# New Orleans Saints organizational performance issues > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-orleans-saints-organizational-performance-issues > Updated: 2026-10-17T21:36:06.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 4. New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson publicly criticized the team following a 1-4 start to the 2026 NFL season, stating that current performance is ‘not acceptable’. Benson emphasized accountability across the organization, specifically mentioning head coach Kellen Moore’s responsibility for player preparation and general manager Mickey Loomis’s role in roster construction. Following these remarks, the Saints faced mounting internal pressure. Analysts suggested that coaching staff changes, particularly regarding Moore, may become imminent if the team lost its Week 6 matchup against the New York Giants. On October 17, the Saints defeated the New York Giants 34-27 at MetLife Stadium, snapping a three-game losing streak and improving their record to 2-4. The game featured a historic milestone for running back Alvin Kamara, who became only the sixth player in NFL history to record both 5,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards. During the contest, quarterback Tyler Shough played through two broken bones in his left hand, and cornerback Greg Newsome suffered a concussion. While the victory provided relief, the Giants' loss was marked by quarterback struggles. Veteran Jameis Winston was benched in the fourth quarter following two interceptions and four sacks, leading to the insertion of J.J. McCarthy. Although McCarthy led a late scoring rally, the Saints secured the win. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, providing commentary for the game, noted that Benson’s message of high expectations was ‘heard loud and clear’ by the organization. While Benson has since offered Moore a public endorsement at practice, pressure remains on the coaching staff and front office to improve performance. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-17: New Orleans Saints defeat New York Giants as Alvin Kamara hits milestone The New Orleans Saints beat the New York Giants 34-27, highlighted by Alvin Kamara’s historic 5,000-yard rushing and receiving milestone and a quarterback shakeup for the Giants. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gayle-benson-criticizes-saints-performance-amid-1-4-start ### 2026-10-17: J.J. McCarthy sets NFL record in Giants debut during loss to Saints J.J. McCarthy set an NFL record with 243 passing yards in 11 minutes during his Giants debut, nearly leading a comeback against the Saints after replacing Jameis Winston. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-giants-host-new-orleans-saints-in-week-6-nfl-matchup ### 2026-10-16: New York Giants host New Orleans Saints in Week 6 matchup The New York Giants (3-1-1) host the New Orleans Saints (1-4) at MetLife Stadium in Week 6, featuring a matchup between Giants QB Jameis Winston and his former team. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saints-and-giants-face-internal-pressures-ahead-of-matchup ### 2026-10-13: Gayle Benson criticizes New Orleans Saints after 1-4 season start New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson has labeled the team's 1-4 start ‘unacceptable,’ placing accountability on coaching, management, and players to improve performance. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gayle-benson-criticizes-new-orleans-saints-1-4-season-start --- Cite as: New Orleans Saints organizational performance issues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-orleans-saints-organizational-performance-issues