The New Orleans Saints didn’t get the kind of production that many expected out of their return game in the opening week of the season against Detroit.
Whether it’s chalked up to the newness of the unit, or continued struggles from last year, the Saints are looking to improve moving forward in both return areas.
Rookie return specialist and wide receiver Barion Brown excited throughout training camp with his ability to stretch the field on offense. However, there’s no practice reps at kick return that are going to adequately prepare a player for the speed and quick processing needed to handle in live action.
Curiously, Brown was utilized only as the primary punt returner throughout the preseason. So, while he was a bit more comfortable in the punt return game, he didn’t appear as comfortable returning kickoffs.
Brown had a 16-yard punt return that helped set up a short field for the Saints, taking over near midfield. That start helped the Saints cash in on a touchdown drive that brought them within one score against Detroit when they surged back from a 21-0 deficit to eventually force overtime.
But in the kick return game, Brown showed he has room to grow. Brown returned three kicks for 55 yards, averaging just 18.3 per return. Running back Kendre Miller also had a return for just 19 yards.
Special team’s coordinator Phil Galiano liked what he saw when Brown fielded punts, but acknowledged the need for growth across the entire unit, not just the wideout’s return ability.
“I think that there’s things that he can improve on,” he said. “Obviously, I think the one return he could have just gotten vertical more than trying to go sideways a little bit and he corrected that the second time. I’m pleased with where he’s at. I think we need to do a better job on some of those plays, especially the kick return and we need to do a better job of blocking. I need to do a better job of coaching and so we can give them a little bit more space to get that play going for us.”
Brown managed his first NFL action well by not putting the ball on the ground and will continue building confidence as he moves forward. Meanwhile, the team has work to do to improve its ability to set up returns from last year.
New Orleans finished the 2025 season ranked No. 20 in starting field position after kick returns. In their 2026 debut, the team finished No. 22 with an average of their own 28-yard line.
The Saints have an explosive weapon returning the ball in Brown, who had six kick returns for a touchdown during his collegiate years at Kentucky and LSU, all of which were 99 yards or more. He’s adjusting to the NFL’s version of the kickoff, which is very different from college, and has to get used to the speed.
Once he does, the Saints have the firepower they need fielding the ball. Next, they’ll have to improve how they protect and lead the way for him.
