With a 31-24 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night, the New Orleans Saints fell to 3-4 on the season.
And while much of the focus following the game was on tight end Foster Moreau’s drop in the end zone with 25 seconds remaining, there were many other costly plays for the Saints in the game.
That includes the play that followed Moreau’s drop, which with an extra point would have tied the game at 31 with less than 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Lining up at 4th and goal from the Jaguars’ 6-yard line, New Orleans quarterback Derek Carr made a quick — and poorly thrown — pass to wide receiver Chris Olave, which fell incomplete and ultimately ended the Saints’ chances of pulling off the comeback.
One play later, Jacksonville's Buster Brown breaks up a Carr pass intended for Chris Olave to seal the Jaguars victory. pic.twitter.com/VxSx3bLnyO
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 20, 2023
As was the case with Moreau’s costly drop, many on social media were quick to weigh in on New Orleans’ final offensive play. After utilizing a variety of weapons — including Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, Taysom Hill and Olave — to fight back from what had been a 24-9 deficit, many were perplexed that on their final chance to tie (or even win) the game, the Saints called a low percentage fade pass that gave Carr only one option to throw to — especially since New Orleans didn’t call one of its two remaining timeouts before the play.
The Saints love to run end-zone fades. It’s a low-percentage play, yet they keep trying.
And in many ways, the play has come to represent the offense itself. Throw it up, keep trying and hope to beat the odds. https://t.co/wqKv2Rp36b
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) October 20, 2023
Saints should have called timeout and ran a play instead of that fade crap 🗑️ https://t.co/rdEC6lMPZl
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) October 20, 2023
Would have made too much sense for this guy to be the target on a 4th down fade for Carmichael to do it. #Saints pic.twitter.com/FRMvGELFBw
— Mik’d Up (@Mikdup_8) October 20, 2023
I would rather see Taysom Hill run a draw than ever see Carr throw another corner fade tbh. #Saints
— Chris Landry (@chris_m_landry) October 20, 2023
Make an executive order to ban the goal line fade at all levels of football @JoeBiden. We thank you in advance 🤝 #Saints #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/gsLWEyJtJL
— TDT Media (@ThirdDownThurs) October 20, 2023
I can’t believe I’m saying this….
But if I’m a Saints fan I’m wanting wayyyy more Taysom Hill in the Red Zone. The offense seemingly moved the ball better in the Red Zone with him.
Carr throwing contested fade routes is NOT the move.
— 🅱️etting🅿️iranha (@BettingPiranha) October 20, 2023
Did Dennis Allen forget Michael Thomas is on the Saints or what? Throw a fade to HIM. #TNF #NOvsJAX
— Mikey Bats (@MikeJBknows) October 20, 2023
I don’t know what was worse, the drop by Moreau on 3rd and goal or a fade to a small WR in press coverage on 4th and goal.
That loss will sting a while for the Saints.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) October 20, 2023
Goal line fade on 4th down to an undersized receiver who uses speed & quickness to win.
Saints get what that play call deserves pic.twitter.com/lYPNvFpFt7
— Laurie Horesh (@LaurieHoresh) October 20, 2023
Not only did the Saints opt for an incredibly low percentage play, they threw a fade to Chris Olave over Michael Thomas?????
— Sean (@seankolo99) October 20, 2023
The pitiful #Saints ran a low percentage fade on 4th and goal. Can't believe, with the game on the line, that's the DAMN play they came up with. Complete garbage football !!! #fireallentomorrow
— Gene Ponti (@Gene_Ponti) October 20, 2023
Following a 2-0 start to the season, the Saints’ latest loss marked their fourth defeat in the last five games. New Orleans will return to action on Oct. 29 for a road game against the Indianapolis Colts.
With a long week ahead, it will be interesting to see if the Saints stick with Pete Carmichael as their offensive coordinator, as the longtime New Orleans assistant has come under fire due to his unit’s sluggish start.
