During one of his final media availabilities during offseason practices, New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore spoke about the downside of being too diversified. Without a focus on identity, it can be challenging for a team to carve a successful path forward.
“It starts with matching your scheme to your players and what suits them,” he said. “I think the second part is creating mastery. Not being a jack of all, master of none. I think we’re trying to do a better job of that this year as far as keeping this thing really clean and defined.”
Moore’s offenses have always had a sense of balance. Inside run vs. outside run, man and zone blocking schemes, the ability to win on the ground or through the air; balance has been a key to his play calling success. With balance comes mastery and unpredictability.
The Saints’ offense is focused on clearly defining its identity. The versatility of its playmakers becomes a key element, particularly in the run game.
Having versatile tight ends that can block and run routes creates a sense of disguise. Backs like Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara who are effective runners and pass catchers create uncertainty for defenses, especially if more runs come from under center.
Gritty wide receiver play becomes a big factor as well. Players like Devaughn Vele, Jordyn Tyson and Bryce Lance can all threaten as pass catchers but can also be relied upon as perimeter blockers, an area of the game that top wideout Chris Olave has made strides in as well.
The Saints’ offense in 2026 is going to lean more into its mastery from a gameplan and playcall perspective, but expect that specialization to still put an emphasis on versatility.
That allows the team to introduce more variety to their attack, avoiding becoming predictable while becoming more focused and defined.
