New Orleans Saints Defense Provides 'Tough' Challenge for Houston Texans

As one of the league's top defenses, how will the Houston Texans fair against the New Orleans Saints?

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans were in a defensive battle during their Week 5 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. And their second opponent from the NFC South will provide a similar contest, Sunday afternoon against the New Orleans Saints.

Coach DeMeco Ryans described the Saints defense as "a tough unit," which ranks top-five in nearly every statistical defensive category. The Saints have possessed the fourth-best defense in the league. They are giving up an average of 274.9 yards while allowing 15.2 points.

"They make a lot of plays, and they play physical – a physical brand of football," Ryans said. "That’s what Dennis [Allen] is known for. They’ve done it for a long time. They’ve done a really good job of playing defense this year and that’s been the strength of their team."

The Saints defense starts up front with veteran defensive lineman Cameron Jordan, who leads a physical D-line unit that has registered 11 sacks. 

Jordan, the franchise's all-time leader in sacks (116.5), has been a staple of New Orleans' defensive line for 12 years. But as the Saints enter NRG Stadium, they will do so with Carl Granderson leading the team with 3.5 sacks. 

Saints' Demario Davis and Khalen Saunders react after a fourth down stop against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints have a prominent defensive front. But Ryans believes the most difficult challenge comes from New Orleans' second and third level, which features linebackers and defensive backs who can make plays on the ball.

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has the same perception of the Saints' defensive production, which he described as a "great defense."

Stroud highlighted linebacker Pete Werner as an underrated standout. Werner has played an important role in the Saints' defense since joining the franchise as a second-round pick in 2021. 

Stroud's former teammate from Ohio State has posted 20 tackles, one interception and 0.5 sacks through the first five games.

"I definitely think they’re a top-five defense all-around," Stroud said. "Run game, pass game, they do everything really well. They play as one. You can tell they play as one unit...We’ve got to be on our A-game. Definitely a great defense."

The Saints are coming off their best defensive performance in a 34-0 shutout win over the New England Patriots. They held the Patriots to a season-low 156 yards while forcing three takeaways.