- Saints Team Overview
- Offensive Line Analysis
- Defensive Line Analysis
- 2024 NFL Season
- Week 11 – Vs Cleveland Browns
- Week 10 – Vs Atlanta Falcons
- Week 9 – Vs Carolina Panthers
- Week 8 – Vs Los Angeles Chargers
- Week 7 – Vs Denver Broncos
- Week 6 – Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Week 5 – Vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Week 4 – vs. Atlanta Falcons
- Week 3 – vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 2 – vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Week 1 – vs. Carolina Panther
- Panthers Head Coach Dave Canales on 47-10 Loss to the New Orleans Saints
- Odds to Win Division and Super Bowl
Saints Team Overview
The New Orleans Saints are entering the 2024/2025 NFL season with a focus on breaking their three-year playoff drought. Under the guidance of head coach Dennis Allen, who is under pressure to deliver postseason success, the Saints are looking to build on their 9-8 record from last year. With Derek Carr returning as the starting quarterback and a revamped offensive approach under new coordinator Klint Kubiak, the Saints aim to compete strongly in the NFC South. The team has made several key additions and is banking on a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent to propel them back into playoff contention.
Attention New Players!
Offensive Line Analysis
The Saints’ offensive line has been a point of concern, particularly with the loss of key players like Ryan Ramczyk to injury. The line struggled last season, ranking poorly in both pass-blocking and run-blocking metrics. To address these issues, the Saints have invested in first-round draft pick Taliese Fuaga, who is expected to play a crucial role at left tackle. Trevor Penning, a former first-rounder, is being transitioned to right tackle, and his development will be critical for the line’s success. The Saints are counting on these changes to provide better protection for Derek Carr and to enhance their running game, which features Alvin Kamara and newcomer Jamaal Williams.
Defensive Line Analysis
Defensively, the Saints have strengthened their line with the addition of Chase Young, who is expected to boost their pass-rushing capabilities. The line is anchored by veterans like Cameron Jordan, providing leadership and experience. The Saints’ defense was a bright spot last season, particularly in the secondary, which ranked among the league’s best. The addition of rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry further solidifies this unit. The defensive line’s ability to generate pressure and support the secondary will be crucial in a division with competitive offenses.
2024 NFL Season
Week 11 – Vs Cleveland Browns
Final score: New Orleans Saints 35, Cleveland Browns 14
- Key Players:
- Taysom Hill (Saints): Rushed for a career-best 138 yards and 3 touchdowns (10, 33, and 75 yards), also threw an interception and lost a fumble.
- Derek Carr (Saints): Completed passes for 248 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- Jameis Winston (Browns): Passed for 395 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- Jerry Jeudy (Browns): Caught 6 passes for 142 yards, including an 89-yard touchdown reception.
- Game Dynamics:
- The Saints dominated on the ground, with Taysom Hill leading a rushing attack that totaled 214 yards.
- New Orleans’ offense proved versatile, balancing Hill’s rushing with Carr’s passing game.
- The Browns struggled with their kicking game, with Dustin Hopkins missing field goals of 51 and 27 yards in the second quarter.
- Cleveland managed to tie the game at 14 in the third quarter before the Saints pulled away late.
- Game Statistics:
- Total points: Saints 35, Browns 14
- Passing yards: Saints 248 (Carr), Browns 395 (Winston)
- Rushing yards: Saints 214 (team total), Browns not specified
- Third-down efficiency: Not provided in the search results
- Time of possession: Not provided in the search results
- Context:
- This win improved the Saints’ record to 4-7, marking their second consecutive victory under interim coach Darren Rizzi.
- The loss dropped the Browns to a 2-8 record for the season.
- Reaction:
- Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi praised Hill’s performance and the team’s offensive strategy.
- Browns coach Kevin Stefanski expressed disappointment in the team’s fourth-quarter performance.
- The Saints enter their bye week, followed by a home game against the Los Angeles Rams on December 1
Week 10 – Vs Atlanta Falcons
Final Score: New Orleans Saints 20, Atlanta Falcons 17
- Key Players:
- Derek Carr (Saints QB): Completed 16 of 25 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns, showing efficiency in crucial moments.
- Alvin Kamara (Saints RB): Accumulated 109 yards from scrimmage and became the Saints’ all-time rushing leader with 6,544 yards.
- Kirk Cousins (Falcons QB): Threw for 306 yards on 23 of 38 completions but was intercepted once.
- Bijan Robinson (Falcons RB): Rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns, including a impressive 37-yard run in the third quarter.
- Game Dynamics:
- The game was closely contested throughout, with the lead changing hands multiple times. The Saints’ defense made crucial stops, including a key interception by Tyrann Mathieu in the final two minutes. New Orleans’ offensive line provided excellent protection, allowing no sacks or hits on Carr. The Falcons missed several scoring opportunities, including three failed field goal attempts by Younghoe Koo.
- Game Statistics:
- Total points: Saints 20, Falcons 17
- Total net yards: Saints 365, Falcons 468
- Third-down efficiency: Saints 5-13, Falcons 5-14
- Time of possession: Saints 24:53, Falcons 35:07
- Context:
- This victory ended a seven-game losing streak for the Saints, coming just one week after firing head coach Dennis Allen. It was interim coach Darren Rizzi’s debut win. The loss dropped the Falcons to a 6-4 record, complicating their playoff aspirations in a competitive NFC South.
- Reaction:
- The Saints’ ability to win despite being outgained in total yards demonstrates their resilience and the impact of the coaching change.
- The saints will face the Cleveland Browns on week 11
Week 9 – Vs Carolina Panthers
Final Score: New Orleans Saints 22, Carolina Panthers 23
- Key Players
- Bryce Young (Panthers QB): Completed 16 of 26 passes for 171 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
- Chuba Hubbard (Panthers RB): Rushed for 72 yards and scored two touchdowns, including the game-winner.
- Derek Carr (Saints QB): Completed 20 of 36 passes for 245 yards with no touchdowns.
- Alvin Kamara (Saints RB): Accumulated 215 yards from scrimmage (155 rushing, 60 receiving).
- Game Dynamics
- The game was closely contested throughout, with the lead changing hands multiple times. The Panthers mounted a crucial late-game drive, capped off by Hubbard’s 16-yard touchdown run with 2:18 remaining. The Saints had a chance to win with a field goal in the final two minutes, but the Panthers’ defense held firm to secure the victory.
- Game Statistics
- Total points: Saints 22, Panthers 23
- Total offensive plays: Saints 74, Panthers 51
- Total net yards: Saints 417, Panthers 267
- Third-down efficiency: Saints 33%, Panthers 40%
- Red-zone efficiency: Saints 50% (2/4), Panthers 100% (3/3)
- Context
- This victory snapped a five-game losing streak for the Panthers, improving their record to 2-7. For the Saints, it marked their seventh consecutive loss, dropping them to a 2-7 record as well. The game was particularly significant as it represented a reversal of fortunes from their Week 1 matchup, where the Saints had dominated the Panthers 47-10.
- Reaction
- Panthers coach Dave Canales was non-committal about Bryce Young’s starting status for the next game, despite Young’s improved performance. The Saints faced additional challenges with the early loss of receiver Chris Olave to a concussion. The Panthers’ ability to execute in crucial moments, particularly their game-winning drive and subsequent defensive stop, was highlighted as a key factor in their victory
Week 8 – Vs Los Angeles Chargers
Final Score: New Orleans Saints 8, Los Angeles Chargers 26
- Key Players
- Justin Herbert (Chargers QB): Completed 20 of 32 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns, also contributing significantly in rushing1.
- Ladd McConkey (Chargers WR): Had a breakout game with 6 receptions for over 100 yards and two touchdowns.
- Derek Carr (Saints QB): Struggled and was replaced in the second half due to the Chargers’ defensive pressure.
- Game Dynamics
- The Chargers dominated defensively, forcing a quarterback change for the Saints in the second half. Los Angeles’ pass rush was relentless, recording five sacks. Offensively, the Chargers relied heavily on Justin Herbert’s individual performance, both through the air and on the ground.
- Game Statistics
- Chargers’ offensive output: 279 passing yards, two passing touchdowns
- Saints’ offensive struggles: Forced to change quarterbacks mid-game
- Chargers’ defense: 5 sacks, consistent pressure on Saints’ quarterbacks
- Challenges
- The Chargers’ offense continues to face challenges, with Herbert often carrying the team single-handedly. The Saints struggled to maintain any offensive momentum, particularly in the face of the Chargers’ strong defensive performance.
- Context
- This victory improved the Chargers’ record to 4-3, helping them bounce back from their previous loss to the Arizona Cardinals. For the Saints, this loss represents a significant setback in their season.
- Reaction
- Chargers fans are excited about the emergence of rookie receiver Ladd McConkey, who had a standout performance. There’s growing optimism about the team’s defensive capabilities, which have become a formidable force. However, concerns persist about the overall offensive struggles beyond Herbert’s individual brilliance
Week 7 – Vs Denver Broncos
Final Score: New Orleans Saints 10, Denver Broncos 33
- Key Players
- Bo Nix (Broncos QB): Showed inconsistency but managed 134 passing yards and 41 rushing yards in the first half.
- Javonte Williams (Broncos RB): Contributed significantly to the Broncos’ offense.
- Spencer Rattler (Saints QB): Struggled throughout, getting sacked six times before being replaced.
- Jake Haener (Saints QB): Came in late, throwing a 12-yard touchdown to Rick Wilson.
- Game Dynamics
- The Broncos took control early and maintained their lead throughout. Their defense set the tone, pressuring Rattler consistently. Denver’s offense was efficient, especially in the running game, while the Saints struggled on both sides of the ball.
- Game Statistics
- Final Score: Broncos 33, Saints 10
- Total Yards: Broncos 242, Saints 130 (at halftime)
- Broncos’ Red Zone Efficiency: Struggled, often settling for field goals
- Challenges
- The Saints faced significant offensive struggles, with their quarterback being sacked multiple times and eventually replaced. The Broncos had some issues in the red zone but overcame them with overall solid play.
- Context
- This game marked Sean Payton‘s return to New Orleans as the Broncos’ head coach, adding emotional weight to the matchup. The Saints’ losing streak has raised questions about head coach Dennis Allen’s job security.
- Reaction
- The loss was particularly disheartening for Saints fans, watching their former coach achieve an easy victory in their home stadium. The Broncos’ performance, while not spectacular, was efficient enough to secure a convincing win, showcasing Payton’s coaching effectiveness with his new team.
Week 6 – Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Final Score: New Orleans Saints 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 51
- Key Players
- Spencer Rattler: Quarterback had a difficult outing, throwing for 215 yards with 1 touchdown but also 3 costly interceptions. His struggles to find consistency significantly impacted our offensive performance.
- Rashid Shaheed: Shaheed provided a much-needed spark for our team, scoring two touchdowns – one on a 43-yard reception and another on an electrifying punt return.
- Chris Olave: Despite the offensive struggles, Olave managed to haul in 7 receptions for 85 yards, showcasing his reliability as a target.
- Demario Davis: Veteran linebacker led the defense with 9 tackles, including one for loss, but it wasn’t enough to contain the Buccaneers’ offense.
- Game Dynamics
- Offense struggled to find its rhythm throughout the game, managing only 226 total yards and averaging a mere 3.4 yards per play. The injury-hampered offensive line couldn’t establish a consistent running game, putting additional pressure on Rattler and the passing attack.
- Defensively, had moments of brilliance but ultimately couldn’t contain the Buccaneers’ high-powered offense. Allowed 582 total yards and struggled particularly against their passing game.
- Key Moments
- Early Lead: Capitalized on an early Mayfield interception to take the lead, briefly giving us momentum.
- Second Quarter Surge: Scored 20 unanswered points in a five-minute span during the second quarter, including Shaheed’s punt return touchdown, which momentarily swung the game in Saint’s favor.
- Defensive Breakdown: Allowed the Buccaneers to score on seven consecutive possessions in the second half, effectively putting the game out of reach.
- Turnovers: Three interceptions and a lost fumble proved costly, with one turnover resulting in a Buccaneers defensive touchdown.
- Overall Performance
- Offensively, Struggled to sustain drives, converting only 5 of 13 third-down attempts. Inability to establish a running game (61 yards on 22 attempts) made offense one-dimensional and predictable.
- Defensively, Had no answer for the Buccaneers’ balanced attack. Allowed 29 first downs and struggled to get off the field, with Tampa Bay converting 60% of their third-down attempts.
Week 5 – Vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Final Score: New Orleans Saints 13, Kansas City Chiefs 26.
- Key Players
- Derek Carr: The Saints’ starting quarterback had a tough night, completing 18 of 28 passes for 165 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception before leaving the game with an oblique injury in the fourth quarter.
- Rashid Shaheed: The wide receiver provided a bright spot for the offense, hauling in four passes for 86 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown that briefly brought the Saints within striking distance.
- Khalen Saunders: The defensive tackle made a spectacular one-handed interception in the end zone, returning it 37 yards and providing a much-needed spark for the defense.
- Game Dynamics
- The Saints’ offense struggled to find its rhythm throughout the game, managing only 220 total yards and possessing the ball for just 20 minutes compared to the Chiefs’ nearly 40 minutes. The injury-hampered offensive line couldn’t establish a consistent running game, forcing the team to rely on low-percentage deep passes.
- Defensively, New Orleans managed to force four field goals by preventing touchdowns in the red zone, but they struggled to contain Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ passing attack.
- Key Moments
- Early Interception: Carr threw an interception on the Saints’ opening drive, setting the tone for a difficult night and allowing the Chiefs to score their first touchdown.
- Carr’s Injury: The quarterback’s departure in the fourth quarter due to an oblique injury further hampered the Saints’ chances of mounting a comeback.
- Saunders’ Interception: The defensive tackle’s impressive one-handed pick in the end zone provided a glimmer of hope and excitement for the Saints.
- Overall Performance
- The Saints’ performance was disappointing on both sides of the ball. The offense couldn’t sustain drives, converting only 14 first downs compared to the Chiefs’ 284. The defense, while forcing field goals, struggled to pressure Mahomes consistently and allowed 458 total yards.
- Head coach Dennis Allen acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We made some uncharacteristic mistakes that we hadn’t made in the first four weeks of the season”. The loss drops the Saints to 2-3 on the season, marking their third consecutive defeat.
- Looking ahead, the Saints will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home next Sunday. With both teams coming off losses, the matchup will be crucial for staying competitive in the NFC South division race.
Week 4 – vs. Atlanta Falcons
Final Score: Atlanta Falcons 26, New Orleans Saints 24.
- Key Players:
- Derek Carr completed 28 of 36 passes for 239 yards but had no touchdowns and one interception.
- Alvin Kamara carried the ball 19 times for 77 yards and one touchdown while also catching seven passes for 42 yards.
- Taysom Hill contributed with two rushing touchdowns on six carries for 24 yards.
- Game Dynamics:
- The Saints outgained the Falcons with 366 total yards to 315 and controlled the game with a significant edge in time of possession (35:42). However, they were unable to finish key drives, leading to only three offensive touchdowns. Despite their statistical advantage, a costly turnover and inability to stop Atlanta’s crucial drives in the fourth quarter sealed the loss.
- Key Moments:
- Paulson Adebo recorded an interception, but the Saints couldn’t fully capitalize on the turnover.
- Rashid Shaheed lost a fumble, contributing to the Falcons’ ability to stay in the game and eventually take the lead.
- Overall Performance:
- The Saints had solid performances offensively, with Chris Olave leading the receivers with eight catches for 87 yards and Rashid Shaheed adding eight catches for 83 yards. Despite this, the team struggled to finish key plays, allowing the Falcons to stay in the game. The Saints also had one fumble and an interception, which hindered their chances of closing out a potential victory. Their defense held up well, limiting Atlanta to 88 rushing yards but ultimately fell short, dropping their record to 2-2 for the season.
Week 3 – vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Final Score: Philadelphia Eagles 15, New Orleans Saints 12.
- Key Players:
- Derek Carr completed 14 of 25 passes for 142 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
- Chris Olave was the standout receiver, catching six passes for 86 yards and a touchdown.
- Alvin Kamara carried the ball 26 times for 87 yards, but couldn’t find the end zone.
- Game Dynamics:
- The Saints struggled offensively, totaling just 219 yards compared to the Eagles’ 460. Philadelphia’s defense stifled the Saints’ passing game, and the Saints’ rushing attack couldn’t gain much traction, averaging just 3.35 yards per carry. Defensively, New Orleans fought hard, recording four sacks and forcing one interception.
- Key Moments:
- Tyrann Mathieu picked off the Eagles’ quarterback, returning it for 23 yards, giving the Saints an opportunity to capitalize.
- Carl Granderson had a strong defensive showing, with 1.5 sacks and two tackles for loss.
- Overall Performance:
- Despite a solid effort on defense, the Saints were outmatched offensively, failing to generate significant yardage. They only managed 130 passing yards and 89 rushing yards. The game remained close, but a lack of offensive rhythm and missed opportunities cost New Orleans the game, dropping them to 2-1 for the season.
Week 2 – vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Saints pulled off an impressive win against the Dallas Cowboys this week with a 44-19 win. The game did see tight end Taysom Hill leave with a chest injury, but later reports confirmed it was not serious.
For the first two weeks of the new season, the Saints’ biggest star has been their offense, amassing 11 touchdowns and five field goals so far. While fans are celebrating Coach Dennis Allen is making sure to stay focused, saying to the press “The focus for us is, how are we going to improve and how are we going to get better, because this is a long season. We’re only two games into it.”
For their next game, the Saints will be taking on the Philadelphia Eagles who suffered a close loss against the Falcons this week.
Week 1 – vs. Carolina Panther
Final Score: New Orleans Saints 47, Carolina Panthers 10.
- Key Players:
- Derek Carr had an efficient performance, completing 19 of 23 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.
- Alvin Kamara contributed 83 rushing yards on 15 carries, adding a touchdown to his performance.
- Rashid Shaheed made a significant impact in the air with three catches for 73 yards and one touchdown.
- Game Dynamics:
- The Saints dominated throughout the game, putting up 379 total yards compared to Carolina’s 193. The Saints’ rushing attack was particularly strong, racking up 180 yards on the ground, while their defense sacked the Panthers’ quarterback four times and forced two interceptions.
- Key Moments:
- Alontae Taylor had an outstanding defensive performance with three sacks and three tackles for loss.
- Blake Grupe was perfect on field goals, hitting all four attempts, including a long of 57 yards, and also converted five extra points.
- Overall Performance:
- The Saints controlled the game from start to finish, excelling on both offense and defense. They converted 53% of their third-down opportunities and held the ball for over 36 minutes. Their defense stifled the Panthers’ offense, limiting them to just 10% efficiency on third downs and only 135 passing yards. The Saints’ balanced attack and strong defensive effort secured a dominant win to start the season at 1-0.
The Saints destroyed the Panthers 47-10 in a lopsided blowout that shows the Panthers have alot more work to do to break that 0-17 winless record.
Panthers Head Coach Dave Canales on 47-10 Loss to the New Orleans Saints
Odds to Win Division and Super Bowl
– Odds to Win NFC South: +380, indicating they are competitive but not the favorites in the division.
– Odds to Win Super Bowl: +10000, suggesting a 1% chance, placing them among the long shots for the championship.
Predictions
– Overall Record: The Saints are projected to finish with a 7-10 record, reflecting the challenges they face in improving their offensive line and overall consistency.
– Playoff Chances: With odds of +180 to make the playoffs, the Saints have a challenging path to postseason contention, requiring significant improvement and health.
– Super Bowl Chances: Winning the Super Bowl is unlikely this season, given their long odds and the need for substantial growth across the roster.
In summary, the New Orleans Saints are entering the 2024/2025 season with a focus on overcoming recent struggles and returning to playoff contention. The team’s success will largely depend on the performance of their revamped offensive line and the impact of their defensive additions. While immediate Super Bowl contention may be challenging, the Saints are laying the groundwork for future success as they navigate a transitional period in their franchise history.
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Gambyl Nation Editorial Team: Author
The Gambyl Nation Editorial team are made up of industry betting professionals and sports fans from across North America, Latin America and South America.
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