Another week, another Saints defeat. This time a 10–16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris. But while the performance on the field gave us plenty to moan about, the weekend itself delivered memories that will last a lifetime.

Daniel, Mike and special guests James, Shane and Vedran look back on an unforgettable few days in the City of Love, bringing together Saints fans from across the globe for a weekend of football, friendship, questionable decisions and more than a few beverages.

We don't completely avoid the football, though. Slow starts, missed field goals, an absent running game and an offence seemingly searching for its identity all come under the microscope. There's also a rather heated discussion about Kellen Moore, Gayle Benson, the direction of the organisation and whether the Saints' international ambitions have become more about PR and personal prestige than the fans and the product on the field.

But the real story is what happened away from the Stade de France.

From Shane's extended London adventure and Vedran's rather eventful journey to Paris, to Saints fans taking over the streets, bars and boulevards, we relive the moments that made this trip so special. There's the incredible atmosphere at the Saints bar, the international Who Dat takeover, questionable encounters, Parisian shenanigans and stories that probably should have stayed in France.

We also reflect on something much bigger than one game or one weekend: the friendships, connections and sense of family that this incredible Saints community has created across countries and continents.

Because the Saints might be testing our patience, our loyalty and our bank balances, but they've also given us something pretty special.

The final score might have been disappointing, but the weekend was anything but.

Different countries. Different accents. One common bond. Who Dat!

Guest:

https://x.com/jay_lefty

https://x.com/sponeill03

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Saints, Shough & Questionable Decisions in New Orleans

The Saints are 1-1, Steve Hyde is back, and somehow a few drinks and a last-minute trip to New Orleans have combined to create another cracking episode of Saints City Me.

Daniel, Mike and Steve look back at the agonising Lions loss and the Saints' impressive road victory over Baltimore. We discuss the slow starts, Tyler Shough's development, the emergence of Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson, the potential impact of Jordan Tyson and whether the Saints' passing attack could be something special.

How's Dan's Preseason Bets Going?

A brand-new feature sees Daniel check in on his increasingly interesting preseason wagers.

Chris Olave at 125/1. Chase Young at 500/1. Kellen Moore at 12/1. And Tyler Shough at 80/1 and 100/1.

Let's just say the bookmakers are starting to notice the Saints… and Dan is starting to look slightly less ridiculous.

We also look ahead to the Raiders and discuss what needs to improve — particularly the run game and those frustrating slow starts.

New Orleans Bound

Steve and Mike are heading back to New Orleans for a very special weekend celebrating the Superdome's 20th anniversary and Drew Brees' induction into the Saints Ring of Honor.

We hear how the trip came together, plans for Baton Rouge, meeting up with Saints fans, a very special pre-game opportunity courtesy of Jerry Wiley, and the discovery of the New Orleans Day Drinking Club.

Plus, Steve gives us the story of how he became a Saints fan and faces the traditional SCM quick-fire questions — including his favourite Saints player, New Orleans bar, food and restaurant.

And yes, we revisit the infamous Voodoo Ranger/streetcar incident.

The Saints are 1-1. The optimism is back. The anxiety remains.

And Steve Hyde is going back to New Orleans.

Guest: https://x.com/whodatintheuk

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The season is almost here, so we’re dusting off one of our favourite concepts: SCM: Neutral Grounds — This time, it’s a meeting of two fanbases who perhaps have more in common than either would like to admit.

Daniel and Mike are joined by Fletch, Lions fan and founder of the AAW Network, for a wide-ranging conversation about NFL fandom, finding your team, rebuilding franchises, and what happens when a Saints fan hands a Lions fan a microphone and tells him to have at it.

We kick things off with the strange but brilliant world of the UK NFL community, where the league might span thousands of miles but somehow everyone seems to know everyone. Fletch shares the story of being recognised at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin — and the moment his wife realised her husband had apparently become a minor celebrity.

From there, we get into why Fletch chose Detroit. It’s a story built around music, Detroit, Eminem, Megatron, Matthew Stafford and, crucially, avoiding the easy option of simply picking whoever was winning at the time. We discuss why the best NFL fandom isn't necessarily about picking the biggest or most successful team — it's about finding a city, culture and community you can connect with.

And there are plenty of parallels with New Orleans.

Then we get down to the football.

Fletch gives us the Lions perspective on team building, explaining how Detroit transformed itself through the draft, culture and some bold decisions — including the Matt Stafford trade that ultimately helped both the Lions and Rams. We discuss Jared Goff, Dan Campbell, the Lions' recent turnaround and whether Detroit can provide a blueprint for what the Saints are trying to build under Kellen Moore.

We get into the Lions' biggest strengths and weaknesses, including an explosive offence led by Jahmyr Gibbs, the uncertainty surrounding their offensive line, and the defensive injuries that could give Tyler Shough and the Saints an opportunity.

And then comes the friendly fire.

Fletch explains why Chris Olave could be in for a big game, reveals the Saints player he'd happily steal for Detroit, and gives his assessment of where the Saints can be attacked.

There’s also some love for Jordan Tyson, a bit of Amon-Ra St. Brown slander from Daniel, and a reminder that even when you're talking football, there is always time to discuss the important things — like which fanbases are the most annoying.

And Fletch has a very clear answer.

Bears fans.

By the end, this is exactly what Neutral Grounds is supposed to be: rival fans talking football, giving each other plenty of stick, but ultimately discovering that the thing that connects us is far stronger than the team on the front of the jersey.

Saints. Lions. New Orleans. Detroit. Banter. Football.

Welcome to the Neutral Ground.

Guest: https://x.com/cfbfletch or https://x.com/AAW_Network

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