The New Orleans Saints' start to the 2024 season couldn't have gone any better. Fast forward three weeks, and they've crashed back down to Earth. They sit at 2-3, still just a game back in the NFC South, though.

The scare for Saints fans? Some of their biggest issues from 2023 have reemerged this season in New Orleans. 

Saints offense struggles to run the ball

After running the ball with ease in the first two weeks against Carolina and Dallas, the run game for Alvin Kamara and co. has slowed down in a major way. Kamara totaled just 26 yards on the ground, averaging 2.4 yards per carry. 

He found a bit  more success against Atlanta in Week 4, but it was a tough task. In Week 3 against the Eagles, Kamara averaged just 3.3 yards per carry behind a shifting offensive line. 

With those issues running the ball, play action has been pushed to a back burner in recent weeks after it was the key aspect of New Orleans' explosiveness to start the season under Klint Kubiak.

The loss of Taysom Hill is real. The utility weapon, lauded as overrated by folks outside of New Orleans' focus, hasn't suited up over the past two games. New Orleans has felt it on offense. 

Offensive line struggles doom New Orleans

It was yet another mixture of lineman upfront for the Saints. Nick Saldiveri started the game at guard but was benched, replaced by Lucas Patrick. Connor McGovern then entered at center, just days after joining the roster for the Saints. 

Derek Carr's costly first drive interception came after instant pressure from the interior by KC. It was still an awful decision and throw, but the breakdown upfront started the fiasco. 

Meanwhile, the loss of Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz is gleaming when the Saints attempt to run the football. 

There's less room inside for Alvin Kamara to find space and break through. On the outside, teams are able to pin their ears back to contain Derek Carr for interior rushers on clear passing downs. 

The injuries have mounted, and the depth is being tested. Over the past three weeks, the unit would receive a failing grade, overall. 

Pass rush fails to control Patrick Mahomes

Defensive line woes were the biggest issue on the Saints defense last season. Chase Young was expected to help that in a major way in 2024. He's constantly generated pressure alongside Carl Granderson, but the sacks are not coming. 

Both of them are in the top 15 in the NFL in QB pressures, but they combine for just four sacks on the year. Young recorded his first one against the Chiefs and played the best of any lineman for New Orleans in the matchup. 

Even though they added a talented piece, the decline of Cameron Jordan continues to be a clear storyline, and the unit simply isn't bringing down opposing quarterbacks nearly enough. 

Not to mention, mobile QBs continue to give the entire defense fits, including the linebacker group, who was missing Pete Werner and Willie Gay Jr. in Week 5. 

Getting the the QB is arguably the biggest cornerstone of defense in the NFL. Dennis Allen's unit has not been proficient in that department for quite some time, unfortunately. 

New Orleans has to find ways to adjust, but they won't have a ton of time to do so. They'll deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a divisional clash this Sunday in Week 6. Then, they'll have a short week to game plan for Sean Payton's Denver broncos on Thursday Night Football in Week 7. 

These next couple of matchups can make or break their season.

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr suffers injury late in game against Chiefs in Week 5

The hits can’t stop for New Orleans.