Payton: 2 straight losses a 'gut check' for Saints

With a 37-30 defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, the New Orleans Saints have now lost two straight games for the first time since the first two weeks of the 2017 campaign. Head coach Sean Payton made no excuses for his team after dropping to 1-2.

"It's been a while since we felt that, but three years ago, we were 0-2. A little bit of a gut check, and yet we aren't playing well enough," Payton said, according to ESPN's Mike Triplett. "Let's not fool ourselves. We're making too many mistakes. We aren't playing disciplined enough on both sides of the ball. That's really just the truth.

"You're frustrated as a coach because that starts with us. We have to do a better job. We have to get ready to play a better game against Detroit (next week)."

New Orleans has been uncharacteristically inconsistent on offense thus far, although star receiver Michael Thomas has missed the last two weeks due to injury. The Saints rank 17th in total yards per game, while quarterback Drew Brees has often struggled to find his rhythm.

Brees had his most productive outing this season against Green Bay, throwing for 288 yards and three touchdowns, but he knows his offense can be more efficient moving forward.

"Listen, I love our team," the veteran quarterback said. "I love the way we work, the way we prepare. But, obviously, there are things that need to be corrected so we can get back on track."