The New Orleans Saints edged out the Cleveland Browns 23-22 in overtime on Sunday, producing one of their best offensive showings this season with 396 total yards, including a season-high 160 on the ground. Both figures rank as the team’s second-best outputs of the year, signaling some offensive growth even as challenges remain, particularly in the running game.
New Orleans ranks 15th in the NFL with 23.1 points per game and 19th in total offense, averaging 325.8 yards. Their ability to convert on third downs has been a bright spot, sitting seventh in the league with a 43.5% success rate. The Saints also rank fourth in the red zone, scoring touchdowns 70.4% of the time. However, turnovers have been a problem, with 15 giveaways placing them 27th overall.
The passing attack remains the team’s stronger suit. Quarterback Tyler Shough is averaging 230.5 passing yards per game with a 66.2% completion rate. Shough has thrown 14 touchdowns against six interceptions but has faced heavy pressure, enduring 20 sacks this season. Despite an injured non-throwing hand, Shough has been accurate in critical moments, developing strong chemistry with his top targets.
Chris Olave leads the receiving corps with 56 catches for 734 yards from 83 targets. Olave’s route running allows him to make plays across all three levels of the defense. Wide receiver Devaughn Vele and tight end Juwan Johnson have cooled recently but remain trusted options. Vele has 35 receptions for 365 yards and three touchdowns, while Johnson leads the team with four scores on 28 catches. Noah Fant and rookie Oscar Delp provide additional tight end depth but have not been heavily featured. Rookie wideouts Barion Brown and Bryce Lance have made some big plays but need to improve consistency. Rookie first-round pick Jordyn Tyson made his NFL debut against Cleveland and showed promise.
The running game, however, continues to falter. The Saints rank 26th in rushing yards per game with 95.3 and 27th in yards per carry at 3.8. They have only surpassed 100 rushing yards in three of eight games and have been held under 70 yards three times. With Kendre Miller released last week, Shough has emerged as the team’s leading rusher with 162 yards. Audric Estime rushed for 72 yards against Cleveland, the highest for any Saints player this season. Travis Etienne, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury after three productive weeks, looks close to returning. Before his injury, Etienne had 128 rushing yards and 11 receptions for 51 yards. Alvin Kamara has contributed 157 rushing yards at a 3.3 average but remains valuable in the passing game with 25 receptions for 150 yards.
The offensive line has struggled to establish control at the point of attack and has been inconsistent in protecting the quarterback. Left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. returned after missing five games and helped stabilize the line against Cleveland. However, center Erik McCoy suffered a biceps injury in that game and will be out for at least a few weeks. Right guard Cesar Ruiz will move to center, with William Sherman or rookie Jeremiah Wright stepping in at guard. Banks and guard David Edwards form a solid left side, but right tackle Taliese Fuaga has yet to return to the form he showed as a rookie in 2024.
The imbalance between the passing and running games has placed extra pressure on Shough to carry the offense. Despite the challenges, Shough’s performance and his connection with key receivers have kept the Saints competitive. With the upcoming returns of Etienne, Banks, and Tyson, the Saints have the pieces for a more balanced and explosive offense as they approach Week 10.
According to Yahoo Sports.
