Entering 2026 in their second year with head coach Kellen Moore, the New Orleans Saints were expected to have a much-improved offense. We have seen a more productive passing game, especially early in the year. However, that felt more like tremendous individual efforts from quarterback Tyler Shough and a few specific individuals rather than overall team improvements. The running game, outside of the exception of one game, also continues to be a major struggle. Here's a look at where that offense ranks in the NFL as we head into Week 7.
New Orleans Saints Total Offense
- 25.3 points per game (10th)
- 321.5 yards per game (20th)
- 12 turnovers (28th)
- 124 first downs (13th)
- 42.5% third down efficiency (8th)
- 84.2% red-zone percentage (2nd)
Passing Attack
- 224.2 yards per game (17th)
- 65.1% completion percentage
- 12 touchdowns (7th)
- 5 interceptions (19th)
- 13 sacks
Running Game
- 97.3 yards per game (21st)
- 3.8 per carry (21st)
- 6 touchdowns (10th)
After the first few weeks, New Orleans was among the NFL leaders in passing production. That production has tailed off greatly their last two games. The Saints running game has been little help, gaining over 100 yards in only two of six outings and being held to fewer than 70 rushing yards three times. Most of the issues with the running attack and passing game has been an offensive line that's played poorly.
Kelvin Banks Jr. (ankle) continues to be out at left tackle, with Asim Richards doing a poor job as a replacement and the Saints inexplicably often leaving him alone on an island. Right tackle Taliese Fuaga has looked nothing like he did as an impressive 2024 rookie. On the inside, center Erik McCoy along with guards David Edwards and Cesar Ruiz have gotten little push off the line for running backs and have missed too many assignments in pass protection. The result has been no lanes for the running game and Shough getting hit among the most often in the league.
Despite the punishment, Shough has usually maintained nice poise. His accuracy and completion percentage have waned and turnovers have been an issue, but he can consistently hit every throw and has come up clutch in several critical moments. Oftentimes, the Saints have only had offensive success because of incredible individual efforts from Shough, Chris Olave, Juwan Johnson, and Devaughn Vele. This is obviously not a formula for sustained offensive success.
Olave has 43 receptions for 580 yards so far, leading the Saints in both categories. Vele has caught 28 passes for 294 yards, with Johnson contributing 25 and 248. Nobody else for New Orleans has even 80 receiving yards. However, Shough has gotten others involved. Rookie Bryce Lance has 20 targets, though just 7 catches, while tight ends Noah Fant (9-73) and rookie Oscar Delp (3-18) are capable of making plays. Nonetheless, Shough has tremendous confidence in the Olave/Vele/Johnson trio with all three making some tremendous plays.
New Orleans needs more from their running backs. Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) remains out, but Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, and undrafted rookie CJ Donaldson have averaged a lowly 3.5 per rush. Miller leads the team with 153 yards on the ground, with Kamara contributing 120 rushing yards and 15 receptions for only 76 yards, with 31 of those coming of one play. The Saints are coming off their best rushing performance of 175 yards against the Giants, so perhaps this is the sign of a more balanced attack.
Balance is desperately needed for New Orleans. Shough is already banged up and his receivers haven't been as productive over the last two weeks. However, the second-year quarterback and his receivers still hold the best chances for success. Continued development of the offensive line and running back production will also give the Saints vital balance and open up the playbook if this team is going to be a contender over the second half of the season.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints offense beginning to show signs of a more balanced attack