Saints Pass Defense Looks To Continue Roll at Packers

A dominant Saints pass defense may need another strong performance to pull out a Week 3 win at Green Bay.

The New Orleans Saints have the look of a potentially elite defensive unit early in the 2023 season. Through two victories, mostly on the shoulders of the defense, the Saints have given up an average of 346 yards per outing, ranking fourth in the league. New Orleans has also forced four turnovers and has given up only 30 total first downs. 

An improved run defense is part of the reason for success. The Saints have also continued stifling pass defense from a unit that ranked second in that category a year ago. 

A 2-0 New Orleans squad now travels to face the 1-1 Green Bay Packers this Sunday. After being led for 15 years by QB Aaron Rodgers, the Packers now have a new face behind center in Jordan Love, a third-year pro.

Love and the passing game have had some rocky moments early in the year, but have the potential to put up nice numbers. Here's how they match up against each other on Sunday. 

Saints Pass Defense vs. Packers Passing Attack 

Green Bay Passing Game 

Aug 19, 2022; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY

Love had completed only 55.8% of his passes so far while throwing for 245 and 151 yards in the first two games. He also has yet to throw an interception while tossing an NFL-high six touchdowns. He's done a nice job of pushing the ball down the field while still avoiding big mistakes, but must showcase better accuracy. 

Love has benefited from solid protection over the first two games, getting sacked just twice. However, the Packers may have some major issues on the left side of their offensive line this Sunday.

Pro Bowl LT David Bakhtiari missed last week's loss at Atlanta with a knee injury that looks to have his Sunday availability in doubt. Pro Bowl LG Elgton Jenkins left the Falcons loss with a knee injury of his own and has yet to practice this week. Bakhtiari and Jenkins are among the league's best at their positions and provide exemplary pass protection. 

Green Bay also has a young group of pass catchers that they're looking to develop quickly. Second-year WR Christian Watson, the team's top returning pass catcher, has yet to play in 2023 because of a hamstring injury. Watson, a 6'5" and 200-Lb. target with good speed, looks doubtful for this week. 

Aug 19, 2022; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) catches a touchdown pass to against the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Fellow second-year WR Romeo Doubs has flashed potential and has six catches for 56 yards and two scores so far, but needs to display better consistency. Rookie second-round choice Jayden Reed is emerging as the big-play threat of the group. Reed has six receptions for a team-high 85 yards and two touchdowns. 

Depth is supplied by rookie fifth-round pick Dontayvion Wicks and Samori Toure. The two have combined for five receptions, 64 yards, and a score.

Another 2023 second-round pick, TE Luke Musgrave, has developed a nice chemistry with Love. Musgrave has five catches for 75 yards. He shows excellent hands in traffic and has the athleticism to beat defenders down the seam.

The Packers don't use their running backs heavily as pass catchers. This will be even less so if RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) is unable to play for a second straight week. AJ Dillon is more of a power option and typically just used for check-downs in the passing game. 

New Orleans Pass Defense 

September 12, 2021; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass against the Green Bay Packers. © Bob Self/Florida Times-Union via Imagn Content Services, LLC

The Saints have held opposing quarterbacks to just 56.7% completion percentage and an average of 160 yards through the air in the first two games. They've generated tremendous pressure up front, recording 22 pressures, 17 QB hits, and 7 sacks.

Fifth-year DE Carl Granderson is off to a torrid start. Granderson has seven pressures, six QB hits, and 2.5 sacks to lead the team. Perennial Pro Bowler Cam Jordan has just a half sack so far, but has five pressures and three tipped passes. Reserve DE Tanoh Kpassagnon provides excellent depth.

The Saints have generated more interior disruption than we've seen in recent seasons. New defensive tackles Nathan Shepherd, Bryan Bresee, and Khalen Saunders have combined for 1.5 sacks and five QB hits. Their ability to push a pass pocket has created one-on-one opportunities for Jordan and Granderson on the outside. 

When a quarterback does have time to throw, they've rarely had any place to go with the ball. Only Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins (65 yards) has managed over 60 yards receiving against suffocating New Orleans coverage. 

Saints CB Marshon Lattimore has been one of the elite at his position for his entire seven years in the league. Lattimore might actually be playing his best football. Through two games, he has an interception, an NFL-high five passes broken up, and has allowed just three completions in seven targets against him for an incredible 27.3% percentage. 

September 12, 2021; New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) intercepts a pass from Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. © Bob Self/Florida Times-Union via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Lattimore typically shadows an opponent’s best wideout. However, Alontae Taylor, Paulson Adebo, and Lattimore form arguably the best trio of corners in the league. They are capable of clamping down on the deepest receiving corps that any team has to offer.

Taylor is now the primary slot corner after a superb rookie year. He's had some growing pains, but is developing quickly. The physical Adebo has been a terrific outside complement to Lattimore, intercepting one ball and giving up less than 55% completion percentage when targeted. 

Veteran safeties Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu have been just as terrific as their corners. However, Maye will now be out for the next three weeks because of a league suspension. Look for promising rookie fifth-round choice Jordan Howden or veteran Lonnie Johnson to join Mathieu in most sets.

Because of Maye's absence, linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner could be used in more coverage duties. Both players are outstanding against the pass, either in man coverage, zone duties, or as disruptive blitzers.

What to Watch 

August 19, 2022; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) scrambles in the pocket as New Orleans Saints defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon (90) closes in. © Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK

Like last week against rookie QB Bryce Young, look for the Saints to test Love's inexperience by mixing up coverage and rush packages. The ultimate goal will be to pressure Love into mistakes.

Green Bay has protected their quarterback well so far, but they may be missing both Bakhtiari and Jenkins on the left side. That is usually Granderson's side, so we could see another big game. If the Packers shift extra blockers to that side, then Cam Jordan may see more one-on-one chances. It may also spread their blocking and leave them vulnerable to the athletic New Orleans defensive tackles or inside blitzes from Davis or Werner. 

The Saints have all but shut out opposing tight ends through two games. With Maye sidelined, we could see Davis take on more of those responsibilities. This would allow Mathieu to provide deep help over the top, in hopes of baiting Love into poor decisions. Rookie S Howden was impressive throughout training camp, but now faces a big regular season test.

New Orleans Saints LB Demario Davis breaks up a pass against the Green Bay Packers. Credit: Dairyland Express

If Christian Watson plays, this could be the most complete receiving corps that the Saints have faced so far. Whether or not that's the case, New Orleans still looks to have the matchup advantage in the secondary. 

Look for the New Orleans corners to again be extremely aggressive with Green Bay's receivers. The Saints intercepted three passes in Week 1 and nearly came up with a few more on Monday night at Carolina. Love has not made many mistakes with the ball this year, but that could change dramatically against the fierce New Orleans pass rush and playmaking secondary.