Saints Midseason Grades | 2023

Saints News Network's mid-season grades for the 5 and 4 New Orleans Saints in 2023-24.

Our mid-season grades for the New Orleans Saints (5-4) tell a tale of how an excellent defense, infused with an offense with an identity crisis, can create average results in the NFL.  The Vikings contest is pivotal for the Saints in several significant areas.  Should they win in Sunday's game, New Orleans can go into their bye week at 6-4, still atop the NFC South.  It will verify they are trending in the right direction as a team and, most importantly, in coaching.

No one questioned the offensive talent at mid-season; it's the strategy and play-calling that have been chaotic and erratic at times.  The press conference questions and responses were becoming redundant and predictable — just like the offense.  Has the leadership and players finally synced on the same frequency at this stage of the season?  We'll know around 3:30 PM CT on Sunday.  Until then, the Saints have "A-graded" ability and must stop performing as a "C-graded" team...they're better than what we've seen thus far. Sunday's Minneapolis contest will give us the answers.

• Overall: B-
• Offense: C
• Defense: A-
• QB: C or Incomplete
• Offensive Coordinator: D
• Defensive Coordinator: B+
• Coaching: C+

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Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) rushes the passer against the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

JOHN HENDRIX

Recency bias will suggest that the Saints are moving in the right direction, but when you look at how the first part of the season went, this team should be a lot better than what their record says.  That's how you have to look at them when you grade the performances.  There's tons of improvement in several areas, but the team was their worst enemy for a while.  They're on a path to stamp a spot in the postseason as long as they don't get in their way. As they always say, it's not how you start, it's how you finish.

• Overall: B-
• Offense: C+
• Defense: B+
• QB: C
• Offensive Coordinator: C-
• Defensive Coordinator: B+
• Coaching: B-

Jan 5, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) runs after a pass reception against Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) during the first quarter of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

BOB ROSE

After a putrid start, the Saints offense has put out some impressive play in the last three games. They have all the pieces to move the ball against any defense but must still do a better job capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

The defense carried this team early, but I have major concerns about their lack of pass rush and recent struggles against the run. Still, their playmakers in the secondary and penchant for creating turnovers are momentum changers.

The challenges for this team and coaching staff will be to shore up the recent defensive cracks and finish teams off when they have opportunities. It's the difference between a legitimate playoff contender and a team sitting at home in January.

• Overall: C
• Offense: C-
• Defense: C+
• QB: C
• OC: D
• DC: C+
• Coaching: C-

Jan 5, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints player Taysom Hill (7) against past Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) during the fourth quarter of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

ROSS JACKSON

The Saints undeniably had their struggles to start the season. The offense grades out average for now as the improvements are measurable, while the defense remains the team's strength - even with slumps to start games. Kudos to head coach Dennis Allen and the roster's veteran leaders for not letting the team implode when it looked like it might. The climb is on for New Orleans, but the ascension will not be simple.

• Grade: C
• Offense: C
• Defense: A
• QB: C
• Offensive Coordinator: D
• Defensive Coordinator: A
• Coaching: C