Gang Green Nation
The New Orleans Saints have beaten the Jets on four out of the last five matchups between the teams, including their last meeting, which was a forgettable 30-9 win against a rookie Zach Wilson. Right now, though, both teams are out of contention and looking ahead to the draft.
Let’s break down the Saints roster, going position-by-position:
Quarterbacks
The Saints began the year with Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback, after the veteran Derek Carr was forced into retirement by a shoulder injury in May. Rattler won just one of his eight starts before being replaced by second round rookie Tyler Shough.
Through six games, Shough’s numbers are remarkably similar to those of Rattler, but he’s looked composed and found a way to win three games, all against divisional opponents. He hasn’t been much of a big play threat, though, as his last 20-yard completion was on November 9th.
Taysom Hill is listed as the third string quarterback but is still used in a utility role. He’s thrown five passes, caught four and carried the ball 37 times this year.
Offensive Line
Much like the Jets, New Orleans’ offensive line is bookended by a couple of first round picks from the 2024 and 2025 drafts. Left tackle Kelvin Banks was the ninth overall pick in April and right tackle Taliese Fuaga was their first rounder last year.
Banks is the only offensive lineman to start every game so far this season but does lead the team with 10 penalties. Asim Richards has started four games in place of Fuaga, albeit that he is yet to start in consecutive weeks and is ruled out on Sunday.
With Will Clapp suffering a season-ending injury in preseason, pro bowler Erik McCoy replaced him at center, but he’s also on injured reserve now, so Luke Fortner has taken over. Fortner was acquired in a trade for current Jets defensive tackle Khalen Saunders in preseason.
Dillon Radunz is starting at left guard, although he missed several games with a toe injury. When he returned, the Saints traded his replacement, Trevor Penning, to the Chargers.
Cesar Ruiz is the starting right guard but he’s been ruled out of Sunday’s game. Undrafted rookie Torricelli Simpkins III, who has started one game at each guard spot, will probably fill in for him.
Another undrafted rookie, Xavier Truss, is also on the bench, but he hasn’t played yet. Will Sherman has played, but less than 50 snaps.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara is still the Saints’ best running back but he hasn’t been to a pro bowl since 2021 and is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry this year. He’s also given up six sacks in pass protection.
Kamara has been ruled out of Sunday’s game and sixth round rookie Devin Neal just went onto injured reserve so Audric Estimé and Evan Hull should handle the workload on Sunday. The pair have just 104 rushing yards between them on 47 carries this season.
Pass catchers
The Saints have some decent...
