Saints’ Staley Disputes Aikman Criticism After 45-24 Loss

Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley disputed ESPN analyst Troy Aikman’s claim that New Orleans entered its 45-24 loss to Atlanta without answers for the Falcons’ offense. Aikman pointed to the Saints’ defensive absences and called the matchup problem predictable; New Orleans was missing linebacker Kaden Elliss and edge rushers Carl Granderson and Anfernee Jennings. Atlanta rushed for 205 yards and five touchdowns, with Bijan Robinson gaining 145 yards and scoring twice. Staley accepted responsibility for the defensive performance but said Aikman’s remarks were untrue, citing the Saints’ success against Robinson in their two meetings last season and defending his players’ effort. He said the defense’s problems involved assignments and technique and that the team was focused on correcting them ahead of its next game.