3 Things Saints Learned the Hard Way in Ugly 34-0 Loss to Rams

Three major problems emerged from the Saints’ 34-0 loss to the Rams.

Aug 22, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Helmets at the line of scrimmage during the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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The New Orleans Saints fell to 0-2 in the preseason after a 34-0 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, tied for the fourth-worst exhibition loss in franchise history.

Virtually nothing went right, leaving a string of bad and downright ugly moments. From poor discipline and struggling quarterback play to missed opportunities in the red zone, it was simply bad football—and about as low as it gets. 

Saints head coach Kellen Moore did not make any excuses after the game.

"Regular season, preseason, does not matter. Those are not the ones you want," Moore said.

The four quotes after the game that were important ones.

Here are our three biggest takeaways.

Takeaway #1: Backup QB Battle Still TBD

Aug 22, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Zach Wilson (4) takes the snap against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Just when you thought it would be wrapped up this week, it wasn’t.

After a strong performance against Jacksonville, Zach Wilson seemed poised to secure the role if he could sustain that momentum on Saturday against Los Angeles. However, he fell short. Wilson struggled in his start, completing only 6 of 12 passes for 55 yards, an interception, and a modest 50% completion rate.

Who were the biggest winners for the Saints in its loss to the Rams? Who were the biggest losers? And what is thebig question? Check out our thoughts here.

Spencer Rattler recorded higher stat totals than Wilson, finishing 14-of-23 for 141 yards. Even so, his turnover proved costlier when Rams safety Alex Cook intercepted a pass and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown.

Neither Wilson nor Rattler has yet demonstrated the consistency needed to solidify the primary backup spot. 

"Obviously, we're going to have to watch the film really closely because, you know, your gut reaction is obviously that we want to accomplish more as an offense," Moore said when asked about the two quarterbacks. "We had the unfortunate interception in the first half. We had one in the red zone in the second half where we're driving, and so, yeah, we're just going to have to watch this film and get better. I thought those guys had some really good work throughout this entire week, and obviously, as a team collectively, we didn't take advantage of this opportunity today."

Takeaway #2: Red Zone Inefficiencies Pop Up Once Again

Aug 22, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams safety Alex Cook (39) scores on a 100-yard interception return as New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) watches in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Red zone struggles re-emerged as a major concern for the Saints, who failed to score on three separate opportunities.

On the second-half opening drive, New Orleans reached the Rams' 6-yard line, but Alex Cook intercepted Spencer Rattler's pass to Treyton Welch and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown.

Later in the third quarter, the Saints advanced inside the Rams' 10-yard line, but Ty Chandler fumbled after a 3-yard run, with Los Angeles recovering at their own 3-yard line.

New Orleans had one final chance, but Tanner Brown missed a 39-yard field goal attempt with 37 seconds remaining.

Takeaway #3: Silly Penalties

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a yellow penalty flag on the field during the Arizona Cardinals game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Drawing twelve penalties for 96 yards is a terrible look. The Saints seemed to draw flags for almost everything imaginable, at one point accumulating more penalty yardage than rushing yards.

The disciplinary issues surfaced immediately: within the game's opening 10 plays, New Orleans was flagged for unnecessary roughness, holding, and offensive pass interference. Getting called for a false start in front of a quiet preseason crowd at SoFi Stadium was bad enough.

"Just a lack—lack of discipline, lack of detail," Moore said in regard to the Saints being flagged so much throughout the game. "A lot of them are under our control. You know, 12 penalties in a football game is—you're not going to win football games. And I feel like we've talked a lot about that, and it was obviously a step back from the progress that we felt like we've made. So it's going to be a lesson."

While this initial road trip took place before a sparse crowd, the environment will shift dramatically in a couple of weeks when they face hostile, packed houses in Detroit and Baltimore to open the regular season.

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