Grading the Saints' offense, defense, & special teams at midseason point
The New Orleans Saints sit at 5-4 so far in the 2023 season. Around the midseason point, how has their offense, defense, and special teams performed so far this year? Grading the three phases of the Saints in 2023 Offense: B- The offense has deserved a higher grade than this one at times, but that's […]
The New Orleans Saints sit at 5-4 so far in the 2023 season.
Around the midseason point, how has their offense, defense, and special teams performed so far this year?
Grading the three phases of the Saints in 2023
Offense: B-
The offense has deserved a higher grade than this one at times, but that's part of the problem with it so far this season. There's been quite a bit of inconsistency with the offense. At times, they look like a well-oiled machine, putting together 8+ play touchdown drives with little resistance. Other times, they go an entire quarter only garnering three-and-outs on offense.
Derek Carr and his pass catchers seem like they've gained chemistry over the past month, and Alvin Kamara has been one of the best running backs in the NFL. Taysom Hill continues to be a special weapon unlike any other in the league.
Through nine weeks, the Saints are 15th in points per game (21.7). They've made legitimate improvements in the red zone and on third down recently, too.
Defense: B+
The Saints defense gets this grade mostly due to their pass defense and turnover production. They've done a complete '180' since last year when they were bottom three in turnovers. Halfway through the season, they are tied for the most takeaways this season with 18.
The run defense brings this grade away from the 'A' range. They've been one of the best run stopping teams in recent seasons, but that's changed this year. They're 17th in rushing yards allowed per game (112.3). Mobile quarterbacks, in particular, have given the defense immense trouble this season.
New Orleans has been elite defensively on third down. They're fourth in third down conversion on defense (34.1%). The Saints are top seven in the NFL in total yards and passing yards per game, too. They've been a bit 'bend, don't break' at times, but the unit has still been impressive.
Special Teams: C-
Can't lie – this grade got saved by Rashid Shaheed and the team's strong performance on covering kickoffs. Shaheed is one of the best returners in the NFL and provides a spark consistently when the Saints need it the most on a punt return.
Blake Grupe has been solid at times, but two missed kicks in crunch time against the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears have left a bad taste in the mouth of fans. Dennis Allen put some pressure on him this week to be more consistent.
Lou Hedley has statistically struggled in his rookie season as the team's punter. He's among the league's worst so far in average hang time and punts downed inside the ten yard-line. They need more from him in the back half of the season, or veteran competition must get brought in to provide another punting option.
Special teams has clearly been the biggest weakness for the Saints most often this season. It may cost them later in the season as they compete for the NFC South crown.
Keep an eye on every phase for New Orleans to see how they perform in the second half of the season.
