Jeff Duncan
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Columnist: The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com • Analyst: FOX-8, WVUE-TV • Author: Payton & Brees: The Men Who Built the Greatest Offense in NFL History
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Articles by Jeff Duncan
Jeff Duncan: With the preseason over, it’s time to find out if the 2026 Saints are contenders or pretenders Original
The most notable thing about the New Orleans Saints’ 27-24 victory against the Dallas Cowboys on Friday is it got Kellen Moore off the preseason schneid. The second-year Saints head coach didn’t get a Gatorade bath, but at least he’s no longer winless after a 0-4-1 start to his exhibition coaching career. The Saints rebounded from their ugly 34-0 loss to the Rams last Saturday with their best performance of the preseason.
Jeff Duncan: What I’ve liked, loved and loathed after a month of Saints training camp
The New Orleans Saints have completed training camp and are just about two weeks away from opening the regular season. Sixteen practices, three joint workouts and two preseason games have provided ample opportunity to evaluate the roster and inform my opinion on head coach Kellen Moore’s second team. Time for some final observations as we — thankfully — head to the real games, starting Sept. 13 in Detroit.
Jeff Duncan: What I’ve liked, loved and loathed after a month of Saints training camp
The New Orleans Saints have completed training camp and are just about two weeks away from opening the regular season. Sixteen practices, three joint workouts and two preseason games have provided ample opportunity to evaluate the roster and inform my opinion on head coach Kellen Moore’s second team. Time for some final observations as we — thankfully — head to the real games, starting Sept. 13 in Detroit.
Jeff Duncan: Three things we learned from the Saints’ ugly preseason loss to the Rams
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. Thread starterBY JEFF DUNCAN | Sports columnist Start dateYesterday at 6:35 PM BY JEFF DUNCAN | Sports columnist Guest The New Orleans Saints weren’t just outscored in an ugly 34-0 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. Continue reading...
Jeff Duncan: Three things we learned from the Saints’ ugly preseason loss to the Rams Original
The New Orleans Saints weren’t just outscored in an ugly 34-0 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. They were outclassed. The Rams looked like a Super Bowl contender. The Saints, meanwhile, looked like a tired, disinterested team, one that was battling live competition for the fifth time in 10 days (two games and three joint practices).
Jeff Duncan: The Saints must improve in these four areas if they want to break out this season Original
Jordyn Tyson’s leg injury is a major blow to the New Orleans Saints. His big-play ability was one of the main reasons the Saints selected him with the No. 8 overall selection in the NFL draft. He was widely viewed as one of the most explosive playmakers available after averaging more than 14 yards a catch and had 22 touchdowns in his college career. The Saints have no one on the roster with his blend of size, speed, athleticism and skill set.
Jeff Duncan: The emphasis is on 'new' with the 2026 New Orleans Saints, and it’s refreshing Original
The New Orleans Saints kicked off the 60th season in franchise history Saturday with an exhibition game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The game itself — a mostly forgettable 24-20 Jacksonville win — was less notable than the aura that suffused it. A new vibe, one filled with hope and optimism, accompanies this Saints team, and it was tangible on the sideline and in the stands at the Caesars Superdome.
Jeff Duncan: Saints pregame huddle enters new era after Drew Brees and Demario Davis led the way Original
When the Saints take the field for their preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars Saturday, a symbolic changing of the guard will occur. For the first time in nearly two decades, someone other than Drew Brees or Demario Davis will deliver the pregame huddle message in the south end zone before the players break into warmups. And that someone will be Tyler Shough.
Ole Miss will honor Archie Manning with a statue: ‘I’m shocked,’ Rebels legend says (7 Viewers)
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. Thread starterBY JEFF DUNCAN | Sports columnist Start date19 minutes ago BY JEFF DUNCAN | Sports columnist Guest Create an account or login to comment You must be a member in order to leave a comment Create account Create an account on our community. It's easy! Log in Already have an account? Log in here.
Ole Miss will honor Archie Manning with a statue: ‘I’m shocked,’ Rebels legend says Original
Archie Manning is getting a statue. Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter informed Manning Saturday of the school’s plans to honor him with a 13-foot statue from his legendary playing days for the Rebels. The statue has been commissioned and will be unveiled for the 2027 Ole Miss football season, Manning said. It is expected to be displayed between the Manning football complex and Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. “I was surprised and shocked and honored,” Manning said.
Jeff Duncan: Drew Brees sends love letter to New Orleans during emotional Hall of Fame speech Original
CANTON, Ohio – Drew Brees brought New Orleans Saints fans to their feet countless times during his legendary playing career. He did it again Saturday. This time, though, Brees inspired them with his words rather than his work on the football field. “New Orleans …,” Brees said to a Saints-heavy crowd at his Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony here at Tom Benson Stadium. “You accepted me. You embraced me. You believed in me. But more importantly, you entrusted me with the soul of the city.
Drew-palooza: Saints fans take over Canton, Drew Brees’ Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony Original
CANTON, Ohio – You had to feel for the Arizona Cardinal fan in Seat 4 of Row 15 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium Saturday. His view of the official Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony was partially obstructed by the most unique and unusual of sightline blockers: a Pope’s mitre.
What New Orleanians learned and appreciated most about Drew Brees
Drew Brees will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, becoming the fifth New Orleans Saint to earn football’s most prestigious honor. We asked prominent New Orleanians what the former Saints quarterback meant to them and the city during his legendary 165-year tenure with the team. “Drew Brees gave so much more to our organization than extraordinary football.
‘The greatest Saint ever,’ Drew Brees ready to cap Canton week with emotional Hall of Fame enshrinement Original
CANTON, Ohio — Football’s most famous Election Day is here. And Drew Brees will celebrate his enshrinement to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday with a massive group of friends, family and supporters. Brees’ entourage includes nearly 500 friends, family members, former teammates, coaches and support staffers, who made the trek here to see the former New Orleans Saints star join the sport’s most exclusive fraternity.
The reality is starting to sink in for future Hall of Famer Drew Brees Original
CANTON, Ohio – It started to hit Drew Brees on Thursday: He’s two days removed from football immortality. The months of anticipation and planning are almost over. Brees’ official enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is less than 48 hours away, and the reality is starting to sink in for the former New Orleans Saints standout. “Being around the other Hall of Famers this week, they're just looking at me different,” Brees said. “The interaction feels different.
As Hall of Fame beckons, the essence of Drew Brees’ greatness is on full display
Few people have embodied the maxim “How you do anything is how you do everything” more than Drew Brees. He strived for excellence in every role he played: father, son, husband, CEO, quarterback.
As Hall of Fame beckons, the essence of Drew Brees’ greatness is on full display
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Jeff Duncan: Sam Mills’ inspiring memoir is a must-read for Saints fans Original
New Orleans Saints fans planning to attend the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony for Drew Brees this weekend in Canton, Ohio, also have a chance to celebrate another Saints Hall Famer. Author Paul Domowitch will be signing copies of his new book, “Just Give Me a Chance to Fail,” an inspiring memoir of former Saints standout Sam Mills. Domowitch will conduct signing sessions at the daily fan festival on the Hall of Fame campus Thursday (4-5 p.m.) and Friday (noon-1 p.m.).
Jeff Duncan: What I’ve liked, loved and loathed in Saints training camp Original
With six practices under their belts, the New Orleans Saints are a little more than halfway through the initial installation phase of training camp. They will have completed the entire playbook by the time they scrimmage against the Jacksonville Jaguars next week. It’s still relatively early in the preseason process, but six practices have provided enough evaluation time to develop some early observations of this 2026 edition. The vibes have been excellent so far. The execution … not so much.
Jeff Duncan: Chris Olave earned his blockbuster deal and handled it the right way from start to finish Original
Chris Olave strode into the Saints' indoor practice facility Friday like a man who’d had the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders. Who could blame him? Only 24 hours removed from signing a blockbuster four-year, $132 million contract, the star receiver was all smiles as he addressed reporters after the team’s third practice of training camp. “I feel great, actually,” he said, breaking into a devilish grin. A life-changing contract and long-term financial security will do that for you.
Watch the emotional moment Drew Brees asked Sean Payton to introduce him at Hall of Fame
Former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton will serve as the presenter for Drew Brees at his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio. Payton, who teamed with Brees for 15 seasons in New Orleans, was handpicked by the former star quarterback to serve in the distinguished role.
Sean Payton got emotional when Drew Brees asked him to be his presenter for Hall of Fame enshrinement
Former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton will serve as the presenter for Drew Brees at his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement on Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio. Payton, who teamed with Brees for 15 seasons in New Orleans, was hand-picked by the former star quarterback to serve in the distinguished role. Payton said he was overcome by emotion when his former quarterback asked him to "put me in the Hall of Fame” during a FaceTime call in late April.
Superdome manager Doug Thornton’s decision leaves ‘big shoes to fill’ in New Orleans sports scene
Doug Thornton has occupied the large office on the plaza level of the southwest side of the Superdome since 1997. From this room filled with memorabilia from his 29-year tenure as a stadium manager, Thornton has overseen operations at one of the world’s most iconic buildings and hosted power brokers from across the sports and political landscape. It’s also where he rode out Hurricane Katrina and fearlessly managed the fallout from one of the greatest crises in U.S. history.
Superdome manager Doug Thornton’s decision leaves ‘big shoes to fill’ in New Orleans sports scene
Doug Thornton has occupied the large office on the plaza level of the southwest side of the Superdome since 1997. From this room filled with memorabilia from his 29-year tenure as a stadium manager, Thornton has overseen operations at one of the world’s most iconic buildings and hosted power brokers from across the sports and political landscape. It’s also where he rode out Hurricane Katrina and fearlessly managed the fallout from one of the greatest crises in U.S. history.
Tyler Shough, Saints teammates headed to California for workouts with Drew Brees Original
Noah Fant has conducted summer throwing sessions with multiple quarterbacks during his NFL career, everyone from Joe Burrow to Geno Smith to Drew Lock. So when Tyler Shough reached out to the veteran tight end earlier this year and asked him to participate in passing workouts with teammates in San Diego this summer, it wasn’t unusual. Fant was all in — especially when Shough told him he was footing the bill for an estimated group of 18 teammates that included airfare, hotel rooms, meals, etc.
Romig, Ehrhardt families to be inducted into Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Hall of Fame
Two iconic New Orleans families, the Romigs and Ehrhardts, will be recognized for their longtime contributions to the New Orleans sports scene by being inducted into the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation’s Hall of Fame. Jerry Romig and his three children, Jay, Mark and Mary Beth, will join Marc and Malcolm Ehrhardt as inductees into the 2026 Hall of Fame class, foundation officials announced. Jerry Romig (1929-2015) and Malcolm P. Ehrhardt III (1947–2022)will be inducted posthumously.
Romig, Ehrhardt families to be inducted into Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame
A member of the Romig family has been in the house control booth for Saints games for more than 50 years, starting with Jerry Romig in 1969. Jerry's son Mark Romig, left, took over as announcer in 2013. Mark's sister Mary Beth Romig, middle, has been a spotter in the booth for nearly 30 years. Their brother Jay Romig, right, has been with the Saints organization for more than 40 years, including in the role of administrative director. They were photographed together on December 30, 2018.
Report: Former Saints Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Mitchell dead at age 51
Former New Orleans Saints linebacker Keith Mitchell has died, according to a report by KBTX-TV in Bryan, Texas. He was 51. Mitchell signed with the Saints in 1997 as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M. He went on to become a starter and standout special teams performer. Mitchell’s best season came in 2000, when he starred for a Saints team that won the NFC West Division title and captured the first playoff win in franchise history.
Report: Former Saints Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Mitchell dead at age 51
FILE - In this Dec. 24, 1999, file photo, New Orleans Saints linebacker Keith Mitchell (59) deflects a pass away Dallas Cowboys tightend David LaFleur (89) during the fourth quarter in New Orleans. Mitchell deflected the ball to teammate Mark Fields (55) who intercepted the pass, sealing the Saints 31-24 victory. On a routine tackle on Sept. 14, 2003, Keith Mitchell wound up flat on his back unable to move. His playing career was over. He had a spinal contusion.
Jeff Duncan: Five reasons for concern with the 2026 New Orleans Saints Original
Everything is sunshine and rainbows these days on Airline Drive, but the optimism around the 2026 New Orleans Saints doesn’t mean there aren’t dark clouds looming on the horizon. The Saints are still an unfinished product. Less than two years into the Kellen Moore era, the depth chart is bereft of blue-chip talent and dangerously thin at certain positions. Key aspects of the team remain a work in progress. For what it’s worth, America remains skeptical.
Jeff Duncan: Five reasons I’m optimistic about the 2026 New Orleans Saints Original
July is the season for optimism in the NFL. Every team is undefeated and has magically fixed whatever ailed them in the offseason. It’s the time for unbridled hope and optimism. And the New Orleans Saints are in that number. The Saints are coming off a 6-11 campaign that marked their third losing season in the past four years. They missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive campaign.
Steve Gleason wants Chris Johnson to know he and his family are not alone in their ALS battle Original
Steve Gleason wants Chris Johnson to know he is not alone. The former New Orleans Saints standout and global advocate for ALS patients issued a statement Monday in response to the news that former NFL running back Chris Johnson has been diagnosed with ALS. “Chris is my NFL brother, but more importantly, he is my fellow human,” said Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 at the age of 34, said in a statement. “When ALS enters your life, it is a tsunami of emotions.
Jeff Duncan: A bigger, stronger and wiser Arch Manning is looking forward to Year 3 at Texas — and his visit to LSU Original
The first thing you notice about Arch Manning is his frame. He’s bigger, slightly thicker in the upper body. After an offseason of pushing weights around the gym, Manning has added a few extra pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-4 frame. The beefed-up physique was partly a byproduct of the downtime he endured after undergoing foot surgery in January. But there was also an element of intent. Manning wanted to get bigger and stronger to meet the physical demands of starting in the Southeastern Conference.
Jeff Duncan: Someone has to say it: It’s time for the Saints and Alvin Kamara to part ways. Original
They say all good things must come to an end. The Beatles broke up. “Seinfield” eventually became reruns. The once-idyllic marriage of Tom Brady and Giselle ran its course. And it would not be shocking if something similar happened with Alvin Kamara and the New Orleans Saints. In fact, you could argue that parting ways might be in the best interests of the star running back and the team that drafted him nine years ago.
Eli and Peyton Manning celebrate New Orleans Hall of Fame induction with trademark humor, humility
The Mannings know how to take over a room. Eli and Peyton Manning, after all, are two of the most accomplished athletes of their generation and have become just as successful in the entertainment industry, where their “Manning Cast” show has become a Monday night staple during football season.
The Zurich Classic’s premier status in PGA may be in jeopardy after new league format revealed
The Zurich Classic’s status as a premier PGA Tour event is in jeopardy. Starting in 2028, New Orleans’ longstanding professional golf tournament could be relegated to de facto secondary status in the new tournament model announced Tuesday by PGA Tour officials.
Jeff Duncan: Credit Arnie Fielkow for turning Carver High’s Field of Dreams into a reality Original
Arnie Fielkow has accomplished many great things in his long, distinguished career as sports executive and political leader in New Orleans. He’s negotiated high-stakes lease deals for the New Orleans Saints, orchestrated the overhaul of NORD and overseen the development of Joe Brown Park and the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Pontchartrain Park. But few things have been nearer and dearer to his heart than the 9th Ward Stadium project. It has essentially been his life’s calling for the last seven years.
Eli and Peyton Manning, Bo McCalebb headline New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026
New Orleans natives and former NFL superstars Eli and Peyton Manning, who combined to lead their teams to four Super Bowl championships, headline the Class of 2026 for the New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame. Former O. Perry Walker High and University of New Orleans standout Bo McCalebb will join the Manning brothers in the class, which will be honored during a ceremony at the AllState Sugar Bowl awards banquet at the Superdome on Wednesday.
Saints Hall of Fame announces its newest inductees for the Class of 2026
Terron Armstead and Mark Ingram are the newest members of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame. The former star left tackle and running back were introduced as the 58th and 59th player inductees at a press conference at the Saints’ training facility in Metairie on Thursday.
Chambliss, Manning, Sayin headline QB lineup at 30th annual Manning Passing Academy. See who else is attending. Original
When Archie Manning started the Manning Passing Academy in 1996, he never dreamed it would grow into the giant it is today. He modeled the camp after the camp run by the Bowden family (Bobby, Tommy and Terry) at Samford University and hoped it would attract players from the Gulf Coast region. The first camp was held at Tulane University and attracted a modest group of 185 campers, including future Tulane and NFL standout Patrick Ramsey and Major Applewhite, now the head coach at South Alabama.
Jeff Duncan: Just months into his Saints tenure, David Edwards is already proud to call New Orleans home Original
David Edwards is one of us. Like so many New Orleanians, he didn’t know much about the Crescent City before moving here this spring. But the veteran offensive guard has fallen hard for the city’s distinct cultural charms since signing with the club as a free agent in March. In nearly every way — culturally, demographically and aesthetically — New Orleans differs from Edwards’ hometown of Downers Grove, Illinois, and that’s part of the allure.
Jeff Duncan: Why Loyola chose to become Louisiana’s 1st Div. II school in ‘transformative’ move
Tuesday is a landmark day for Loyola University. It’s graduation day for the Wolf Pack athletic program. Loyola is leaving the NAIA to join the NCAA Division II ranks, where it will compete as a member of the Gulf South Conference starting in the Fall of 2027. Loyola officials will formally announce the move at an on-campus press conference on Tuesday at 2 p.m. "This is a transformative moment for Loyola University New Orleans and for Wolf Pack athletics," Loyola University president Dr. Xavier A.
Jeff Duncan: We need to listen to Nick Saban, not mock him
We need to listen to Nick Saban. More importantly, we need to figure out a way to adopt the Protect College Sports Act, which Saban endorsed during his testimony at a congressional hearing where the legislation was introduced on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Yes, the bill has flaws that need to be addressed, tweaked and adjusted. But it’s a comprehensive plan and goes a long way toward fixing the mess that modern college sports has become.
Jeff Duncan: We need to listen to Nick Saban, not mock him
We need to listen to Nick Saban. More importantly, we need to figure out a way to adopt the Protect College Sports Act, which Saban endorsed during his testimony at a congressional hearing where the legislation was introduced on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Yes, the bill has flaws that need to be addressed, tweaked and adjusted. But it's a comprehensive plan and goes a long way toward fixing the mess that modern college sports has become.
Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government
The simple reality is Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and foreign countries like China and India must not buy Iranian oil. The most important lesson from the prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure is that an overreliance on foreign countries for critical products supporting U.S. economic and national security harms America.
Jeff Duncan: No Demario? No Taysom? No problem. The Saints are eager to see new leaders emerge.
The New Orleans Saints are going to look and sound a lot different this season. Their alpha leader, Demario Davis, is now playing in New York. Three other former team captains – Cam Jordan, Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill – have not been with the team this offseason, their futures in limbo. If you’re counting, that’s a combined 15 Pro Bowls, two All-Pro selections and numerous team records gone from the roster – at least, for now.
Jeff Duncan: College football should learn from the NFL before it destroys itself Original
College football has a problem. It’s currently being eaten alive by a disease it infected upon itself. Pat Riley famously coined a phrase for the exact ailment destroying the sport: The Disease of Me. It occurs when the pursuit of individual glory, ego, and greed completely consumes the collective good. Today, the Disease of Me is rampant across college football, where everyone is serving themselves and no one is serving the game. The Big Ten and SEC are the worst violators.
Jeff Duncan: Alvin Kamara faces no-win situation if Saints seek pay cut
Alvin Kamara is facing a big decision. He soon will have to decide whether he wants to continue playing for the New Orleans Saints. The complication is clear: Staying with the team will likely require a pay cut. The request hasn’t happened yet. But if you listened closely to general manager Mickey Loomis on Monday, you know the pay cut is coming. Loomis, as always, was careful with his words when discussing the situation with local reporters at the annual Saints Hall of Fame Golf Classic.
Jeff Duncan: Breaking down the good, bad and ugly of the Saints’ 2026 schedule Original
NFL officials are telling us something with the league’s 2026 schedule. They still don’t believe the Saints are prime-time players. The presence of Tyler Shough and a fleet of new offensive weapons wasn’t enough to convince the NFL’s schedule-maker and network partners the Saints are ready for the spotlight. The Saints are one of just seven teams to have one or fewer prime-time games on their schedule this season.
The Saints’ Paris opponent is finally official, and it’s a six-time Super Bowl champion Original
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the Saints’ opponent for their Week 7 game in Paris, the NFL announced Wednesday. The game, which will be the first NFL contest in France, will be played Oct. 25 at Stade de France. The six-time Super Bowl champion Steelers were a bit of a surprise after media reports in February indicated the Cleveland Browns would serve as the Saints’ opponent for the game, which was part of the league’s nine-game International Series.
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