Mickey Loomis lays out why he believes the Saints can still win this season, despite the early outcomes

New Orleans executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis says the team’s focus must shift toward process and development as it prepares for a Paris matchup against the Steelers.

By The Apex Times Newsroom2 min readAI-assisted Apex article

New Orleans Saints executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis said he sees a path to success for the team even though results have not matched expectations this season. Speaking as the Saints began a week of preparation in Versailles, France, for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Loomis framed the moment as part of a longer learning curve for a young roster.

Loomis tied his optimism to what he called the difference between process and outcomes, saying New Orleans needs to get its processes right so the results will follow. He described the team as “young” and “developing,” and he pointed to the reality that the coaching staff is still relatively early in its work, noting that head coach Kellen Moore is 23 games into his head-coaching career.

The Saints entered the week at 2-4 after a 34-27 win over the New York Giants that ended a three-game losing streak. Loomis said the mood inside the organization shifted after that win, and he acknowledged owner Gayle Benson’s disappointment earlier in the season when New Orleans was 1-4.

Loomis also pointed to close losses as evidence that the Saints have been in position to win even when they did not get the desired outcomes. He cited a 31-30 overtime loss to Detroit in which the Saints missed a final two-point conversion, and a 27-16 third-quarter lead against Las Vegas earlier in the season.

Beyond next week’s game, Loomis said the team’s goals remain unchanged, emphasizing the same benchmarks he described for a veteran team, including winning the division, making the playoffs, and making a run in the postseason. He added that he will complete a full evaluation of Moore after the season.

As the Saints trained ahead of the Steelers, the team’s practice report noted that linebacker Kaden Elliss (calf) missed the last three games and defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd (illness) missed the last two. Right guard Cesar Ruiz (knee) did not practice after not finishing the Giants game, while rookie Jeremiah Wright, who completed the Giants game, worked with the starters during the media-visible portion of practice.

Why It Matters

The Saints’ front-office message centers on development and execution, which can shape how fans and players interpret short-term struggles.
With the Steelers (4-2) coming to Paris, New Orleans’ early-season margin for error remains small while it tries to convert close game situations.
Loomis’ comments suggest the organization is keeping the season’s success criteria focused on playoffs and a division title, not moral victories.
The Paris setting underscores the importance of routine and clarity during the week, especially as key players have missed time and others have been asked to contribute immediately.

Sources

Key Facts

Mickey Loomis said he sees a path to success for the Saints despite early-season results.
New Orleans opened the week at 2-4, preparing for Sunday’s game against the Steelers (4-2) in Paris.
Loomis attributed the team’s development needs to improving “process” so better “outcomes” follow.
The Saints snapped a three-game losing streak with a 34-27 win over the Giants.
Loomis said owner Gayle Benson expressed disappointment earlier in the season when the Saints were 1-4.
Practice availability issues were reported for Kaden Elliss (calf), Nathan Shepherd (illness), and Cesar Ruiz (knee), while Jeremiah Wright worked with starters.