Saints' Khalen Saunders says that team's playoff mindset started too late
The New Orleans Saints are still alive for a spot in the playoffs. Yes, you read that correctly. Even though their ships sank over a month ago, they have somehow reignited the torches and rallied for an intriguing Week 18 situation. Their latest victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was an exciting one. They defeated […]
The New Orleans Saints are still alive for a spot in the playoffs. Yes, you read that correctly. Even though their ships sank over a month ago, they have somehow reignited the torches and rallied for an intriguing Week 18 situation.
Their latest victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was an exciting one. They defeated the division-leading rival and kept their hopes alive. That being said, a win in Week 16 would mean that New Orleans would have clinched a playoff spot with that win against Tampa.
Unfortunately, that was not the reality. The Saints fell to the Los Angeles Rams on primetime right before Christmas. The score was closer than the game.
Saints veteran DL Khalen Saunders said that the loss to the Rams sparked a playoff mentality around the team.
That mentality should have began before their matchup against the Rams, though.
New Orleans entered Week 16 with a chance to skyrocket their playoff chances. With a win against the Rams, the Saints' playoff chances would have jumped to 72%, according to ESPN analytics. Instead, they suffered one of their worst losses of the year.
Their playoff odds fell below 30% when they lost to Los Angeles.
Now, after a pivotal win in Week 17, the Saints' chances are still less than ideal. That's the case when you fall behind the eight-ball. They have a 24% chance to make the postseason and a 17% chance to win the NFC South entering a Week 18 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The sense of urgency potentially came too late for New Orleans. Only time will tell.
For all of the playoff scenarios for the Saints, click here.
Saints insider makes guarantee about Dennis Allen’s future with team
The New Orleans Saints front office has seemingly already made their largest decision of the offseason. Meanwhile, Week 18 looms, and the team still as a chance at a postseason berth. According to Saints insider Nick Underhill, Dennis Allen's job is safe as New Orleans' head coach. His statement backs up the previous comments from […]
