NEW ORLEANS (AP) — With a botched fourth-and-goal play, two missed mid-range field goals and a botched third-and-goal play from the 1-yard line that forced New Orleans to settle for a field goal, the Saints had a lot of regret when they huddled Monday to review their play. Lost 24-10 to the Atlanta Falcons..
“There's no way anyone wants to be in the situation we're in,” said first-year Saints coach Kellen Moore, who designs and calls the offense. “Our guys have the right mindset. There are disappointments, but there are opportunities ahead.”
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Sunday wasn't the first time the red zone has plagued them during this difficult season under Moore.
After failing to score on any of their three red zone opportunities, the Saints (2-9) are scoring touchdowns on 34.48 percent of their possessions while running the game from inside the opponent's 20-yard line. That's the worst red zone percentage in the NFL.
The woes against Atlanta began with a failure to convert on drives and continued with several failed passes, including a throw to Taysom Hill on a fourth-down turnaround that was picked off.
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“We weren't able to do that in the run game yesterday, so we just have to continue to evaluate that and put ourselves in the best situation to be successful,” Moore said. “We're inches away and just can't do it.”
In terms of missed field goals, the Saints still had kicker Blake Group on Monday's roster, but also had former Baltimore veteran kicker Justin Tucker assigned to practice.
Tucker, 35, recently retired from service 10 week suspension It comes amid reports of alleged inappropriate sexual behavior by more than a dozen therapists.
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“Our staff team will do a really good job of gathering all of this information and conducting the conversations that we will need during this process,” Moore said. “He was a really good kicker for a really long time.”
Moore said Irishman Charlie Smith, a former Gaelic football player who is now in his second season on New Orleans' practice squad, will also have a chance to compete for playing time.
“He’s definitely part of the process,” Moore said.
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What works
The Saints rank ninth in passing yards per game. The Falcons totaled 181 yards on Sunday, dropping the Saints' average in that category to 192.5.
What needs help
The Saints need to figure out how to score more points. After missed opportunities held them to just 10 points against Atlanta, they are averaging 15 points per game, tied with Las Vegas for last place in the league.
Stock up
Safety Justin Reed's athleticism and playmaking ability were on full display as he intercepted a pass and returned it 49 yards for New Orleans' only touchdown. It was the 11th interception of Reed's career.
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Stocks fell
After missing two field goals inside 50 yards on Sunday, Grupe has missed eight field goals (in 26 attempts) and two extra points this season.
Injuries
Running back Alvin Kamara has a right knee injury and it is unclear how long he will be out.
“If he's available, that's great,” Moore said before mentioning rookie Devin Neal. “If not, Devin I think did an amazing job going out there and competing.”
Right tackle Talise Fuaga, who missed two games with a high ankle sprain, said he plans to practice this week and see if he feels healthy enough to play.
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Key number
18 — Total yards in New Orleans' longest passing game against Atlanta. Neil got the short throw.
Next steps
The Saints head to Miami next week for the first of their two remaining games against AFC East teams this season, the last of which is at home against the New York Jets on Dec. 21.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Brett Martel, Associated Press
