Saints Report Card: Grading the Surprises, Standouts, and Disappointments from the First Third of the Season
As the New Orleans Saints pass the first third of their NFL season, it’s time to take stock. The team’s performance has been a mixed bag of surprises, bright spots, and setbacks, leaving fans both hopeful and frustrated. Here’s a closer look at how the Saints measure up so far — player by player and unit by unit — as we grade the early part of their campaign.
Offense: B+
Quarterback Derek Carr has largely lived up to expectations, showing poise and leadership under pressure. His connection with emerging star wide receiver Chris Olave has been a clear highlight, with Olave’s crisp route-running and reliable hands making him one of the league’s most promising young receivers. The running game, led by Alvin Kamara, has been solid but inconsistent; Kamara remains a dual-threat weapon but has faced challenges with injuries limiting his snap count.
The offensive line deserves credit for protecting Carr better than in recent years, although there have been a few rough patches that led to key sacks. Overall, the offense has been effective but has room to improve in red-zone execution.
Defense: C
The Saints defense has been one of the bigger surprises — but not necessarily in a good way. After entering the season with high hopes, the unit has struggled to stop opposing offenses, especially in the secondary. Injuries have played a part, but breakdowns in coverage and missed tackles have been frequent.
On a positive note, defensive end Cameron Jordan continues to be a force, consistently pressuring quarterbacks and setting the tone. The linebackers have been active but sometimes overmatched against more dynamic offenses. If the defense doesn’t tighten up soon, it could seriously hamper the team’s playoff chances.
Special Teams: B-
Special teams have been solid but unspectacular. Kicker Wil Lutz has made most of his attempts, though a couple of missed field goals in clutch moments have raised eyebrows. The return game remains average, with little explosive production to shift momentum.
Standouts
Chris Olave (WR): Emerging as a go-to weapon, Olave has quickly become a fan favorite.
Cameron Jordan (DE): The veteran continues to lead the defense by example.
Derek Carr (QB): Solid and steady, Carr has given the offense a clear identity.
Surprises
The defensive struggles have been a bigger issue than many expected, particularly in pass coverage.
Alvin Kamara’s injury setbacks have limited his impact more than anticipated.
Disappointments
Secondary coverage breakdowns and inconsistent tackling have hurt the defense.
Missed opportunities in the red zone have stalled drives that could have swung momentum.
Outlook
The Saints still have time to turn things around. With a strong offense and some key defensive players stepping up, the focus will be on tightening coverage and improving consistency. If they can do that, New Orleans could still make a push for the playoffs — but the margin for error is getting slim.
For now, fans can take solace in the bright spots while hoping for better days ahead on defense. The next two-thirds of the season will be critical in defining the Saints’ true potential in 2025.