By Ross Jackson
DALLAS — The New Orleans Saints are off to a blazing 2-0 start that looks much different than their fast start from last season. After another 40-point output, the Saints are riding high coming off of two incredible performances. Here are some of the most important numbers to know when it comes to the Saints’ unprecedented start.
91 – Over the first two games, the Saints have combined for 91 points scored. Tying for No. 2 in NFL history for points over a team’s opening two games. The only team to score more? The New Orleans Saints in 2009. With the defense allowing just 29 points so far, New Orleans leads the league in point differential with an eye-popping +62.
370 – The Saints have piled on 370 rushing yards over their first two games, third-most in franchise history to open a season.
39 – Saints quarterback Derek Carr threw 33 passes in his New Orleans debut last year. This season, he has thrown just 39 passes in the first two games. He has completed 30 of those attempts, leading the NFL with his 76.5 completion percentage and 142.4 passer rating among qualifying quarterbacks.
5 – While a lot of focus has gone to the Saints’ offense, their defense is getting it done as well. The team has generated five total takeaways this season, tied for No. 2 in the NFL.
112 – Of running back Alvin Kamara’s 115 rushing yards against the Dallas Cowboys, 112 of them came from runs outside of the tackle, per Next Gen Stats. This highlights new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s wide zone scheme and how effective it was against an outstanding defense in Dallas.
5.33 – Also per Next Gen Stats, the Saints offensive line protected extremely well against the Cowboys’ stellar pass rushing group. Their best, and one of the NFL’s best edge rushers, Micah Parsons was held to an average of 5.33 yards of separation from Carr all game. The Saints’ offensive line absolutely stifled his game, keeping Carr clean to wheel and deal.
7 – The New Orleans defense is tied for No. 3 in the league in sacks with 7.
63 – Opposing teams have compiled just 63 rushing yards per game against the Saints’ defense this season. They are currently the No. 3 rushing defense on a per game basis in the league.
56.9 – Opposing quarterbacks for the NFL’s second-worst passer rating when playing against the Saints. New Orleans’ defense is just .1 behind the Pittsburgh Steelers, who lead the league by allowing a 56.8 passer rating.
15 – With Carr under center, the Saints’ scored on 15-straight drives to open the season.
2 – The Saints have played and won their first two games of the season. Any number we can dig up will not be more important than that. The Saints will face a big test against the Philadelphia Eagles next week trying to extend to 3-0. But no matter the result of that game, win or loss, the excitement around the Saints is undeniable.
