Saints Legend Drew Brees Calls Out Miami Dolphins for “Disrespecting New Orleans” After Announcing Rookie-Led Starting Lineup Ahead of Sunday’s Showdown

New Orleans, Louisiana – 11/29/2025

The New Orleans Saints enter the most delicate stretch of their NFC playoff push. Every game now carries the weight of a must-win, and the upcoming showdown with the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium is viewed as one of the most pivotal moments of their season. Yet instead of seeing a fully committed Dolphins squad preparing for a high-stakes battle, the Saints were stunned by reports that Miami plans to start a lineup loaded with rookies, treating the matchup as an opportunity to “test young talent.”

According to multiple sources in Miami, the Dolphins have made surprising adjustments to their depth chart: a first-year linebacker handed command of the middle, a rookie left tackle pushed directly into blindside protection, an inexperienced slot receiver elevated to a starting role, a young cornerback stepping into primary coverage duties, and a defensive tackle with zero starting experience set to appear in core nickel packages. Some reports even indicate Miami is considering expanded snaps for a rookie quarterback to “evaluate true capability” in a major game environment.

For the Saints — a team fighting every single week to maintain their position in a chaotic NFC playoff race — the message felt unmistakable: the Dolphins do not view New Orleans as an opponent worthy of their full-strength lineup.

Drew Brees, known for his composure and respect for every opponent, responded this time with a rare and forceful rebuke:

“This is not a game for experimentation. This is the moment every team in the league is fighting for playoff position. Starting an entire rookie lineup in a game this big? That’s disrespectful to the Saints. Decisions like that don’t just overlook us — they overlook the competitive spirit of the NFL. And New Orleans isn’t going to let that slide.”

Saints head coach Kellen Moore remained focused, saying the team would prepare as if Miami were fielding their strongest lineup. But Moore also admitted the Dolphins’ approach “creates a clear sense of being underestimated,” something that has quickly become fuel inside the locker room.

Sources inside the Saints facility describe the atmosphere as “hotter than ever.” Veterans like Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, along with the young defensive core, are reportedly using Miami’s decision as direct motivation — a challenge to their pride and their playoff legitimacy. With the postseason approaching quickly, the Saints know they must prove their place, not just with a win, but with a performance that earns unshakable respect.

This Sunday, the Dolphins may bring youth, unpredictability, and bold experimentation.
But the Saints will bring discipline, experience, and the pride of a team that refuses to be overlooked.

And if Miami truly believes they can “test their rookies” against New Orleans?
They’re about to learn that the spirit of the Saints — and the city of New Orleans — does not allow anyone to treat them like a proving ground.