Conventional wisdom says that explosive plays are generated by targeting downfield. While that is an option when it comes to creating big gains, it’s not the only way.
New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore’s offenses have been prime examples that 20+ airfare passes aren’t the only option. Instead, his last two seasons, working with a trio of very different quarterbacks, have been spent creating explosive plays by targeting the intermediate area of the field.
The intermediate area is typically described as the area of the field 10-19 yards from the line of scrimmage. Moore’s offense has consistently targeted this area with its use of timing, layer route concepts and rhythm.
Looking back at Moore’s Super Bowl winning 2024 Philadelphia Eagles offense, which featured a heavy dose of the run game, the passing offense was built around these most targeted routes.
Most Targeted Routes By 2024 Eagles
- Out routes
- Hitches
- Slants
- Go (Vertical)
- Crossing routes
A look at the 2025 Saints offense reveals an undeniable overlap.
Most Targeted Routes By 2025 Saints
- Out routes
- Hitches
- Go (Vertical)
- Slants
- Crossing routes
The principles of Moore’s passing offense have been consistent. The majority of these routes attack the intermediate area. Most notably the outs and crossing routes, however hitches (deeper than curls) and slants have the ability to develop into big plays in the area as well.
Despite the changes in personnel, Moore’s offense has been built to be one successful in this specific area. The team’s recent roster moves reflect this principle as well.
Roster Reflects Philosophy
The first-round selection of wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is a prime example. Per Reception Perception, some of Tyson’s most frequently run routes in college (digs, outs, slants and posts) all fall into the intermediate attack.
The same is true of free agent tight end Noah Fant, wide receiver Chris Olave and tight end Juwan Johnson. All have consistently produced in the 10-19-yard range, reinforcing the Saints’ commitment to the intermediate passing game.
While the typical expectation for generating explosive plays requires chasing downfield bombs, Moore and the Saints are building their attack a different way. They aren’t avoiding explosive plays in the passing game, the Saints’ offense simply creates them in the intermediate area.
It’s a frequent trend around the league.
If the vision and purpose the Saints put into their offseason acquisitions unfolds as they expect, the team’s passing game identity will be clear in 2026. They won’t be a team lacking for explosive plays, nor will they exclude the deep passing game from their approach. But they will be a team that’s generating an efficient air attack in the intermedia area, a valuable part of the field in today’s NFL.
