Saints 2023 Week 5 Recap

Jamie UK • October 9, 2023

The Recap- Saints Vs Patriots

        The Saints offense finally ignited, not perfect by any means but it's an essential first step, as up to this point apart from some deep shots to Olave and Shaheed, the offense has been anemic. The defense was of course pretty much perfect (you’d expect that when you pitch a shutout) I will say though the Patriots offense is absolutely, unequivocally abysmal and it makes me question my own player evaluation regarding Mac Jones. Anyway, enough of me confessing my sins let's talk Saints after a much-needed win.


Team Stats

(Saints/Patriots)

Final Score: 34-0

First downs: 17-8

3rd down efficiency: 5/15-1/14

Total yards: 304-156

RedZone Efficiency: 3/4 - 0/0

Penalties: 12 for 86 yards-5 for 30 yards 

Turnovers- 0-3

Time of possession- 39:34-20:26


Takeaways

Offense


        The Saints offense finally scored a touchdown and like a good old English bus you wait for one and multiple come all at once. The Saints finished with 3 offensive touchdowns crucially for this team all three came in the red zone and 2 were passes from Carr. The offense has looked completely inept in the red zone so far (a tail of Carr’s career) so it was important to see some improvements there. 


        Especially the shovel pass straight out of the Chiefs playbook book to TE Foster Moreau, that's exactly the type of creativity in the red zone we need to see. Was also great for Moreau to get in the endzone too given it is the NFL’s Cancer Awareness month very fitting after his off-season battle. It was also good to see the Saints feeding Ak in the red zone, he was once one of the premier players in this part of the field, but his usage had dipped inexplicably over the last couple of seasons. This also meant that Kamara was able to break the Saints all-time TD record with 73 total touchdowns, it feels like we’ve been waiting an eternity for AK to break this after sitting tied for so long.


        It's only fair that I give Pete Carmichael some love here. He improved his play-calling today. Per Neworleans.Football the Saints offense used motion on 17 of their 70 offensive plays (around 25%) which is a big uptick in usage and the Saints had success on those plays. He used play-action far more which we all screamed for, and he got the ball to Kamara and Miller well in the passing game and overall the team looked much better in the red zone.


        I also thought his usage of Taysom today was good, yes, he only carried the ball 3 times but Taysom was on the field more than that, they ran some zone-read plays where Taysom handed the ball to AK, but not all those plays were successful but what it does do is break some tendencies, so teams now have to prepare for Taysom handing it off, rather than knowing he's always going to run in certain looks.


        Now, I can't be too nice to Pete or the offense just yet, there were still spacing issues with the WRs. On an early Mike Thomas incompletion, he and Olave were very close together, which meant Olave’s underneath route that should have drawn the CB away didn't, and he was able to peel off and make a play on the throw to Mike with better spacing; this is probably a big gain. The Saints offense still really struggled on third down (5/15) partly due to the penalties that made the yards to gain longer but this is still an area that Pete and the offense need to be better in. 


        Finally, Derek Carr, overall, a better game for him and his protection up front, AK was really good in pass protection too. Carr had plenty of time to make plays and I thought he did a good job, especially on throws to Mike Thomas. Thomas was great today, made some tough catches, and really showed why he’s so important to this team. 


        There are still a couple of areas of Carr's game that concern me. First is his intermediate accuracy; he missed Olave on an easy throw early on where his pass came out high. He missed Jimmy Graham when he threw behind him on what would have been a third-down conversion and then missed Mike Thomas badly; it was high and wide later in the game, and that pass was almost picked off. 


        Since the shoulder injury, we have seen some of Carr’s passes come out high and hopefully, this will improve as his shoulder heals. For this offense to be as good as it should be Carr has to be better on these types of passes going forward. My second concern and maybe this could still be a play-calling issue, but he’s holding the ball way too long at times, maybe nobody is open but there are times when he is just not pulling the trigger.


Defense


        Now for the defense, of course, they were great in this game, played stifling coverage, stopped the run well (2.5 YPC on 18 runs), and pressured the Pats QBs, at one point I think it might have been early in the 4th quarter, per next gen stats the Saints had pressured the Pats QBs on 45.8% of their drop backs, which is elite. My only concern here is that more of those pressures didn’t turn into sacks. In fairness though the pressure was forcing turnovers. Tyrann Mathieu’s pick 6 came because Carl Granderson hit Mac Jones as he threw.


        People will point out rightly so, that this Patriots offense is atrocious but pitching a shutout in the NFL is still a crazy achievement especially as the Saints sat most of their defensive starters with about 5 minutes to go in the 4th. Dennis Allen is proving to be one of the best defensive minds in the NFL year in and year out. 


        The secondary play was great. I especially thought the safeties were really good in this game, rookie Jordan Howden continues to impress me. Even with Marcus Maye coming back from suspension this week I think the Saints need to make sure Howden is still getting snaps as I think he is part of the future at the safety spot. Demario Davis and Pete Werner were also excellent, Davis had an unbelievable tackle of 4th down where he looked like he had been fired out of a cannon to stuff Ezekiel Elliott dead on a 4th and 1 run. Pete Werner had his first pick as a Saint and was again his usually dependable self in the run game.


        Hear me out here, I know DA has gotten a lot of hate and I've been right there in agreement with most of it, but when you have a HC who can coach up one side of the ball to this level year in and year out that is an invaluable asset to have. Not every defensive HC can do it either, look at Brandon Staley with the Chargers for example. 


        If DA can get an OC to be what he was for Sean when Allen was the DC, then I think DA can be a good HC. Even Sean Payton’s Saints struggled to be good year in and year out consistently whilst he cycled through DC after DC. Payton’s most consistent run with the team was when he had DA at the helm for multiple years in a row being essentially the head coach of the defense, If DA can find that probably in the off-season (unless it all goes to sh*t between now and then and he gets fired) then I think with how elite of a defense mind he is this team could have some sustained success with DA at the helm.


Saints Stock Exchange (Sponsored By… Nobody)
Just a quick hit section each week to highlight which Saints players have their stock value increasing and decreasing after each game, 3 up and 3 down:


Stock Up

Carl Granderson

Kendre Miller

Blake Grupe


        After two quiet weeks, which honestly started to concern me, granted last week he went against one of the best tackles in the NFL (Wirfs) but he also struggled against a backup line against the Packers, he was a monster today. 1 sack, 2 QB hits, and 3 TFLs this is the type of play we need to see going forward, especially after the Saints gave him an extension.


        I was happy to see Kendre Miller finally get some touches, when he gets the ball in space he really looks like AK (not saying he is AK just yet) but just his running style, the tape strips down his arms also sways me here I'm sure. Miller ran with great burst, made people miss, and was good after the catch. He showed why Saints media were so high on him in camp, Miller had 16 touches today (12 rushing and 4 receiving) it maybe won't be that high each week but I see no reason this can't be the plan, especially whilst Williams is still out.


        My final up, is Blake Grupe, after a 34-0 win people might think this is silly but Grupe was money in this game and I think that's important. In an outdoor stadium with wind swirling Grupe was perfect 4/4 on extra points and 2/2 on field goals both were over 50-yard kicks (54 and 53-yarders). Yes, these kicks didn't massively matter today but going forward this team is still likely to need their kicker to win them games and Grupe proving he can be relied on is big for this team.



        Honorable mention- Lou Hedley has got a lot of flak so far, but I thought he had a good game, he’s still inconsistent but he flashes the type of ability that shows why the Saints went with him over Gillikin. He just needs to stop some of the weird shanks and unnecessary touchbacks if he can. I think the Saints have a legit punter.


Stock Down
Adam Prentice

Offensive penalties 

Chris Olave


        I'm not belittling Fullbacks, I actually still think there is a lot of value to the position and some untapped potential if you can find the right player, but at the very least you need to be able to block. Prentice had a holding penalty today and a complete blown assignment which meant Ja'Whaun Bentley blitzed completely untouched for a 3rd down sack on Carr. This has also been an issue in other games where Prentice was supposed to chip and completely whiffed. If the Saints want to continue carrying a fullback, I think it could be time to look in a different direction or a move I've been campaigning for to let Taysom play more snaps there.


        A bit of a cop out but there were too many players with dirty hands here. Shaheed, Moreau, and Olave all had false start penalties, as did Cesar Ruiz, and Trevor Penning was called twice for holding. These are the types of plays that hurt this offense and too many times today turned third and short/medium into 3rd and longs which is when this offense gets in trouble, it has to be cleaned up or it will cost the Saints dearly going forward.


        My final down might be a little harsh considering he was battling a toe injury and caught his first TD of the year, but Olave has to be better. I'm putting him because of how good I think he is, he had two plays down the field from perfect throws by Carr where he couldn't quite complete the catch. The first he couldn't get his second foot in which in fairness was a tough catch to complete, the second is more my gripe, where he couldn't complete the catch going to the ground if he did it was a touchdown. The second play specifically is one he must make and it's a repeat issue from plays we saw last year.


Make sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram @SaintsReportUK, for much more Saints content and discussion throughout the 2023 season and beyond.

A quick share helps us a lot!

This Facebook widget is no longer supported.

Why Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton RoyalWhy Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton Royal

By Auston Taylor • July 8, 2026
 LSU has made it clear that five-star wide receiver Easton Royal remains one of its top priorities in the 2027 recruiting class. Although Royal is currently committed to Texas, LSU has continued to recruit him aggressively. Based on recent recruiting events and public reporting, one factor that could strengthen the Tigers' position is the presence of quarterback commit Peyton "Pop" Houston. While no outcome is guaranteed in recruiting, Houston's relationship with Royal has become one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding LSU's 2027 class. According to recruiting coverage from The Opening and reports from And The Valley Shook, Houston and Royal showcased noticeable chemistry while competing together on the national stage. Houston also drew attention by winning the event's longest throw competition with a reported 67-yard throw, further reinforcing why many evaluators consider him one of the premier quarterback prospects in the 2027 class. In my view, Houston has the potential to become much more than another highly rated offensive commitment. Elite quarterbacks often become magnets for other top recruits, and early signs suggest Houston could have that kind of influence on LSU's 2027 recruiting class. Why Houston Matters in Royal's Recruitment Quarterback and wide receiver relationships have become one of the most influential factors in modern recruiting. Elite receivers aren't simply choosing a school—they're choosing an offense, a coaching staff, and perhaps most importantly, the quarterback who will help maximize their abilities. If Royal ultimately views Houston as LSU's quarterback of the future, it gives the Tigers another compelling selling point. Rather than asking Royal to imagine what the offense could become, LSU can point to chemistry that has already been displayed during national recruiting events. That doesn't guarantee a commitment flip, but it does provide LSU with something tangible that few recruiting pitches can offer: an established connection between two elite prospects. LSU's History Shows Why This Matters LSU's greatest offensive seasons have consistently featured elite quarterbacks throwing to elite receivers. During the Tigers' historic 2019 National Championship season, Joe Burrow captured the Heisman Trophy while throwing to arguably the greatest receiving corps in college football history—Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. That offense rewrote NCAA record books and remains the standard for modern college football offenses. A few years later, history repeated itself. Jayden Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy while benefiting from one of the nation's most explosive receiving duos in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Daniels' remarkable development was certainly his own, but LSU's elite receiving talent allowed the offense to reach another level. The lesson is clear: great quarterbacks elevate receivers, but elite receivers also help quarterbacks reach championship-level production. That history gives LSU a compelling message for recruits considering Baton Rouge. Peyton "Pop" Houston's Development Houston's rise as one of Louisiana's premier quarterback prospects is backed by more than recruiting rankings. Evaluators consistently praise his arm strength, touch, ability to extend plays outside the pocket, and willingness to attack defenses vertically. His continued development at Evangel Christian Academy has made him one of the foundation pieces of LSU's 2027 recruiting class. The Bigger Picture If LSU eventually pairs Peyton Houston with Easton Royal, it would represent much more than another recruiting victory. It would signal that LSU landed a quarterback capable of attracting elite talent around him while adding a receiver willing to build alongside that vision. Programs that consistently compete for championships often see recruiting momentum build this way. Elite quarterbacks attract receivers. Elite receivers attract additional offensive talent. Once that cycle begins, recruiting classes can quickly become special. None of this guarantees that Easton Royal will flip his commitment. Texas remains in a strong position, and recruiting decisions can change for countless reasons. However, Houston's emergence gives LSU something every elite program hopes to have: a quarterback capable of becoming the centerpiece of an entire recruiting class. LSU has already witnessed what happens when championship-caliber quarterbacks are paired with elite receivers. Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy. Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy. If Peyton "Pop" Houston eventually helps bring Easton Royal to Baton Rouge, it could become one of the defining recruiting stories of LSU's 2027 class—and perhaps the first step toward building another explosive Tiger offense.

Tight End Room Outlook: Revamped and Ready To Roll

By Kaden Arkeder • July 4, 2026
The tight end room has some fresh blood and they look poised to be more impactful heading into next season. With the new arrivals of Noah Fant and third round draft pick Oscar Delp the offense will have the ability to play more in multiple tight end sets to create mismatches for the defense. Multiple tight end sets should allow the Saints to improve the run game and conversely the play action game. Playing in tight end heavy sets was something they were unable to do more of last year due to injuries and lack of talent at the tight end position. Mainstay and the only returning starting caliber player is Juwan Johnson. Johnson had a good year last year as one of the few reliable targets in the passing game aside from Chris Olave. Johnson is looking to build on a solid year where he had 77 receptions for 889 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. He was a security blanket when Rattler was starting and had quite a few big plays when Shough took over as the starting quarterback. With Shough coming into the season as the presumed starter I expect their connection to be even better next season. Someone hoping to have a better connection with a new QB is Noah Fant. Fant was a first round pick back in 2019 with the Broncos but has never quite lived up to his draft status. Fant will be playing on his third team in three years as he seeks to be a quality rotational piece in the offense and find stability for his career here in New Orleans. Fant should be utilized more in the passing game than in the running game but should be able to hold his own when called upon to do his part on run downs. Fant has been on a statistical decline since his time with Denver as his best receiving season came in at 68/670/4 back in 2021. Although his stats have been declining Fant still has plenty to offer with his athleticism and should produce more given a better opportunity. After Fant in the depth chart should be Oscar Delp who could be the x-factor of the tight end room after being selected in the third round of the draft this year. Delp brings a versatile option to the offense as he can lineup in various spots and handle the rigors of blocking in the run game. Delp’s calling card in college was his elite athleticism which jumps off the screen when you watch his tape. He has the ability to turn a five yard catch into an explosive play with how quickly he can get to top speed. Delp is an adequate, willing blocker where like most new tight ends in the league has room to improve in the blocking area of his game. With his versatility and athleticism I believe Delp will play a pivotal role in the offense this upcoming season. With Delp presumed to round out the depth chart at tight end the remaining tight ends will be competing for spots on the practice squad or spots on another team. This group includes Cody Hardy, Treyton Welch, Moliki Matavao, and Zaire Mitchell-Paden. We’ve seen Welch and Matavao from last season fill in admirably after some injuries but are best served as bench options at this point in time in their development. This group of roster hopefuls should hopefully provide some good competition from one another as we progress through training camp and preseason here shortly. Overall this group has a lot more promise heading into this season as it did last year. By getting younger and more athletic the tight ends will play a more prominent role in Kellen Moore’s offense. Whether it’s Juwan building on last season or Fant having a bounce back year or Delp proving to be revelation, the team is going to have plenty of options to choose from to attack the defense. Exactly what this team needed after not having enough last season.
Show More