New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons 2025 Week 12 Recap

Greyson Jenkins • November 24, 2025

I am officially ready for the Kellen Moore era to end in New Orleans. 


New Orleans Saints 10 - 24 Atlanta Falcons


This game is up there for the most miserable performance to watch by the team this season. The worst part? The offense didn’t play particularly poorly, but Kellen Moore repeatedly made immeasurably bad decisions. Due to this, I won’t be diving into the performances of the offense or the defense, but the two people who are most responsible for this loss: Kellen Moore and Blake Grupe (which also happens to fall on Kellen Moore).


Kellen Moore (Dennis Allen, but “Offensive-Minded”)

When Kellen Moore officially became the Saints head coach, I honestly wasn’t happy or sad; I was relatively neutral. I say this because I believed Kellen Moore was an extremely vanilla head coach, but that he at least seemed competent as a playcaller. I also felt that any head coach who came here would struggle to succeed with the current state of the roster. Now, after I have watched Kellen Moore struggle and fail over and over again to make good decisions 11 games into the season, I am completely out on bringing him back again. 

I now have 18 tweets since the season started questioning Kellen Moore, whether it be regarding his demeanor, game management, or playcalling. He has had multiple instances where he doesn’t make up his mind whether or not he wants to call time-outs or let the clock run to the end of the half, and he has also made terrible decisions when challenging calls on the field. One of those things showed up again today, with Kellen Moore failing to challenge an iffy spot after Dante Pettis was just short of a first down, essentially ending the game. To me, it is a no-brainer to challenge that spot, as if it’s overturned, you still have the ball, save your three timeouts, and are near midfield. In Kellen Moore’s mind, I guess he was thinking that the defense could get a stop, which they did, and they’d still have a shot at scoring 14 points, after scoring only three through three quarters. 

Don’t even get me started on Kellen Moore’s playcalling… Moore struggles to call high-quality plays once the Saints cross into opposing teams’ territory. He has struggled with this all season, with the Saints currently at a 38.5% redzone conversion rate (touchdowns only). This lands them last in the league, over 5.5% below the Texans, and makes them the only team below the 40% mark. This also showed up again in this matchup, as the Saints went to the red zone three times and could not score one touchdown. Two of those trips, they got stopped at the one-yard line, both times coming up short with Taysom Hill, NOT their rookie QB Tyler Shough, who you might think would be important to give reps down there. There was a glimmer of hope for Devin Neal on one drive, who single-handedly led the team from their own 25 to the Falcons’ 45, but he didn’t touch the ball again afterwards. This drive ended with a Taysom Hill shotgun rollout pass, with only one possible option to pass to. That is malpractice. 

Finally, Kellen Moore does not possess the mentality or character to be a head coach of an NFL team; he is simply an offensive-minded coach, akin to Dennis Allen. He simply stands on the sideline, always straight-faced, and doesn’t ever seem to try to light fire under his players’ asses. Anytime something goes wrong, the team loses, players make mistakes, etc. I feel like Kelen Moore could show much more passion on the sidelines than he does. Would this definitely change the Saints season or their future outlook right now? Possibly, and honestly probably not. However, it does in my eyes as someone who has played football through the D3 college level, matter in terms of winning over a locker room. Level-headed coaches can come off as not caring, or as someone who will be in over their head when the going gets tough, and I think we can see that possibly happening this season. 

One final point, the Saints just went to Carolina, won, and had a whole bye week to prepare for this Falcons team. Within that bye week, Kellen Moore said the focus was to “self-scout”. The team clearly failed in that department, as they once again started slow and failed to score 20 offensive points. All-in-all, the Saints team looks like it has a dud at the head coach position, which dampens any hopes I had of the team turning it around any time soon. 

 

Blake Grupe


Blake Grupe should not have even been on the Saints roster for this game, as he was 17/23 on field goal attempts before this game. However, Kellen Moore believed in him, going against all NFL standards, and thought he could turn it around. Then, in another close game, Grupe misses two huge field goals from very makeable distances, with one also directly leading to three Falcons points. If Blake Grupe is not off the team after this game, or is not at least benched for Charlie Smythe or outside competition, Kellen Moore will absolutely get blasted by beat reporters and Saints fans. 



This game was one I was actually looking forward to after having to wait two full weeks since the game in Charlotte. I wasn’t just let down, but I was made to feel like I couldn’t have been more wrong about how I felt about the team after the Panthers game. Change is needed if the season continues this way, but I do at least feel like the team may have something in Tyler Shough. On to the Dolphins…


Offensive MVP: NONE. 


Defensive MVP: NONE. (Shoutout to Demario Davis still balling though)


Special Teams MVP: NONE. 


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Camp Season football poster at Tulane Green Wave stadium, New Orleans, with a lit field and crowd at dusk
By Patrick Harkness June 4, 2026
Yesterday, June 3, 2026, the Tulane Green Wave hosted one of their key summer Football Camps (June 7, 10, 17) at the Indoor Facility and Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. Dozens of high school prospects from Louisiana and surrounding areas participated in position-specific drills, one-on-one competitions, and 7-on-7 sessions led by Head Coach Will Hall and the Green Wave coaching staff. The camp environment looked electric, with prospects getting valuable exposure to college-level coaching and facilities. Several players stood out, but four prospects in particular left a strong impression and were extended scholarship offers from Tulane. Here’s a closer look at the four players who earned offers. 1. Shaun Phillips | Class of 2029 | OL | The Dunham School (Houma, LA area) @phillips1shaun 6’5”, 285 lbs The massive offensive tackle earned his first collegiate scholarship offer from Tulane. A former Houma Christian standout now at The Dunham School, Phillips turned heads with his rare size-length combination for a Class of 2029 prospect. • Size & Power: Ideal OT frame with long arms and natural power; he engulfs defenders and creates movement in the run game. • Movement Skills: Surprisingly light on his feet with good balance and agility for his size in pass-pro and pull drills. • Hand Technique & Leverage: Showed strong hand placement and the ability to sustain blocks, traits that translate well to college. • Projection & Fit: High-upside developmental tackle with All-Conference potential. Fits perfectly in Tulane’s modern spread offense that demands athletic, long offensive linemen who can handle both zone and power concepts. 2. James Tyson | Class of 2027 | DB | St. Charles Catholic HS (LaPlace, LA) @Jetyson28 6’0”, 180 lbs athletic build An emerging prospect in Louisiana’s talented 2027 class, Tyson flashed the coverage skills and physicality that college defensive backs need. Competed well throughout the day and earned a scholarship offer. • Coverage & Athleticism: Fluid hips, good transition ability, and the speed to stay on top of routes in man or zone. • Ball Skills & Instincts: Showed natural hands and ability to make plays on the football in 7-on-7 and individual drills. • Physicality & Run Support: Willing tackler who contributes in the box and on the perimeter, not just a coverage specialist. • Projection & Fit: Versatile DB who can play corner, nickel, or develop into a safety role. Tulane’s secondary values length, athleticism, and multi-positional flexibility; Tyson checks those boxes and has starter upside. 3. Jayden Taylor | Class of 2028 | OL | St. Augustine HS (New Orleans, LA) @the_jtaylor72 6’4”, 255 lbs The St. Augustine Purple Knights left tackle brought his physical “bully” style to camp and dominated in the trenches. A proven camp performer, Taylor earned a scholarship offer from the Green Wave. • Power & Run Blocking: Strong base, heavy hands, and the ability to move defenders off the ball, a true mauler in the run game. • Pass Protection: Good feet and punch timing; held up well against camp competition in one-on-ones. • Leadership & Character: High-character player and leader on the field, the exact profile Tulane targets in the trenches. • Projection & Fit: Versatile offensive lineman who can stay at tackle or slide inside. Adds size, strength, and nastiness. 4. Jaden Turner | Class of 2029 | DB | John Curtis | New Orleans, LA 6’0”, 165 lbs @jaden_1of1 A young defensive back who flashed significant upside throughout camp drills and earned a scholarship offer from Tulane. • Athletic Tools & Range: Excellent change of direction, burst, and range in coverage and pursuit, traits that stand out for a Class of 2029 prospect. • Ball Production & Playmaking: Natural hands and instincts; made several plays on the ball in 7-on-7 sessions. • Tackling & Physicality: Good form and finishing ability in run support despite his age and frame. • Projection & Fit: High-ceiling developmental DB with room to grow physically and technically. Tulane’s defensive backfield is building depth with speed and playmakers; Turner has the traits to and potentially develop into a long-term contributor. These four offers highlight Tulane’s aggressive and smart approach to regional recruiting, identifying high-upside Louisiana talent early and building relationships through camps and evaluations. With the Green Wave coming off strong seasons and looking to sustain success in the American Conference, adding physical, athletic, and high-character prospects like Shaun Phillips, James Tyson, Jayden Taylor, and Jaden Turner strengthens both the present and future of the program. Tulane has additional camp dates coming up (June 7, 10, and 17). Expect more offers and evaluations as the staff continues to build the 2027–2030 classes. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave #RMFW
By Patrick Harkness June 4, 2026
Tulane Green Wave Recruiting  Tulane Green Wave Football is hosting official visits for Class of 2027 recruits this weekend (June 5-7) (June 12-14) (June 19-21) (June 26-28) Under head coach Will Hall, the program is aggressively building its 2027 class following a strong start that already includes six commitments. Official visits represent a key phase for rising high school juniors (Class of 2027). Prospects can evaluate campus life, coaching staff, facilities, academics, and team culture in a more structured setting. Tulane’s unique location in New Orleans adds a major draw, world-class academics, vibrant culture, food, and entertainment combined with competitive football at Yulman Stadium in the American Athletic Conference. Current Momentum in the 2027 Class As of early June 2026, Tulane has grown its 2027 class significantly. The Green Wave have secured around six commitments, a solid foundation for the program competing against Power conference schools and other AAC programs. Notable early pledges include QB Kingston Johnson, OL Sharontae Bailey, Owen Reineck, DB TJ Stinson, Devin Lavalais and De’Shawn Wylie. These commitments reflect Tulane’s ability to close on in-region and out-of-region talent. Official Visits This Weekend and in June Recruiting services like On3, Rivals, and their X account list official visits scheduled for early June at Tulane and beyond. They’re also hosting a wave of athletes in a range of recruiting classes for their official Camp, June 3, 7, 10, and 17. These camps will give recruits a chance for hands on Tulane coaching and maybe even a scholarship. Past camps; Bandit Warren Roberts Jr and RB Jake Randle attended camp and received a full ride and are currently on the team. Rashad Bobo a LB also received one as well and just committed to Western Kentucky. Back to Official Visits Tulane’s staff continues to pursue a balanced class with emphasis on skill positions, trenches, and athleticism. These visits typically feature stadium tours, position meetings, academic sessions, interactions with current players, and exposure to New Orleans. For many prospects, the combination of on-field development under Will Hall’s staff and the off-field experience proves very compelling. Will Hall’s Vision and Program Appeal Will Hall, promoted to head coach in December 2025 after prior roles at Tulane (including passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach) and head coaching experience at Southern Miss, brings continuity and deep local knowledge. He has emphasized Tulane as “a football school” with top-tier academics and a passionate fanbase that. The program benefits from recent on-field success, transfer portal activity that bolstered the 2026 roster, and a reputation for developing talent. Hosting official visits in June allows the staff to build personal relationships and showcase the vision for sustained AAC contention and beyond. Why This Matters for Tulane Fans and Recruits Early momentum in the 2027 class positions Tulane well for future roster building. Summer official visits often accelerate decisions, and Tulane’s staff has shown it can compete for and land talent across the Southeast and beyond. The New Orleans setting differentiates the Green Wave from many peers, recruits get a preview of college life in one of America’s most exciting cities while receiving a quality education and playing in a pro-style environment. As the weekend approaches, expect updates from the program, analysts, myself, Tulane fan content on x, and prospects themselves on social media. These visits are a critical step in what promises to be an active summer on the recruiting trail for the Green Wave. Tulane fans should stay tuned, the Wave is rolling in the 2027 cycle, and this weekend marks another important chapter. For the latest on specific visitors or commitments, follow official Tulane athletics channels and trusted recruiting analysts, myself and passionate Tulane fan creators. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave
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