Saints passing game has critical showdown with Vikings defense
· Yahoo Sports
After being crushed at home on Monday night, the New Orleans Saints play their third straight game in the Superdome on Sunday when they face the Minnesota Vikings. The 1-3 Saints have lost their first two home games and are looking to get right against a surprising 4-0 Vikings squad. New Orleans has been carried by their passing attack, which has pulled them to nearly two other victories. The Saints now square off against a Minnesota defense that's been one of the league's best. Here's how that passing game matches up against Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings pass defense
- 194.8 yards per game (7th)
- 51.2% completion percentage
- 3 touchdowns (1st)
- 4 interceptions (4th)
- 16 sacks
- 40 QB hits
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores typically has one of the NFL's most aggressive, physical, and disciplined units. His 2026 defense in Minnesota, his fourth season with the team, has been no exception. Since surrendering 387 passing yards to Green Bay's Jordan Love in the opener, the Vikings have allowed an average of 165 yards to opposing quarterbacks in the three games since. Not a single pass catcher has as many as 65 yards against them in that three-game span, with Minnesota recording an eye-popping 16 sacks and 40 QB hits over their four outings.
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Isaiah Rodgers, Byron Murphy Jr., and James Pierre are an underrated trio of physical cornerbacks. The three have combined for 9 pass breakups and have an interception apiece. Safeties Josh Metellus and Harrison Smith are veterans active all over the field. Metellus is second on the team in tackles, while Smith has 39 interceptions over his accomplished 15-year career.
At linebacker, Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, Ivan Pace Jr., and Andrew Van Ginkle won't dazzle athletically. However, they are very efficient in zone responsibilities and add to the team's pass rush. Van Ginkle (1 interception) plays more often on the edge, where he has 3 sacks and 7 QB hits. From their inside spots, Cashman and Wilson have a combined 4 sacks and 10 QB hits.
Minnesota doesn't get a ton of pressure from their down linemen, but the group does a nice job of pushing the pass pocket and tying up blockers. This often causes one-on-one situations on the edge or leaves open lanes for blitzers. The Vikings defensive star so far has been third-year edge Dallas Turner. A first round choice in the 2024 NFL Draft, Turner had a breakout year in 2025. He's off to a torrid start in 2026 with 5.5 sacks, 14 QB hits, and 22 pressures so far.
New Orleans Saints passing attack
- 278.5 yards per game (4th)
- 67.2% completion percentage
- 9 touchdowns (4th)
- 3 interceptions (16th)
- 12 sacks
Second-year quarterback Tyler Shough has had some issues with turnovers, but otherwise has shown every trait necessary in a franchise signal caller. Shough has the arm strength and accuracy to hit every spot on the field, along with underrated mobility to escape the rush. Perhaps most impressive has been his poise, especially when coming from behind or in the face of a constant rush thanks to lack of balance and pass protection.
Asim Richards has replaced the injured Kelvin Banks Jr. at left tackle and has for some inexplicable reason often been left on an island. The results have been predictable, with rushers pouring in from the outside and between Richards and left guard David Edwards. Center Erik McCoy and guard Cesar Ruiz have also handled interior protection assignments poorly. Perhaps the most perplexing is the decline of 2024 first round choice Taliese Fuaga at right tackle.
Shough has a remarkable chemistry with wideouts Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele, and tight end Juwan Johnson. Olave is among the league leaders with 35 receptions and 491 yards on 48 targets. Vele and Johnson have 21 catches each, with Vele going for 226 yards and Johnson 232. This trio has accounted for 64% of Shough's completions and an incredible 82% of the Saints receiving first downs.
Alvin Kamara has continued to be involved in the passing game, but has only 47 yards with his 11 receptions. The offense continues to try and break out rookie wideout Bryce Lance, but only has 5 catches on his 13 targets for 57 yards. It feels like only a matter of time before Lance has a big game. Tight ends Noah Fant and Oscar Delp are also capable of making key plays for Shough. Fant, who missed Monday's game, is tied with Johnson as the team leader with 3 scores.
Without any running game whatsoever, the Saints will continue to rely on Shough and his pass catchers against the Vikings. The quarterback needs to get far better protection from his line against a fearsome Minnesota pass rush. If routes are not allowed the time to develop down the field, then Vikings coverage will sit on the underneath throws. Shough and the receivers will make plays, but for any true success the quarterback must be allowed to hit downfield throws.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints passing game has critical showdown with Vikings defense