After six games, we still see some major struggles from the New Orleans Saints defense. This is a unit that ranked ninth overall and fourth against the pass while showing marked improvement against the run in 2025. In their second year under coordinator Brandon Staley, this doesn't even closely resemble the same defense. There was some noticeable improvement against the Giants last Sunday, but also critical breakdowns that nearly led to a loss. Here's where New Orleans ranks defensively through their first six outings.
New Orleans Saints Total Defense
- 29.7 points per game (31st)
- 377.7 yards per game (29th)
- 134 first downs (29th)
- 9 turnovers (10th)
- 44.6% third down efficiency (27th)
- 61.5% red-zone percentage (18th)
Pass Defense
- 239.7 yards per game (25th)
- 66.5% completion percentage
- 10 touchdowns (20th)
- 4 interceptions (12th)
- 15 sacks
- 33 QB hits
Run Defense
- 138 yards per game (30th)
- 4.8 per carry (28th)
- 11 touchdowns (32nd)
- 24 tackles for loss
No team has given up more points than the Saints and Arizona Cardinals at 178 points each. New Orleans has allowed fewer than 340 total yards only once, during a Week 2 win at Baltimore. In three of those six games, the Saints surrendered at least 150 yards on the ground. Against the pass, New Orleans has had at best an inconsistent pass rush while giving a ridiculous cushion to opposing receivers.
Saints defensive linemen have arguably been the most hapless group on the team so far. Nathan Shepherd and Vernon Broughton have shown just flashes but have not been nearly productive enough. Rookie second round pick Christen Miller has clear upside, but has struggled to stay in the lineup. Recently, Colby Wooden and Khristian Boyd have made some plays, finally giving the Saints a little much-needed disruption up front.
Neither Cameron Jordan or Tyree Wilson have given the team expected production. Wilson looks every bit like the high first-round draft bust he was with the Raiders. The legendary Jordan came back for a 16th season, but has only 1 pressure and 1 stop for loss so far with no sacks. If the 37-year-old Jordan can recapture even a little of his Hall of Fame form and the Saints get continued development from Miller, Boyd, and Broughton, then perhaps some much-needed disruption can come up front over the second part of the schedule.
Albeit against an extremely low bar, edge rusher Chase Young has undoubtedly been the New Orleans defensive MVP. Young has 5.5 sacks, third in the NFL, along with 9 QB hits and 3 stops for loss. This despite constant double and triple team blocking. Carl Granderson has 3 of his 4 sacks over the last two games, providing a crucial complement to Young on the other edge. Granderson has always been a streaky player, but he and Young are capable of giving the Saints a disruptive outside pass rush. Anfernee Jennings and Chris Rumph II are solid run defenders from the edge, but add little pass rush depth.
Linebacker Kaden Elliss has missed three straight games with a calf injury. Despite the absence, he's still third on the team in quarterback pressures. Elliss is the team's best run defender, defensive captain, and only capable coverage linebacker. His return to the lineup in Week 7 against Pittsburgh is a much-needed boost. Fellow linebackers Danny Stutsman and Pete Werner are physical and decent run defenders in the tackle box, but both struggle in open space and sideline-to-sideline pursuit. Werner leads the Saints with 46 total tackles with Stutsman tied for second at 35 stops.
A position that has surprisingly played below expectations is the New Orleans secondary. Part of this is Brandon Staley's system, but the defensive backs must also make more game-changing plays. Cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley, and Martin Emerson Jr. are a very capable trio. However, Jonas Sanker has struggled in coverage as the replacement for Alontae Taylor. Safeties Julian Blackmon and Justin Reid have range, but also haven't come through with enough big plays. Blackmon and Emerson, with 2 apiece, have the only interceptions for the defense. McKinstry and Emerson have 4 pass breakups each to lead the team with Riley at 3. That's far too low for the talent level in this secondary, indicative of Staley's extremely passive scheme.
We finally saw a much more aggressive New Orleans defense in Week 6 against the Giants, at least through three quarters. The result was 5 sacks, 4 turnovers, and a season-low 84 rushing yards given up. It's the first time the Saints showed glimpses of the unit that they were in 2025. More of that is needed over the year's second half if they are to climb back into the NFC South race.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: New Orleans Saints defense rankings: Team must improve vs run and pass