Saints’ Defense Struggles as Brandon Staley Faces Mounting Pressure

As the 2026 season heads into its midpoint, the New Orleans Saints are stuck in a defensive slump that is quickly eclipsing even the most recent quarterback controversy. While Tyler Shough has taken the brunt of fan criticism for his turnover‑heavy start, the numbers tell a far grimmer story about the unit entrusted to coordinator Brandon Staley. A league‑high 49 points gifted to opponents by those mistakes are only the tip of the iceberg; the defense is allowing 29.7 points per game, ranking 31st in the NFL, and giving up 2,266 yards, 29th overall. In a league where run schemes are increasingly varied, New Orleans’ 138‑yard-per‑game rush defense is also flashing warning signs. The Saints have surrendered a league‑high 26 red‑zone trips and 12 rushing touchdowns, and they convert just 44.6% of third‑downs—27th nationally. In short, the problem lives squarely on Staley’s side of the ball.

Statistical Reality: Defense Emits Red Flags

New Orleans allows 29.7 points per game, 31st in the NFL. It has given up 2,266 yards, 29th. Opponents have reached the Saints’ red zone a league-high 26 times, and running backs have scored a league-high 12 touchdowns against them, according to Steelers.com. Opponents convert 44.6% of third downs, 27th in the league.

Atlanta ran for 205 yards and five touchdowns in a 45-24 rout. Minnesota and Detroit each cleared 150 rushing yards. The run defense allows 138 yards per game.

Key Matchups and Player Performance Issues

Individual play has not helped. Danny Stutsman carries a 63.2 PFF grade with seven missed tackles, and Chase Young, despite an 89.7 pass‑rush grade, sits at 59.4 against the run, per PFF. Run defense is where both are giving ground.

“There’s no doubt the front seven is struggling to contain the run. The missed assignments are costing us field position and points.”
—Defensive analyst, NFL Network

The New York Win as a Benchmark for Staley

The win in New York showed what this defense can be. The Saints had five sacks and four takeaways, and Martin Emerson Jr. picked off two passes, was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week and was one of the biggest winners in New York. Then the Giants threw for 377 yards and nearly erased a 34-10 lead.

“There’s highs and lows in every season, every game, that’s just how it is,” Kellen Moore said after the win.

Moore can live with moments from an offense breaking in a young quarterback. A defense with Young, Carl Granderson, Justin Reid and Emerson shouldn’t need the same patience. Pittsburgh throws on 66.2% of its plays and has let Rodgers get sacked 19 times, so the matchup favors a defense that hunts the quarterback.

Tyler Shough’s Turnovers Compound the Problem

Yes, Shough’s turnovers have handed opponents a league‑high 49 points. Take every one of those away and the defense is still allowing more than 21 points per game while the offense, which ranks 10th at 25.3 points per game, has done its part. Shough is 20 of 26 with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions in the red zone.

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What’s Next for the Saints Under Brandon Staley?

If Staley’s group can’t hold up against an offense ranked 21st in total yards, the talk about winning the NFC South ends before the bye, and Shough won’t be the main reason why. Gayle Benson’s “not acceptable” speech last week should land on that side of the building as much as anywhere, and the onus is now on Staley to right the ship.

The upcoming opponent, Pittsburgh, is a heavy‑pass team that has struggled to generate consistent pressure on Rodgers. The Saints’ defense must improve its run‑stopping metrics and tighten up in the red zone if they hope to stay competitive in the division. A solid performance against the Steelers could also restore some confidence in Staley’s game‑planning, especially after the Giants’ late‑game surge exposed lapses in coverage.

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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

*Note: All statistics and player grades reflect the most recent data available as of the publication date. For the latest updates, refer to official NFL sources and team releases.*

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