Saints owner puts Kellen Moore, entire team on notice

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Saints owner Gayle Benson puts Kellen Moore, entire team on notice amid poor start

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 13, 2026 7:54 PM ET

After a stellar finish to the 2025 season, the New Orleans Saints were selected by many to be one of the surprise teams in the NFL this season.

That has not played out, however, as New Orleans has been among the worst teams, as it has started 1-4 and could have been 0-5 if not for a double-digit fourth quarter comeback in Week 2.

Saints owner Gayle Benson spoke Tuesday about the early season struggles, and her message was a stern warning to head coach Kellen Moore.

Saints' Gayle Benson won't tolerate a lack of results

Benson spoke Tuesday at the October meeting of the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club, and she didn't mince words when it came to the Saints struggles this season.

"I will not make excuses, and I will not accept this level of performance as our standard," she said. "I am committed to making the decisions necessary to improve this team. Everyone in this organization understands the urgency. We must prepare better, execute consistently and correct the mistakes that are costing us the games."

Saints owner Gayle Benson calls out the team after a 1-4 start for the second straight season

New Orleans hasn’t made the playoffs since 2021.

(via Crescent City Sports) pic.twitter.com/g7nns8CEZp
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 13, 2026

What has gone wrong for Saints this season?

Offensively, the Saints are around the middle of the pack in most categories except for rushing yards per game. In that department, New Orleans ranks 29th in the NFL with just 81.8 yards per game.

Defensively is where the real problems lie this season. The defense ranks 25th in total defense, 30th in rushing yards allowed and 31st in points per game allowed.

New Orleans has seen a light box on 41% of its runs,

#1 highest light box rate in the NFL

RB runs only average 3.5 yards per rush

#30 of 32
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 13, 2026

Can Kellen Moore, Saints turn things around?

The first opportunity to turn things around for the Saints will be Sunday against the first place New York Giants. New Orleans will have to travel to New York, taking away the home field advantage the Superdome always provides.

A loss to the Giants in Week 6 would put New Orleans at 1-5 and may very well be the final straw that causes Benson to make staff changes less than halfway through the season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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