Following a thrilling 28-24 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 11, the New Orleans Saints celebrated their most significant win of the 2024 NFL season so far. With this crucial victory, the Saints improved to 6-5, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The win was especially notable given that it came under the guidance of interim head coach Darren Rizzi, who took over coaching duties after a mid-season shake-up.
In his postgame interview, Rizzi praised his team’s resilience and focus, especially after a hard-fought battle that saw multiple lead changes in the second half.
Postgame Interview Highlights:
Reporter: “Coach Rizzi, congratulations on the big win. It was a rollercoaster of a game. What are your thoughts on how your team performed today?”
Darren Rizzi: “Thanks. It’s a huge win for us. I couldn’t be prouder of the guys. We’ve been through a lot this season, and to see the resilience they showed today—fighting through adversity, not giving up when things got tight—that’s what this team is all about. We knew it was going to be a battle against a talented team like Cleveland, but we stuck to our game plan, executed when it mattered, and came out on top. Credit to our players, coaching staff, and of course, our fans who were electric today.”
Reporter: “The defense really stepped up late in the game, especially with the key stop in the final minutes. What adjustments did you make after halftime to slow down Cleveland’s offense?”
Darren Rizzi: “Well, we knew Cleveland would bring a tough challenge with their running game and explosive receivers. But in the second half, we made some key adjustments to our defensive fronts. We tightened up our coverage, especially on the perimeter, and I thought our defensive line did a great job of getting pressure on [Browns QB] Deshaun Watson. We were able to limit the big plays and force some crucial third-down stops. The guys really embraced the challenge, and I think that’s what made the difference.”
Reporter: “The offense was also clicking. Quarterback [Derek Carr] had some excellent throws, including that game-winning drive. How would you assess his performance today?”
Darren Rizzi: “Derek played with incredible poise today. That final drive showed a lot about his leadership and his experience. He’s a seasoned vet, and we needed him to step up in the clutch, and he did exactly that. Not only did he make the right throws, but he was also cool under pressure, which was huge for us. I think we’re starting to see the offense come together at the right time, and Derek is a big part of that.”
Reporter: “After some ups and downs early in the season, how do you keep the team motivated and focused on the playoff race?”
Darren Rizzi: “It’s all about staying in the moment. We don’t look too far ahead, and we certainly don’t dwell on the past. We take it one game at a time, focus on what we can control, and trust the process. We’ve got a lot of talent in this locker room, and these guys are hungry. Every win from here on out is important, but we know that if we play our brand of football—smart, physical, and disciplined—we’ll have a chance to keep winning. Our mindset is to finish strong and take it one week at a time.”
Reporter: “You’ve been thrust into the interim head coach role after a challenging start to the season. How has the transition been for you personally, and how have you been able to connect with the players?”
Darren Rizzi: “It’s been a wild ride, to be honest. But at the end of the day, my job is to get the best out of these guys. The transition has been smoother than I expected, mainly because of the great leadership in this locker room—guys like [Alvin Kamara], [Cam Jordan], and [Michael Thomas]. They’ve all stepped up and helped keep the team focused. We’ve got a strong culture here, and I’m just trying to do my part. I’m not trying to be anything I’m not. I’ve always believed in being authentic, and I think the players appreciate that.”
Reporter: “Looking ahead, you’ve got some tough games coming up. How do you plan to keep this momentum going?”
Darren Rizzi: “We take it one game at a time. We’re focused on getting better every week. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—this team has a lot of heart. We’ve got tough opponents ahead, but we’re not afraid of a challenge. We’ve got the right mindset, and we’re going to take that into each game. The goal is to keep improving and put ourselves in the best position possible to make a playoff run.”
Conclusion
Darren Rizzi’s calm, focused demeanor and leadership continue to resonate with the New Orleans Saints, and after today’s impressive win, the team seems more determined than ever to make a push for the postseason. The victory over the Cleveland Browns not only marks an important milestone in the season but also showcases the growing confidence and chemistry under Rizzi’s stewardship.
As the Saints prepare for their Week 12 matchup, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum from this pivotal win—showing that they are a team capable of overcoming obstacles and rising to the occasion in critical moments.
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