COVID situation leaves Saints lifeless vs. Dolphins

COVID situation leaves Saints lifeless vs. Dolphins

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With 22 players on the COVID list, the Saints couldn’t overcome the odds Monday night against the Dolphins.

Rookie Ian Book struggled in his first career start at quarterback, receiving little help in a 20-3 loss from an offensive line decimated by injuries and COVID.

The Saints have overcome difficulties throughout the season, but Monday’s game was one more example of the team falling short in what appeared to be an insurmountable situation.

The ugly loss makes it much more difficult for the Saints (7-8) to track down a postseason bid, but they’re not completely out of the race just yet.

Sean Payton has to hope he gets the majority of those 22 players back for what should be a winnable game against the Panthers at 3:25 p.m. on Sunday.

If Taysom Hill is recovered from his bout with COVID, he’ll surely be behind center against the Panthers.

While Payton is hesitant to place a grade on Book after taking the field in an impossible situation, it’s hard to see the Notre Dame product factoring into the quarterback situation anytime soon.

The defense continues to give the Saints a chance, but a short-handed offense simply can't keep pace.

- Patrick Magee