Saints can win, but a lot must change

Nick Underhill explains why he is picking the Saints to beat the Giants after Gayle Benson called their 1–4 start unacceptable. He examines Kellen Moore’s response, Tyler Shough’s and Erik McCoy’s reactions, and why the Giants–Steelers stretch puts Moore and Mickey Loomis under pressure.

The pick comes with a warning: Nick uses PFF play-calling tendencies and down-by-down success rates to show why the Saints’ offense is built on an unstable foundation. Screens and play action are scarce, first- and second-down success lags, and their strong third- and fourth-down results cannot carry the offense forever. He also answers whether Benson’s comments should affect Jordyn Tyson’s return.

00:00 The Saints pick, despite the warning signs

00:28 Welcome to the show

01:28 Why Nick is picking the Saints against the Giants

04:38 Gayle Benson’s message and Kellen Moore’s response

11:35 Preparation, urgency and the pressure on Moore and Loomis

14:48 Tyler Shough reacts to Benson’s comments

17:14 Erik McCoy on the team’s sense of urgency

19:11 Commercial break A

22:56 Saints play-calling: motion, screens, play action and tempo

27:17 The early-down problem and unsustainable third- and fourth-down success