halftime, noting, "We look flat. We look like we are getting out-physicaled."
The Saints showed a brief spark to start the second half. Quarterback Spencer Rattler drove the offense inside the Rams' 10-yard line, but the drive ended disastrously when Alex Cook intercepted a pass at the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. Head coach Kellen Moore, who typically maintains a positive demeanor on the sideline, could not hide his frustration. Cameras caught him shaking his head and waving his hands more than once.
Both quarterbacks had difficult days. Zach Wilson, who started the game, could not build on his strong Week 1 performance. Over four first-half drives, he managed only four first downs and never crossed the Rams' 40-yard line. He completed 6 of 12 passes for 55 yards, posting a passer rating of 28.1. He was not helped by his teammates: penalties derailed the first two drives, and a dropped pass stalled another. His interception resulted from a miscommunication with Bub Means on an option route.
Rattler fared little better. In addition to the pick-six, he failed to lead the Saints to any points in five second-half series. He finished 14 of 23 for 141 yards, with a passer rating of 60.2. The Rams defense consistently pressured both quarterbacks, and the Saints' offensive line struggled to provide protection.
Defensively, the Rams targeted veteran cornerback Martin Emerson early and often. His coverage was not terrible, but he surrendered the bulk of the yardage on a 14-play, 63-yard drive that ended in a field goal. On the first two Rams possessions, Emerson was targeted six times, allowing three catches for 24 yards and drawing a defensive holding penalty. It could have been worse, but Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett overthrew Tyler Scott, who had beaten Emerson on a post pattern. With Quincy Riley sidelined by a groin injury, the Saints are counting on Emerson to provide depth at cornerback. He has flashed in coverage during camp but was clearly picked on by the Rams.
This loss leaves more questions than answers for the Saints as they prepare for the regular season. The combination of penalties, turnovers, and a lack of intensity suggests deeper issues that need urgent attention.
Article commentary
The Saints' 34-0 preseason loss to the Rams is more than just a scoreline—it is a warning sign. Preseason games are often dismissed as meaningless, but the manner of this defeat reveals systemic problems that could derail New Orleans' season before it begins. The most alarming element is the lack of intensity and discipline. Twelve penalties, three turnovers, and repeated mental errors like having 12 men on the field are not the hallmarks of a well-coached team. Kellen Moore's visible frustration on the sideline suggests he knows the gravity of the situation. Quarterback play remains a glaring concern. Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler are competing for the backup role, but neither has inspired confidence. Wilson's 28.1 passer rating is abysmal, even by preseason standards. His inability to move the offense beyond midfield is troubling. Rattler's pick-six was a backbreaker, and his overall performance was mediocre. The Saints' offense under new offensive coordinator might need a complete overhaul if these are the options behind the starter. Defensively, the targeting of Martin Emerson is worth monitoring. The Rams clearly identified him as a weak link, and he was exposed repeatedly. With Quincy Riley injured, the Saints need Emerson to step up, but Saturday's game showed he is not ready for a significant role. The secondary depth is a major question mark. More broadly, the Saints' schedule of five live competitions in 10 days may have contributed to fatigue, but that is a poor excuse for a performance that lacked basic fundamentals. The Rams, playing their own preseason games, looked sharp and hungry. That contrast is what should worry Saints fans most. The team's culture—once built on discipline and toughness under previous regimes—appears to have eroded. Looking ahead, the Saints have two more preseason games to correct these issues. They must reduce penalties, clean up the quarterback play, and find reliable depth at cornerback. If they cannot, the regular season could be a long one. For now, this ugly loss serves as a wake-up call. The question is whether the team will respond or remain mired in the same sloppy habits.