The New Orleans Saints must navigate a pivotal moment in their season following a narrow victory over the New York Giants. With their heart-stopping 14-11 win, eyes remain on the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Derek Carr, who exited the game with a left hand injury. The fracture to Carr's non-throwing hand is a blow that could sideline him for weeks, leaving the Saints' playoff ambitions hanging in the balance.
Despite a season riddled with challenges, the Saints have demonstrated resilience. After beginning the season 2-0, New Orleans faced its share of setbacks, including multiple injuries to Carr. Yet they have found momentum in the last few games, winning three of their past four to sit at a 5-8 record. It's a critical juncture with only four games left in the regular season, and two games behind the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi, who stepped in earlier this year, now guides the team poised for a final push towards the postseason. The team has yet to decide on placing Carr on injured reserve, which would prematurely end his season. The decision looms large, given the crucial role Carr has played in tightening the team’s performance this season.
In recent weeks, Saints fans have seen backup efforts from Jake Haener, who took over from Carr against the Giants. Spencer Rattler also filled Carr's shoes for three games earlier this season, but unfortunately, the Saints could not secure any victories during his tenure. "The thing is, before the series even started, he was just talking about how he was going to lay it on the line," Juwan Johnson said about Carr's commitment. "And that's the true example of laying it out on the line. ... He cares about his team a lot and I'll always go to war with somebody like that. It sucks that he got hurt from it, but I respect the decision for what he did. He's just trying to win."
The game against the Giants was intense, with the contest coming down to the wire. The Giants' missed field goal with just 11 seconds remaining sealed the Saints’ victory. Yet, it was Carr’s nine-yard run, demonstrating unshakable grit before his injury, that rallied the team and fans alike.
The upcoming matchups hold considerable weight for the Saints. They are set to face the Washington Commanders next, followed by a visit to the Green Bay Packers in Week 16. As the season winds down, the Saints will host the Las Vegas Raiders before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—a game that could determine their fate in the playoffs.
Throughout the season, Carr’s unyielding contributions on the field have earned him the respect of teammates and fans, despite physical setbacks. The front office and coaching staff are carefully weighing options and strategies that will keep the team competitive amid the looming uncertainty of Carr's return.
As the Saints prepare for the remainder of their season, the management has its eyes firmly set on the playoffs. The resilience they've shown could prove vital in these final weeks. With only a few steps left, the focus is on overcoming the challenges ahead, buoyed by the hope of a postseason berth.