On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints had one of their best offensive performances of this season in a 23-22 overtime victory over the Cleveland Browns. New Orleans rolled up 396 total yards, including 160 on the ground. Both numbers were their second highest of the season to date. Now getting healthy, here's where New Orleans ranks statistically on offense heading into Week 10.
New Orleans Saints Total Offense
- 23.1 points per game (15th)
- 325.8 yards per game (19th)
- 15 turnovers (27th)
- 164 first downs (11th)
- 43.5% third down efficiency (7th)
- 70.4% red-zone percentage (4th)
Saints passing attack
- 230.5 yards per game (14th)
- 66.2% completion percentage
- 14 touchdowns (12th)
- 6 interceptions (16th)
- 20 sacks
Saints running game
- 95.3 yards per game (26th)
- 3.8 per carry (27th)
- 7 touchdowns (16th)
New Orleans hasn't had a major issue picking up first downs, converting third downs, or even getting across the goal line once in the red zone. However, slow starts because of poor game plans and play-calling have plagued the team in nearly every game. The biggest hindrance has been the lack of a running game, putting an extreme amount
of pressure on second-year quarterback Tyler Shough and the passing game.
New Orleans has surpassed 100 yards rushing in only three of their eight games, getting held to under 70 yards three times. With last week's release of Kendre Miller, Tyler Shough is actually the team's leading rusher with 162 yards. However, the running game has shown some signs of encouragement.Audric Estime rushed for 72 yards in last week's win against Cleveland, a season-high for any Saints player. Lead back Travis Etienne looks close to a return to the lineup. Etienne had 128 rushing yards, a 4.3 average, and 11 catches for 51 yards in the first three weeks before getting sent to injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Alvin Kamara hasn't contributed much as a runner, just 157 yards and a 3.3 average. However, Kamara's 25 receptions for 150 yards shows he still has value as a receiver.
A struggling running game is not all the fault of the backs. The Saints offensive line has not consistently gained any control of the point of attack. Moreover, this line has too often been porous in pass protection. Left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is back after missing five games. His return was a noticeable boost for the line against the Browns. However, center Erik McCoy also sustained a biceps injury in that same game and will be sidelined for a minimum of a few weeks. At least initially, right guard Cesar Ruiz will slide into McCoy's spot at center with either William Sherman or rookie Jeremiah Wright stepping in at guard. How the Saints respond to the shuffle on the interior line. Banks and guard David Edwards make a potentially formidable duo on the left side. However, right tackle Taliese Fuaga must play closer to his 2024 rookie form, something he's been far from in 2026.
Lack of balance and poor protection have certainly affected the passing attack negatively. However, Tyler Shough has been big in critical situations. Shough has averaged nearly 250 passing yards per game and has often been extremely accurate in the biggest moments of a game. He's done so in spite of constant pressure and beatings, now dealing with an injured non-throwing hand. Shough has also developed an incredible chemistry with his top three targets.
Wideout Devaughn Vele and tight end Juwan Johnson have cooled in recent weeks. Still, Shough feels comfortable going to either against any coverage and each have rewarded their quarterback's confidence with big plays. Vele has 35 receptions for 365 yards and 3 scores with several critical third down conversions. Johnson has 28 catches for 289 yards and a team-best 4 touchdowns. Noah Fant and rookie Oscar Delp complement Johnson well at tight end, though neither has been heavily involved in the passing game. Rookie wideouts Barion Brown and Bryce Lance have converted a few big plays, but both need to convert targets more consistently. Rookie first round choice Jordyn Tyson saw his first NFL action against the Browns and has already shown why the Saints targeted him so high in the draft.
Shough's favorite target is receiver Chris Olave, who is well on his way to a career year. Olave has pulled in 56 of his 83 targets for 734 yards. An outstanding route runner, Olave consistently makes plays at all three levels. With the return of Tyson, Banks, and Etienne to join Olave, Vele, and Johnson, this Saints offense has the potential to be extremely explosive down the stretch.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Run and pass: Where the Saints rank on offense going into Week 10
