New Orleans vs. Baltimore Recap: Saints Mired In Mediocrity, Fall to Ravens 34-27

Whatever Payton and his coaches are trying to do to get their players ready to win a NFL matchup, it isn't working. This team has major problems across the board. It seems laughable at this point that this group will get it together by season's end. The most troubling part is that the NFC South is right there for the taking, but this Saints team seems unwilling to reach out a hand and grab it.

By David "Satch" Kelly Nov 25, 2014, 11:00am CST

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Tweets

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The somehow-still-in-first-place <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> take 'no solace' in rest of NFC South's failures <a href="http://t.co/CqOUhEUVmx">http://t.co/CqOUhEUVmx</a></p>— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/537267980531277825">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Meanwhile, in other NFC South failure news: Mike Smith admits he didn't put <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Falcons?src=hash">#Falcons</a> in position to win <a href="http://t.co/zesCqFdiIz">http://t.co/zesCqFdiIz</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNFL">@espnnfl</a></p>— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/537267437800931328">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>As bad as the NFC South has been, you have to look at which team has the best head coach/QB combo. 

Huge advantage for Payton/Brees.</p>— David Thomas (@DavidThomas_85) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidThomas_85/status/537262857478766592">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Rodney Harrison: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> will win the NFC South <a href="http://t.co/oEIvj0Gd2K">http://t.co/oEIvj0Gd2K</a></p>— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/537261190255108097">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> NT Brodrick Bunkley believed to have torn quad <a href="http://t.co/cc3DIJe80W">http://t.co/cc3DIJe80W</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNFL">@espnnfl</a></p>— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/537260943034445824">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Just what the Saints need, another season-ending injury on defense <a href="http://t.co/HZcfT4Y987">http://t.co/HZcfT4Y987</a></p>— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/status/537258306163982336">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Saints Offensive Player Grades vs. Ravens - <a href="http://t.co/mCHfpkA7kF">http://t.co/mCHfpkA7kF</a></p>— Saints Nation Blog (@SaintsNationBlg) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaintsNationBlg/status/537244476968665091">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The AFC North is the first division in NFL history where every team is 3 games above .500 at any point in the season <a href="http://t.co/vblFnK98uL">pic.twitter.com/vblFnK98uL</a></p>— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNFL/status/537236786821353472">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>ICYMI: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> locker-room buzz: Brees on pick-six, team vows to keep working, Vaccaro on personal foul <a href="http://t.co/RAxcuAC6SX">http://t.co/RAxcuAC6SX</a></p>— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/537239265327841281">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sean Payton: We're not trying to figure it out, we're trying to correct it <a href="http://t.co/FbhBQzGDyb">http://t.co/FbhBQzGDyb</a></p>— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/status/537212798238208000">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Drew Brees' postgame press conference (VIDEO) <a href="http://t.co/MZdriMa0Ct">http://t.co/MZdriMa0Ct</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BALvsNO?src=hash">#BALvsNO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> <a href="http://t.co/A5CZDbjMdb">pic.twitter.com/A5CZDbjMdb</a></p>— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saints/status/537140980018069504">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Saints D allowed an average of 22 yards on the 1st play of the Ravens' nine offensive possessions (not counting final kneel down).</p>— Lyons Yellin WWL-TV (@LyonsYellin) <a href="https://twitter.com/LyonsYellin/status/537136809470218243">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sean Payton's postgame press conference (VIDEO) <a href="http://t.co/zLA8IuyPV1">http://t.co/zLA8IuyPV1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BALvsNO?src=hash">#BALvsNO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a></p>— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saints/status/537136306275758080">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Also in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> locker room buzz: Team insists its still together, tough-minded; Vaccaro on personal foul penalty <a href="http://t.co/RAxcuAC6SX">http://t.co/RAxcuAC6SX</a></p>— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/537135763154935808">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>My column: New Orleans Saints thoroughly whipped in the trenches by physical Ravens <a href="http://t.co/W3ARQdjdHM">http://t.co/W3ARQdjdHM</a> <a href="http://t.co/JRXyNMkPI8">pic.twitter.com/JRXyNMkPI8</a></p>— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) <a href="https://twitter.com/LarryHolder/status/537122949250052096">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/KennyVaccaro4">@KennyVaccaro4</a> postgame interview (VIDEO) <a href="http://t.co/qh62N5H3zs">http://t.co/qh62N5H3zs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BALvsNO?src=hash">#BALvsNO</a> <a href="http://t.co/BiDicVNVvL">pic.twitter.com/BiDicVNVvL</a></p>— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saints/status/537121044428230656">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Saints blow another opportunity for division lead with sloppy outing vs. Ravens: Four-point Stance <a href="http://t.co/4YFXAzuH4B">http://t.co/4YFXAzuH4B</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/NOLAnews">@nolanews</a></p>— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) <a href="https://twitter.com/LarryHolder/status/537119753752424448">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/saints?src=hash">#saints</a> RT Zach Strief: we are not executing in the moments that most matter in games. And this team needs to figure out how to do that.</p>— Ramon Antonio Vargas (@RVargasAdvocate) <a href="https://twitter.com/RVargasAdvocate/status/537116858282151936">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Drew Brees says costly interception reflects 'game of inches' that hasn't gone Saints way <a href="http://t.co/dAeBgJBWcs">http://t.co/dAeBgJBWcs</a></p>— Evan Woodbery (@TheSaintsBeat) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSaintsBeat/status/537117150935523328">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

^BULLSHIT!

"Haven't gone Saints' way?" These losses aren't about bad luck. Good NFL teams make their own good luck and avoid putting themselves in close games that come down to the wire. I love Brees and all, but his desire to always be "annoyingly optimistic" smacks of delusion and an inability to face the truth.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brees finished with passer rating of 118.5. Before Monday night, Saints were 39-2 when Brees had passer rating of 115+.</p>— Lenny Vangilder (@LennyVangilder) <a href="https://twitter.com/LennyVangilder/status/537106463391768576">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/saints?src=hash">#saints</a> CB Keenan Lewis: every game is something else. Refuses to talk about playoff hunt. Hurt they've almost lost to all AFC North.</p>— Ramon Antonio Vargas (@RVargasAdvocate) <a href="https://twitter.com/RVargasAdvocate/status/537111774173360128">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Saints defense allowed 200+ rush yards five times in 2012. Monday night was first time Saints allowed 200+ on ground since then.</p>— Lenny Vangilder (@LennyVangilder) <a href="https://twitter.com/LennyVangilder/status/537111861955928064">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/saints?src=hash">#saints</a> QB Drew Brees: the home fans deserve better. But this is the National Football League.</p>— Ramon Antonio Vargas (@RVargasAdvocate) <a href="https://twitter.com/RVargasAdvocate/status/537115748502867969">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brees: "We just need a win. Winning cures a lot of things." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BALvsNO?src=hash">#BALvsNO</a></p>— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saints/status/537114217263140864">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> Sean Payton said he's confident locker room remains together and tough-minded</p>— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/537110452145098752">November 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

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Saints lose 3rd straight home game. Who would ever have believed it?

Saints continue a November not to remember
Since All Saints Day, it has been all losses for the New Orleans Saints and the LSU Tigers.

Saints in playoffs? Sounds like more noise
Another week, another home loss for the New Orleans Saints. After getting pounded into submission 33-27 by the Baltimore Ravens, that's three in a row by my count.

Saints lose third straight at home, 34-27
New Orleans' source for complete news coverage of the Saints football team with schedules, scores and stats. WWLTV.com

Saints DT Brodrick Bunkley Done for the Season
It keeps going from bad to worse for the New Orleans Saints, as Ian Rapoport reports that DT Brodrick Bunkley is done for the year with a torn quad.

Sean Payton: We’re not trying to figure it out, we’re trying to correct it | ProFootballTalk
The Saints lost to the Ravens on Monday night, blowing a chance to take sole possession of first place in the race to the bottom that is the NFC South and failing to win at the Superdome for the third straight week.

DOWNWARD SPIRAL: Saints' Season Spinning Out of Control
After the Saints beat the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte on Thursday Night Football 3 weeks ago, the Saints were 4-4, had taken control of the NFC South, a

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees discusses his bad throws - ESPN
New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees talks about the luck involved on some of his bad throws against the Baltimore Ravens.

Saints' defensive failures a flashback to 2012 - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN
Last year was a breakout year for the Saints' defense. This year, it's been nothing but breakdowns.

New Orleans Saints' attacking approach only positive in loss to Ravens - ESPN
At least the Saints looked more like their usual selves on offense while failing to get the job done against Baltimore.

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The View from the Other Side

Ravens remain in playoff hunt with fighting spirit - Baltimore Ravens Blog - ESPN
Some fight in the defensive backfield can keep the Ravens in the ultra-competitive AFC North and a crowded playoff field.

Steve Smith, Kenny Vaccaro get in fight during Ravens-Saints game - Baltimore Beatdown
Smith does not seem to like Vaccaro much.

Ravens accomplish what only three others have done - Baltimore Beatdown
Beat the Drew Brees and Sean Payton-led Saints at home in primetime

Ravens 34 Saints 27 - A Team Win | Russell Street Report | Baltimore Ravens News
We recap the Ravens win against the New Orleans Saints where Justin Forsett had a career day, Joe Flacco was efficient, and the defense made plays.

Ravens rookie safety Terrence Brooks frustrated after failing to break up touchdown pass - Baltimore Sun
Despite having ideal positioning in the end zone to stop the lob from Brees, rookie free safety Terrence Brooks didn't react quickly enough or aggressively enough to make a play on the ball as Colston grabbed the 26-yard touchdown pass in stride.

Forsett dominant as Ravens beat Saints 34-27

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Transcripts

Sean Payton talks about the loss to the Baltimore Ravens
Quotes from Sean Payton's postgame press conference on Monday, November 24, 2014

Drew Brees, Saints players react to loss to the Baltimore Ravens
Postgame quotes from New Orleans Saints players on Monday, November 24, 2014

John Harbaugh talks about his team's win over the New Orleans Saints
Postgame quotes from Baltimore coach John Harbaugh on Monday, November 24, 2014

Baltimore Ravens players on the win over the New Orleans Saints
Postgame quotes from Baltimore Ravens players on Monday, November 24, 2014

New Orleans vs. Baltimore Recap: Saints Mired In Mediocrity, Fall to Ravens 34-27

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