Why Super Bowl LX Should Give the Saints Real Hope
As Super Bowl LX approaches, the matchup between the Patriots and Seahawks is more than just a battle for the Lombardi Trophy - it’s a blueprint. A year ago, both teams were watching the playoffs from home for the second straight season.
Now, they’re the last two standing. For the New Orleans Saints, this turnaround story should hit close to home - and offer a glimpse of what’s possible.
The Saints have already laid some groundwork with a promising 2025 offseason. But if they want to follow in the footsteps of this year’s Super Bowl contenders, they’ll need to double down on bold decisions, clear vision, and a commitment to culture. Here’s what New Orleans can take from the paths New England and Seattle carved to reach the NFL’s biggest stage.
1. Don’t Hesitate to Make the Tough Coaching Calls
Both the Patriots and Seahawks opened their 2025 offseasons with gutsy coaching moves - and they paid off in a big way.
In New England, Robert Kraft made the tough call to move on from Jerod Mayo after just one season. Mayo, a longtime Patriot as both player and coach, was handpicked to succeed Bill Belichick.
But after a 4-13 campaign, Kraft didn’t wait around. He brought in Mike Vrabel, another former Patriot with deep ties to the organization, and the turnaround was immediate.
In Seattle, head coach Mike MacDonald made his own bold move, parting ways with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb after just one year due to “philosophical differences.” Enter Klint Kubiak - a former Saints assistant - whose impact was felt right away. Under Kubiak, the Seahawks’ run game jumped from 28th to 10th in the league, and their scoring offense surged from 20.0 points per game to 28.4, good for third in the NFL.
The lesson? If something’s not working, don’t wait.
The Saints have shown flashes of decisiveness under Kellen Moore, but if they want to take the next step, they can’t be afraid to make bold coaching changes when necessary. Patience has its place - but so does urgency.
2. Build a Roster with Purpose
The Patriots and Seahawks didn’t just get better - they got intentional. Both front offices had arguably the best player acquisition offseasons in the league, and it wasn’t by accident.
Seattle moved on from familiar faces like Geno Smith and D.K. Metcalf, then brought in Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp, and DeMarcus Lawrence. They nailed the draft, too, with first- and second-rounders Grey Zabel and Nick Emmanwori making immediate impacts.
Meanwhile, the Patriots went on a spending spree in free agency - and they spent wisely. Defensive tackle Milton Williams, wideout Stefon Diggs, cornerback Carlton Davis, edge rusher Harold Landry, linebacker Robert Spillane, offensive tackle Morgan Moses, and center Garrett Bradbury - all became starters. Then they crushed the draft, adding left tackle Will Campbell, running back TreVeyon Henderson, guard Jared Wilson, and receiver Kyle Williams to bolster the offense.
This wasn’t just about collecting talent. Both front offices had a clear plan - and every move fit the vision.
For the Saints, that’s the bar. It’s not just about adding players.
It’s about adding the right players, for the right reasons.
3. No Player Is Untouchable
One of the most telling signs of a team ready to win? Willingness to move on from big names - even fan favorites - if they don’t fit the plan.
In New England, Vrabel wasted no time reshaping the roster. He released Jabrill Peppers and traded away Keion White, Kyle Dugger, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Joe Milton - all of whom were either starters or high draft picks from the previous regime.
Seattle took a similar approach under MacDonald. In his first offseason, he released both starting safeties, Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, and let franchise icon Bobby Wagner walk. The following year, they overhauled the offense by cutting Tyler Lockett and trading Smith and Metcalf.
Some of these moves were about scheme fit. Others were cap-related.
But the message was clear: no sacred cows. The Saints have sometimes been slow to part with familiar names.
If they want to build a contender, that mindset has to shift. Sentiment can’t outweigh strategy.
4. Culture Isn’t Just a Buzzword - It’s a Foundation
Every team talks about culture. Few actually build one that matters. The Patriots and Seahawks are the exceptions.
In both locker rooms, players rave about the leadership of their head coaches. Vrabel’s film reviews are famously blunt, but players respect them because they’re fair. He holds everyone accountable - and they know he has their backs.
In Seattle, the “M.O.B. Ties” mantra - Mission Over B.S. - has become more than a slogan.
It’s a way of life. Players credit MacDonald and GM John Schneider for creating an inclusive environment where every role, from star linebacker to office assistant, is valued.
This kind of culture doesn’t just make players feel good. It creates buy-in.
And buy-in creates discipline. The Saints have a good foundation here.
Moore’s leadership helped them weather a brutal 1-8 start. But to take the next step, that culture has to keep evolving - and deepening.
5. Special Teams Matter - A Lot
If you’re looking for an overlooked edge in today’s NFL, look no further than special teams. Seattle and New England didn’t treat it as an afterthought - they made it a priority.
Seattle had the best special teams unit in the league this year. In their Week 3 rout of the Saints, a punt return touchdown and a blocked punt set the tone early.
Jason Myers led the NFL in scoring. Michael Dickson earned second-team All-Pro honors at punter.
And Rashid Shaheed - acquired midseason from New Orleans - returned two kicks for touchdowns.
New England wasn’t far behind. Vrabel used draft capital from the Joe Milton trade to select kicker Andy Borregales and long snapper Julian Ashby.
Both delivered. The Patriots and Seahawks were two of just three teams in the league with three kick or punt return touchdowns this season.
The Saints? Near the bottom in nearly every special teams metric.
That has to change. If Moore and his staff are serious about contending, special teams can’t be a weak link.
It needs to be a weapon.
The Blueprint Is Right There
The Patriots and Seahawks didn’t just get lucky. They made bold calls, stuck to a clear vision, and built cultures that players wanted to be part of. They embraced change, made smart personnel decisions, and treated every phase of the game with importance.
For the Saints, the message is simple: it can happen. But it won’t happen by accident. Super Bowl LX isn’t just a championship game - it’s a reminder that with the right moves, a franchise can go from also-ran to elite in just one year.
The Saints have already taken some steps in the right direction. Now it’s about doubling down.
The path is there. Time to walk it.