With a bye week to self-scout, evaluate and make changes towards improving, the New Orleans Saints are likely to be busy during their week away from the field.
The Saints are off to a disappointing 2-5 start to the 2026 season, their quarterback is dealing with two broken bones in his non-throwing hand and the character of the team has yet to fully emerge.
Here are three things the team must improve upon during the bye week in order to save its season.
Develop a run game.
The Saints have not yet found their identity on offense because it’s had to be one-dimensional throughout the early portion thus far. The run game is ranked No. 28 in the NFL, while averaging just 86 rushing yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry.
Without the effective rushing attack the team expected to field, New Orleans has had to turn to quarterback Tyler Shough to bring them back into or keep them in games with his throwing ability.
That won’t be a sustainable way of winning or competing. Not because Shough isn’t capable, but because he’s not a valuable asset. Opposing defenses can figure out when the Saints are one dimensional and when the pass is predictable, allowing their edge rushers to tee off on the young passer.
Getting their rushing operation settled, and perhaps the eventual return of running back Travis Etienne Jr., could provide a boost there. But overall, finding the right mix of scheme and effective coaching will have to be the biggest amongst the difference-makers.
Figure out how to stop the run.
The only thing more disappointing than the Saints’ rushing offense is their run defense. Ranked No. 29 in the NFL, and allowing 128.4 rushing yards per game, chunk plays to a meticulous carving up of the defensive line, the team’s run defense has become a bona fide liability.
While the edge rushers have performed well in the passing game, and some young defensive tackles have flashed, there’s not been enough consistency from the defensive line’s interior to assume anything other than changes will need to be made during the offseason.
However, until a change in personnel can take place in free agency and the draft, the Saints will have to learn how to win with their current roster.
Tat’s where coaching and the scheme will have to do a better job.
Turn to Charlie Smyth at kicker.
Kicker Daniel Carlson is tied as the NFL’s least-accurate kicker alongside San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddie Pineiro among those still on an active roster seven weeks into the season. He also has one of the lowest point-after-attempt percentages in the league.
New Orleans should now turn over their kicking responsibilities back to Irishman Charlie Smyth. The practice squad kicker is still developing, but at least the team would know that moving ahead, rather than the disappointing output they’ve gotten so far from a veteran leg with post-season accolades.
Turning to Smyth for the remainder of the season may not yield a perfect result during his time of growth and learning the NFL game, but at least the team can use Carlson as an example of what subpar performance won’t be tolerated. Smyth’s continued dedication, and work ethic, are traits worth rewarding.
