NewOrleans.Football: Saints Podcast

Terron Armstead joins Nick Underhill to explain how an NFL run-game plan reaches players, what a run-game coordinator contributes, and what T.J. Paganetti’s departure may change for the Saints. Terron describes how he would address the offense’s struggles and whether the team can still recover this season. Nick and Terron also look ahead to Cleveland. After the interview, Nick reacts to Gayle Benson’s comments, reviews key health questions, and sets a concrete target for the Saints’ rushing attack.

00:00 Opening: What the Saints’ coaching change means
01:22 Terron Armstead joins to explain the run-game change
03:30 The run-game coordinator’s role and offensive identity
05:23 Will players notice T.J. Paganetti’s departure?
06:53 What a midseason coaching change signals to players
08:40 Terron’s first step to fix the run game
10:15 Why the offensive line needs more consistency
13:18 Can the Saints still turn their season around?
16:01 The Cleveland matchup
19:41 Would Terron consider coaching?
20:47 Commercial break A
24:53 Gayle Benson’s comments on possible changes
28:02 Player health and the week ahead
29:56 Commercial break B
33:46 Gordon question: What would a successful run game look like?

Kellen Moore made a move during the Saints’ bye week: T.J. Paganetti is out as run game coordinator, and Brendan Nugent will lead the run game. Nick Underhill breaks down what was and wasn’t working, the questions this change raises, and Moore’s own explanation of the staff’s new workflow. Then Nick looks back at the last four Saints draft classes and discusses why Jordyn Tyson’s story is still unfolding.

Chapters:
00:00 The Saints make a coaching change
00:26 Show introduction
01:18 Why T.J. Paganetti was let go
02:25 Will the move actually fix the run game?
04:03 Brendan Nugent’s role raises questions
05:53 Erik McCoy’s answer and the Cleveland test
07:23 The run game’s track record
09:00 What must change now
10:47 Commercial break A
14:54 Moore explains the staff changes
18:10 What remains the same for players
20:59 Moore on the decision and run-game problems
22:22 Why Nugent stayed
23:42 Can the same staff get better results?
27:03 Paganetti’s role and Moore’s response
29:06 Commercial break B
32:56 Grading the last four Saints drafts
35:48 Why it’s too soon to judge Jordyn Tyson

NewOrleans.Football

Nick Underhill examines what Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts said he spotted in Tyler Shough’s presnap checks, then compares it with his own timing study. He also reviews where the Saints stand at the bye: the NFC South, receivers, tight ends, offensive line, running backs, defense and the urgency of building around Shough.

Chapters
0:00 A decisive bye week
0:49 Welcome and show setup
1:40 The Panthers make changes in the NFC South
5:14 What Elandon Roberts noticed about Shough
7:37 Roberts explains what he saw on film
10:18 Nick’s study of the Saints’ timing
14:46 The Saints’ self-scouting challenge
16:18 Commercial break
20:03 The roster at the bye
20:55 Tyson and the receiving group
23:44 Tight ends and personnel packages
24:33 The offensive line has to improve
26:45 Running backs and returning players
28:33 How the remaining schedule could shape the season
30:35 The state of the Saints’ defense
32:40 Commercial break
35:59 How long can the Saints wait around Shough?

Nick Underhill and Mike Triplett discuss Gayle Benson's recent statements, the pressure on Kellen Moore and the changes the Saints need to make during the bye week. They examine the run game, first-quarter scoring, whether opponents are reading the offense, and how the team might approach the trade deadline. The conversation also covers the home crowd, player buy-in and which veterans the Saints should consider moving while protecting Tyler Shough's development.

CHAPTERS
0:00 A pivotal bye week for the Saints
0:22 Welcome and show setup
1:12 Mike Triplett on Gayle Benson’s statements
6:46 How much time do Moore and Loomis have?
9:51 What Kellen Moore must fix during the bye
15:22 Why the defense is a different case
16:58 Should Moore keep calling plays?
17:41 Commercial break A
21:30 Fans, attendance and pressure on ownership
24:07 Does Moore still have the locker room?
27:56 Are the Saints tipping their plays?
30:02 Saints trade deadline approach
32:14 Alvin Kamara, Cam Jordan and Cesar Ruiz
36:21 Commercial break B
39:44 Defensive trade candidates
42:19 Juwan Johnson and Tyler Shough's support
44:35 Defensive line and developing young players

Nick and Mike break down the Saints' 16-10 loss to the Steelers in Paris and discuss where Kellen Moore goes from here as the team enters its bye week.

After another slow start and poor performance from the running game, they examine why the same issues continue to plague the Saints and what needs to change to turn things around. They also discuss the mounting pressure on Moore and his coaching staff, whether significant changes are needed during the bye week, and how the team's struggles are impacting Tyler Shough's development.

Thumbnail Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

# Why I’m picking the Saints to beat the Steelers

Nick reports from Paris as the Saints prepare to face the Steelers. He discusses the wind and rain, whether New Orleans can lean on its running game, and why its slow first quarters remain a concern. He revisits Mickey Loomis’s response to Gayle Benson and asks what visible progress should look like under Kellen Moore. The show also covers pass protection, possible help for the defense, Aaron Rodgers’s snap count and Nick’s pick in the Get Gordon Question of the Day.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Saints–Steelers week from Paris
0:42 Show opening and sponsors
1:47 Wind, rain and the practice week
3:16 Will the Saints need to run the ball?
4:54 The Saints’ first-quarter problem
7:25 Kellen Moore and faster starts
8:15 Pressure after the Giants win
9:29 The Steelers’ late arrival and practice decision
10:26 Commercial break A
14:11 Mickey Loomis responds to Gayle Benson
15:31 What real progress would look like
17:48 Offensive line and blitz protection
20:15 Opening drives and first-quarter possession
21:09 A turning point for the Saints’ season
21:52 A defensive return that could change the matchup
23:08 Aaron Rodgers’ snap-count challenge
23:50 Secondary decisions and the path to a win
24:42 Commercial break B
27:38 Get Gordon: Saints or Steelers?
28:48 What the Saints must do on the first drive
29:48 The weather risk behind the pick
30:13 Paris plans and signoff

Nick Underhill reports from the Saints' week in France, then plays and reacts to Mickey Loomis' first comments since Gayle Benson's remarks about the team's results. He examines the defense's returning players, Kellen Moore's commitment to the run, Tyler Shough's development and the Saints' slow starts.

The Saints are preparing in France for their game against Pittsburgh. Nick Underhill looks at what Kaden Elliss' return could mean for the defense and why Martin Emerson deserves a larger role. He then examines whether Kellen Moore will stick with the run and play action, plays Mickey Loomis' response to Gayle Benson's comments and discusses what the organization needs to change. Loomis also addresses the team's rebuilding process, Tyler Shough, Jordyn Tyson and the finish to the last game. The Get Gordon question asks how the Saints' offensive and defensive slow starts affect each other.

Presented by Loft 18.

Chapters
0:00 Saints practice in France and what's at stake
0:41 Welcome and show sponsors
1:29 How the Giants win changed the mood in France
4:07 Kaden Elliss and other defenders return to practice
5:29 Why Martin Emerson should play more
7:35 Kellen Moore, slow starts and the running game
8:49 Why the Saints keep abandoning the run
10:37 First commercial break
14:23 Mickey Loomis responds to Gayle Benson
16:50 Can a rebuild excuse repeated mistakes?
19:55 The evaluation of Kellen Moore
21:55 What Loomis says about Tyler Shough
24:46 Jordyn Tyson's injury timeline
25:49 Loomis on the Saints' long-term goals
27:00 Learning from the late-game collapse
28:31 Second commercial break
31:50 Get Gordon: Why do the Saints start slowly?

Nick Underhill checks in from Paris ahead of Saints-Steelers. He revisits the Saints' win over the Giants, Tyler Shough's toughness, and the stretch around halftime that helped turn the game. The win bought New Orleans breathing room, but the slow starts, uneven execution, and late-game decisions still need answers.

Nick also looks at Kellen Moore's matchup with Mike McCarthy, how the Saints are handling the trip, and the injury watch for Jordyn Tyson, Kaden Elliss, and Cesar Ruiz. In the Get Gordon question of the day, he weighs whether another poor showing could prompt Gayle Benson to consider changes during the bye week.

Chapters
00:00 Saints-Steelers: A big test in Paris
00:51 Welcome to the show
01:40 Shough's toughness and the Giants rewatch
03:36 How the Saints won the middle eight
04:59 Slow starts and closing games
10:18 Day A block A
14:04 The Paris trip and Steelers test
18:22 Kellen Moore and Mike McCarthy
21:36 Injury watch: Tyson, Elliss and Ruiz
22:58 Jeremiah Wright's film and next step
25:23 Day A block B
28:18 Get Gordon: Could Gayle Benson make changes?
30:44 Coaching accountability before the bye

Thumbnail photo: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images.

Saints survive the Giants, but Kellen Moore still has work to do

The Saints found a way past the Giants, but the uneven start and a late scare left plenty to discuss. Nick Underhill and Mike Triplett examine what the win means for Kellen Moore after Gayle Benson's comments, whether the offense's best stretch can last, Tyler Shough's play, Alvin Kamara's role, and the fourth-quarter breakdown. They close with three up and three down and the Gordon question of the day: what would Moore have to show in the next game to change their assessment?

Chapters
0:00 Saints win, but the concerns remain
1:01 The fourth-quarter scare
4:56 What the win means for Kellen Moore
6:41 Gayle Benson's message
8:35 The offense showed what it can be
11:29 Slow starts and the next test
15:33 Commercial break — A block
19:19 Can the running game sustain the offense?
21:47 How the Giants nearly came back
24:45 Tyler Shough's uneven day
26:22 Moore's answers about injuries
29:30 Alvin Kamara's role
31:28 Three up, three down
34:54 Commercial break — B block
38:06 Gordon question: What would change the view of Moore?
39:29 The offensive plan Moore needs to show

Nick Underhill previews a high-stakes Saints–Giants matchup after Gayle Benson’s comments about the team’s results. He breaks down what New Orleans needs from Kellen Moore’s opening script, how Tyler Shough can answer pressure and attack the middle of the field, and what Benson’s practice visit says about her support for the coach.

Nick also walks through NOF’s new interactive playcalling and scouting tool, then answers whether an ugly loss could lead to a change—and why the next two games matter.

0:00 Why the Giants game matters
1:14 Loft 18, Matt Bowers and Ochsner
2:15 The stakes for the Saints against New York
3:09 Kellen Moore and the slow starts
5:07 Can Shough answer the blitz?
7:33 Defense without Kaden Elliss
8:05 Gayle Benson's visit to practice
13:01 Commercial break — A block
16:52 Inside NOF's playcalling simulator
19:07 Building a drive against the Giants
24:08 Setting up play action
33:18 Third and fourth down in the simulator
35:10 Commercial break — B block
38:07 Get Gordon: Could the Saints make a 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
31:43 Commercial break B
34:55 Gordon question: Should Benson’s comments affect Jordyn Tyson’s return?

Gayle Benson’s comments put Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore under fresh scrutiny. The show examines what the owner’s message means, why the Saints’ recent losses raised questions about preparation, and what Moore needs to show on the field. It also reviews Loomis’s recent draft classes, considers whether the Giants and Steelers games can change the season’s direction, and closes with a Get Gordon question about the trade deadline.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Opening and Gayle Benson’s message
5:43 What Benson’s comments mean for Moore and Loomis
8:30 Tom Benson, Drew Brees and the Saints’ standard
12:25 Kellen Moore and the next two games
15:01 Why preparation is under scrutiny
20:06 How the Saints need to respond
25:05 Day A A-block commercials
28:50 Mickey Loomis and accountability
32:16 What a coaching change could mean for the front office
37:13 Recent draft classes and roster building
41:39 Can the upcoming games change the outlook?
47:14 The offense and the three-year plan
50:59 Day A B-block commercials
53:54 The Giants game and Moore’s response
57:56 Get Gordon: trade deadline decisions

Nick Underhill reacts to Gayle Benson’s Quarterback Club remarks about the Saints’ 1–4 start, Kellen Moore and Mickey Loomis. He plays video of Benson’s speech, courtesy of Ken Trahan and Crescent City Sports, examines what her message means for accountability and the Giants and Paris games, then answers a Get Gordon question about why fans keep showing up.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Gayle Benson puts Moore and Loomis on notice
0:28 NOF opening
0:32 Welcome and show sponsors
1:16 Benson says 1–4 is unacceptable
2:47 Who Benson holds accountable
3:50 Why naming Mickey Loomis matters
4:39 A planned speech with real weight
5:13 What changes for the Saints now
6:15 Giants, Paris and the next two games
8:08 Day B A-block commercials
11:53 Return and Ken Trahan’s video
12:32 Watch Gayle Benson’s Quarterback Club remarks
13:56 Benson: one-and-four is not acceptable
15:32 Benson promises decisions to improve
16:16 Rouses: the Saints’ standard and history
18:10 Tom Benson’s legacy and today’s standard
18:48 Moore, Loomis and player accountability
19:23 Can the Saints respond on the field?
21:11 Day B B-block commercials
24:23 Get Gordon: why do fans keep showing up?
25:12 A thank-you to NOF supporters

Can Saints save their season?

Nick Underhill lays out why the Giants game and the following week in Paris could shape the Saints’ season. Terron Armstead joins to discuss how the team can reset, what he sees from the offensive line, Sean Payton’s weekly preparation and whether New York is a must-win. Nick then runs a two-round Saints mock draft and answers the Get Gordon question about whether the current schemes fit the roster.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Why Saints–Giants and the Paris trip matter
1:08 NOF opening
1:12 Welcome and show sponsors
1:50 Why the Saints need a Giants win
3:04 Tyler Shough’s hand and the missing play-action game
4:02 The schedule and a path back into contention
5:18 Resetting expectations for a young Saints team
9:30 Day B A-block commercials
13:16 Chabert Insurance and Terron introduction
13:25 Terron Armstead: how the Saints can get right
17:57 Keeping the locker room focused amid the noise
19:25 Sean Payton’s week-to-week preparation
22:42 What Terron sees from the offensive line
24:53 What makes a great offensive line coach?
25:45 Terron on Dan Roushar’s attention to detail
27:27 Finding the Saints’ identity and fixing the run game
31:55 10K Thirst Quencher: stopping mistakes from snowballing
34:46 Is the Giants game a must-win?
38:17 Terron’s belief in Tyler Shough
39:06 Could the Paris trip echo the Saints’ 2017 turnaround?
41:19 Day B B-block commercials
44:31 Bobby Hebert’s: two-round Saints mock draft
46:48 Round 1: Colin Simmons
47:17 Round 2 options and roster needs
48:44 What an edge-rusher double dip would mean
51:15 Get Gordon question: are the schemes fitting the roster?
52:17 The offensive line and the Saints’ scheme fit
54:15 NOF closing

Thumbnail photo: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images.

Nick Underhill takes a second look at the Saints' loss to the Vikings and the offense's struggle to build a consistent plan. He examines play-action and screen usage, Tyler Shough's workload and throw chart, then reacts to Kellen Moore's answers about blitzes and early-down decisions. A listener question closes the show with a look at what reporters can actually see at practice and why Nick thinks the game plan matters more. The Giants game is next, and Nick explains why it feels pivotal.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Second look at the Vikings loss
1:06 Welcome and sponsors
2:04 Drew Brees questions the offense
2:32 Why play action disappears
4:59 Comparing the offense with Pete Carmichael's
7:23 A disconnected run game and injury questions
9:09 The hits Tyler Shough is taking
9:49 Kellen Moore's postgame answers
12:54 Moore on play action and early downs
15:26 First-down play-action numbers
17:12 How usage changes after halftime
20:19 A-block commercials
24:04 Moore on screens and blitz answers
26:40 Shough's throw chart and the middle of the field
29:06 Why the Giants game matters
29:31 B-block commercials
32:27 Get Gordon question: what practice reveals
34:07 The problem Nick sees in game planning

Nick Underhill and Mike Triplett break down the Saints' loss to the Vikings and why it feels bigger than one bad afternoon. They discuss New Orleans' preparation for Minnesota's pressure, its limited use of play action, Kellen Moore's offensive plan, the mistakes that keep creating long-yardage situations, and concern about player buy-in and accountability.

They also look at the few positive defensive plays, Tyler Shough's difficult day, Alvin Kamara's role, the receiver rotation, and what the next three games could mean for the season.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Saints hit a crossroads after Vikings loss
0:37 Welcome to NewOrleans.Football
1:19 A halftime lead turns into another home loss
4:11 Why the Vikings blitz caught the Saints
5:04 Accountability after repeated mistakes
6:15 Are the players still bought in?
8:33 Slow starts and the offensive identity
9:46 Why the Saints barely used play action
12:45 What is Kellen Moore's plan?
16:06 Long-yardage drives and mixed-down football
17:41 A-block commercials
21:20 What needs to change after this loss?
22:52 How Moore can regain the team's trust
25:07 The left tackle plan under pressure
27:17 Protecting Tyler Shough from hero ball
27:53 Hardhide Whiskey segment: individual bright spots
29:38 Special teams and players trending down
30:21 Why did Alvin Kamara have a smaller role?
32:25 The receiver rotation and missed connections
34:57 Bobby Hebert's segment: ups and downs
36:33 B-block commercials
39:45 Get Gordon question: the next three games
42:00 The state of the Saints after five games

The Saints need a response against Minnesota. Nick Underhill breaks down why this game matters so much for a team trying to avoid a 1–4 start, what the mood in the Superdome could be for Drew Brees' Ring of Honor celebration, and the challenge Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough face against the Vikings' aggressive defense.

Nick goes through Minnesota's personnel and blitz looks, the Saints' protection and offensive adjustments, and what it would take to get the season moving in the right direction. In the Get Gordon question of the day, he answers your questions about a Maxx Crosby trade, whether the Saints should buy or sell, how to judge progress this season, and Moore's outlook.

CHAPTERS
0:00 The Saints need a response against Minnesota
1:26 Welcome to NewOrleans.Football
2:36 Drew Brees, the Dome and the fan mood
3:39 Why the fan base is frustrated
6:46 A rebuild still needs answers from Kellen Moore
9:37 Vikings fans and Sunday's atmosphere
10:30 Minnesota's defensive personnel
14:21 Minnesota's offensive threats
15:50 A-block commercials
19:29 The Vikings' blitz and the Saints' response
23:27 Tyler Shough against pressure
28:21 What the Atlanta pressure showed
30:13 B-block commercials
33:26 Get Gordon question of the day
33:56 Would a Maxx Crosby trade make sense?
37:50 Should the Saints buy or sell?
38:20 What would salvage the Saints' season?
39:37 Can Kellen Moore recover?
41:15 How to judge the Kellen Moore hire
48:02 Final thoughts before Minnesota

Updated Saints win total

Nick Underhill and Mike Triplett revisit their Saints win picks ahead of Minnesota. They discuss why the game feels like a must-win, what went wrong against Atlanta, and whether Kellen Moore can fix the slow starts, protection and run game against Brian Flores' defense. They also check the injury outlook and answer the Gordon question of the day about Tyler Shough's throws over the middle.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Why the Minnesota game feels like a must-win
0:40 Welcome and show sponsors
1:15 What the Saints need to fix
3:21 Brian Flores' pressure and the Saints' secondary
4:39 Offensive line and protection concerns
5:52 The Falcons game: coaching decisions and tackling
7:49 How the Saints can regain their early-game rhythm
9:53 Commercial break
13:32 Nick and Mike revisit their season outlook
17:08 Why the run game has fallen short
19:57 Slow starts and Kellen Moore's decisions
22:37 The opening script and finding answers on offense
28:26 Updated Saints win total and the rest of the schedule
39:48 Injury watch and the keys to Minnesota
40:44 Could Flores' blitzes help Tyler Shough?
44:42 Commercial break
47:38 Gordon question of the day: Shough's throws over the middle

Nick Underhill breaks down the loss to Atlanta, the run game and protection problems putting too much on Tyler Shough, and the PFF grades behind the performance.

Nick compares Shough’s throw charts, reacts to Kellen Moore’s press conference, examines the field goal and clock-management decisions and identifies how New Orleans can turn things around.

Thumbnail photo: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The Saints have plenty to prove after a concerning performance against the Falcons on Monday night. Nick Underhill and Mike Triplett break it all down.
- Why New Orleans continues to struggle with slow starts and consistency
- What went wrong for Brandon Staley’s defense against Atlanta
- Why the Saints still haven’t found answers in the run game