Week 8 of the NFL season sees the New Orleans Saints on a bye. It perhaps couldn't come at a better time for the Saints, who are 2-5 and spiraling. One of the main reasons for the disappointing start is a defense that has been mostly awful. Here is where the Saints rank defensively through their first seven frustrating games.
New Orleans Saints Total Defense
- 27.7 points per game (28th)
- 372.7 yards per game (28th)
- 9 turnovers (14th)
- 154 first downs (28th)
- 47.8% third down efficiency (29th)
- 56.7% red-zone percentage (15th)
Saints pass defense
- 233.3 yards per game (28th)
- 66.1% completion percentage
- 11 touchdowns (18th)
- 4 interceptions (18th)
- 18 sacks
- 38 QB hits
Saints run defense
- 139.4 yards per game (29th)
- 4.8 per carry (29th)
- 11 touchdowns (31st)
- 27 tackles for loss
In their first year under coordinator Brandon Staley in 2025, the Saints ranked ninth overall, fourth against the pass, and were in the top half of the league in most other categories. This looks absolutely nothing like that unit in 2026, which only lost Demario Davis (free agency) and Bryan Bresee (injury) last offseason. Four of their seven opponents have scored at least 25 points,
with the Saints holding only one foe under 105 yards on the ground.
New Orleans has been pushed around and bullied in the trenches weekly. Second-year lineman Vernon Broughton has not developed as hoped and veteran Nathan Shepherd didn't do enough before being sidelined the last three games with a reported illness. Rookie second round pick Christen Miller has also missed three outings and has played just 32% of the defensive snaps in his other four games. Those were the projected starters coming into the year. The nonexistent depth is even worse. Much worse. Davon Godchaux gets more 'veteran rest days' than field time (including on game days, according to his play). Colby Wooden has had a few moments, but not many. Third-year defensive tackle Khristian Boyd might be the most underrated producer up front, but hasn't gotten enough playing time.
Future Hall of Famer Cameron Jordan returned for a 16th NFL season. He's played more as a down lineman than stand-up rusher, unlike in 2025. Unfortunately, Jordan has contributed nothing to the cause, recording no sacks and only 1 official pressure. Jordan is a legend but unless he finds a sudden resurgence will end his career on a highly disappointing note.
Saints linebackers have looked slow, out of position, and even clueless at times this season. Re-signing Kaden Elliss to replace Demario Davis was a smart move, but after a decent, if unspectacular start, Elliss has been unable to make the necessary plays through traffic. His running mates at linebacker, Pete Werner and Danny Stutsman, have been positively abysmal. Stutsman has been slightly better than Werner, who's a major liability in every way. After missing three games with a calf injury, hopefully there will be defensive improvement with Elliss in better health. Why Brandon Staley has given no defensive snaps to Isaiah Stalbird here is beyond comprehension.
After a strong year in 2025, the New Orleans secondary may be the most surprising disappointment on this team. Corners Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley, and Martin Emerson Jr. haven't been bad, but are often asked to give a ludicrous cushion to opposing receivers. This has led to an easy pitch-and-catch for quarterbacks and receivers, not giving the pass rush a chance for disruption. Jonas Sanker has been an awful replacement for Alontae Taylor in coverage, while safety Justin Reid seems to be making mostly 'business decisions' as a tackler. Julian Blackmon has made some plays, but his range and instincts aren't on display often enough because of the extremely passive scheme.
Opposing tight ends have often had their way against the Saints, a product of the system and laughable coverage efforts from Sanker and Werner. McKinstry, Emerson, and Riley have shown that they can clamp down on wideouts when actually given the opportunity. However, the fact that this secondary has 15 passes broken up as a unit tells you all you need to know.
Ends Chase Young and Carl Granderson have been the unquestioned defensive bright spots. Granderson has stepped up as a good complement to Young, with 1.5 sacks in each of his last three games. Always a streaky player who tends to disappear for long stretches, Granderson's challenge is now to show he can sustain consistent pass rush production.
Young is undoubtedly the team's defensive MVP, albeit up against a low bar. Despite most of the opposing attention, he's managed to remain productive week after week. Young is among the NFL leaders so far (3rd) with 7 sacks and 14 pressures. Over his last 17 games, Young has 16.5 sacks. That is elite production. Unfortunately, just as with Cam Jordan during his prime with awful New Orleans defenses, Young's efforts often seem wasted. For the Saints to have any chance at success down the stretch, Staley must be more aggressive with his scheme and the players running it must show far better toughness.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Where the New Orleans Saints defense ranks at their bye week
