The New Orleans Saints have had trouble with their run defense in the past against the Philadelphia Eagles, most notably in their 2020 matchup when both Miles Sanders and Jalen Hurts each surpassed 100 rushing yards. However, the Saints defensive line has been revamped since then, and while the run defense was exceptional back then in most games, it has been similarly effective in more recent years as well.
Entering Week 3 of the 2024 season, the Saints rank second-best in rushing yards allowed, giving up only 126 on 41 attempts. They also rank second in yards per carry allowed at 3.1, tied for third in rushing touchdowns allowed with one, and fourth place in rushing first down percentage allowed at 17.1%. Cameron Jordan has remained a stout run defender, but they’ve also invested in guys like Bryan Bresee and Nathan Shepherd. The secondary is tackling better, too, with Alontae Taylor developing into a sure thing in the open field.
However, it is worth noting that they faced two running back groups which are not necessarily known for their effectiveness, as well as two quarterbacks who are not anywhere as mobile as Jalen Hurts. Having to deal with mobile quarterbacks has been an issue for the Saints in the past, primarily because they employ a 4-2-6 defense, which means they have one less linebacker on the field at times to run as a spy. We’ll see if that approach changes with Willie Gay Jr. chomping at the bit for more reps, having been brought in specifically to defend agile passers.
Hurts has played two games against the Saints, and while he has never hit 200 yards passing in either of those games, he has averaged 87.5 rushing yards in those games at 4.9 yards per carry. He also had three touchdown runs in his most recent game against the Saints back in 2021.
Saquon Barkley is a little more interesting, as his history against New Orleans is not exceptional, in three games he averaged 36.7 rushing yards (3.4 yards per carry) with only one rushing touchdown, and a single receiving touchdown. He did well as a receiver, averaging 51.0 receiving yards per game against the Saints and 11.8 yards per reception. His most recent appearance against them came last season, where he had just 9 carries for 14 yards and 2 receptions for 23 yards.
This will no doubt be the biggest test of the Saints’ run defense yet this season, as having to deal with multiple facets of the rushing attack is always difficult to figure out.
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