After back-to-back wins against NFC South Division leaders Tampa Bay and Carolina, the New Orleans Saints (4-10) have legitimate optimism as they prepare to host the Jets (3-11) on Sunday in their regular-season home finale at the Caesars Superdome.
The last time the Saints won at least three consecutive games overall was Weeks 17 and 18 and Weeks 1 and 2 of the 2023 and '24 seasons, respectively. The last time they won three straight in the same season: Weeks 15-17 of 2022.
Even though New Orleans has been eliminated from playoff contention, enthusiasm exists, in large part (if not all) because of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and a stingy defense. Each needs to continue its upward trajectory to extend the win streak.
1. CHEMISTRY MATTERS
Shough has displayed characteristics that you want to see in a starting quarterback — namely, the ability to convert crucial plays in critical moments, whether with his legs or his arm, and to inspire belief in the locker room. His numbers aren't huge — 144 completions in 216 attempts for 1,484 yards and six touchdowns, with five interceptions, plus 138 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries — but the Saints are 3-3 since he was elevated to the starting lineup. He and receiver Chris Olave (82 catches for 896 yards and six touchdowns — all team highs) have a bond that's growing and the offense has remained functional despite trades and injuries. Losing receiver Devaughn Vele (knee) this week doesn't help, but Kevin Austin Jr. and tight end Juwan Johnson combined for 63 yards on seven catches against Carolina to help fill the gap. The Jets have been good against the pass (200 yards per game), but they're coming off allowing 330 passing yards and 48 points to Jacksonville, and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was fired the next day. New Orleans has a chance to add to the misery.
2. COMMITTEE APPROACH
New York has been vulnerable against the run (137 rushing yards allowed per game, fourth most in the league). The question for the Saints is: Who's available to take advantage of it? Alvin Kamara has missed the last three games and Devin Neal exited the last game with a hamstring injury. Evan Hulland Audric Estimé finished out against Carolina — they combined for 23 yards on seven carries — and Taysom Hill (37 carries for 72 yards this season, mostly at quarterback) can pitch in along with Shough. The committee approach probably will be the way for the depleted unit.
3. STOP THE RUN
New York's offense hasn't struck fear in opponents this season regardless of whether the quarterback has been Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor or Brady Cook. The Jets score 19.7 points per game and average 147 passing yards, last in the league. But the Jets can run it. Breece Hall has 900 yards and three touchdowns on 213 carries and if you combine him with mobile quarterbacks, they present a problem. New Orleans will need heavy work from defensive tackles Nathan Shepherd and Davon Godchaux on the inside, and the edge rushers have to set the edge against the run and help corral the quarterbacks. Demario Davis could have a double-digit tackle game, hopefully one or two of them for losses.
4. SPOTLIGHT ON SPECIAL TEAMS
New Orleans' coverage teams must be at their absolute best Sunday, because the Jets have been phenomenal in the return game with receiver Isaiah Williams and running back Kene Nwangwu. Williams has two punt return touchdowns and a 14.1-yard average, and has returned 22 kickoffs for a 29.7-yard average. Nwangwu has a kickoff return touchdown and has averaged 35.1 yards on 13 returns. Saints punter Kai Kroeger needs hang time to allow the troops to surround, and kicker Charlie Smyth has to be precise on kickoffs so that the cover team can execute its plan. Rookie linebacker Danny Stutsman has displayed a knack for finding returners, and he'll have a chance to leave a mark against two of the best in the league.
