The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints dropped to 2-1 after a Week 3 loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite a promising start where the offense looked unstoppable, injuries have quickly piled up. Key offensive linemen, including Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz, have been sidelined, leaving the offense short-handed in a tough road stretch. Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, one constant remains: the defense. Anchored by a relentless front seven and a secondary that continues to frustrate opposing quarterbacks, the defense has been the glue holding this team together. While the offense works to return to form, the defense will keep them in the hunt for the NFC South crown.
How the Saints Will Keep Their Season Alive
Front Seven
The Saints’ defense enters Week 4 with 11 sacks, ranking in the top five statistically in the NFL. Despite the offense earning most of the headlines to start the season, the defense is crucial to the team’s success. One of the primary catalysts for their defensive success has been standout linebacker Demario Davis. He injured his hamstring in the 4th quarter of the Eagles matchup. Davis is questionable for the upcoming divisional matchup against the Falcons. However, despite dealing with injuries last season, he has not missed a start since 2016. Despite the injury, one player who will need to step up will be defensive end Carl Granderson. The undrafted 6th-year pro is tied for second on the team with three sacks. With back-to-back away games, Granderson and the pass rush will be crucial to stopping Kirk Cousins and Patrick Mahomes.
Stellar Secondary
The New Orleans secondary is arguably one of the top positional units in the NFL. Its roster includes many veteran difference-makers and younger, developing players. New Orleans native Tyrann Mathieu has continued to be the heart of the Saints’ secondary in 2024, providing leadership and playmaking ability at a critical time. As injuries have rattled the team, Mathieu’s experience and football IQ have been invaluable in keeping the defense organized and resilient. His ability to read offenses, disrupt plays and make game-changing interceptions has anchored a secondary that ranks among the best in the NFL. Alongside standout cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo, Mathieu has helped form a formidable unit that frustrates opposing quarterbacks. In a season where the offense has been hampered by injuries, Mathieu and the Saints’ secondary have become critical in keeping the team in close games and giving them a chance to compete every week.
Special Teams
Often overlooked, the 2024 special teams unit of the Saints will play a significant role in their ability to stay competitive amid their injury struggles. The special teams unit, led by 2nd-year kicker Blake Grupe, has consistently helped flip field positions and add critical points. Grupe has been exceptional this year, going 7/7 on field goals with a long of 57. Rookie punter Matthew Hayball has had limited opportunities. He only has seven punts in three games, averaging a net of 39.7 yards. These young players must remain consistent and improve as the season continues. The Saints’ special teams have been stable and dependable this season, helping to mitigate the effects of injuries.
Main Photo: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
