Heading into Week 4 of the 2026 season, the New Orleans Saints are owners of a 1-2 record. They could just as easily be undefeated if not for a few mistakes (and referee) leading to two infuriatingly close losses. Last season, a top-10 New Orleans defense kept them in most games. So far in 2026, a few defensive letdowns and lack of momentum turning plays have also contributed to those losses. Here is where the New Orleans defense ranks statistically through their first three games.
New Orleans Saints Total Defense
- 27.7 points per game (26th)
- 340.3 yards per game (20th)
- 3 turnovers (15th)
- 69 first downs (28th)
- 47.1% third down efficiency (25th)
- 61.5% red zone percentage (15th)
Pass Defense
- 211.7 yards per game (16th)
- 67% completion percentage
- 6 touchdowns (23rd)
- 1 interception (21st)
- 7 sacks
- 0 QB hits
Run Defense
- 128.7 yards per game (27th)
- 4.7 yards per carry (27th)
- 4 touchdowns (24th)
- 14 tackles for loss
It's been a rough start for a Saints defense that in 2025 ranked 9th overall and 4th against the pass. New Orleans struggles start up front, where an extremely thin defensive line has been unable to shut off rushing lanes or create any disruption on quarterbacks. Vernon
Broughton and Nathan Shepherd have been adequate but need to produce more, especially with little behind them. Once rookie second round choice Christen Miller (toe) is healthy, the Saints should get more bulk and talent in the middle.
Inadequacies on the line has forced the Saints to use Cameron Jordan or Carl Granderson in a down lineman spot more than last year. At least that's allowed both to be on the field at the same time to join Chase Young at times. Jordan continues to be a good run defender and all three present a nice trio of pass rushers. However, only Young has been effective in that capacity so far.
After his breakout year in 2025, Young has undoubtedly been the team's Defensive MVP through the early portions. He leads the Saints with 3.5 sacks, the only player with more than one. Additionally, Young leads the squad with 3 tackles for loss, 5 QB hits, and 6 pressures. Jordan and Granderson are more than capable pass rushers, but they and the rest of the defense must create more havoc.
At linebacker, Kaden Elliss (24) and Pete Werner (21) lead the team in tackles. Elliss has played particularly well in his return to New Orleans while replacing Demario Davis. His 5 QB hits tie Young for the team lead, but he has yet to record a sack. Danny Stutsman provides hard-hitting depth. However, the linebacking unit must create more game-changing plays.
A young Saints secondary was vital in ranking fourth against the pass last season. So far in 2026, the unit has been a disappointment. They contained an extremely good Detroit squad in the opener, but have conceded far too many easy catches to Baltimore and the Raiders since. Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry has played well, but Quincy Riley, Julian Blackmon, Justin Reid, and especially Jonas Sanker must play up to their potential as a unitfor the Saints to again be a stingy defense.
As a whole, New Orleans has looked helpless at times against opposing running backs and tight ends. Going up against Atlanta's Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts in Week 4, this is obviously a huge concern. If the Saints are to contend for anything meaningful in 2026, they must shore up their defense significantly against the run, tighten up their pass coverage, and harass quarterbacks into sacks or poor decisions.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Where the New Orleans Saints defense ranks after three weeks
