Winners and Losers from the Saints’ Crushing Defeat
The New Orleans Saints tallied another loss on Sunday afternoon. They fell in a disappointing game 10-34 to the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the score, some players still impressed. However, more didn’t meet expectations.
It's important to take these with a grain of salt. A player's designation as a winner or loser doesn't determine their outcome for the season. They will fluxuate weekly, as one of the players on the list has.
With that said, it's time to get into the list. Below I have two winners and three losers from the Saints loss against the Rams.
Chase Young continues his impressive season
Winner: Chase Young
Chase Young is the best player on the Saints. That’s been evident ever since returning from injury in week six. He continued his strong season with two total tackles and a sack. He’s established himself as the premier edge rusher. New Orleans should still invest in one this offseason-but to be complementary with Young instead of the number one option.
Loser: Alvin Kamara
It’s time to accept that Alvin Kamara’s play is finally declining. He had six attempts for 14 yards and one fumble. He’s just not as explosive as he once was. Kamara’s only had over 70 yards just once this season. He’s still a good running back, but it may be time to give rookie Devin Neal some carries.
Winner: Juwan Johnson
Juwan Johnson didn’t have a spectacular game. He had 3 receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown as a receiver and was sub-par as a run blocker. However, it’s clear that he has chemistry with former Oregon teammate Tyler Shough. Johnson didn’t record a drop and was a reliable target. Him being consistent for Shough is paramount to his success. The Saints offensive line isn’t great, which means the rookie will be looking for a quick, reliable option. Johnson took a big step in establishing himself as that on Sunday.
Loser: Kool-Aid McKinstry
Odds are Kool-Aid McKinstry will appear in this article weekly, but it’s impossible to guess whether he will be a winner or loser. His roller-coaster of a season continued on Sunday, this time trending down. He struggled to cover both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, with the latter scoring a touchdown against him in the redzone. He’s got all the talent in the world, but it doesn’t mean anything if he can’t be consistent. The rest of the season is pivotal in proving he can be the top cornerback on the roster.
Loser: Cesar Ruiz
Cesar Ruiz struggled against an elite Rams interior defensive line. He gave up an easy sack and consistently was beaten. Ruiz just looks lost without Erik McCoy at center. The Saints should try to trade him at the deadline. If they can’t, it may be wise to try out Dillon Radunz or Toricelli Simpkins for a game.
Cowboys Make an Offer for Maxx Crosby That the Raiders Cannot Refuse – Dallas Is Determined to Bring the Raiders’ Defensive Icon to AT&T Stadium, No Matter the Cost
The Dallas Cowboys are making a bold push to solidify their defense, and it’s clear that they are not holding back. With their defensive line struggling to make an impact this season and with hopes of returning to the playoffs, the Cowboys have made a stunning offer to acquire star pass rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders — a move many analysts are calling “impossible to ignore.”
According to sources close to the situation, Dallas has put together a package that includes two first-round picks (2026 and 2027), a third-round pick in 2026, and two promising young defensive players, defensive tackle Eric Johnson and linebacker Zaire Franklin. In return, Dallas hopes to add Crosby, who has been a one-man wrecking crew on a Raiders defense that has otherwise struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Maxx Crosby’s Continued Dominance
Despite the Raiders’ disappointing 2–5 record, Crosby has been a standout performer, with 4 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in just 7 games. As the heart and soul of Las Vegas’ defense, he’s consistently been the only reliable force in an otherwise chaotic unit. However, with the Raiders entering a rebuild, the possibility of parting with their defensive leader has become a real option, especially given the tempting offer from Dallas.
The Cowboys’ Defensive Needs
Dallas has been searching for a dominant pass rusher since the departure of longtime defensive leader DeMarcus Ware. Through 8 games this season, Dallas has only recorded 10 sacks — ranking near the bottom of the league. Their defensive pressure rate is a mere 22%, and head coach Mike McCarthy knows that if the Cowboys are to compete for a playoff spot and beyond, they need an elite defender like Crosby to make an impact immediately.
Crosby’s arrival would instantly transform Dallas’ defensive line, giving them a true game-changer who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. His relentless play style would be a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s aggressive approach, and Crosby would immediately become a cornerstone of the unit.
Teammate Reactions
Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons expressed his excitement about the potential acquisition:
“If Maxx Crosby joins us, we’ll be a nightmare for any offense,” Parsons said after practice. “The guy is relentless. He doesn’t stop, and that’s exactly the kind of energy we need. We’ve seen what he can do on the field, and having him on our side would make us that much stronger.”
Dallas’s Playoff Push
The Cowboys are clearly committed to making a push for the playoffs, and this aggressive move for Crosby shows that they are willing to do whatever it takes to get there. With the team’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, adding Crosby could be the missing piece they need to create a dominant defense and make a serious run at the postseason.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Raiders to see if they’ll accept Dallas’s tempting offer. If the deal goes through, Maxx Crosby will be the centerpiece of a revamped Cowboys defense that will give opposing offenses nightmares for years to come. Dallas is ready to make a championship push — and Crosby may be the final piece to make it happen.
