NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Saints head coach Kellen Moore called the Rams the better team in Sunday’s loss and acknowledged New Orleans didn’t take advantage of the opportunities that were available.
Linebacker Nephi Sewell Tolley and tight end Jack Stoll have high-ankle injuries and will be evaluated week to week. It will likely be difficult for either to play this week.
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Moore pointed to fundamentals — tackling, blocking and protecting the football — as the primary failures in the loss. The Saints had “way too many missed tackles” and need to run the ball more efficiently on early downs to avoid unfavorable second- and third-down situations.
There were positives from quarterback Tyler Shough, according to Moore, including command of the offense, operation and examples of stepping up in the pocket. However, the Saints didn’t get enough snaps and weren’t able to finish drives.
Moore said Shough’s performance is something he can build on.
The Saints need to get into the red zone more often to better utilize certain players, and Moore said he must do a better job of creating those opportunities.
The team’s run game, offensive identity and overall consistency are still developing and the Saints must be more detailed. Turnovers have become “a little bit of a trend” over the last couple of weeks after mostly protecting the football earlier in the season.
There is frustration because the Saints haven’t met the standard, but there is still “plenty of football ahead.” Moore said the team must push through adversity together.
The organization will continue regular communication on personnel — Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis speak daily. Development of young players can still occur while trying to win games, and Shough is considered an example of development occurring even before he played.
Veterans such as Demario Davis and Cameron Jordan continue to provide examples for younger players.
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Moore said when the team is in pads, it must take advantage of the work to improve tackling, though the length of practice is affected by the wear and tear of the season.
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