EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Darren Rizzi is returning home to New Jersey, looking to avoid too many distractions, trying to extend the losing streak of a New York Giants team he grew up cheering for and hoping to spark the New Orleans Saints to a late run so he can take the interim label off his title as head coach.
Rizzi and the Saints (4-8) will try to hand the Giants (2-10) their eighth straight loss when the teams meet Sunday at MetLife Stadium, where New York is winless in six games this season.
“I grew up just about 15 minutes from the stadium there rooting for the Giants, going to watch a lot of playoff games back when Bill Parcells was the coach,” Rizzi said. “So it’s certainly something in the back of my mind but just trying to have the blinders on like everybody else, and just trying to coach the game.”
The Saints still have a chance to win the weak NFC South. They are two games behind the Falcons and Buccaneers, who are both 6-6. New Orleans split its games with Atlanta and has a game left against Tampa Bay.
Since replacing Dennis Allen in November, Rizzi has a 2-1 record. The loss came last weekend new Orleans hasn’t responded well after setbacks, losing seven straight at one point. If the longtime special teams coach can turn things around, he might have a case for keeping the top job.
