2023 Saints Offensive Leaders

A closer look at the Saints offensive statistics and most productive players of 2023.

The New Orleans Saints were expected to have a vastly improved offense heading into the 2023 season. New Orleans signed QB Derek Carr in a much publicized move to add to explosive playmakers Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Taysom Hill. Other notable additions were RB Kendre Miller and WR A.T. Perry in the draft along with RB Jamaal Williams and TEs Jimmy Graham and Foster Moreau in free agency. 

Additionally, the team was getting WR Michael Thomas back from another season-ending injury. The Saints also expected a much-improved offensive line because of projected development from 2022 first-round choice LT Trevor Penning. 

Instead, the Saints struggled offensively out of the gate. Bad play-calling, poor execution, and putrid red zone production resulted in less than 21 points in five of their first six games. The offense finally bounced back in the second half of the year and looked like the unit we thought they'd be in several contests.

2023 Offensive Rankings 

• Total Yardage - 14th (337.2)

• Points Scored - 9th (23.6/game)

• 3rd Down Percentage = 15th 

• Red Zone Efficiency = 18th 

• Passing Yards - 11th (234.7)

• Touchdowns - 8th (28)

• Rushing Yards - 21st (102.5)

• Touchdowns - 18th (13)

• Rushing Average - 31st (3.6)

Not ideal numbers and below the general expectations of many. However, red zone efficiency and overall productivity ranked them among the better offenses in the league down the stretch. 

Here were the New Orleans leaders in every offensive category in 2023.

PASSING LEADERS

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Carr 

• 3,878 yards

• 68.4% completion percentage 

• 25 touchdowns

• 8 interceptions 

Jameis Winston 

• 264 yards

• 53.2% completion percentage 

• 2 touchdowns 

• 3 interceptions 

Taysom Hill 

• 83 yards

• 54.5% completion percentage 

• 1 touchdown 

• 0 interceptions 

Carr had six 300-yard games, most of any New Orleans quarterback since the legendary Drew Brees also had six such outings in 2018. This doesn't mean that Carr had a season comparable to anything that Brees ever had with the Saints.  

Early in the season, Carr had major issues with indecisiveness, inaccuracy at times, and overlooking open receivers. He showed a much greater grasp of the offense late in the year. Over the final six games, Carr led all NFL quarterbacks in completion percentage while throwing 15 touchdowns against three interceptions. 

Perhaps the most talented backup quarterback in the league, Winston only saw action when Carr was knocked out of four games with injuries. Hill's passing activity kept defenses off balance when they overplayed his rushing ability out of the backfield. 

RUSHING LEADERS

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Alvin Kamara 

• 694 yards

• 5 touchdowns 

• 3.9 per carry 

Taysom Hill 

• 401 yards

• 4 touchdowns 

• 5.0 per carry 

Jamaal Williams 

• 306 yards

• 1 touchdown 

• 2.9 per carry 

Kendre Miller 

• 156 yards

• 1 touchdown 

• 3.8 per carry 

Kamara was suspended for the first three games of the year and missed the finale with an ankle injury. He's still the focal point of the offense, but the Saints did a poor job of getting him in space as a runner and receiver. Too often, New Orleans ran their dynamic back into the middle of the defense, leaving little chance for cutback lanes to get him to the second level because of an underachieving offensive line. 

Kamara had no 100-yard rushing games, with a season-high of 80 yards on the ground coming in Week 5. He had four other outings of 60+ yards, but none over 70 and was held to under 55 yards in six contests. 

Williams was expected to be a power complement to Kamara. He missed four games with a hamstring injury early and was an overall disappointment. Hill remained the team's best power runner and gives a boost to the entire unit when he gets involved early. 

Miller, a promising rookie third-round pick, played in only eight games because of various injuries. When he was on the field, he showed explosive promise as a runner and receiver. He had 73 yards on the ground in the season finale, the second highest rushing output of the year for the Saints. 

RECEIVING LEADERS

New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave (12) catches a pass over Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah (1). Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Olave 

• 87 receptions 

• 1,123 yards

• 5 touchdowns 

• 138 targets 

Alvin Kamara 

• 75 receptions 

• 446 yards

• 1 touchdown 

• 86 targets 

Rashid Shaheed 

• 46 receptions 

• 719 yards

• 5 touchdowns 

• 75 targets 

Michael Thomas 

• 39 receptions 

• 448 yards

• 1 touchdown 

• 64 targets 

Juwan Johnson 

• 37 receptions 

• 368 yards

• 4 touchdowns 

• 59 targets 

Olave bettered his rookie production and had five 100-yard games with three more of at least 85 yards. He needs to make plays in the biggest moments to go from a very good to an elite receiver. However, he overcame a mid-season slump to be extremely dependable down the stretch. 

Unlike the previous two years, Kamara was used well as a receiver initially upon returning from his suspension. That use dissipated over the last few contests, but he was still among the most productive receiving backs in the NFL despite missing four games. 

Also not used enough, Shaheed was still an extremely productive receiver in his second season. He had one 100-yard game and three more with at least 70 yards. More than just a lethal deep threat, Shaheed is an underrated route runner with excellent open field skills. He averaged 13.6 per punt return, earning his first Pro Bowl honor. 

New Orleans Saints receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) catches a long pass behind Indianapolis Colts cornerback Tony Brown (38). Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas wasn't targeted enough, but was still a dependable target over the first 10 games before going down for the year with a knee injury. Still a physical wideout with elite route precision, Thomas will hit the free-agent market this spring. His time as a Saint is likely over.

Johnson had a rough season with nagging injuries and costly drops. He came on strong down the stretch, with his athleticism and route tree making him a mismatch for defenses. 

Taysom Hill had the best receiving season of his career with 33 catches for 291 yards. Kendre Miller showed he also has a bright future as a pass catcher as well as a runner. Fellow rookie, sixth-round WR A.T. Perry, had 12 receptions for 246 yards and four touchdowns over the last eight games. 

The Saints had offensive line issues all season that led to 33 sacks and inefficiencies in the running game. It's a position that needs addressed this offseason. With promising rookies Perry and Miller teaming with Kamara, Hill, Johnson, and explosive second-year wideouts Olave and Shaheed, the future of the New Orleans offense is in exciting hands at the skill positions.