2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Chiefs explode, Broncos remember a hero
By Randy Gurzi
23. New Orleans Saints
They had a little more time off after playing on Thursday Night Football against Dallas, and they appeared to have put it to good use. The loss to the Cowboys was the fifth in a row for the New Orleans Saints, something that has never happened in Sean Payton’s tenure with the team.
Playing against the New York Jets seemed to be the perfect recipe for ending that skid — and having the extra time to prepare just made this even more likely. Still, the Saints had to do the work and we have all seen teams blow games they were supposed to win.
That was never happening in this one as they controlled it throughout. Sure, the Jets hung around until a 17-point fourth-quarter put it away but it felt throughout the day that this was going to be a W for New Orleans.
Taysom Hill was much better than a week prior, throwing for 175 yards with no picks. He added 73 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while getting 120 yards and a score from Alvin Kamara — who they were thrilled to have back on the field.
At 6-7, the Saints still could make a run but they don’t feel like a playoff contender. That doesn’t mean they can’t finish with a respectable record though.