Saints’ 1-4 start under Kellen Moore prompts warning from owner Gayle Benson: ‘Not our standard’

Frustration over the New Orleans Saints’ 1-4 start appears to extend beyond the team’s fan base.

Saints principal owner Gayle Benson voiced her concerns Tuesday, less than two full days after the team dropped its third consecutive game .

"That is not acceptable to me," Benson said of the team’s record at the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club luncheon.

Quarterback Tyler Shough showed promise during his rookie season, fueling expectations that the Saints could compete for the NFC South title and make a playoff push in their second season under head coach Kellen Moore.

But a narrow overtime loss to the Detroit Lions in the season opener foreshadowed the difficult road ahead.

The Saints bounced back in Week 2 before losing to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 and being dominated by division rival Atlanta Falcons in Week 4.

The Minnesota Vikings then defeated New Orleans 23-13 in Week 5.

DREW BREES FEELS TYLER SHOUGH HAS EVERYTHING NEEDED WITH SAINTS TO SUCCEED IN 2026: 'UNBELIEVABLE SITUATION' "And it falls short of what our fans truly deserve," Benson continued.

"I hear the frustration directed towards our team and our organization.

It is not lost on me.

Our fans invest their time and their hearts in the Saints.

They are right to expect more than we have delivered." During a speech that lasted roughly eight minutes, Benson delivered a rare in-season public critique of the NFL franchise she oversees, making clear that the team’s current direction could not continue.

Benson, 79, rarely speaks publicly about the Saints during the season, but when she does break her silence, her comments have typically been supportive.

This week, she directly challenged Moore and longtime general manager Mickey Loomis while also accepting personal responsibility for the team’s struggles.