Saints GM sounds off on NFL’s decision to make team play Monday
The Saints fell to 7–8 on Monday, shedding in a 20–3 blowout to the Dolphins. New Orleans normal supervisor Mickey Loomis wasn’t thrilled that his team was pushed into enjoying the sport with out postponement, even with a major COVID-19 outbreak throughout the roster.
New Orleans, already with out Week 1 beginning quarterback Jameis Winston, misplaced Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian to COVID-19 protocols for the sport, together with 18 different gamers. Rookie Ian Ebook was thrust into motion for the primary time, and managed to throw for simply 135 yards and two interceptions within the loss.
“I used to be instructed fairly early on that the sport wasn’t going to be postponed and simply had to cope with it. That was their answer: Play the sport it doesn’t matter what,” Loomis instructed WWL Radio Sports in New Orleans. “We don’t have to prefer it, however we have now to reside with it.”
The NFL’s edict got here down per week after the league pushed again three Week 15 video games due to COVID-19 outbreaks of comparable severity of the one which the Saints skilled. Loomis in contrast the scenario to the participant strike in 1987 that led to groups signing substitute gamers.
“When you might have 18 energetic gamers and 4 of your follow squad gamers take a look at optimistic for COVID, it’s simply an excessive amount of to overcome, frankly,” Loomis continued. “It wasn’t honest to the gamers. It wasn’t honest to our teaching workers, and positively not the followers. It was a troublesome week, nevertheless it’s behind us now.”
The loss places the Saints on the skin wanting in in a crowded NFC playoff image. The Buccaneers have already clinched the NFC South at 11–4, whereas the Cardinals (10–5) have secured one of many three wild card bids. The 49ers and Eagles are at present in line for playoff spots at 8–7, whereas the Vikings and Falcons are tied with the Saints a recreation behind them.
New Orleans will host Carolina on Sunday, earlier than a giant Week 18 recreation at Atlanta, which might have vital playoff implications, on Sunday, Jan. 9.
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