The New Orleans Saints, sitting at 4-10, close out their 2025 home slate today as they host the 3-11 New York Jets inside the Superdome. For a team that’s been through its share of turbulence this season, the Saints are suddenly knocking on the door of something they haven’t done in three years-win three straight.
The last time that happened? Weeks 15 through 17 of the 2022 season.
Now they’ll try to recreate that magic against a Jets squad that’s been reeling, outscored 82-30 over their last two games and giving up over 31 points per contest in their last five.
Let’s break down the matchup that could decide this one: the Saints’ evolving passing game, led by rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, against a Jets defense that’s been stingy through the air-at least on the surface.
Jets Pass Defense: Solid Stats, But Cracks Beneath the Surface
At first glance, the Jets' pass defense looks respectable. They're allowing just over 200 yards per game through the air, good for 12th in the league.
Completion percentage allowed sits at 63%, and they've given up only one 300-yard passer all season. But dig a little deeper, and the issues start to show.
Despite the yardage numbers, the Jets have surrendered 25 passing touchdowns-ranking near the bottom of the league. Even more glaring?
They haven’t recorded a single interception all year. Zero.
That’s not just a stat; it’s a red flag.
The pass rush hasn’t helped. Will McDonald IV has been a bright spot off the edge, tallying 7 sacks and 17 QB hits.
But beyond him, there’s a drop-off. Jermaine Johnson has just 3 sacks and 12 pressures, and interior pressure has been largely left to Jowon Briggs, who has chipped in with 3 sacks and 10 pressures of his own.
Linebacker Quincy Williams continues to be the glue holding this unit together. He’s been versatile, disruptive, and effective in both coverage and the blitz game. Jamien Sherwood has also stood out in coverage, breaking up eight passes and helping limit production from tight ends and backs.
But the secondary? That’s where things get dicey.
Rookie corner Azareye’h Thomas had been a revelation, but his injury two weeks ago forced the Jets to lean on inexperienced players like Qwan’tez Stiggers and Ja’Sir Taylor. Brandon Stephens has been steady, leading the team with nine pass breakups, but he’s also allowing a 69% completion rate when targeted.
That’s a tough number to overcome.
Safety play has taken a hit too. Malachi Moore brings physicality, but his coverage range is limited. Keidron Smith is now starting alongside him due to a rash of injuries, and quarterbacks have started to find success attacking the deep third of the field.
Saints Passing Game: A New Look with Tyler Shough
The Saints rank 20th in passing offense, averaging just over 203 yards per game. But those numbers have been trending up since rookie Tyler Shough took the reins from Spencer Rattler. Under Shough, the Saints are averaging 226 passing yards per game, and more importantly, they’re finding ways to stretch the field and convert in long-yardage situations.
Shough has shown impressive poise for a rookie. He’s handling pressure well, using his mobility to escape the rush and still deliver accurate throws. That’s been crucial behind an offensive line that’s given up 40 sacks this season-and still dealing with injuries, including starting guard Cesar Ruiz.
Chris Olave remains the go-to weapon. With 82 catches for 896 yards and six touchdowns, he’s been the most consistent threat in the Saints' offense.
The next step for Olave? Making more of those tough, high-leverage plays in key moments.
He’ll need to be at his best today, especially with Devaughn Vele-Shough’s most trusted target in recent weeks-out for the season with a shoulder injury.
That leaves the Saints looking for production from Mason Tipton and Kevin Austin. Tipton’s been more of a special teams contributor, with just seven catches on the year. Austin made a few clutch grabs last week against Carolina, but he’s still largely unproven with only three receptions on the season.
Tight end Juwan Johnson could be the X-factor. He’s second on the team in targets (84), catches (62), yards (664), and touchdowns (3).
With limited depth at receiver, Johnson’s role as a reliable middle-of-the-field option becomes even more critical. Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau could also see some short-yardage targets, while rookie back Audric Estime might get involved in the passing game.
Estime has flashed some wiggle in space and could be a useful safety valve for Shough.
Trench Battle: Can the Saints Hold Up in Protection?
This game may ultimately be decided in the trenches. The Saints' offensive line has been inconsistent, and with Ruiz sidelined, the interior trio of Luke Fortner, Dillon Radunz, and the rotating guards need to hold up better against a Jets front that, while not dominant, still brings athleticism off the edge.
Tackles Kelvin Banks and Taliese Fuaga have had their ups and downs, but they’ve generally done a solid job keeping Shough upright on the outside. The concern is up the middle, where pressure can force Shough into quick decisions-and with so many inexperienced targets on the field, that’s a dangerous recipe.
Shough’s Moment?
Last week’s win over Carolina showed exactly why the Saints are excited about Shough’s future. Missing Vele, Devin Neal, and Alvin Kamara in crunch time, Shough went 9-of-11 for 127 yards on the final two drives. He led a 78-yard touchdown march and a 44-yard drive for the game-winning field goal-all in the final five minutes.
Today, he faces a similar challenge. No Vele.
No Kamara. And a Jets defense that, while flawed, still has enough talent to make life difficult.
If the Saints are going to close out their home slate with a win and keep this late-season surge alive, they’ll need another composed, efficient performance from their rookie quarterback-and some timely plays from Olave and Johnson.
The Saints haven’t won three in a row since 2022. If Shough can deliver again, that drought might finally come to an end.