Saints Team Statistics Through 10 Weeks

Entering their bye week, here's a look at where the Saints stand statistically in the NFL rankings.

The New Orleans Saints will be on a bye as the NFL plays their Week 11 games. New Orleans enters their bye with a disappointing 5-5 record but still hold first place in the NFC South.

Here are the Saints' offensive and defensive team statistics after Week 10.

SAINTS OFFENSE 

Total Yards = 12th (337.4 yards/game)

Points = 18th (21.4/game)

• Turnovers = 12 (12th)

• Third Down % = 22nd (36.5%)

• Red Zone Efficiency = 24th (48.6%)

Rushing Yards = 23rd (100/game)

• 3.6 per carry (29th)

• 7 touchdowns (17th)

Passing Yards = 12th (237.4/game)

• 13 touchdowns (17th)

• 7 interceptions (13th)

• 24 sacks (20th)

• 64.9% completion percentage 

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs past Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44). Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Red zone failures, ineffective play, unimaginative game plans, bad play-calling, and self-inflicted miscues have plagued this unit. The Saints offense has been held to 20 or fewer points six times this season while scoring more than 28 only once.  

Ineptitude in opposing territory directly led to losses against Houston and Jacksonville and nearly cost them games against Tennessee and Chicago. Putrid all-around play were major contributors in losses to Green Bay, Tampa Bay, and Minnesota. 

Quarterback Derek Carr has had moments of productivity, but generally has held on to the ball too long, missed open receivers, and not been decisive. Wideouts Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Rashid Shaheed have all shown the ability to shred defenses. However, they need more consistency and have been the victim of poor spacing because of the game plans and play-calling. Tight ends have also often been under utilized. 

New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave (12) runs after a catch against the Houston Texans. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Dynamic RB Alvin Kamara is still the focal point of the offense. Kamara has been highly effective as a receiver, but been unable to get untracked as a runner. Taysom Hill has arguably been the team’s offensive MVP over the first 10 games and has been its most consistent rushing threat when used. Backs Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller have not been able to provide enough of a complementary threat to sway defensive focus away from Kamara. 

Carr has been under almost constant duress because of poor pass blocking that improved slightly for a couple weeks, then regressed against the Vikings. The Saints have been unable to establish critical balance because of ineffective run blocking.

New Orleans has the skill position talent to be a highly productive offense. However, this unit desperately needs better play-calling, more consistent quarterback play, and a better performance in the trenches down the stretch of the year. 

SAINTS DEFENSE 

Total Yards =10th (312.7 yards/game)

Points = 9th (19.8/game)

• Turnovers = 18 (5th)

• Third Down = 6th (34.8%)

• Red Zone = 20th (55.2%)

Passing Yards = 9th (199.1/game)

• 12 interceptions (2nd)

• 13 touchdowns (15th)

• 18 sacks (29th)

• 58.8% completion percentage 

Rushing Yards = 18th (113.6/game)

• 4.3/carry (23rd)

• 6 touchdowns (11th)

New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) tackles Houston Texans wide receiver Noah Brown (85). Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY

The defense carried the Saints over the first part of the year, holding five of their first six opponents to 20 points or less. However, the unit showed some vulnerability with breakdowns in losses to Green Bay and Tampa Bay. 

New Orleans has been shredded defensively in games recently, especially early. Over their last five contests, the Saints have given up an average of 18.4 points, 244 yards, and 58% third down conversions in the first half alone. While they've adjusted fairly well in the second half, this has been far from the elite unit that many hyped them up to be early on.

Most of the struggles can be attributed to a non-existent pass rush and poor open field tackling. Additionally, the Saints have been absolutely helpless against mobile quarterbacks. They've also had some recent issues against the run, reminiscent of their 2022 struggles. 

New Orleans cornerbacks have been the strength of the squad, with third-year CB Paulson Adebo arguably the team’s MVP. Adebo, Marshon Lattimore, and Alontae Taylor are capable of clamping down on any receiving corps. Safeties Tyrann Mathieu, Marcus Maye, and Jordan Howden have not been as consistent, especially when tracking ball carriers in the open field. 

New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) intercepts a pass intended for Chicago Bears receiver Tyler Scott (13). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran LB Demario Davis is still effective, but hasn't been the one-man wrecking crew he's been in the past. Fellow LB Pete Werner is in on a lot of plays, but has been beaten in the open field far too often. 

Rookie DT Bryan Bresee looks like a potential star and DE Carl Granderson is having a breakout year. However, the entire defensive line has not made enough plays. Most disappointing is future Hall of Fame DE Cam Jordan, who is still solid but hasn't made any game-changing plays for a defense that needs to revert to it's early season form down the stretch. 

The Saints resume action in Week 12 with a road trip to face their bitter rival Atlanta Falcons. They have the opportunity to get a firmer grasp on the NFC South with a win. Both units must play closer to their talent level after mostly disappointing performances over the first 10 games to take advantage of a favorable schedule down the stretch.