RSS Saints Team Notes

[New Orleans Saints]

Fleur-de-Links, January 5: The Saints 2025 season has officially concluded

New Orleans Saints 2026 opponents: Home, away matchups confirmed​

With the loss ot the Falcons, the Saints will be playing three fourth-place teams in other divisions.

Game Recap: Atlanta Falcons 19, New Orleans Saints 17 | 2025 NFL Week 18​

New Orleans was unable to overcome its many offensive obstacles, resulting in a close loss to a hated rival.

Panthers clinch NFC South thanks to Falcons’ win over Saints​

In other NFC South news, the winner has been decided.

Chase Young praises @CamJordan94 and @Demario__Davis for setting the standard pic.twitter.com/UB4es7Hzkb

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 4, 2026

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...e-saints-2025-season-has-officially-concluded

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Week 18: Saints vs. Falcons – Social media reactions

The New Orleans Saints’ four-game win streak and the ultimate end of their 2025 season came to a close on Sunday after suffering a road defeat, 19-17, at the hands of the bitter rival Atlanta Falcons. The loss marked the first time that New Orleans was swept by Atlanta since 2016. Although this season comes to a close on a sour note, fans and those within the organization have reason to be hopeful for what’s to come in the future of Saints’ football. Here is how social media reacted to the season finale loss.

---

Falcons-19
Saints-17

Late INT was a killer,but Tyler Shough played damn good w/very limited Offensive resources.

D. played well.
C.Young was a star-1 1/2 QB sacks & run defense was excellent.

10 QB sacks
11 TFL’s-12 games.

Granderson &
A. Taylor were very good too

ST’s

— Michael Detillier (@MikeDetillier) January 4, 2026

Second time in the span of three seasons the Falcons fired their head coach immediately after a game against the Saints. https://t.co/dbJ2L4FkI5

— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) January 5, 2026

Saints-Falcons coming down to an onside kick is the perfect way to decide the NFC South

— Tate Frazier (@tatefrazier) January 4, 2026

1. Tyler Shough should be Rookie of the Year
2. Next year is going to be fun
3. The Carolina Panthers are less objectionable than the Buccaneers.
4. The Falcons are still the Dirty Birds#WhoDat#Saints

— Janice Hough (@leftcoastbabe) January 4, 2026

Mickey Loomis, Jeff Ireland and the rest of the scouts did a great job with the 2025 Saints draft class. If they hit on the 2026 draft class, watch out. They’re in a great spot with the No. 8 pick

— Sharief Ishaq (@ShariefWDSU) January 5, 2026

We found our QB of the future, hell of a season by the Saints could’ve gave up and became a big losing dumpster fire. Instead we gained clarity and developed identity

Love my team, can’t wait to see yall again https://t.co/uJuiJDNFKi

— Hold The Mayo (@snowlikejonn) January 4, 2026

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...k-18-saints-vs-falcons-social-media-reactions

 

[New Orleans Saints]

SB Nation Reacts Survey: How would you grade the Saints 2025 season?

The New Orleans Saints 2025 season officially came to an end on Sunday as the team fell 19-17 to the Falcons in Atlanta to finish 6-11 on the season. Back in September there weren’t many expectations for the team who were in rebuild mode with a new head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators and a lot of uncertainty at the quarterback position after the Saints drafted Tyler Shough in the 2nd round back in April. While Spencer Rattler started in Week 1, Shough cemented his position as the new franchise quarterback before going into Week 18.

Since taking over in Week 9, Shough has completing 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 passing yards and 10 TDs plus 186 rushing yards and 3 rushing TDs. He has led two 4th quarter comebacks, 3 game-winning drives and has emerged as a solid contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Brandon Staley and the Saints defense also deserves some major applause as things have completely turned around for them after Staley’s first season in New Orleans. The Saints’ defense finish the 2025 regular season ranked 9th in total defense (299.8 yards a game) and 17th in scoring defense (22.5 ppg)

This is a vast improvement from 2024 when they ranked 30th overall (379.9) and 19th in scoring (23.4) Chase Young, Demario Davis and Cam Jordan all had incredible seasons, with Davis and Jordan, who are in their 14th and 15th NFL seasons, proving that age is only a number.

As we head into the offseason, there’s now a lot of optimism and excitement from not just the players but fans, who now know the Saints have the right coaches in place and quarterback under center and are already looking toward the NFL Draft and those soon to be rookies that might be future targets for Shough.

But as always, we want to hear from you. How would you grade the Saints 2025 season and are you confident the Saints are headed in the right direction? Vote in the final reacts poll of this season and let us know your thoughts.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Saints fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ey-how-would-you-grade-the-saints-2025-season

 

[Zedster]

Really interesting end to the season. That Ravens-Steelers game should be a good one to watch while we process how things wrapped up for us.

Gotta say, finishing 6-11 doesn't look great on paper, but there's a lot to feel decent about heading into the offseason. Shough stepping up the way he did was the biggest positive - finding your QB of the future in a rebuild year is huge. Those numbers since Week 9 are pretty solid for a rookie, especially with the limited weapons around him.

The defense turning things around under Staley was nice to see too. Going from 30th to 9th in total defense is a significant jump. Chase Young fitting in well alongside Davis and Jordan gives them a good core to build around.

Pick 8 is a solid spot. Not having to reach for a QB means they can take best player available or address the trenches. Faulk from Auburn would be interesting if he's there - always need help on the defensive line. Though I'd also keep an eye on offensive weapons to give Shough more help next year.

Getting swept by Atlanta stings, but at least we got to watch them fire their coach right after. Small consolation I guess.

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints 2026 strength of schedule entering the offseason

The New Orleans Saints finished last in the NFC South this season, and as a result, they will face three opponents next season that also finished last in their respective divisions. This is excellent news for the Saints’ hopes of improving their record next year, but it also plummets their strength of schedule.

According to @sfdata9ners, the Saints have the second-easiest schedule when using current records.

Strength of schedule is always an interesting factor to consider when projecting future win totals, and for the Saints, it seems they could have a chance to improve on this season. Obviously, the offseason has not yet begun, so we do not know which teams got better or even what moves the Saints will make.

This past season, the massive jump that the New England Patriots took was largely attributed to their strenght of schedule. Yes, they are a great team, but if the Patriots have a more challenging schedule, there is no guarantee they could repeat their current success. As you can see in the graphic, we will see if they can next season.

The Saints have their QB, HC, young pieces to build upon, and several other positives going into the offseason. Now, with a potential easy schedule, the sky is the limit for this team.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...6-strength-of-schedule-entering-the-offseason

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Fleur-de-Links, January 7: Will New Orleans see a familar face take over an NFC South rival?

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly from the Saints loss to the Falcons​

Some takeaways from the Saints’ final game of the season.

Former Saints play caller emerges as top head coach candidate​

Could the former Saints coach come back to the division?

Saints Struck Gold With Team’s Next Franchise Quarterback​

A much better feeling entering this offseason.

Keep grindin bro @tylershough2 you have the right mindset https://t.co/stSe4xJZjA

— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) January 6, 2026

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...e-a-familar-face-take-over-an-nfc-south-rival

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints DE Chase Young named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month

The NFL announced today that New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month.

Young recorded 19 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks, two fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown, and a forced fumble in the months of December and January. Young became the third player since 2000 to record at least 15 tackles, five sacks, two fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown, in the last five games of a season. Young was one of four players to record at least five sacks over the last five weeks of the season.

This marks the first time that Young has won the conference honor since the last month of his rookie campaign in 2020, and he is the first Saints player to win Player of the Month honors since Blake Gillikin (October 2021) and the first Defensive Player of the Month since Cam Jordan (November 2020).

Congrats to @youngchase907 on being named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month! pic.twitter.com/vkI79uPPed

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 8, 2026

After missing the first 5 games due to a calf injury, Young returned in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2025, he recorded 38 tackles (22 solo), a career-high ten sacks, a career-high 11 stops for a loss, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries (Tied for first in the NFL) through 12 games starting.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...n-named-the-nfc-defensive-player-of-the-month

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Key statements and takeaways from the Saints end of season press conference

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Kellen Moore held a joint press conference on Wednesday to wrap up the 2025 season. For roughly 50 minutes, they took questions from the local media on several topics and gave a little insight on their plans for the immediate future.

Here are some important quotes and key statements from yesterday’s presser:

Mickey Loomis on if quarterback Tyler Shough’s success was surprising:

“I don’t know that there’s anything surprising for us, we thought a lot of him going into the draft, collectively. So, we felt like this guy’s got a chance to be a real good quarterback in the league and that’s why we drafted him. So, I don’t think surprising is the right word. He probably progressed a little faster than maybe we expected but I think our coaches did a great job with him, I think our players embraced his opportunity and obviously, the player himself embraced the opportunity.”

Kellen Moore on Tyler Shough’s performance, cementing he’s the starting QB moving forward:

“We feel great with Tyler. Tyler has done an awesome job through this entire process, he’s gotten a ton better, taken advantage of a bunch of opportunities and we’re excited to have a full offseason to build on.”

Mickey Loomis on Kellen Moore’s first season as head coach:

“I think he did an excellent job and under some really difficult circumstances. We hired Kellen under a set of circumstances relative to the quarterback and then that changed dramatically and he did not bat an eye. He just was ok, what’s the next step that we have to do and how do we attack it? That was impressive right from the beginning. Then during the course of the season, obviously, there are circumstances and things that come up during the course of the year that you can think your prepared for, but you’re really not because you haven’t been put in that position and I think in virtual every case, he handled it really well and that’s been exciting to see.“

Mickey Loomis on the veterans who will become free agents this year:

“There is a process we go through at the end of the season; it’s an evaluation and then a determination Do they want to come back? Do we want them back? Even after that there are a lot of variables. What’s the contract situation? What’s the timeline? There are just too many variables for me to give you a definite answer on any of that but look, I’m excited to hear when those guys declare they want to be back here and I would say that on the surface, we definitely want them back but there are so many variables that exist, I just can’t answer that right now.”

Mickey Loomis on the state of the Saints salary cap:

“Obviously, over the last two or three years, those things that we have to do to get under the cap have diminished. This will be the lightest work that Khai has had to do over the last couple of years and that’s a good feeling.”

Mickey Loomis on their current outlook for the 2026 NFL Draft:

“I think we’re going to have an opportunity to impact our team, and I’m excited about the draft class that’s coming up. Discussions I’ve had with Jeff and his staff, there’s a lot of players that will fit us at a lot of different positions, so I’m excited about that. I think the depth of this draft class right now looks pretty good and I think we’re going to be in a position to kind of take the best player that’s available that can impact our team. As opposed to do we have to have this position or that position. Obviously, there will be positions that we prefer, but I don’t think we’re going to be in a position of where we have to get this particular position.”

Mickey Loomis on requesting to play in the Hall of Fame game if Drew Brees gets in as expected:

“We’ve thought about that, obviously. I don’t want to just assume that he’s going to get in the Hall of Fame, but yeah, I think that it would be a good thing for a team to experience that whole experience of the Hall of Fame is really good for anyone involved in football and anyone who is a fan of football. And the fact that if Drew gets in, I think it would be a great thing for us to play in that game.”

Moore and Loomis said that the coaching staff will get the next 10 days off and after the brief break, they will start the evaluation process of players and then start to generate their offseason plans.

So, while the 2025 season is over, the work for the Saints never stops. Here are some important upcoming events that the Saints will have their eyes on: The Senior Bowl at the end of January, NFL combine in February, the start of free agency in March and of course, the NFL Draft in April.

As always, Canal Street Chronicles will keep you updated on all the latest Saints news and information.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...rom-the-saints-end-of-season-press-conference

 

[New Orleans Saints]

College Football Playoff: 2026 Fiesta Bowl Open Thread

The #6 Ole Miss Rebels (13-1) face the #10 Miami Hurricanes (12-2) in the CFP semifinals. The winner moves on to the 2026 CFP National Championship Game in Miami on January 19th. These are two of the more surprising teams this season, and this should make for a fantastic matchup!

2026 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl ​

#10 Miami Hurricanes vs #6 Ole Miss Rebels

Location: State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Arizona

Game Time: 4:30pm PST / 6:30pm CST / 7:30pm EST

Network: ESPN

Odds – Miami -3.5, O/U 52.5

Enjoy the game with the CSC family and join the thread below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...football-playoff-2026-fiesta-bowl-open-thread

 

[New Orleans Saints]

NFL Playoff Picks 2026: Wild Card Weekend

The 2026 NFL Playoffs are upon us, and unfortunately, the New Orleans Saints are once again not among this year’s playoff field. Even without the Saints in the playoffs this year, there are quite a few players to root for, and teams to root against. We certainly have some interesting matchups this weekend, so let’s take a look at each game as well as which teams will be moving on to the Divisional Round next weekend.

Last week I went 7-9

I told you so: Vikings over Packers!

What do I know: Panthers over Bucs?

WILD CARD WEEKEND​

NFC – #5 Los Angeles Rams (12-5) at #4 Carolina Panthers (8-9)​

Saturday, January 10th – 3:30pm CST – FOX

This Wild Card game is a rematch of one of the most surprising upsets in the NFL this past season, a 31-28 Carolina win at home over a Rams team that was the NFC’s top seed at that point, the Sunday following Thanksgiving. The win was sealed with a 43-yard TD pass by Bryce Young, stunning a Rams team that was on a six-game winning streak at that point.

The Rams multiple weapons on offense, led by Matthew Stafford, will be the story coming into the game, but it is the defense that has much to prove here. This rematch will come down to the Rams defense coming through as the best unit on the field, forcing Bryce Young into a pair of crucial turnovers his team won’t be able to recover from. The 2025 NFC South champs will exit the playoffs as unceremoniously as they entered them. Los Angeles wins 30-20.

Pick: Rams

***

NFC – #7 Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) at #2 Chicago Bears (11-6)​

Saturday, January 10th – 7:00pm CST – Prime Video

This Wild Card game is a rematch of arguably the Game of the Year this past regular season, a 22-16 overtime thriller in Chicago on the Saturday before Christmas. It is that game that earned Chicago the NFC North title, their first since 2018. These teams did split the season series though, and Green Bay’s starting QB Jordan Love missed the huge OT loss due to injury. Love will be back for this one.

Although these teams are the class of their devision, neither has finished the season strong, as Chicago has lost their final two games, and Green Bay their last four. This may be a bit skewed in Green Bay’s case, as they were ravaged with injuries and rested everyone they could in a season finale that featured a practice squad player at starting QB. Both teams rosters are as healthy and rested as they can be coming into this one. It will be another close one, but Chicago is just better, at least on offense, and home field advantage will prove to be just that. Chicago wins 27-24.

Pick: Bears

***

AFC – #6 Buffalo Bills (12-5) at #3 Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)​

Sunday, January 11th – 12:00pm CST – CBS

Few players carry the weight of expectations coming into the playoffs like Buffalo’s star quarterback Josh Allen carries into these playoffs. The Bills will go as far as Allen can take them, as usual, but this time, most of his greatest obstacles are cleared from the board. Gone is Lamar Jackson, who Allen has beaten in the playoffs, but has battled him ferociously. Gone is Joe Burrow, who has beaten Allen decisively in the playoffs and has done what he has never done, beaten Kansas City and taken his team to the Super Bowl. Most importantly, gone is Patrick Mahomes, who is 4-0 against Allen in the playoffs, twice beating him in the divisional round and twice in the AFC Championship Game. With these rivals out of his path, the expectation is for Allen and his Bills to finally reach the promised land.

On the opposite side are the AFC South Champion Jacksonville Jaguars, led by first year head coach Liam Coen, who wildly surpassed expectations in Duval County this past season. Josh Allen may be the story of this game, and these playoffs as a whole, but the Jags are a fantastic story on their own. They shouldn’t be, and won’t be discounted in this matchup, which may prove to be the best game of Wild Card weekend. This game will be close all the way through, but Allen is considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in the game today for a reason. He will play up to the moment and carry the team on his shoulders in the biggest moments of this game. It will be enough, but barely, as Allen’s team just gets by in nail-biter on the road. The weight only continues to build from here. Buffalo wins 25-24

Pick: Bills

***

NFC – #6 San Francisco 49ers (12-5) at #3 Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)​

Sunday, January 11th – 3:30pm CST – FOX

Despite battling a litany of injuries in crucial positions all season, San Francisco has surpassed many expectations, even playing for, but ultimately failing at, a chance for the #1 seed in the NFC just a week ago. Despite winning the NFC East for the second consecutive season, and the third time in four seasons, Philadelphia has not lived up to lofty expectations this season. The reigning Super Bowl Champions have scored five points-per-game less this season under Kevin Patullo’s offense than last season under Kellen Moore’s offense.

All of the attention will obviously land on Kyle Shanahan and the struggles of his offense against defensive genius Vic Fangio, and rightfully so, considering both of their career accomplishments, but it is the Kevin Patullo offense vs. the Robert Saleh defense that will tell the tale of this game. Despite the wealth of talent, it is Patullo’s offense that has underperformed the most of all four units that have been mentioned, and the failure to get in rhythm and stay there will cost Philly dearly. San Francisco wins 19-17.

Pick: 49ers

***

AFC – #7 Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) at #2 New England Patriots (14-3)​

Sunday, January 11th – 7:00pm CST – NBC

New England has surpassed expectations spectacularly this season, under new Head Coach Mike Vrabel. The former Patriots championship linebacker, and sometimes pass-catcher, has taken a franchise reeling from the post-Brady & Belichick era and has immediately turned them into a fresh-faced title contender, with second-year quarterback Drake Maye under center. Maye has been so good, he has Pats fans putting away their #12 jerseys and buying #10 ones.

Under Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have certainly outperformed his predecessors, but they still underperform compared to their expectations and their potential, and that will happen again here. They seem to be built for some moments, just not the big moments. For all of the Bolts’ talents, the Pats are simply better, and they will prove it here once again. New England wins 28-20.

Pick: Patriots

***

AFC – #5 Houston Texans (12-5) at #4 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) ​

Monday, January 12th – 7:00pm CST – ESPN

Pittsburgh is the team with the pedigree, the Super Bowl history, the possible Hall of Fame head coach, and the certain Hall of Fame quarterback, but they are certainly not the favorite in this game, even at home it Pittsburgh. Frankly, the Steelers are almost lucky to be here. A missed field goal on the final play of the entire 2025 regular season sent them here and they are honestly playing with house money.

Houston may have come up just short of winning their third-consecutive AFC South title, but this is almost certainly the best team in the three seasons under head coach DeMeco Ryans and QB CJ Stroud. Led by the AFC’s top-ranked defense, the stingy and aggressive Texans will squeeze the home team into submission, making the big plays in the most crucial moments of this game. Houston wins 24-17.

Pick: Texans

***

Let’s see what the Wild Card round has in store. Here’s to an entertaining playoff weekend. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!

---

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...5242/nfl-playoff-picks-2026-wild-card-weekend

 

[New Orleans Saints]

College Football Playoff: 2026 Peach Bowl Open Thread

The #1 Indiana Hoosiers (14-0) face the #5 Oregon Ducks (13-1) in the CFP semifinals. The winner moves on to the 2026 CFP National Championship Game in Miami on January 19th. These two universities have been near the top of their conference for two years now, and they should have a fantastic game in this one!

2026 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl​

#5 Oregon Ducks vs #1 Indiana Hoosiers

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Georgia

Game Time: 4:30pm PST / 6:30pm CST / 7:30pm EST

Network: ESPN

Odds – Indiana -3.5, O/U 48.5

Enjoy the game with the CSC family and join the thread below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-football-playoff-2026-peach-bowl-open-thread

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Bears vs. Packers: Wild Card Open Thread

The Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers in the second of two Wild Card playoff games today. These two NFC North arch-rivals have the longest-standing rivalry in the NFL and the next chapter continues here. These teams split the season series, including a Game of the Year contender in Week 16, but this rubber match is clearly the most important game of all. This matchup should provide a great end to day one of the 2026 NFL Playoffs!

NFC Wild Card Game​

#7 Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) at #2 Chicago Bears (11-6)​

Soldier Field – Chicago, Illinois​

Kickoff – 5:00pm PST / 7:00pm CST / 8:00pm EST​

Network – Prime Video​

Odds – Packers -1.5, O/U 45.5​

Enjoy the game with the CSC family and join the thread below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/general/105417/bears-vs-packers-wild-card-open-thread

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Panthers vs. Rams: Wild Card Open Thread

The Carolina Panthers host the Los Angeles Rams in the first of two Wild Card playoff games today. Carolina enters this game having backed into the NFC South title, while Los Angeles dropped from first in the NFC to fifth, by losing two of their last three games. This is a rematch of one of the most surprising upsets of the season, when Carolina upset the Rams at home in Week 13. This matchup could provide a great start to start the 2026 NFL Playoffs!

NFC Wild Card Game​

#5 Los Angeles Rams (12-5) at #4 Carolina Panthers (8-9)​

Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, North Carolina​

Kickoff – 1:30pm PST / 3:30pm CST / 4:30pm EST​

Network – FOX​

Odds – Rams -10.5, O/U 46.5​

Enjoy the game with the CSC family and join the thread below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/general/105413/panthers-vs-rams-wild-card-open-thread

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Jaguars vs. Bills: Wild Card Open Thread

The Jacksonville Jaguars host the Buffalo Bills in the first of three Wild Card playoff games today. Buffalo enters this game as a slight road favorite, while Jacksonville comes in as the AFC South Champion with a chip on their shoulder. This matchup should be a fun start to the second day of the 2026 NFL Playoffs!

AFC Wild Card Game​

#6 Buffalo Bills (10-7) at #3 Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)​

Everbank Stadium – Jacksonville, Florida​

Kickoff – 10:00am PST / 12:00pm CST / 1:00pm EST​

Network – CBS​

Odds – Bills -1.5, O/U 51.5​

Enjoy the game with the CSC family and join the thread below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/general/105564/jaguars-vs-bills-wild-card-open-thread

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints LB Demario Davis, Devoted Dreamers Foundation and The 18th Ward team up to host flag football tryouts

Demario Davis joins young athletes for a flag football clinic in Paris, France | Saints/Michael DeMocker

New Orleans Saints LB Demario Davis and his Devoted Dreamers Foundation have teamed up with The 18th Ward in New Orleans to host flag football tryouts on Tuesday, January 13, and Thursday, January 15, 2026, at City Park.

The program is free and open to boys and girls aged 8 to 14 during spring and summer. Player identification Week will allow the coaches to observe the athletes on the field and then assign them to a spring program that best supports their skills and long-term development.

Tryouts will be held on Tuesday, January 13, and Thursday, January 15, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at City Park.

Founded in 2013 by Demario Davis and his wife, Tamela, Devoted Dreamers’ mission is to help empower youth, instill hope, and nurture future leaders who will shape a brighter world.

The 18th Ward is a local nonprofit that builds community through high-quality, affordable sports and workforce development programming for youth and families from every neighborhood in New Orleans.

To learn more about The 18th Ward, please visit: www.the18thward.org

To learn more about the Devoted Dreamers Foundation, please visit www.devoteddreamers.org

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...th-ward-team-up-to-host-flag-football-tryouts

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Steelers vs. Texans: Wild Card Open Thread

The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Houston Texans in the final game of the Wild Card round. This game will see Aaron Rodgers face the AFC’s best defense in what could be his final game. This matchup could make for a great end to the Wild Card round of the 2026 NFL Playoffs!

AFC Wild Card Game​

#5 Houston Texans (14-3) at #4 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)​

Acrisure Stadium – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania​

Kickoff – 5:15pm PST / 7:15pm CST / 8:15pm EST​

Network – ESPN​

Odds – Texans -3, O/U 38.5​

Enjoy the game with the CSC family and join the thread below!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/general/105575/steelers-vs-texans-wild-card-open-thread

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Final State of the NFC South for the 2025 season

What a weird season for the NFC South, but in the end, the Carolina Panthers were the division winners. Now, going into the offseason, all four of these teams have tough work to do this offseason, so let’s start the preview.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers​

This was a very disappointing season for the Buccaneers. Instead of repeating their NFC South dominance of recent years and QB Baker Mayfield proving to be a real franchise QB, the team was a shell of its old self. Mayfield struggled throughout the season, the run game fell apart at times, and the coaching was horrible. I would say that one of the things the Bucs need to do is move on from HC Todd Bowles, but it seems he will be staying. They have begun to make changes to the offensive coaching staff, which may bring some improvement, but if another disappointing season occurs, a small reset may be coming.

Carolina Panthers​

In almost every opposite way, the Panthers were the shock of the NFC South. Going from nearly last in the 2024 NFC South to first in 2025 is an excellent turnaround. It was far from perfect, and now there is an expectation to repeat in 2026, which creates more pressure, but it can easily happen again. The main question, as it always has been, is QB Bryce Young’s consistency and whether he can be the franchise guy. Young showed some great flashes of it, but his contract extension is on its way, and it could be a top 10 QB contract. The question is whether that is worth it with how volatile his play has been.

Atlanta Falcons​

Back to the disappointing teams of the NFC South, the Falcons were in a similar state as the Buccaneers. Massive expectations to take the next step in 2025, but it fell very much short. Yes, they were one game away from first place, but it was not a pretty season. QB Michael Penix went down with a devastating knee injury, and there is now growing concern given his already extensive history of knee issues. There is still uncertainty at the most important position in football, even after trying to double dip with an expensive free agent QB (Kirk Cousins) and a top drafted QB (Penix). This team has way too many young, dynamic pieces to be third in the division next year, and with the HC search underway, maybe they will find the guy to maximize the talent on the roster.

New Orleans Saints​

For last place in the division, the Saints may have one of the top future outlooks in the division. Over the last 5 weeks of the season, New Orleans won 4 games. Yes, they could not end the season with that final victory, but for a team that looked like it was going to select #1 overall at one point, there is real momentum heading into next season. QB Tyler Shough looks like the guy, and the Saints need to do everything in their power to avoid a sophomore slump. This roster needs work, nearly everywhere, but many of the issues can be fixed this offseason. Let’s see if they can do it.

Final 2025/26 NFC South Standings

1. Panthers (8-9)
2. Buccaneers (8-9)
3. Falcons (8-9)
4. Saints (6-11)

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...al-state-of-the-nfc-south-for-the-2025-season

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Updated 2026 NFL Draft order: Current 1st-round picks after the wild card round

The New Orleans Saints already know where they will be drafting in 2026, but for the playoff teams, some of the first spots were solidified after last night’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans.

Here is the new first-round draft order.

Updated 2026 NFL Draft order​

1. Las Vegas Raiders
2. New York Jets
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. Tennessee Titans
5. New York Giants
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Washington Commanders
8. New Orleans Saints
9. Kansas City Chiefs
10. Cincinnati Bengals
11. Miami Dolphins
12. Dallas Cowboys
13. Los Angeles Rams (previously owned by Atlanta Falcons)
14. Baltimore Ravens
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. New York Jets (previously owned by the Indianapolis Colts)
17. Detroit Lions
18. Minnesota Vikings
19. Carolina Panthers
20. Dallas Cowboys (previously owned by the Green Bay Packers)
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
22. Los Angeles Chargers
23. Philadelphia Eagles
24. Cleveland Browns (previously owned by the Jacksonville Jaguars)
25. Chicago Bears
26. Buffalo Bills
27. San Francisco 49ers
28. Houston Texans
29. Los Angeles Rams
30. New England Patriots
31. Denver Broncos
32. Seattle Seahawks

What the Saints can do at #8​

Looking again at some other options at pick #8 for the Saints, DT Peter Woods is one that jumps out. Yes, going with a defensive tackle this early is scary, and one from Clemson. Although the Saints didn’t strike out with Bryan Bresee, it hasn’t been a smooth journey to this point. Being stung by that is something the NFL really takes into consideration, but Woods is different.

Clemson as a whole had a very down year, but Woods stayed dominant. When he wasn’t being double-teamed, Woods was excellent against the run, and that is going to be the main reason why teams love him. His pass rush needs to get better, but for DT, a floor is set if the run defense is there. That was one of the issues with Bresee because he is the opposite, so the floor is lower. In Woods’ case, he is very good at taking up space, demanding attention, and opening up opportunities for other defensive linemen. It’s not an exciting pick, but it will 100% improve the defense.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ent-1st-round-picks-after-the-wild-card-round

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Former Saints quarterback selected in 2026 UFL Draft

On Friday, January 9, quarterback Hunter Dekkers was selected by the United Football League’s Houston Gamblers during the first phase of the association’s multi-stage draft. Less than one year ago, Dekkers found himself going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, but will now have an opportunity for a fresh start with a new team in hopes of continuing his professional career.

Dekkers signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent following a minicamp tryout in May 2025. He was never able to see the field during the preseason as Kellen Moore and the Saints worked rigorously to figure out their starting QB situation ahead of the regular season. Although Dekkers did not wind up making the active roster, he still found a place within the organization with a spot on the practice squad.

The Iowa native stuck close to home as he played the first three seasons of his collegiate career at Iowa State University as a Cyclone before wrapping his college days at Iowa Western University, a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Dekkers will join another undrafted 2025 QB, Donovan Smith, on the Gamblers’ roster this spring. Smith played collegiate ball at both Texas Tech and Houston.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...saints-quarterback-selected-in-2026-ufl-draft

 

[Zedster]

Some interesting stuff here. Good to see Demario Davis continuing to do great work in the community - the Devoted Dreamers Foundation has been doing solid things for years now. Flag football is blowing up too, especially with it being added to the Olympics, so this is a nice opportunity for kids in New Orleans.

As for the NFC South recap, what a strange year. Three teams at 8-9 and somehow the Panthers come out on top. Hard to believe Carolina went from basement dwellers to division champs that quickly. The article makes a fair point about Tyler Shough though - if he really is the guy, the Saints have a decent foundation to build on heading into next year. Those last 5 weeks showed some life.

The #8 pick is an interesting spot. Peter Woods is intriguing but I get the hesitation given the Bresee situation. Run-stuffing DTs aren't flashy but they can anchor a defense. Guess we'll see how the board falls.

Also caught that Hunter Dekkers got picked up by the UFL. Didn't really get a fair shot here with all the QB chaos last year. Hope he gets some playing time in Houston and can work his way back to an NFL roster eventually.