Even though the intended identity for the New Orleans Saints was to be one of balance, and complementary football, the team’s offense hasn’t yet played out that way. Instead, it’s been the passing game that’s kept the club putting points on the board, staying in games and, when they’ve been able to, emerging victorious.
New Orleans (2-5) hasn’t had much to brag about, but when they’ve won games, closed gaps and remained competitive, it’s been all about the passing attack and quarterback Tyler Shough.
Of the team’s 19 offensive touchdowns, 13 have come in the from of the passing game. The team’s 65% reception touchdown share ranks No. 11 in the NFL.
Shough is tied for the third-most passing attempts in the league and ranks No. 9 in passing yards with 1,721. Those rankings will slip during the bye week as other teams’ quarterbacks surpass him in games played for the time being, but it’s undeniable that his league standing showcases just how important the passing game has been for the Saints over the first seven games of the year.
Similarly, wide receiver Chris Olave ranks No. 3 in the NFL in receiving yards with 636.
The running game, though, has slumped to an average of just 86 rushing yards per game.
The passing game is, without question, the lifeblood of the Saints’ offense entering the bye week with the intent of bolstering their run game into a more formidable contributor.
While the offensive line has struggled in the creating push for the running game, it’s held up well against opposing pressure on a per-snap basis. While Shough has been sacked 15 times, he has only been pressured on 35.5% of his dropbacks, No. 14 in the NFL.
That’s despite facing one of the highest blitz percentages across the league of 33.1% (No. 6).
If the Saints aren’t able to unleash their rushing attack, they’ll have to continue leaning on their passing game. Production-wise, they’re in a good position to do so, especially with the expected eventual return of rookie wideout Jordyn Tyson adding an explosive skill set.
However, the question is whether or not the team could build a sustainable and offensive attack that’s one-dimension. So far, at 2-5, it appears not.
The team will need help from its run game. But trying to be a team that’s run-first isn’t exactly a promising path forward for now unless major changes happen over the off-week.
