NFL

The Saints' Owner Said 1-4 Isn't Acceptable. Then She Showed Up at Practice With a Hug.

The Saints' Owner Said 1-4 Isn't Acceptable. Then She Showed Up at Practice With a Hug.

The Saints' Owner Said 1-4 Isn't Acceptable. Then She Showed Up at Practice With a Hug.

Gayle Benson publicly called New Orleans' start unacceptable, then made a surprise visit to practice to back coach Kellen Moore before Sunday's game against the Giants.

Gayle Benson publicly called New Orleans' start unacceptable, then made a surprise visit to practice to back coach Kellen Moore before Sunday's game against the Giants.

The New Orleans skyline seen across the Mississippi River in soft evening light

Photo: Chad Populis / Pexels

Saints owner Gayle Benson didn't sugarcoat things this week. "We are 1-4, and that is not acceptable to me, and falls short of what our fans truly deserve," she said Tuesday, per ESPN. She also told the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club: "Words will not restore our fans' confidence. Our performance must do that."

That sounded like a warning shot. But on Friday, Benson made a surprise appearance at practice to embrace coach Kellen Moore, ESPN's Ian Rapoport reported. According to those who know, her message was that she supports Moore and his staff, and the indication is that no change is imminent.

The frustration is easy to understand. New Orleans won five of its last eight games in Moore's first season, then lost three straight this fall. The defense is allowing 30.2 points per game, second-most in the league, and second-year QB Tyler Shough and the offense have eight turnovers during the skid. Injuries to rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson, running back Travis Etienne and left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. haven't helped.

What's next: The Saints (1-4) visit the New York Giants (3-1-1) at 1 p.m. ET on Fox. Hugs are nice. Wins are nicer.