NEW ORLEANS -- Drew Brees limped his way through an exciting comeback attempt in the second half, but the New Orleans Saints couldn’t overcome their self-inflicted wounds in a 35-27 loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday night.
Brees actually played his best football of the night after having his right foot taped up on the trainers’ table during the second quarter. He threw three touchdown passes in the second half despite looking noticeably gimpy between snaps.
But the Saints (5-9) were too hobbled to overcome one of their ugliest starts of the season on both sides of the ball.
Who knew the Saints could actually reach a new low at this point? But that’s exactly what they did while spotting Detroit a 28-3 lead inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, where they used to routinely dominate opponents in prime-time games.
What it means: One step forward, two steps back. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2015 Saints.
Just when it seemed like the Saints were fired up to build off their victory at Tampa Bay last week and finish the season strong, they somehow managed to come out and stink up the joint throughout the first half.
I don’t think it’s a matter of desire and effort -- two things that players and coaches have continued to praise all season -- as those things showed up during the second-half rally.
It’s just a flawed team that cannot consistently deliver on its potential, as we’ve seen time and time again this season.
Three strikes at goal line: An ugly first half for the Saints’ offense turned just plain silly before halftime when they had three potential touchdowns called back. First, receiver Brandin Cooks was ruled down at the 1-yard line after a replay review. Then a Tim Hightower TD run was nullified because guard Senio Kelemete failed to declare himself as an eligible receiver. Then a TD pass to Marques Colston was nullified due to an ineligible lineman downfield as time expired.
In the middle of all that, Detroit also got away with calling a timeout it didn’t have. As it was explained on the Monday Night Football broadcast, officials are supposed to ignore the timeout call. If they blow the whistle, as they did in this case, they can call a penalty if they feel the timeout is intentional. Otherwise they can replay the down, which is what happened.
One reason to panic: The Saints’ defense still has a long way to go, even though it has showed glimpses of progress the past four games under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. The Lions’ first four touchdown drives looked way too easy, and now New Orleans is just one touchdown pass away from tying the NFL record for TD passes allowed in a season (40, by the 1963 Denver Broncos).
One reason to get excited: It was good to see the Saints put up a fight in the second half -- on offense and defense. Rookie linebacker Hau'oli Kikaha’s forced fumble and recovery gave the Saints a real chance to get back into the game.
Fantasy watch: Brees’ fantasy owners must have broken out into a cold sweat when he was propped up on the training table. He came through for them this time, but it will be worth monitoring throughout a short week for the Saints to make sure the issue doesn’t linger.
Ouch: Saints running back C.J. Spiller also left the game briefly to be tested for a concussion but was cleared to return. No other injuries were reported.
