New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley walks across the indoor field during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on Airline Dr. in Metairie, La., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator [Brandon Staley](https://www.nola.com/tncms/asset/editorial/1c026a7f-dae1-4387-927b-dda2253b24a5/) pushed back Thursday on comments ESPN color commentator Troy Aikman made during Monday’s 45-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, calling them false and saying the remarks bothered him.
Near the end of the third quarter, with the Saints down 24-10, Aikman said that Staley didn’t have “any answers and I think he knew that when we talked to him.” The former quarterback added that while Staley didn’t say that outright during their production interviews, Aikman got the sense the Saints would face a “matchup issue” due to the injuries on their defense.
The comments spread quickly, with the candidness reflecting poorly on Staley and the Saints.
“I did hear about those comments and I have no idea what he’s talking about,” Staley said. “It was a tough night for us, and certainly I’m responsible; I’m calling the defense. But we’ve got a great group of guys and no one defended that runner (Bijan Robinson) better last year than us. … We’ve got the right guys to bounce back.”
He said Aikman’s remarks bothered him “because they’re not true.”
Staley said he didn’t feel sorry for himself that the team was missing linebacker Kaden Elliss (calf), defensive end Carl Granderson (ankle) and defensive end Anfernee Jennings (knee). All three could have likely helped defend a Falcons offense that rushed for 205 yards and five touchdowns.
Staley said the performance was “very uncharacteristic” of the unit, adding he thought the game unraveled after a fourth-down penalty gave the Falcons another set of downs and helped Atlanta take a 14-0 lead.
“We never got our rhythm back as a defense and that’s what stood out to me,” Staley said.
Staley also said Robinson’s first touchdown — a 59-yard run — was a “shock to everybody” because the Saints had largely avoided those types of plays last season. The play also created a ripple effect, Staley said.
“On a lot of plays that didn’t go right that night, you’ll see guys just trying to force the issue too much,” Staley said.