After the Saints’ 45-24 loss at home to the Falcons, boos rained down at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The on-field play fell short of the Saints’ standard, and even quarterback Tyler Shough stood in solidarity with the disappointed fan base.
“Fans understandably are upset,” Shough told reporters. “We had some opportunities that we didn’t take advantage of, and you’re playing the Falcons, and you lose like that. I mean, I’d boo, too. That sucks.”
New Orleans (1-3) came into the primetime matchup with a lot of emotion. This divisional bout against Atlanta marked the 20th anniversary of the Superdome’s reopening after Hurricane Katrina, the natural disaster that forced the Saints to play on the road all season in 2005.
Former Saints safety Steve Gleason, who famously blocked a punt to help beat the Falcons in that game in 2006, was in attendance alongside several other key figures, including legendary Saints quarterback Drew Brees and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Gleason, 49, was diagnosed with ALS in 2011
New Orleans showcased the city’s roots during halftime with a performance by Trombone Shorty and guest appearances from local rap legend Juvenile.
The Saints, coming off a tough 35-27 home-opening loss to the Raiders, couldn’t get back on track. The running game was decimated by injuries, resulting in just 50 rushing yards.
Shough gave his all on Monday night despite the lack of support. He completed 30 of 48 passes for 286 yards and a touchdown. He was under heavy pressure, getting sacked twice and taking 12 hits.
New Orleans’ home woes continue, as the team has lost 13 of its last 19 games at the Superdome, a stadium once known for its overpowering home-field advantage.
“I hate that we had a slow start and got punched in the mouths early and we were looking to respond,” defensive end Cameron Jordan said after the game. “It’s one of those games where we weren’t good enough on offense, defense and special teams. And you look in the second half, like, ‘fight back.’”
The Saints now shift their focus to getting a home victory next week as they host the undefeated Vikings.
