The Saints' 1-4 start under Colin Moore prompted a warning from owner Gayle Benson: "Not our standard".

Gail Benson called Klan Moore and Mickey Loomis names in a rare postseason rebuke of the New Orleans Saints' disappointing 1-4 start.

Klan Moore, Tyler Shaw and others reflect on the tough loss to the Vikings

New Orleans Saints head coach Tyler Shaw and the rest of the team reflect on their loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

The frustration with the New Orleans Saints' 1-4 start seems to extend beyond the team's fan base.

Saints principal owner Gil Benson voiced his concerns Tuesday, less than two full days after the team dropped its third straight game.

"It's not acceptable to me," Benson said of the team's record at the New Orleans Quarterback Club luncheon. Quarterback Tyler Shaw was promising during his rookie season, fueling expectations that the Saints could compete for the NFC South title and make the playoffs in his second season under Kelly Moore.

But a narrow overtime loss to the Detroit Lions in the season opener signaled a tough road ahead. The Saints bounced back in Week 2 before losing to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 and being dominated by the division rival Atlanta Falcons in Week 4. Then the Minnesota Vikings beat New Orleans 23-13 in Week 5.

Drew Brees feels Tyler has everything he needs to succeed in 2026 with Saints: 'Unbelievable situation'

"And what our fans really deserve is less," Benson continued. "I hear the frustration with our team and our organization. That doesn't go away for me. Our fans invest their time and hearts in the Saints. They have a right to expect more from us. They have delivered."

During a speech that lasted nearly eight minutes, Benson offered a rare public criticism of the NFL franchise he oversees this season, making it clear that the team's current trajectory cannot continue. Benson, 79, has rarely spoken publicly about the Saints during the season, but when he does break his silence, his comments have usually been supportive.

This week, he directly challenged Moore and longtime general manager Mickey Loomis while also taking personal responsibility for the team's struggles.

"Clan Moore and his coaches are responsible for getting our players ready to play," Benson said. "Mickey Loomis and our football staff are responsible for building a roster capable of sustained success. Our players are responsible for their preparation and execution. I am responsible for holding this organization accountable."

As the roster continues to transition into the 2026 season, the New Orleans Saints are projected to be under 5.5 wins

Loomis has been a key member of the Saints front office and has played a key role in the team's football operations for the past quarter century. Last year, Benson told The Times-Picayune that suggestions to fire Loomis were "ridiculous" and said he believed he had done a "great job."

"I am committed to making the necessary decisions to improve this team," he said. "Everyone in this organization understands the urgency. We have to prepare better, execute consistently and correct the mistakes that cost us."

Benson also referenced the Saints' 45-24 loss to Atlanta, which came during a game marking the 20th anniversary of the Superdome's first post-Katrina rebuild. "Losing this year's anniversary game to Atlanta really disappointed me," he said.

Benson also noted that he "does not accept this level of performance."

Benson acknowledged that the Saints need to show meaningful progress on the field, not just talk about it, to restore confidence.

"Words will not restore the confidence of our fans," he said. "Our performance should do that."

The Saints must now prepare for an important two-game stretch that includes a trip to New Jersey to play the New York Giants and an overseas matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL's first game in France.

Get all the stories you need to know from the most powerful names in news delivered to your inbox every morning.