Mickey Loomis Under Fire: Saints’ Controversial Call Now Branded a Franchise-Altering Mistake

The New Orleans Saints finally released Blake Grupe this week, a move fans knew was necessary months ago. It’s hard to see what Wil Lutz is doing with Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos and not regret picking Grupe over Lutz.

The success over the last three seasons paints that picture just fine, but the actions of the last week drive it home. On Monday, the Broncos gave a three year extension. On Tuesday, the Saints handed Grupe his walking papers.

When the Saints picked Grupe, they traded Lutz to Denver for a seventh round pick in 2024. It was really just a trade to ensure Lutz landed back with his former coach. It's a decision that has to eat at Mickey Loomis to this day.

All Wil Lutz has done is embarrass the Saints since the trade

It’s fun to laugh about Payton reuniting with former Saints players in Denver, but this reunion has paid major dividends. The extension proves that. Ironically, Denver also gave former Saint Malcolm Roach a contract extension too. Maybe those reunions are much more than a funny talking point. Payton is maximizing his former Saints the same way he did in New Orleans.

As for the Lutz versus Grupe comparison, Lutz has made a higher percentage of field goals than Grupe every year. In Grupe's sophomore season, his best campaign, he made 87.1 percent of his field goals. Even in that year, he was outdone by Lutz 91.2 field goal percentage.

That rise in Grupe's second year gave hope of an ascension for his career. What we witnessed, however, was him plummeting in Year 3. His field goal percentage dropped below 70 percent, and the Saints ultimately had no choice but to let Grupe going.

The biggest problem with Grupe is he never seemed to rise to the occasion. When the pressure turned up in the fourth quarter, he seemed to shrink. The most prominent examples come with two missed game winning field goal opportunities during his rookie season. Those same issues were sprinkled through his career before missing all throughout games this season.

Lutz, on the other hand, has made three game winning field goals as time expired this season. The Saints thought Lutz was on the decline. They should have given him another year to bounce back from injury. Instead, the Saints thought it was time to go a different route, and that decision has cost them repeatedly.

J.J. McCarthy Defies the Doubters: ‘I’m Still Learning, and I’m Not Going Anywhere’

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has heard the criticism, and he’s not backing down. After a rough start to his NFL career, McCarthy is pushing back against the doubters who have questioned his ability to lead the Vikings. Despite facing setbacks and challenges, McCarthy is determined to prove that he is the right man for the job — and he’s not going anywhere.

In an impassioned statement, McCarthy responded to his critics with confidence: “People are quick to judge, but I know what I’m capable of. It’s easy to point out what’s wrong, but you can’t overlook what I’ve done right. I’ve had some setbacks, but I’m still learning, and I’m still fighting. I’m not going anywhere.”

The 24-year-old quarterback has faced his fair share of adversity since taking over the starting role for the Vikings, but he remains confident in his growth as a player.

McCarthy’s rookie season has been a rollercoaster, filled with moments of brilliance and frustrating mistakes. The high expectations placed on him by the Vikings organization and fans have made the pressure even more intense. However, McCarthy’s message is clear — he is fully aware of his flaws, but he believes in his ability to overcome them and grow into the quarterback the team needs.

It’s been a tough year for McCarthy, with some of his performances falling short of expectations. But, as he pointed out, it’s easy for critics to focus on the mistakes and overlook the progress he’s made. McCarthy has shown flashes of his potential, from his strong arm to his mobility in the pocket, but like many young quarterbacks, he’s had to navigate the steep learning curve of the NFL. The inconsistency in his play is not uncommon for a rookie, but McCarthy has the right mindset to improve.

For the Vikings, McCarthy represents their future. The team invested heavily in him, and they’re committed to helping him grow. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and the rest of the coaching staff have supported McCarthy throughout his early struggles, understanding that developing a young quarterback takes time. The Vikings’ offensive line, wide receivers, and coaching staff all have a role to play in McCarthy’s development.

While the road ahead may still be challenging, McCarthy’s attitude is one of perseverance. He’s not letting the doubters define him, and he’s not letting early struggles derail his confidence. With time and the right support, McCarthy has the potential to lead the Vikings to success, and he’s determined to prove that his setbacks are just stepping stones to greater achievements.

In the NFL, success is not determined by one bad season or a few mistakes. It’s about how a player responds, learns, and grows. J.J. McCarthy is showing the world that he’s ready to do just that. With his eyes firmly set on the future, McCarthy is not going anywhere — he’s just getting started.