Saints Not Considering Benching Jameis Winston for Andy Dalton, HC Dennis Allen Says

The New Orleans Saints are off to a disappointing 1-2 start and have scored just 14 points in two games, but head coach Dennis Allen told reporters he doesn't plan on benching quarterback JameisWinston.

Everybody is looking for a place to place blame when they are in these situations. I don't want to go there because there are so many mistakes. I think I know what Jameis is capable of. We all need to do better.

The player is playing at less than full strength.

According to the Fox broadcast, the Florida State product is playing with a back injury. He said it makes him feel pain when he applies weight to his foot.

Through three games, he has four touchdown passes and five picks.

It has been less than ideal for the Saints to re-sign their starting quarterback after he tore hisACL in the first year of a two-year contract. Some of the reason for optimism in New Orleans has faded after the slow start.

As the Saints look to rediscover their form, they could be put under more pressure if Thomas is not available.

Allen made it clear that the team wouldn't do much worse than the backup quarterback if they benched Winston. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and a three-time starter.

The Saints wouldn't be getting the same quarterback they would have gotten if they made the switch, since he had eight touchdown passes to nine turnovers in eight games for the Bears last season.