Days after publicly calling out head coach Kellen Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis by name in an eight-minute speech, New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson made a rare, pointed appearance at Friday’s practice session. You can bet her message was loud and undeniably clear: she wants results, and she’s watching.
The Owner’s Call Out: No More Holding Back
This wasn’t some quiet, behind-the-scenes meeting. Benson pulled no punches earlier in the week. She went to the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club and singled out both Moore and Loomis directly. Think about that for a second. The owner, in a public forum, calling out her head coach and GM by name? That screams “hot seat” louder than any newspaper headline could.
A Surprise Visit After the Bomb Drop
Then, after dropping that bomb, Benson showed up on Friday’s practice field. It’s not totally unheard of to see her around during training camp. She’ll cruise the sidelines in a golf cart, waving to fans, chatting with players. But this felt different. This wasn’t a casual wave-and-smile visit. She was spotted talking with team captain Cameron Jordan and even shared a hug with Moore during the media-open portion of practice.
Of course, Moore had to address it in his press conference. “Yeah, it’s always good to see Mrs. B,” he started. “She likes to pop in and catch some practice here and there and so, uh, always good to see her. She’s, uh, obviously been great and uh, she’s always supportive.” When asked if they discussed her critical remarks? He punted, saying, “We’re, we’re all just trying to reach the same goal. We, we all want to win football games and so, uh, we’re all working towards that.” Sure, Kellen. We all want to win, but not every owner delivers an eight-minute public dressing down before showing up at practice.
What’s at Stake for the 1-4 Saints
This team is sitting at a dismal 1-4 right now. They’ve got a tough road ahead too, heading to play the 3-1-1 New York Giants on Sunday. After that? An overseas trip to Paris to face the 3-2 Pittsburgh Steelers, a game Benson herself has championed for years. The stakes could not be higher. Benson’s message is unmistakable: she’s watching every single play, every single decision. It’s time for this team to turn it around, or things are going to get even more uncomfortable down in New Orleans.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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