Postgame Quotes: San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints | 2025 NFL Week 2

Quotes from Kellen Moore, Spencer Rattler, Demario Davis, Devaughn Vele, and Cam Jordan

Sep 14, 2025 at 08:12 PM

Saints Coach Kellen Moore

(Opening Statement)

"Really good battle right to the end again. I thought our guys' playstyle - everything that we wanted, they brought. There's pain just losing again, another short one that really comes down to we have to do more what winning football teams do. We have to play better situational football. We've got to pounce on opportunities when they're presented, and we have to give ourselves a better chance. There's too much good in there to miss these opportunities. We have to play better, faster, learn from these things and go from there."

(On the first half struggles)

"Certainly. We have to, so call, 'clean your own house'. We have to playncleaner football in all three phases. There's only so many opportunities in these games, and we have to value each and every opportunity in all three phases. When they present themselves, you have to take advantage of them. There's only so many."

(On defending against quarterback Mac Jones)

"He just did an excellent job finding completions. He hit a lot of inbreakers, especially a couple in those downs. They hit some inbreakers in situations where you have a little bit of an advantage in some third-and-longs. That's the story. When you get them behind, and it's ten-plus, you have to take advantage of those opportunities from a defensive perspective."

(On enhancing the offensive performance)

"For us, we have to put ourselves in better situations. We can't be in these third-and-longs. When the opportunity presents itself, we have to play clean football. We need to have everyone on the same page."

(On the third down defense)

"It's a combination. We want the rush to show up sooner. We want the coverage perspective of it to play cleaner and give ourselves a better opportunity to be successful. Everyone is going to design plays. Plays are plays. We just have to execute at a much higher level on those situations. We are doing too much good on first and second down to put ourselves in those situations, and it's happened two weeks in a row these third-and-ten-plusers. We are giving up way too much in that situation."

(On running back Alvin Kamara's fumble)

"Obviously, the main component that they were discussing is if it was a catch or no catch. There's enough action in there. I haven't seen it. I just saw the TV perspective of it from the big screen. Obviously, he had kind of controlled it with his hand. Once that happened, it became a catch, and there was a fumble."

(On if he thought Kamara caught the ball)

"It's close. It's close. I think it has to be conclusive and have a defined look there. They felt compelled to say that."

(On the playing surface)

"A few guys commented on it pregame, but I feel like I didn't see anything that drastically impacted the game necessarily."

(On his overall thoughts through two games)

"Through two games, we have a great group of guys who work their tail off. Their playstyle, you can't assume those sorts of things. We have everything we need, but we have to play cleaner football. And, we have to do what winning teams do in each and everymoment from the beginning of the game all the way to the very end. Every play matters. We can't take for granted."

(On quarterback Spencer Rattler's performance)

"He did some good things. Obviously, when you look back, you're going to see some missed opportunities, just like for all of us. He will have some missed opportunities in some critical situations, and there are only so many snaps in this game. You have to take advantage of them."

(On the pass rush)

"There were some situations where he (Mac Jones) was able to sit in the pocket for too long. You let any of the quarterbacks in this league be comfortable in the pocket, and they're going to be able to deliver some things downfield. You have to find a way to get to them sooner."

(On the if 49ers fans impacted the game)

"We know they travel well. They always have, historically, no matter where you're at. It's all part of this experience."

(On the pass protection)

"We just have to be cleaner in our protection game. We have to give ourselves a chance. It was a quick win on their end. (Bryce) Huff did a nice job off the edge. We weren't able to give ourselves a chance."

(On the final offensive play)

"It was left to right. There were a couple of options within that play, and really, we couldn't get the play started."

(On the team morale)

"Our guys are competing. It hurts when you lose games like this. That's how it's supposed to feel. There are no feel-good moments out of this. There are plenty of positives, but you have to focus on winning and really focus on – the last drive, yes – but you really have to focus on the first three and a half quarters that had a huge impact on winning this game. We had plenty of opportunities to take advantage of them."

(On balancing the positives while improving the negatives week-to-week)

"That's the journey you're onin the NFL. You have to take it each and every week. You have to educate yourself. You have to go through a growth process. Certainly, tomorrow's an important part. We have to grow from this. We have to get better. There is a lot of football ahead of us. We need to take the next steps, and this next week will be our first time on the road. Big time challenge going up to Seattle, and our guys have got to lock in. When you play on the road, you have to lock in."

(On positives from close games)

"We are putting ourselves in positions to win games. Ultimately, again, we have to do what winning teams do and take advantage of those opportunities."

(On the penalties)

"There are still some completely controlled penalties. That's the main thing. We can't have the silly ones – third down penalties when we were in great position on defense, the silly things on offense that are 100 percent in our control. We have to play better from that standpoint. I feel like we took a step (forward). I think our operations are cleaner on offense. We were able to use tempo and play under control. I thought Spencer (Rattler) did a good job from that standpoint. Again, we just have to play at a high level."

(On the opening drive miss by wide receiver Chris Olave)

"Obviously, we are going to look back at that, and I'll watch the film and see exactly how it went down. Obviously, it's a missed opportunity. It's a critical missed opportunity for us. It's a big-time moment for us on the opening drive. We are right there and just have to get it done."

(On opting to go up-tempo at the end of the first half)

"Certainly, we felt like the drive was extending. We felt like there were a lot of positives to stay on the field and force them to stay organized. I felt like that was a good drive for us.

(On quarterback Spencer Rattler)

"His legs certainly showed up. The fourth down was a really good decision with the ability to throw it. He ran with it. Certainly, he made some plays this week, got some first downs in some situations. Certainly, it was a good thing for him."

(On the missed passing opportunities)

"We had some deep, deep opportunities. I think we hit some, and we did miss some. We have to continue to find ways to get downfield with our guys. We've got some really talented players who can play with speed and are vertical threats. We have to find ways to hit more of them."

(On the offensive struggles)

"Probably both sides of it. Naturally, defense is going to dictate a few things here and there. Certainly, we are trying to find more opportunities as we go on."

(On playcalling as the head coach)

"I feel like it has been good. We have a good group of coaches. We're all on the same page. There are certainly opportunities we can keep growing from, but I feel like the communication has been really good. We just have to play better."

(On if Week Three's prep work will change)

"Just really lock in on the plan. We talk about a blueprint each and every week. There's a defined blueprint for all three phases and how we want to win the game from a team perspective. We have to focus on that. We have to get that done. This will be our first game on the road in a really loud environment in Seattle. It'll be our first time with this group in those environments. There is great opportunity and excitement when you go on the road and do it together. You have to rally together. It's an exciting opportunity for us to go do it."

(On the communication)

"It felt like, for the most part, communication was good. I don't feel like we had a bunch of miscommunication on the back end. We gave ourselves opportunities. We just have to take
advantage of the ops (opportunities)."

(On if there's anything that can be done about the playing surface)

"I don't know. I don't think it really had an impact on this game."

(On trading for Ja'Lynn Polk)

"Ja'Lynn is obviously on injured reserve already. He was already on injured reserve with New England. We were able to acquire him. We are really excited about that. Everyone watched him coming out the draft just last year. It felt like everyone when I was at Philly and our staff here in New Orleans, everyone had great feedback on him and felt like this was a great opportunity for the future to bring a guy in who we all think highly of and add to that room. We feel like we have a ton of depth in that room, certainly for this year. His (acquisition) becomes a factor next year. That will be a different experience there, but we feel like we are adding to a really talented room right now."

(On a fresh start for Polk)

"It's the first year in the NFL (last season). I'm not going to overreact to whatever happened in New England. There are some circumstances there. We liked him coming out and are excited for where he's going."

(On the performance of Jonas Sanker)

"I thought Jonas did a really good job. I'll, obviously, have to watch the film and evaluate it, but from my standpoint just watching the game, I felt like he made a couple of really sound tackles. I thought he and Justin (Reid) communicated at a really high level on the back end. I feel like we are in a good position with those guys back there."

(On kicker Blake Grupe's missed field goal)

"I'll have to get the feedback on that later. Obviously, we just have to get better. Blake's got too much good going on. He's just got to get better and clean it up."

(On injuries)

"Nothing that impacted the game. Everyone finished the game."

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Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler

(On what's standing out to him most)

"Yeah, I thought we came out really well in the second half. We got to start fast — missed a touchdown early on with (Chris) Olave, so that was a big play, big moment, got to have that one back. Just starting faster, finding a rhythm, I thought we ran the ball well all day. Man, we're close, though—we're close. These games come down to the wire, and we got to do what winning teams do. That's what Kellen (Moore) was telling us, and I thought our procedure this week was much better because we didn't have as many penalties. We moved the ball well all game, but we just have to start the ball faster those three or four drives, that changes the game. Back to work, but that's what we need to get better at, improve at, is starting faster."

(On the one to Olave and how close it was)

"That's such a timing route. The ball has to be out before he even cuts, which it was, just a little bit to the left. I think I had a little bit of pressure. But we make those throws. You got to make those throws. I can make that throw any day."

(On what's causing the slow starts)

"I got to look at the tape and see what we did, but our emphasis on this game was stay ahead of the chains because they are going to use up a lot of time offensively on their side, so we got to start well on first down, stay at third and manageable. Those drives, we were at third and long a lot of the time. It's hard to convert on those downs when you're playing with depth at third and long. Stay ahead of the chains, I think that's the key."

(On 49ers fans impacting plays)

"No, I just had to be really loud. They travel well. They were loud at one point, but we were loud enough, and I'm happy we didn't have any procedural penalties."

(On the last drive's fumble)

"Yeah, you got to have that - fourth down - tried to step up, and I think it was (Nick) Bosa back there, and I slipped a little bit, and they made a good play. Those sting, but you have got to have one on that fourth down. We were confident we were going to drive that ball down, and defense gave us two shots at the end, and you have got to find a way to finish right there."

(On seeming more comfortable in the second half)

"We felt comfortable in the first half; we just had to find a rhythm. I liked how we came out aggressive. I wanted to be aggressive today. Hit a nice shot to (Rashid) Shaheed over the top early. Loved the play-calling, loved how aggressive we were. Was there a few spots where maybe I could have dumped it down and been a little more aggressive? Sure, but at the same time, you have got to play your game and take what they give you. I liked how we were aggressive toward our shots today."

(On if San Francisco gave them the looks to be aggressive or if it was an adjustment from the first game against Arizona)

"Yeah, they gave us the looks. I mean a little bit of both. We wanted to have more explosive plays this game, and I think we did. But yeah, they gave us the looks for them, hit a few of them, got to find a way to hit more."

(On Alvin Kamara's play that got reversed)

"Such a bang-bang play. That's a tough play. I think it was (Fred) Warner — made a great play on it. That's all I really got to say about that one."

(On if this surface in particular was giving any trouble)

"A little slippery, but you have got to overcome."

(On if this is his best game here as a Saint)

"Yeah, but you want to win at the end of the day. We play this game to win. We play together. We battle every week. We're so close as a team, I think we're doing the right things during the week. Our coaches have us prepared, and we have got to go out there and execute at a high level from start to finish. I think there's growth in all of our games. Got to keep building—it's that simple."

(On how special it was to go to Juwan (Johnson) after last week's play at the end of game)

"He made a big-time catch. They pressured us a little bit right there, and he knew where I was going to go with the ball, and he was ready and made a big-time catch in a big moment. And made some other big plays throughout the game as well. Yeah, he's a baller and got other guys that are making big plays as well, which is awesome."

(On Juwan starting fast)

"He's a team guy. He's a team-first guy. He doesn't care if he has one touch or ten touches; he's going to play the same way every time. He's going to make those big-time plays, and if that's in the block game, in the screen game, or in the pass game, he's going to step up and make those plays."

(On taking positives from the game)

"There is growth, that's the thing. But you want to win at the end of the day. It was a close game again, and all these games come down to the little details. And it seems like all of these games come down to the wire, so we have got to do what winning teams do, on both sides of the ball, and attack those moments when we have them. Like that momentum and convert and make plays to keep us in the game and get us to win these games. I think that's going to be the key going forward— we just got to keep working."

(On using his legs)

"Yeah, I love it. If they want to drop out and leave an open lane, I will take it. And then I love the fourth down call Kellen called with a little RPO. Same with the touchdown to Shaheed. Two great play calls. We executed well, and in moments like that, you have to take over and go get that first down if you have to. That brings a little juice to the team to the crowd, so you have got to do that more.

(On Kelvin Banks Jr.'s demeanor on the field, being tested with Bosa)

"He's a dog. For a rookie to go head-to-head with Bosa — one of, if not the best, edge rusher in the league, it's impressive. It's a handful to deal with. I thought we had a good plan, protection-wise. They're going to make some plays. They got some great players on that defense. It's a great scheme, and well-coached as well. But Kelvin is a heck of a player. I wouldn't want another guy out there. He's our guy, him and Tali (Fuaga) on those edges. They did a great job. It's great to see those guys run over after that late hit to know they got your back, and I'll do the same for them."

(On being 0-2 and how it affects the team mentally)

"We see where we're at. We see how close we are in these games. Like I said earlier, we've got to keep harping on those details, keep executing early on so that we don't have to be in those situations late in the game. A lot of these games are going to come down to the wire, and we're built for that, and we can go out there and finish these games."

(On how he's speaking to his guys at 0-2)

"Yeah, it's not an issue with this team. It's early in the season. We are two games in. It is a long season. We have got a lot to build on. We're coming right back to work tomorrow. We're not flinching. These guys, we're built for it. We're not down at all. We know what we can be capable of as a group, and we're going to go attack."

Saints linebacker Demario Davis

(On San Francisco starting eight-of-15 on third down, how hard it is to win when that's happening)

"That's a very important part of the game, is that you want to be able to get off the field on third down, and I think we did a better job of doing that in the second half and want to be able to do that in the first half as well. (We) Got to give them credit. I think Mac Jones threw some really good passes and played really smart, executing the offense. They're a really challenging offense to stop. They did some good things in the first half, and we were able to stop them in the second half a little bit better."

(On if he believes this team is close)

"Absolutely. We do and have done a lot of good things. I think our offense has put together some really good drives. Defense came out and made some really great stops in the second half. Unbelievable play by Chris Rumph. (A) Really tough system, their offense, to stop. No matter who we have on the field, they can be explosive. So, even when they're limited on guys, they can dial you up, and were able to hit some. For multiple weeks, we have a shot to win at the end and that's really what you want, these games are close, we've got to find a way. I do like our team being right there and I believe we'll find a way to get better."

(On the atmosphere in the Caesars Superdome today)

"I mean, I think it's been that way before; they're one of those teams that travel really well. I think our fans showed up in an electric way and gave us a competitive advantage. It's great playing in front of home base and home crowd. They are definitely right there with us. In those crucial situations, it becomes that much more important to win those games at home."

(On the best ways Davis has seen teams handle 0-2 before)

"I don't think you have to make it any more than it is. These games are about execution. You stay locked in, and you don't let one game turn into two games. Last year, we started 2-0, and it totally went off the cliff. So you can start 0-2, and it can totally go the other way. That's the way I like to look at things, is one moment at a time, but always believing that the next move is going to be in your favor. I just live like that, and I believe that this team has the makeup to move in that way."

(On how he feels mentally and physically)

"I feel great. I feel really good. I've been blessed to have played this game for 14 years. I know the source of that, and I'm not ashamed. I know where I get my strength from. But I also have an incredible team that's behind me, and it requires a lot to give your best each and every Sunday. I think in general, this is a very tough sport. And the longer you go, the more challenging it becomes. But I have a phenomenal team that helps me stay spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically ready. I think it requires all of that. My mindset is constantly on, at this point in my career, it's not just about individual greatness. It's about collective greatness, and how can I make sure that I'm moving in a way and living in a way and performing in a way and leading in a way that it exudes from me to those around me. And, I think that's what I'm most excited to see, is the level that some of the young guys are playing at. I thought Spencer (Rattler) played phenomenal today. We had (Jonas) Sanker, had to come in and step into a major role at safety and he did it at a high level. I think our CBs are coming in and continuing to play at a level that we need. (Carl Granderson) Grando is ferocious, as always. I think that's how I'm trying to move and how I can play in a way that it moves past just myself."

(On Spencer's growth this year vs. at this time last year)

"It is unreal. There is something unique and dynamic about him. He can make all the throws. He is very shifty with his feet and (in) being able to keep plays alive. I think he has a unique swagger and confidence about him. I think he can just continue to play with that and let who he is come out the more he puts himself on display, the city as a whole will be pleased with him. I know QB is the most challenging position to play in this league and sometimes people can put pressure on you to look and act a certain way, you just have to be you at the end of the day. And our HC just says 'let it go' and I think a couple times on a couple drives you can see him out there just letting it go. And, it's electrifying. And we need that, we need him to continue to play at a high level, and we'll be all right."

(On the fumble recovery and continuing those opportunities)

"Yeah, got to get more. Got to get more. That has to be a part of our culture. I think we do a lot of good things, getting after the QB, being physical in the run game. I think schematically we are doing things that put us in an advantageous position. Getting the ball, I think, is the name of the game in today's football, and we have to be able to do that. I think we're continuing to emphasize it, and I think it was great to be able to get one today, but we have got to get more.

(On early insight into Seattle's game since they have some new offensive pieces)

"Still early. We have got to be able to correct his game, and then you put all of your time and energy into the game that's in front of you. So, when that game happens, you have got to look at the past game and what areas of opportunity are in front of you to get better. Whether you win or lose, there's always an opportunity to get better, and at this point in the season, the league is in a race to get better. So we'll do that, finish our process there, and then we'll transition to Seattle, which is playing good football, and they played a really good game against the team we just played the week prior. It's going to be a challenge, going on the road, and we have to get hot really fast— that's no secret. You look forward to the challenge. Look forward to going on the road."

(On if the plan today was to rush less, knowing that Mac Jones was going to be quarterback today)

"No, not necessarily. We knew that the likelihood of him running off was very similar to (Brock) Purdy, which he did. I thought he made some unbelievable throws. He looked really good out there. It's no secret — he's a first-round draft pick. I think they did a great job getting a QB who can efficiently run their system. There was not a whole lot of drop off with him stepping into the offense. This is the pros. This is the pros for a reason. The guys that are coming off the bench are very good players, and they can get hot quickly, just like starters, and he did that today. So, we have to give him credit. I think there are some things that we can tighten up and do better. And that's what we got to fix."

(On how quickly frustration can go from locking in to focus on the next opponent)

"It's hard to be frustrated when you're doing so many really good things. I think it's disappointing because you understand that this game is about wins and losses. So, it's disappointing any time you don't accomplish a goal, but frustration isn't going to help you when you have so many things you can build upon. I like the way guys are emptying the tank and showing up and preparing. Just tighten up a few things, and it's just finding those one-two score plays. You're right there. The fight is there. The intensity is there. We're just a play or two away, and we could easily be sitting here 2-0. I think if you lose sight of that, you put yourself in a bad situation. Just keep putting water at the dam, and eventually it'll break, and when it does, it rushes. So, we're looking to move in that kind of direction."

(On being a leader and turning it around)

"I am the type of person who embraces whatever situation I am in. Would I choose to be 0-2 if I had the opportunity to be 2-0? No, I think that would just be a foolish statement. But, we are sitting here 0-2, and that is what is in front of us. I just see it as the trial and the test that is in front of me. I am a man of faith, and it says rejoice when you face trials because it produces character. And life will never be about the person who can smile and be up and continue to focus when you're up. It's about what you can do when you're down. That's where it becomes real, and I choose to thrive in those types of moments, because I don't run from it. I face it. I go right into it. And that's where success comes from. Success doesn't come from just winning. It comes from getting knocked down, making the correction, and getting back up, and eventually it breaks— that's what I was talking about, if you continue putting water at the dam, it breaks. And I think we are doing a lot of the right things to be successful. We just have to continue to do those and tighten those screws up and everybody just continuing to find those one and two plays, so if it's two plays per game, we're about four plays from being 2-0 vs 0-2, and we got to keep that perspective. So we'll have that mindset and go back to work and come back stronger."

(On their performance bottling up Christian McCaffrey today)

"I think we did some good things in the run game. We knew they were going to try to run it on us. He's a very tough back to stop, just like our guy (Alvin Kamara) is. Just very challenging, and with them being limited at some other positions, we knew they were going to try and put the ball in his hands. And I thought we did a really good job in the run game. I think he made some plays that we'll have to go back and look at and see if we could do a little bit better job, but overall, I think I was pleased with the effort."

WR DEVAUGHN VELE

(On his touchdown catch)

"I had to (run) inside. The route wasn't for me to be running inside. Once I saw (he) had the outside leverage, I knew the ball most likely was going to come to me, so I made my opportunity count."

(On if he is still learning the playbook)

"Definitely making strides. (There are) still little things that I can fix, X's and O's for the offense, in general. The guys are helping me out in the (meeting) rooms and I am getting extra study time in, so I am just waiting for the opportunities to make when I get them."

(On if he was brought to the team to make plays like he did today)

"I don't know. I am just here to run the plays that they give me and contribute where I can."

(On how he feels about his comfort with the playbook)

"I definitely feel more comfortable about the playbook. Things are clicking a lot better. Obviously, I am understanding the guys and understanding my role as well. I am trying to fulfill that role that they have for me. I am just happy to be here and I want to contribute to help us get our first win as a team."

DE CAMERON JORDAN

(On the 49ers having success on third downs today)

"Yeah, they did what we didn't want them to do. They got the ball out fast. They were able to complete reads. We knew that he (Mac Jones) was going to get the ball out fast. We've got to be able to tackle in front of the first down marker. (We have to get our) hands up.

(On the defense not being able to have time to make enough plays at the line)

"We (defensive line) only had one pass defensed from (Bryan) Bresee. We knew that sacks were going to be scarce. We couldn't make him hold the ball. I think that Chris Rumph had a great, possibly game-changing sack/strip (forced) fumble, which I was excited for him. I was like, 'Man, you're (Mac Jones) going to start holding the ball now. He started to speed up his cadence. We have to be able to affect the quarterback. We knew we would have to get him off of the spot. He was able to do what happened in the game to get the ball out fast."

(On the mindset of being 0-2 after losing two close games)

"I guess it matters that they were close and within reach. We were never out of it. At the same time, it is a game of inches. You have to be able to figure out how to finish."

(On if he was surprised that Jones was clean in the pocket for much of the game)

"No. As fast as he was getting the ball out…we knew that his average time was going to be under three seconds. I think that he met that even faster, which can get frustrating for a defensive line. At the same time, if we can't get there, we have to be able to get our hands up, at least and blur his vision a little bit. We made some plays in the fourth quarter. You saw the affects of that with Bryan Bresee had a pass (breakup) and you saw some things go our way. At the same time, we have to be able to affect the quarterback more."

Photos: Game Action | Saints vs. 49ers | 2025 NFL Week 2