Why the Saints Must Fix Their Third Down Defense
Through the first two weeks of the season, the New Orleans Saints have found themselves in a troubling situation that has cost them both games. Facing the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers, the Saints had opportunities to swing momentum but consistently faltered on third downs. Their inability to get off the field, particularly in third and long situations, has been arguably the main reason behind their 0-2 start. While the defense has shown flashes of strength on first and second down, those efforts have been erased by breakdowns when it mattered most. This weakness is becoming the defining storyline of the Saints' early struggles.
The statistics paint a clear picture: no team has given up more third-and-long conversions in the league over the first two weeks. That is a staggering problem for a defense that has otherwise forced opponents into difficult positions early in drives. It's encouraging to see the front seven and secondary tighten up initially, but all of that progress is wasted if the opposing offense can still move the chains on third and nine or longer. Additionally, the Saints have committed some costly penalties on third downs, which need to stop. Each time the Saints allow these conversions, the opposing offense extends drives, controls time of possession, and ultimately wears down the defense. Until they correct this flaw, victories will remain out of reach.
One contributing factor is the team's transition into a new defensive scheme. The Saints have leaned more heavily on zone coverages this season, and that adjustment is proving difficult for some of their younger players. Zone defense requires communication, discipline, and anticipation; however, the execution has been inconsistent right now. Too often, opposing quarterbacks are finding receivers slipping through the middle of the field, unchallenged on third downs. This schematic change is not inherently flawed, but it is leaving the team vulnerable as they work through the growing pains.
Compounding the problem is the confidence opposing teams now carry into third-down situations. When the Cardinals and 49ers converted repeatedly, it didn't just keep drives alive—it sent a message that the Saints' defense could be exploited at its weakest point. That perception can change the way future opponents attack New Orleans, making third downs a targeted weakness. The longer this continues, the more pressure it puts on the Saints' offense to score on every possession, which is not a sustainable formula. A defense that forces third-and-long situations but cannot close out plays is bound to struggle. This is why third-down defense must be addressed immediately.
In conclusion, the Saints have too much talent to let third-down inefficiency define their season. Their early losses to Arizona and San Francisco were preventable if their defense had simply finished more effectively. Improving in this area will not only swing field position but also restore confidence to the unit as a whole. The good news is that much of the problem stems from communication and familiarity issues with the new scheme, which can be corrected over time and with discipline. If the Saints want to avoid falling further behind, fixing third-down defense has to become their top priority moving forward.
