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After three consecutive losses at the Superdome, the New Orleans Saints finally tasted victory at home last Sunday, defeating the Cleveland Browns 23-22 in overtime. The win improved the Saints' record to 3-5, but it was far from a flawless performance, especially on the defensive side.
The New Orleans defense delivered what might have been its best stretch of the season in the early quarters, helping to build a lead. Yet late breakdowns in coverage nearly allowed the Browns to steal the game, a recurring theme for a unit that has struggled to close out opponents in 2026.
Through eight games, the Saints' defense bears little resemblance to the group that impressed for much of 2025. As the team prepares for Week 10, here is a breakdown of where the defense currently ranks:
Defensive Rankings
- Total defense: 27 points per game (27th), 370.5 yards per game (29th), 9 turnovers (20th), 169 first downs allowed (24th), 47.2% third-down efficiency (28th), 53.1% red-zone percentage (11th)
- Pass defense: 236.6 yards per game (28th), 65.5% completion percentage allowed, 13 touchdowns allowed, 4 interceptions, 23 sacks, 48 quarterback hits
- Run defense: 133.9 yards per game (29th), 4.5 yards per carry allowed (25th), 11 touchdowns allowed (30th), 35 tackles for loss
Against Cleveland, the Saints largely contained the Browns' offense—except for four critical coverage breakdowns that nearly cost them the win. It was arguably the secondary's worst outing of the year, a group that has often been criticized for its soft and passive approach under coordinator Brandon Staley.
The safety play has been a persistent weak point. Julian Blackmon has been serviceable, but Justin Reid has struggled mightily, and Jonas Sanker has not fared much better. All three have shown tackling issues—particularly Reid—and have rarely made plays in coverage, though Blackmon does have two interceptions.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. has the other two interceptions for the Saints. A solid offseason addition, Emerson has taken over primary cornerback duties from Quincy Riley. Riley, in his second season, had some early struggles but would still be a better option at nickelback than Sanker in coverage. Staley's reluctance to make that switch has been puzzling.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, the team's top corner, has experienced ups and downs but leads the defense with four pass breakups. The fact that Saints cornerbacks have combined for just 13 passes broken up underscores how passive Staley's scheme has been. Soft coverage has allowed opposing quarterbacks to easily find receivers, and it has also hindered the pass rush by not forcing quarterbacks to hold the ball longer.
Despite the scheme's limitations, edge rushers Chase Young and Carl Granderson have been outstanding bright spots. Young ranks second in the NFL with eight sacks and has added 13 quarterback hits. Granderson is among the league leaders with 7.5 sacks and has matched Young's 13 pressures. Both have been consistently disruptive in opposing backfields. If the Saints had a better record, Young would likely be a midseason candidate for NFL Defensive MVP.
Beyond Young and Granderson, few Saints defenders have made a significant impact. One exception is inside linebacker Kaden Elliss. The defensive captain and play-caller can generate pressure as a blitzer and is the team's best coverage linebacker and run defender. That reliability is crucial, especially with fellow linebacker Pete Werner struggling in all three phases. Werner has been a major liability, yet Staley has refused to give his early-down snaps to Danny Stutsman or use the athletic Isaiah Stalbird in passing situations.
The defensive line has also been underwhelming. Legendary veteran Cameron Jordan is a shell of his Hall of Fame self, while Nathan Shepherd and Vernon Broughton have not met expectations. Rookie nose tackle Christen Miller has been a disappointment, though Khristian Boyd is one of the few interior linemen creating disruption. The lack of pressure from the line and ineffectiveness against the run have had a trickle-down effect on the entire defense.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Where the Saints rank defensively as they head into Week 10.
Originally reported by yahoo.