Saints Run Defense Needs Continued Progress at Packers

Facing another opponent who will likely lean on their running game, the Saints response to such a challenge could be key to a win at Green Bay.

New Orleans Saints defensive players apparently came into the 2023 season with something to prove. A run defense that had dominated opponents from 2018 to 2021 plummeted to 24th in the league last year. As a result, the team replaced three of their four defensive tackles from last season. 

Early returns on the revamped position are terrific. The Saints come into Week 3 with a 2-0 record, due in large part to two outstanding defensive performances. New Orleans has surrendered only one touchdown in eight quarters and ranks fourth in total defense after two games. Their numbers against the run aren't great, but they've clamped down in key moments and look far better than a year ago. 

The Saints now travel to face the 1-1 Green Bay Packers on Sunday. As most everyone knows, the Packers have a new quarterback with Jordan Love replacing Aaron Rodgers. However, they'd already shifted to a slightly more run-oriented offense the last few years. Now needing balance as Love develops, here's how the Green Bay ground game matches up against New Orleans. 

Saints Run Defense vs. Packers Rushing Attack 

Green Bay Running Game 

September 12, 2021; Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon (28) pulls in a short pass against the New Orleans Saints.  © Bob Self/Florida Times-Union via Imagn Content Services, LLC

The Packers ranked 15th in rushing production last season, but the ground game failed them in crucial stretches. Through two games this year, Green Bay has rushed for just 176 total yards and is averaging an anemic 3.3 per carry. Both numbers rank near the bottom of the league. 

Aaron Jones, who has had over 1,000 yards in three of the last four campaigns, has a hamstring injury that puts his status for Sunday in doubt. Jones has both power and elusiveness and has been the team’s bell-cow, but has been out since the first half of the opening week. 

Fourth-year RB AJ Dillon will take on full backfield duties if Jones again can't go. At 6-feet and 247-Lbs., Dillon has been the power back for this offense. He's averaged 786 yards over the last two seasons, but has limited speed to get to the outside. 

Green Bay is also facing significant issues on the left side of their offensive line. 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 are the focal point of where the team likes to run.

New Orleans Run Defense 

Sep 12, 2021; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) drives Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) out of bounds. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints have held opponents to and average of just 102 yards on the ground through their first two outings. They have yet to allow a rushing score, but their five yards per carry average ranks just 28th in the league. The Saints have been especially stingy against the run with the game on the line in both weeks. 

A new-look defensive tackle spot has been consistently disruptive so far. Free agent pickups Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders, first-round choice Bryan Bresee, and returning Malcolm Roach have been a fresh a productive rotation late in games.

End Cameron Jordan remains perhaps the NFL's best edge defender against the run. His complement, Carl Granderson, is playing the best football of his five-year career. Tanoh Kpassagnon provides excellent depth at either end.

Linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner have been the primary beneficiaries from improved interior play. It's allowed both players to fly to the ball, often unencumbered. Davis and Werner are outstanding athletes, but their elite play diagnosis also allows them to be in the middle of the action. 

One player that will be missed by the Saints defense over the next few weeks is S Marcus Maye. Suspended by the NFL for the next three weeks, Maye's 11 solo tackles were second only to Davis on the team. He'd been playing perhaps the best football of his career, most certainly during his two years with New Orleans. 

Even without Maye, S Tyrann Mathieu is outstanding in run support and will likely be called on to assume more of those duties. Corners Marshon Lattimore, Alontae Taylor, and Paulson Adebo are also extremely aggressive in run support. 

What to Expect 

Sep 12, 2021; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) looks down the line against the Green Bay Packers. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY

Most eyes are going to be how QB Jordan Love performs against an elite New Orleans pass defense. The Packers have also made it clear that they're determined to set up the run. Green Bay ranks just 29th in passing attempts, but 16th in rushing attempts. 

Similar to the last two weeks, the Saints will look to stifle the run early and force the Packers to beat them through the air. Having Jones, Bakhtiari, and Jenkins available would certainly help Green Bay's balance. However, don't expect a big change in their game plan if none of the three suit up.

If Dillon is their primary back, then New Orleans must prepare for a more physical challenge. We saw the Saints respond to such a test in Week 1 against Tennessee. Another successful response may be the difference between emerging 3-0 or suffering their first loss of the young season.