The battle between football minds will be a highlight as the New Orleans Saints begin training camp in late-July. While many eyes will be on head coach Kellen Moore and the development of his offense, the further refining of defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system is loaded with promise.
Staley’s defense was one of the most impressive factors of the Saints’ 2025 season. A top-10 unit in total yards allowed and one of the top scoring defenses down the final stretch of the year, the defensive side of the ball surged as the year concluded.
The team had two players with double-digit sacks for the first time since 2013 and finished as a top-five passing defense for the first time since 2022.
While the overall rushing volume the team faced led the rushing defense to earning a No. 19 finish in rushing yards allowed, the unit finished No. 2 in defensive EPA per rush and No. 6 in yards per carry allowed.
All-told, the Saints defense was outstanding last year, especially as players settled into their new system in Staley’s inaugural year with the team.
Now, with a year in the books and the majority of the defensive roster returning, the chance to build upon the promising foundation laid in 2025 has led to high expectations for 2026.
With Moore and Staley likely to spar with unscripted, scrimmage-like practices after the early portion of training camp is complete, it will provide an “iron sharpens iron” approach for the two play-callers.
Taking advantage of those opportunities will lead to great development on both sides of the ball and more polish for the coaches as their chess matches take shape.
