By Mike Triplett | ESPN Staff Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The New Orleans Saints' offense set a new low for yardage in the Sean Payton era. And Jameis Winston posted the worst passer rating of his career while throwing his first two interceptions of the season Sunday.
But Payton and his players refused to place any blame for their dismal 26-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers on the fact that they were missing eight assistant coaches because of COVID-19 protocols -- or missing nine starters because of injuries or suspensions -- and have been displaced for three weeks in the wake of Hurricane Ida.
"Offensively, in particular, that's as poor as we've been in a long time around here, and that starts with me," Payton said. "We've gotta do a better job going in. Our protection plan wasn't good enough. But it had nothing to do with us being short-handed with coaches or us being away or the COVID [situation].
"All of those would be excuses. They played better than us today and deserved to win the football game."
Running back Alvin Kamara concurred after the Saints were held to 128 total yards -- a stunning flop just one week after they dominated the Green Bay Packers 38-3 in the season opener.
"It wasn't about anybody not being here. I think it was our responsibility to still come out and play without coaches being there," Kamara said after being held to 5 rushing yards on eight carries.
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