The Saints‘ showdown against the Packers wasn’t just a loss—it was a collapse. A Collapse of the highest order the fans witnessed for the first time this season. Following the debacle, HC Darren Rizzi delivered a stern message to his team.

After the game, Rizzi called out “self-inflicted wounds” as the biggest culprit. “I’m really more frustrated that we’re kinda stepping on our own feet. We’re beating ourselves right now,” he admitted, pointing to dropped passes, missed protections, and penalties that destroyed any momentum. However, rookie QB Spencer Rattler and the interim head coach both found themselves at the center of a 34-0 embarrassment, with fans and analysts calling out the team’s failures on all fronts.

From botched clock management to turnovers and penalties, the Saints handed the Packers an easy win. Rizzi didn’t single out Rattler but made it clear the rookie had to do better. “You saw some flash plays. I thought he made a couple of really good plays, but then we made a couple of really bad decisions,” he said. He also emphasized how the team’s struggles went beyond the quarterback, citing six first-half penalties and blown assignments.

The on-field debacle was not as humiliating as the 2009 shutout scoreline of 59-0 between the Patriots and the Titans. But it was pretty nasty, nevertheless. Rizzi’s sideline frustration boiled over before halftime when miscommunication over the clock and ball placement led to a timeout-burning disaster. By halftime, the Saints were scoreless. Trailing 21-0, and Rizzi’s headset-throwing outburst told the story.

The lack of execution haunted the Saints all night. From blown third-down plays to costly turnovers, the team looked unprepared. Even Rizzi’s post-game words carried an air of resignation, though he still urged the locker room to “right the ship” before the season ends.

After Rizzi, Spencer Rattler takes the heat

Rattler’s night was a mixed bag at best. He completed just 15 of 30 passes for 153 yards. But to make things worse, he threw one interception and fumbled once. Despite missing key playmakers like Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave, Rattler refused to make excuses.

“I put it on myself,” Rattler said post-game, adding, “Embarrassing loss… I played not good at all, in my opinion. Just didn’t have any answers. Got to go make more plays, protect the ball. Just got to be better.” His accountability didn’t soften the criticism, as fans questioned whether he was ready to lead a struggling team like the Saints. However, the rookie showed glimpses of potential.

This includes a promising deep pass to Kevin Austin. But critical mistakes overshadowed those moments. With a depleted roster and a Green Bay defense missing key starters like Jaire Alexander, Quay Walker, Javon Bullard, and Evan Williams, this was a missed opportunity to step up. The Saints now sit at 5-10, officially out of playoff contention after the Falcons’ win. This loss might have also ended any chance Rizzi had of earning the permanent head coach role.

While Darren Rizzi has shown flashes of promise, Monday’s performance highlighted the gap between him and top-tier coaching candidates. Names like Aaron Glenn and Mike Vrabel are already in the mix, making Rizzi’s job security even more precarious.

For Rattler, the road ahead doesn’t get easier. With Derek Carr still injured and the roster lacking depth, he’ll need to bounce back quickly to prove he belongs. “We got punched in the mouth,” Rattler admitted. Now, it’s up to him and the Saints to figure out how to fight back.