By the Numbers: Saints vs. WFT in Week 5

A look inside the numbers from the Saints Week 5 victory over the WFT.

On Sunday afternoon, the New Orleans Saints (3-2) held on for a gutsy road victory over the Washington Football Team (2-3). Despite losing the time of possession battle, the Saints' offense looked as good as they have all season, thanks mainly to Jameis Winston and the deep ball passing attack.

New Orleans will have a week of rest as they enter their BYE Week at 3-2 and expect up to nine starters back in Week 7.

Below is a look inside the numbers from the Saints third victory of 2021.

1 - New Orleans is the NFL's Best in Red Zone Offense and Defense

Oct 10, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Callaway (1) celebrates with New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) after connecting on a touchdown pass against the Washington Football Team during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Following the first five weeks of the 2021 NFL season, New Orleans finds itself as the NFL's most efficient offense and defense in the Red Zone this season.

The Saints rank first in the NFL in Red Zone touchdowns scoring percentage at 92.9% (13 touchdowns on 14 possessions) and are tied for tops in the league in Red Zone touchdowns allowed percentage at 35.7% (5 touchdowns allowed on 14 possessions).

New Orleans' Red Zone dominance should only continue with Michael Thomas and Tre'Quan Smith returning to the offense, along with David Onyemata and Kwon Alexander returning to the defense in the coming weeks.

10.3 - Jameis Winston Leads NFL in Touchdown Percentage

Oct 10, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) attempts a pass against the Washington Football Team during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

There has been a lot of talk about whether Sean Payton fully trusts Jameis Winston as the team's starting quarterback. And while the duo may still be building trust and limiting Winston's gunslinging, the former first-overall pick is growing into the game manager's role.

With Winston's interception numbers down from this time in 2019, he is proving that he is can protect the football much better than early on in his NFL career. However, Jameis is also finding the end-zone at a better clip.

Winston currently leads the NFL with the highest touchdown per pass attempt percentage this season at 10.3%.  He also has career highs in quarterback rating, and  touchdown to interception ratio.

53 - Blake Gillikin's 3 Punts of 53+ yards Downed Inside the 3-yard line

New Orleans Saints punter Blake Gillikin. Credit: USA TODAY

What a day for Saints punter Blake Gillikin! Gillikin's impact on the game was evident from praises from his head coach, quarterback, Thomas Morstead, and running back, and even praise from Washington's QB Taylor Heinicke. However, it was not until after the game that many realized how historic the former Nitty Lion's day was in Washington.

Gillikin became the first punter since 2000 to have three punts of 53+ yards downed inside the 3-yard line. 

Gillikin joked in his post-game presser that the recognition has "meant alot" and that he would "love to not punt at all" because it means the team is doing well. But to "have that kind of game and also get a win is great."

---

For all the latest New Orleans Saints News & Rumors follow:

The Saints News Network at www.Si.com/NFL/ Saints

Follow Saints News Network’s Writer, Brendan Boylan, on Twitter & Instagram at @btboylan.

Continue to follow all Saints’ coverage on Social Media with Saints News Network at @SaintsNews on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Read More Saints News

• Saints Respond With Hard-Fought Road Win Over The Football Team
• First Look: Saints vs. Washington Football Team
• Week 5: Saints Final Injury Report
• Saints Run Defense vs. Washington Rushing Attack
• Saints Rushing Attack vs. Washington Run Defense
• Saints Passing Attack vs. Washington Pass Defense
• Saints Need to Hit Reset for October Winning Ways
• Report: Saints Signing RB Ozigbo