The Good, Bad and Ugly: Saints Deliver a Preseason Performance They’ll Want to Forget Immediately

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Few expected such a dismal performance from the New Orleans Saints.

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Saints 34-0 in a game that tied for the fourth-worst exhibition loss in franchise history. Since leading 20-6 at halftime against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, the Saints have been outscored 52-0.

The performance in Southern California offered little to like and much to improve upon.

The Good: Kendre Miller and Moliki Matavao

Aug 22, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) carries the ball against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Alex Johnson (36) and linebacker Monty Rice (8) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bright spots were scarce, but tight end Moliki Matavao and running back Kendre Miller offered positive performances.

Matavao, who flashed potential during training camp, hauled in a first-down catch through tight coverage against the Cowboys. While he struggled as a blocker and failed to record significant plays in the preseason opener against the Jaguars, his pass-catching ability on Saturday validated the preseason optimism surrounding him. A closer review of the film will provide more clarity on his blocking progression. He limped off the field in the 2nd quarter with a knee injury that is still to be determined.

What a sideline grab by Moliki Matavao!#Saints | 📺: FOX-8 pic.twitter.com/cv5aa1WQJI
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 22, 2026

Miller demonstrated his capabilities during his limited snaps. He logged two strong runs and an early long-gain reception, though the latter was negated by a penalty. Assuming he maintains health, Miller remains a viable depth option behind Travis Etienne until Alvin Kamara returns. Devin Neal’s pre-game injury further bolsters Miller's roster outlook.

The Bad: Does anyone want to be the Saints' QB2?

The competition remains far from over.

Following a dominant showing against Jacksonville, Zach Wilson appeared to have the inside track if he could maintain that momentum against Los Angeles on Saturday. That was not the case.

Wilson struggled in his start, finishing with a meager 50% completion rate by connecting on just six of 12 attempts for 55 yards and a pick.

Spencer Rattler posted better numbers than Wilson, going 14-of-23 for 141 yards. However, his interception was even more damaging, as Rams safety Alex Cook snagged the pass and returned it 100 yards for a score.

Does anyone want to win the Saints backup QB job?

Spencer Rattler throws into triple coverage, 100-yard pick-six. pic.twitter.com/O8Ae2kRmBg
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) August 22, 2026

It might be a tired narrative, but an injury to Tyler Shough would leave New Orleans in a precarious position. The team experienced a similar slide last season, starting 1-7 before Shough replaced Rattler. The rookie eventually guided the Saints to a 4-5 finish over the final stretch.

As of now, neither Wilson nor Rattler has proven capable of providing the stability required from a primary backup.

The Ugly: All of It

One of the biggest concerns for the Saints was its red zone offense, one that was last in the NFL last season. That concern came up again as the Saints were in the red zone three times and failed to score a single point.

New Orleans moved to the Rams' 6-yard line on the opening drive of the second half, but Los Angeles safety Alex Cook intercepted Rattler's pass intended for Treyton Welch and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown.

The Saints got inside the Rams' 10-yard line again later in the half, but running back Ty Chandler fumbled after a 3-yard run. The Rams recovered at their own 3-yard line to end the threat.

The Saints had one last chance to put points on the board, but Tanner Brown missed a 39-yard field goal with 37 seconds left on the clock.

Biggest Winners, Losers, & Question

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

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