Despite losses in four of their last five games, New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen has decided to stick with Andy Dalton as the team’s starting quarterback.
Jameis Winston, who signed a two-year extension in the offseason, was supposed to be New Orleans’ main starter in 2022. But he hasn’t played since Week 3, even though the first overall pick of 2015 received was cleared back in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Allen has already named Dalton the starter for the Saints’ Week 11 home game against the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams. A loss would drop New Orleans to 3-8 on the year and end essentially end any remaining playoff hopes.
Speaking to reporters about being kept on the sideline once again, Winston admitted that it’s hurting him, via Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.
“It hurts my soul,” Winston said.
He then went on to take what appeared to be a shot at the Saints coaching staff, calling them out for benching him due to an injury.
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“I lost my job due to injury, and the policy has always been you don’t lose your job because of injury.”
Allen’s decision to stick with Dalton has led to widespread criticism. The former Bengals starter is 2-5 with 11 touchdowns against seven interceptions and three fumbles. Though an injured Winston lost two of his first three starts in 2022, one can’t forget that he was 5-2 as the starter in 2021 before suffering a season ending ACL tear in Week 8.
In three game appearances this season, Winston has a 63.5 completion percentage and 858 yards to go along with four touchdowns and five interceptions.
If Dalton plays well on Sunday, Allen will have good reason to keep him in the starting position. But if the Saints fall to the unraveling Rams, it would be a stunner if Allen decided against eventually making a change.
Making matters worse in the Saints’ frustrating season? The fact that the Philadelphia Eagles own New Orleans’ 2023 first-round pick, and it’s very likely going to be a top-10 selection. The Saints can kick off the final stretch on a strong note by taking advantage of an injury-ravaged Rams team at home on Sunday.
