The New Orleans Saints have been enduring a rough start to the 2023 NFL season, and it's becoming increasingly evident that their offensive struggles are a cause for concern. The 26-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside the Superdome was a bitter pill to swallow for Who Dat Nation, but it's just one of the many signs pointing towards a need for change. It's time to reevaluate the role of long-time offensive coordinator, Pete Carmichael.
In a league where points are the currency of success, the Saints' offense is woefully underperforming. Averaging a mere 15 points per game in a modern NFL era where scoring should come easy is a red flag. To put things in perspective, some individual running backs like Christian McCaffrey and Raheem Mostert have scored as many touchdowns in one game as the entire Saints offense has managed in four games.
It appears that the Saints are clinging to the glory days of Sean Payton and Drew Brees, when their offense was at its zenith. However, times have changed, and it's clear that the offense needs a fresh approach. After Sean Payton stepped down as head coach in 2021, the decision to retain Pete Carmichael as the Offensive Coordinator was met with skepticism. In hindsight, it may have been a mistake. Last season, the Saints managed a lackluster 19 points per game, and the quarterback play was far from inspiring.
Whether it was Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton under Carmichael's guidance, neither could ignite the offense consistently. Scoring over 30 points was a rarity, and in today's NFL, that's simply not good enough. The team's struggles to move the ball were evident for all to see.
Despite the availability of promising offensive coaching talents like Eric Bieniemy and Kliff Kingsbury, the Saints decided to stick with Carmichael for the 2023 season, believing that 2022's woes were primarily due to injuries to key offensive players. They were wrong.
With the addition of Derek Carr at quarterback, the return of All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas, and promising talents like Chris Olave, this season was supposed to mark a resurgence for the Saints' offense. Instead, it's been marked by inconsistency, a lack of identity, and a failure to utilize playmakers effectively. Pete Carmichael has been with the Saints for 15 seasons, and it may be time for a change. Quarterbacks coach and assistant OC Ronald Curry, who called plays during preseason, could offer a fresh perspective. Some fans have even suggested the involvement of former Raiders Coach Jon Gruden, who was brought in to assist Derek Carr's transition to the Saints' scheme.
In the NFL, success often hinges on adaptability and a willingness to evolve. It's apparent that the New Orleans Saints' offense is stuck in the past, and unless they make a bold move to shake things up, they risk squandering their talented roster and disappointing their passionate fan base. Pete Carmichael has had a long and respectable tenure, but perhaps it's time for a new era in New Orleans, one that embraces the changing landscape of the NFL.
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