Most expected a significant improvement from the New Orleans Saints offense in the second year under head coach Kellen Moore. After a fantastic rookie season by 2025 second round choice Tyler Shough, the Saints spent the offseason surrounding their quarterback with additional weapons. That improvement is certainly been evident in the passing attack, but the running game continues to be nonexistent. As we move past the first quarter of the 2026 season, here's where this offense ranks.
New Orleans Saints Total Offense
- 26.3 points per game (10th)
- 367 total yards per game (9th)
- 97 first downs (3rd)
- 8 turnovers (27th)
- 50% third down efficiency (4th)
- 80% red-zone percentage (4th)
Passing Attack
- 278.5 yards per game (4th)
- 67.2% completion percentage
- 9 touchdowns (4th)
- 3 interceptions (16th)
- 180 attempts (2nd)
- 121 completions (2nd)
- 12 sacks (29th)
- 97 first downs (4th)
Rushing Attack
- 88.5 yards per game (27th)
- 99 attempts (21st)
- 3.6 average per carry (28th)
- 4 touchdowns (10th)
- 27 first downs
A complete lack of running game has handcuffed the Saints offensively. Lead back Travis Etienne Jr. will be sidelined several more weeks with a hamstring injury, but the problems go far deeper than that. The offensive line has opened no rushing lanes and has been
unable to prevent defensive penetration. As such, Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller have been just as ineffective as Etienne. To be fair, the New Orleans backs have also been incapable of creating plays on their own as either runners or pass catchers. Until this changes, the Saints will continue to be limited offensively.
Left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. remains out with an ankle injury. While Asim Richards has not played well as his replacement, major problems exist along the entire line. Taliese Fuaga has regressed badly from his impressive rookie season of 2024. Guards David Edwards and Cesar Ruiz, along with center Erik McCoy, have not slid to protect against extra defenders on the inside. Every lineman has consistently lost their blocking assignments weekly. This has not only been a major factor for the failures of the running game, but has also led to Tyler Shough being statistically the most frequently hit and third most sacked quarterback in the league.
Despite the imbalance and constantly under duress, Shough has been one of the league's most productive passers. He's shown terrific poise and the ability to hit every throw accurately. The hits he's taking are a major concern, but Shough has a great grasp of the system and tremendous chemistry with his receivers.
Wideout Chris Olave has been as productive as any receiver in the NFL. Olave has caught 35 of his 48 targets for 491 yards, with 25 catches resulting in a first down. His route running and rapport with Shough has made him nearly unstoppable against coverages designed to contain him. Nearly as effective has been wide receiver Devaughn Vele and tight end Juwan Johnson. Vele has 21 receptions for 226 yards, while Johnson has pulled in 21 passes for 232 yards. Shough doesn't hesitate to look for all three in any situation. While he's thrown an accurate ball, Olave, Vele, and Johnson have each also made some spectacular plays to keep a drive going.
Don't be surprised to see a breakout game from rookie fourth round pick Bryce Lance soon. Lance has only caught 5 of his 13 targets so far, but has come a hair away from several big plays. Veteran tight end Noah Fant is also a trusted weapon, especially in the red zone. Rookies Barion Brown at wideout and Oscar Delp at tight end haven't produced a great deal so far, but each have been involved. This passing attack only gets better when rookie first round wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) comes off injured reserve and fellow rookies Lance, Brown, and Delp develop further.
As productive as Shough, Olave, Johnson, and Vele have been, the Saints need balance going forward. Entirely too much pressure has been put on the passing game without a competent rushing attack. If that trend and the overall ineffectiveness of the offensive line continues, then concerns over the punishment on Shough will continue to grow dramatically.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Run and pass: New Orleans Saints offensive rankings through Week 4
