The New Orleans Saints have used play-action on just 12.3% of their offensive snaps this season, a rate Locked On Saints host Ross Jackson said ranks third-lowest in the NFL. Jackson’s point was direct: Head coach Kellen Moore cannot cite a lack of opportunities for concepts that he controls as the team’s play caller.
Jackson argued that Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive pressure plan created precisely the circumstances in which New Orleans could have turned to screens and play-action. Instead, the Saints struggled to create explosive offense in a 23-13 loss, putting more attention on Moore’s answers before Sunday’s road game against the New York Giants.
According to Jackson, who cited Pro Football Focus, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has been effective when Moore has called play-action. Jackson cited a 121.6 passer rating, a 71.4% completion rate and three touchdowns without an interception on those attempts. The disconnect, in Jackson’s view, is that the offense has not leaned into an approach that has produced efficient results for its quarterback.
Jackson said game script did not prevent Moore from using the concept against Minnesota. Those situations, Jackson argued, gave the offense enough credible run looks to build play-action calls into subsequent series.
The pass protection offered a measure of encouragement despite the loss. Jackson said Minnesota blitzed on 61% of dropbacks, including 90.9% in the first half, while its 46.2% pressure rate marked its second-lowest result of the season. New Orleans protected Shough well enough to complete 11 of 16 passes against the blitz, but those completions generated only 68 yards.
That contrast is central to the Saints’ next test. Jackson said the protection plan gave the offense a foundation against a high-pressure opponent, but the unit did not have enough answers for the coverage behind the rush. Moore now has a chance against New York to show that the Saints can build on their protection and create easier gains before another early deficit forces the offense out of structure.
Saints News and Notes
– Jackson credited the offensive line for holding up against Flores’ blitz package. He said the Saints surrendered four quarterback hits, their second-fewest in a game this season, even as Minnesota repeatedly added rushers.
– Jackson said running backs CJ Donaldson and Kendre Miller received added work because the Saints trusted them in pass protection against Minnesota’s pressure. Alvin Kamara’s reduced role, Jackson suggested, reflected that matchup-specific blocking requirement.
