The 🏈New Orleans Saints Defense First philosophy has become the blueprint for the 2025 season. After years of searching for offensive consistency post-Drew Brees, the Saints doubled down on what’s worked best in recent years: elite defense, clock control, and complementary offense. Enter Derek Carr, now with a full season in the black and gold under his belt, whose primary role is to stabilize the offense and provide timely sparks.
In a league where high-powered offenses dominate headlines, the 🏈New Orleans Saints Defense First identity makes the Saints both outliers and contenders. It’s a strategy grounded in discipline, physicality, and playmaking from all three phases—especially a defense that ranked near the top of the league in takeaways, third-down stops, and red zone efficiency.
As the 2025 season begins, fans and analysts alike are watching to see whether Derek Carr looks to spark the offense or whether New Orleans will remain firmly anchored in its defensive roots.
🟡 The Saints’ 2024 Recap: A Team on the Brink of Greatness
The Saints entered 2024 with hope but ended with frustration. A 9-8 finish was good enough to flirt with playoff contention, but not enough to break through. The offense ranked 20th in points per game, 23rd in yards, and struggled to finish drives despite a top-5 red zone defense.
Derek Carr’s first season in New Orleans was a mixed bag—flashes of high-level play, particularly in the midseason stretch, but marred by inconsistency, conservative play-calling, and offensive line injuries.
But what kept the Saints competitive was the defense. The 🏈New Orleans Saints Defense First approach was clear every week, and it paid dividends:
- Top 10 in points allowed
- 4th in red zone defense
- 8th in turnover differential
- 2nd in opponent third-down conversion rate
Now, in 2025, the defense looks even stronger. The question is: can Carr and the offense rise to match?
🔵 Defensive Foundation: Why the Saints Lean Defense First
Elite Front Seven
The 🏈New Orleans Saints Defense First mantra starts up front. Cameron Jordan, though aging, remains a foundational piece, while Carl Granderson and Payton Turner provide pressure off the edge. On the interior, Bryan Bresee and Nathan Shepherd hold firm against the run while collapsing the pocket.
Linebacker Play: Speed and Instinct
Demario Davis, the heart and soul of this unit, continues to defy time. His partnership with Pete Werner gives the Saints sideline-to-sideline athleticism and gap discipline. Together, they anchor the unit against both the run and pass.
Secondary Shutdown
Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and Alontae Taylor headline a cornerback room with talent and depth. Meanwhile, Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye patrol the backend with veteran savvy and versatility. They allow the Saints to disguise coverages, blitz creatively, and handle man-to-man assignments.
The result? A defense that doesn’t give up explosive plays, wins third downs, and creates takeaways.
🔴 Offense Under Pressure: Derek Carr’s Crucial Role
The spotlight on Derek Carr is undeniable. The former Raiders quarterback was brought in to provide veteran leadership and efficiency. He was not expected to be Drew Brees, but he was expected to protect the ball, extend drives, and hit the occasional deep shot.
2024 Stat Line:
- 3,685 yards
- 22 touchdowns
- 10 interceptions
- 62.9% completion percentage
Those numbers are solid—but unspectacular. Carr’s lack of aggression drew criticism at times, particularly in late-game situations where the offense failed to capitalize. But context matters. The offensive line was shaky, the running game inconsistent, and receivers battled injuries.
In 2025, with a healthier supporting cast and a second year in Pete Carmichael’s system, the expectation is clear: Derek Carr looks to spark the offense early and often.
🟢 Key Offensive Weapons for Derek Carr
WR Chris Olave
Emerging as a true WR1, Olave’s precise route-running and deep speed make him Carr’s go-to target. He finished with over 1,100 yards in 2024 and is poised for a Pro Bowl season.
WR Rashid Shaheed
The Saints’ most dynamic playmaker after the catch, Shaheed brings a speed element that stretches defenses and opens up underneath routes.
TE Juwan Johnson
A trusted red-zone option with chemistry with Carr. His size and athleticism create mismatches, especially in goal-to-go situations.
RB Alvin Kamara
Still versatile, still dangerous. Kamara’s ability to run, catch, and block makes him invaluable. Expect more two-back sets and screen designs to feature him heavily.
RB Kendre Miller
The physical complement to Kamara, Miller’s emergence as a downhill threat will allow the Saints to control tempo and wear down defenses.
🧠 Coaching Strategy: Pete Carmichael’s Mission in 2025
As the offensive coordinator, Pete Carmichael has taken heat for conservative play-calling. In 2025, he must innovate. That means:
- Utilizing tempo to keep defenses on their heels
- Expanding play-action usage
- Maximizing formations to get mismatches for Kamara and Olave
- Letting Carr take more vertical shots, especially off scripted plays
With the 🏈New Orleans Saints Defense First keeping games close, Carmichael doesn’t need a top-5 offense—just one that’s efficient, explosive when necessary, and mistake-free.
🔍 Schedule Overview: Key Games for the Saints in 2025
- Week 1 vs. Carolina Panthers – Division tone-setter
- Week 4 at Kansas City Chiefs – Carr vs. Mahomes spotlight
- Week 7 vs. Falcons – Classic NFC South defensive slugfest
- Week 10 at Buccaneers – Potential division decider
- Week 14 vs. 49ers – Defensive battle of the year
If the Saints win the games they should and steal a couple against top-tier opponents, a 10-7 or 11-6 finish is within reach.
📊 Advanced Metrics: Saints Offense vs Defense
| Metric | Defense | Offense |
|---|---|---|
| Points Allowed (2024) | 18.2 PPG | 21.1 PPG Scored |
| Yards Allowed | 305 YPG | 317 YPG |
| Takeaways | 26 | 16 Turnovers |
| Third Down % | 34.5% Allowed | 39.1% Converted |
| Red Zone % | 51% TD Allowed | 47% TD Scored |
What does this show? The defense consistently outperforms the offense. The challenge now is closing that gap—and that’s where Derek Carr’s improvement is vital.
🔮 Bold Predictions for the 2025 Saints
- Derek Carr throws for 4,100 yards and 28 touchdowns, cutting interceptions to under 8
- Chris Olave leads the NFC in receiving yards
- Demario Davis earns another All-Pro nod
- Saints finish top 3 in scoring defense
- New Orleans wins NFC South at 11-6
❓ FAQs
Q: Is Derek Carr still the starter for the Saints in 2025?
A: Yes. Carr remains QB1 and is expected to improve in his second year.
Q: Is the Saints defense elite?
A: Yes. The unit is ranked among the league’s best in nearly every category.
Q: Who is the Saints’ biggest offensive threat?
A: Chris Olave, followed closely by Alvin Kamara and Rashid Shaheed.
Q: Can the Saints make the playoffs?
A: Absolutely. With defensive consistency and offensive improvement, they’re a legitimate postseason team.
💭The Saints Must Find Balance
The 🏈New Orleans Saints Defense First formula is proven—it keeps games close, creates field position advantages, and gives the team a puncher’s chance every Sunday. But in the modern NFL, defense alone is rarely enough.
That’s where Derek Carr looks to spark the offense. If he can elevate his play, take more calculated risks, and lead game-winning drives, the Saints can go from good to dangerous.
2025 may not be about fireworks—but with the right balance, it could be about winning.