After putting an undeniable focus on the run game this offseason, the New Orleans Saints’ ground attack finally built some momentum going into the 2026 regular season.
The Saints piled up 169 rushing yards against the Dallas Cowboys in the final preseason game while Kellen Moore was calling plays.
During the preseason, the Cowboys allowed over 120 rushing yards per game, one of the highest per game totals in the NFL. However, the team New Orleans faced in a blowout loss just the week before, the Los Angeles Rams, surrendered more than 130 per game and more than five yards per carry in the process.
So while the second game raised questions, the third game serves as a proof of concept that the team’s renewed approach to the run game could be setting them on course for correction in this area.
New Orleans finished No. 28 in rushing yards last season while averaging just 3.7 yards per carry, No. 31 in the NFL.
The club has invested heavily in its backfield, signing running back Travis Etienne Jr., and its offensive line, adding veteran guard David Edwards.
Neither were on the field in the final preseason game, but will make their in-game debuts as Week 1 kicks off in Detroit against the Lions.
With the new additions, revamped system and an early proof of concept, the Saints’ efforts have put them in position to find success in their ground game in 2026.
