Redskins Torch Hapless Saints Defense

The Saints defense made an opposing quarterback look like Superman again, and they got embarrassed by the Redskins, 47-14.

When you allow the Washington Redskins to rack up 513 yards of offense, it's only fair to face the music. Kirk Cousins isn't a Pro Bowler, but he threw for 324 yards and 4 TD's against a defense that simply looked lost at times. On one dumpoff pass to Matt Jones, he went all of 78 yards and was barely even touched. Sean Payton acknowledged the shortcomings after the game.

"We didn't do a whole lot well," Payton said. "We struggled tackling."

Payton listed several other woes, including poor third down efficiency, but the defense is becoming an open wound for opposing teams to tear apart.

After such a poor performance, of course questions were asked about the sinking ship on defense. Payton wouldn't discuss any possible changes on the staff, so Rob Ryan's future with the team will be determined behind closed doors during the bye week. It certainly didn't sound like Payton was making excuses for anybody.

"With all the things we wanted to accomplish going into this game, I don't think we checked one box off," Payton said.

Drew Brees was picked off twice, and one of them was returned for a gut-punch pick-six. On the opposite side of the ball, the Saints couldn't stop the Redskins. Washington was a perfect 6-6 on all of their redzone opportunities, and they even put Colt McCoy in at the end of the game because the blowout was fully on.

Aside from Brandin Cooks (5 rec, 98 yards, 2 TD's) in the passing game, there was really only a 70 yard run from Mark Ingram to get excited about. Unfortunately, Ingram was dinged up and only carried the ball five times...but again, it's all about the defense.

What's worse: allowing Kirk Cousins to pass for 324 and 4 TD's or letting Washington's RB's rush for 213 yards?

There's no right answer to that question. Both situations are unacceptable.

There are some angry folks in Who Dat Nation, and they want to see some heads roll. Will Rob Ryan still be on the sidelines whenever the Saints return from their bye week? It's getting harder to see that happening.