Frustrated New Orleans Saints fans just watched their team lose by yet another small margin. This time, the Saints fell to the Carolina Panthers in a tight 23-20 loss on Thursday Night Football. One of the issues plaguing the club over the last two games has been multiple turnovers. Calling out his offense, offensive tackle Zach Strief said blocked kicks have been “killing” New Orleans but aren’t the only problem.
“We’re giving the other team 10 points a game right now on offense,” said Strief per Mike Triplett of ESPN. “The offense has given up almost as many points as the defense. It’s crazy. It’s unacceptable. The defense has bailed us out so many times in recent weeks. It’s something we can’t do and (still) win. We’re not that team.”
In last week’s game against the Denver Broncos, a blocked kick returned for two points saw the Saints narrowly lose, 25-23, in the last seconds of the game. Quarterback Drew Brees had an interception in that game and rookie wide receiver Michael Thomas struggled with drops.
In Week 11, Brees had an early fumble. The Panthers wound up with the ball and scored the first points of the game. Not long after, a blocked kick gave the Panthers back the ball and they scored a touchdown on that next possession.
The Saints have one of the best offenses in the league. And their defense is improving. But it cannot simply carry Brees and Co. through continuous amateur mistakes.
Strief’s Saints had the perfect opportunity to rise up in the NFC South rankings this week with the Atlanta Falcons on a bye. Now, they sit in third place at 4-6, which is the same record the Panthers have.
New Orleans will look to get back on track after a couple of extra days to regroup following Thursday night’s game. The Saints host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12 and cannot afford any more mistakes to have a shot at making it into the postseason.