The New Orleans Saints started the 2023 NFL season with a bang, winning their first two games in convincing fashion. Saints fans had reason to believe that this year might be different from the previous disappointing season. However, the team's momentum took a hit as they dropped their last two games, leaving them at an even 2-2 record. While a .500 record isn't a disaster, the alarm bells are ringing in the Big Easy, and the question on everyone's mind is whether head coach Dennis Allen is losing control of his locker room.
One undeniable fact is the concerning dip in offensive performance compared to last year. In 2022, the Saints averaged 19 points per game, which was already below league average. This season, they're struggling even more, averaging just 15 points per game. Frustration has been building among Saints fans, who are placing a significant portion of the blame on offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael.
What's even more concerning is Coach Allen's apparent reluctance to make changes to the coaching staff, particularly sticking with Carmichael despite the offensive struggles. While patience is a virtue, it's clear that the frustration isn't limited to the fan base; it's permeating the locker room as well.
Wide receiver Chris Olave's visible frustration during the Week 4 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was evident. He managed just one catch for four yards on four targets, a far cry from his expected production. Star players like Olave are vital to the team's success, and their discontent cannot be ignored.
However, it's Saints Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara who has been the most vocal about his frustration. Following the loss to the Buccaneers, Kamara didn't hold back when speaking with the media, saying, "Something has got to give because I hate losing." He doubled down on his feelings a few days later, emphasizing the need for the Saints' offense to evolve with the times and incorporate successful plays used by other offensive coordinators.
Kamara's willingness to speak out is a notable departure from the Saints' typically private culture. Under the leadership of former head coach Sean Payton, venting frustrations to the public was a strict no-no. In fact, former Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks learned this the hard way when he expressed his dissatisfaction with his lack of targets in 2016 and was subsequently traded the following year.
The fact that Kamara, one of the team's most respected players, is speaking out publicly raises serious questions about the state of the locker room. The Saints are coming off a lackluster 7-10 season in 2022, and the pressure is mounting for them to perform at a higher level, especially with a roster that boasts talented offensive players like Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, Rasheed Shaheed, and Alvin Kamara himself.
As the Saints prepare for the rest of the 2023 season, the spotlight is squarely on Dennis Allen. Can he address the offensive woes, mend the locker room, and guide the team to success? Or will the frustration continue to simmer, potentially leading to further discord and disappointment? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Saints and their fans are yearning for a return to their winning ways, and the clock is ticking for Coach Allen to make it happen.
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