Saints admit they are 'desperate' to win amid four-game losing streak

The New Orleans Saints (2-4) were arguably the hottest team in the NFL to begin the year, winning back-to-back games in which they outscored their opponents 91-29.

However, the Saints have since lost four straight games in which they have been outscored 118-76. It's safe to say New Orleans is tired of losing.

"I think we just need to win, man. I think we are desperate for a win. Losing five games straight is just not something that I even want to utter anymore or utter at all ... because we need to win," tight end Juwan Johnson said , via the team's website. "I think the city is in need of that. We are more than in need of that. So yeah, we're desperate."

The Saints don't have long to think about their four-game losing streak this week as they're set to host the Denver Broncos (3-3) on "Thursday Night Football."

While they are focused on getting back in the win column, many others are talking about head coach Sean Payton's return to New Orleans.

Veteran linebacker Demario Davis says they're doing their best to block out the noise.

"It's an important game in the season and we've got to have it," Davis said . "I think it's two teams that are playing in an important game, just for the regular season. So, I think the backstory is going to have to take a backseat just for the challenge of getting a win."

It is an important game for the Saints to turn their season back around, but their injury report is lengthy this week.

Quarterback Derek Carr and wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed won't play, which means rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler and backup wide receivers Mason Tipton, Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Bub Means will.

That's not an ideal lineup for a team hoping to avoid losing its fifth straight game, but New Orleans can only focus on the players it has available.

"That's part of the good thing about being on a short week," head coach Dennis Allen said. "You don't have a whole lot of time to sit here and feel sorry for yourself, you've got to start preparing for another opponent."