Canal Street Chronicles
The New Orleans Saints made it three straight wins after a dominant 29-6 victory over the New York Jets. With a 4-3 record under rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, New Orleans is hitting the ground running to end the 2025 season. While they are already eliminated from the playoffs for this season and are collecting “meaningless” wins, a strong finish to the season can help bring momentum into 2026.
From a catchy theme song for their starting rookie quarterback by @BayouBun on Twitter to doing the wave in the team’s final home game during a five-win season, Who Dat Nation has taken a big U-Turn in the second half of the season. Losing is hard; it’s hard for the players, it’s hard for the organization, and it’s hard for the fans. Despite another losing season with plenty of season left before getting eliminated from the playoffs, the vibes are high for New Orleans. Fans are showing up for the Saints and fully buying into what Kellen Moore is building, and there is hope for the future. The Superdome was once one of the toughest stadiums in the league to play, and while participation has been here and there, it has taken a hit in recent seasons. With a clear plan finally presented to Who Dat Nation, they are showing up even harder and having a blast despite a losing season.
Chris Olave had a huge game in the win, bringing in 10 receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns. The fourth-year wideout’s big day put him over the 1,000-receiving-yard threshold for the third time in his young career and was a much-needed breakout game. Olave has been Tyler Shough’s go-to target, and they have built a strong connection. The Saints picked up the 2022 first-round pick’s fifth-year option before the 2025 draft and are working towards an extension. With a valuable connection with their rookie quarterback and consistency since being drafted, Olave’s big game helped his cause and gets him closer to an extension.
The Saints’ decision to move on from kicker Blake Grupe was tough, but it needed to happen. Grupe has found success in his new role with the Indianapolis Colts, being 5/5 in two games, including a 60-yarder. But New Orleans has found success of their own in second-year international player Charlie Smyth. The Irish kicker is 9/11 on the season, with his only misses coming from pouring rain and 60+ yards out.
Smyth was the x-factor in the win on Sunday, scoring 17 points in five field goals and two PATs. While he did miss once on the day, it came on a 61-yard attempt that isn’t an automatic conversion for any kicker in the league. Smyth has been a breath of fresh air for the Saints during their win streak, and after earning a three-year contract before the week, could be the team’s starting kicker for the foreseeable future.
