NEW ORLEANS (KATC) — Since 2006 no NFL team has recorded more yards and given up more yards than the New Orleans Saints. That fact hangs as true as ever in 2018.
The Saints rank 30th in total defense and pass defense. New Orleans is allowing 34.3 points-per-game, which ranks last in the league. The lone bright spot on the Saints defense has been their ability to stop the run. New Orleans ranks sixth in the NFL.
For as bad as the defense has been, the Saints’ offense has been just the opposite – as usual. Drew Brees remains ageless. New Orleans ranks fourth in offense, third in passing and second in scoring. Sunday’s matchup can be expected to be a shootout of sorts with the Giants who’s stars Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr. are both top five players at their positions. Beckham ranks fourth (24) in the league in receptions, 11th in yards, while the rookie Barkley ranks seventh in rushing, and seventh in total yards from scrimmage in the league.
Sunday, New Orleans will be working without defensive back Patrick Peterson who’s broken ankle will sideline him for the rest of the season. New Orleans has given up six passing plays of more than 45-yards, a number twice the next team down the list.
“We just have to be able to limit these big plays we’ve been giving up these last few weeks,” said safety Kurt Coleman. “But the hope is we can get it done. And I believe that we can get it done. We just have to be able to continue to bunker in, keep our head down, study a little bit harder watch a little more film and practice harder.”