Saints New Offensive Identity?

The Saints struggled to solidify their identity last season. This year, it looks like they already know exactly who they are.

One of the biggest struggles in 2022 for the New Orleans Saints looked to be finding their identity on offense.  Head coach Dennis Allen was clear that they wanted to be a run-oriented, defensive team from the start.  While the latter played out well with another top-10 ranked defensive season, the offense sputtered throughout the year with a bit of a roller coaster-like trajectory.

In 2023, however, New Orleans looks to be changing its course.  While the run game and defense will still be a huge key to their success next season, a top-flight passing game could separate them from the pack.

Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes to running back Alvin Kamara (41) during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

THE OFFENSIVE UNDER CARR

Looking at the team’s moves over the offseason, it becomes clear that the passing game is what the team may be looking to build around.  Newly-signed quarterback Derek Carr is no stranger to attacking with the deep ball.  He ranked No. 5 in the NFL last year amount qualifying passers in intended air yards (9.3), per Next Gen Stats.  He has also put up some impressive numbers downfield per 33rd Team who has Carr finishing top-10 in completions of 20 or more yards in each of the last three seasons.

Couple him with second-year sensation wideouts Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, and it is easy to see where the Saints could build their attack as a field-stretching team.  Olave finished No. 6 among all qualifying wide receivers and tight ends in 2022 with 14.2 targeted air yards, per Next Gen Stats.  That couples well with Carr’s intended air yards analytic. As does Shaheed’s big-play ability.

The team also brought back tight end Juwan Johnson and added Carr’s old friend, Foster Moreau, to help the position group as well.  While both tight ends are reliable blockers in their own rights, their pass-catching acumen should be a focus.  Taysom Hill, Lucas Krull and potentially veteran Jesse James should all contribute to the room as well.

WHO WILL BE IN THE BACKFIELD?

Even when it comes to the running backs, their abilities as a receiver out of the backfield have consistently been front and center this offseason.  Alvin Kamara is one of the NFL’s best pass-catching backs.  The receiving game has been a huge focus of newly-added back Jamaal Williams and Saints coaches believe that rookie running back Kendre Miller will be able to contribute as one of the position’s receiving threat as well.  While Miller only has 29 catches to his name leaving TCU, the Saints have a good track record of developing good hands from backs whose focus has not been there before.  Take both Mark Ingram and Latavius Murray as easy examples.

Yes, the Saints will be a defensive team in 2023.  There is no doubt about that. But their identity on the offensive side of the ball should include an intent to be a real threat to opposing defenses through the air.  A solid run game is necessary no matter what and the team has done a great job building out their running backs.  But the biggest separates for New Orleans in 2023 will be its passing game.