The consensus coming into the season was that the New Orleans Saints were in store for a long year.

It took two weeks for that to look truer than ever.

Sunday’s 26-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers wasn’t a blowout by any means, but consider the context.

The Caesars Superdome, for instance, was overrun with opposing fans of the San Francisco 49ers — meaning season-ticket holders for the Saints were more than content to sell their seats. And they cheered every time backup Mac Jones — filling in for an injured Brock Purdy — hit on one explosive play after another. And no matter how hard they fought, the Saints were simply outmanned when it mattered.

Spencer Rattler and the Saints couldn’t lead a game-winning comeback for the second straight week, despite having good looks late to steal

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