As the New Orleans Saints prepare to host the New York Jets this Sunday, the narrative in the Caesars Superdome should be one of clinical execution against a unit in freefall. On paper, the Jets’ defense still carries the ghosts of a once-elite unit. In reality, the Saints’ offense is staring at a hollow defensive group that has been destroyed by trades, injuries, and a mid-season coaching carousel.

If Kellen Moore and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough want to extend their winning streak to three, they should focus on being consistent and breaking down the Jets defense.  Here is what the Saints’ offense will encounter from this iteration of the "Gang Green" defense.

Earlier this year, the Jets’ front was a nightmare. But as we head into Week 16, that nightmare has turned into a nap. After trading away foundational pieces like Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner at the deadline, the Jets’ identity has evaporated.

Once thought to be the next great edge rusher, McDonald has struggled immensely as a primary option. Most of his sack production came in a two-game burst; outside of those flashes, he has been virtually invisible.

The Saints’ offensive line, which has stabilized recently, should have no trouble giving Tyler Shough a clean pocket. If Shough has time, his connection with Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson will carve up a secondary that no longer has its "Sauce" to rely on.

Recent opponents like the Jaguars didn't just beat the Jets; they embarrassed them with simple pre-snap motions and misdirections. The Jets’ defenders are currently playing "hesitant" football—thinking too much and reacting too late.

Expect Kellen Moore to use heavy shifts and "eye candy" to exploit the Jets’ lack of communication. If the Saints can get the Jets’ linebackers (like Jamien Sherwood) moving laterally, the lanes for a potential running yards will be massive.

Moore discussed the challenges posed by the Jets' defense and their defensive-minded interim head coach, Aaron Glenn. He specifically noted the Jets' defensive identity and the importance of being decisive against them.

"There's a lot of things the defense can do and there's a lot of different tools at your disposal... I think the value of pure progressions is it always gives you a starting point, always gives you a progression, and then allows you to go from there to the different things that you may want to utilize."

If you are a Saints fan looking for a reason to be optimistic, look at the takeaway stat. The 2025 Jets have been historically bad at forcing turnovers, ranking at the very bottom of the league. The Jets have gone multiple games this season without a single interception or fumble recovery.

For a rookie quarterback like Shough, who is still prone to the occasional "rookie mistake," this is the ultimate safety net. He can afford to be aggressive because this Jets secondary has shown no ability to capitalize on errant throws.

The Saints offense shouldn't fear the New York Jets, they should smell blood in the water. This is a Jets team with a 3-11 record that is 1-6 on the road and allowing nearly 25 points per away game.

The Saints have found a rhythm with their short-passing attack and superior third-down efficiency (over 66% in recent weeks). Against a Jets defense that pressures at a high rate but rarely finishes the job, New Orleans should find plenty of space in the middle of the field. Expect a heavy dose of Juwan Johnson early to exploit the Jets’ mid-tier TE coverage, followed by a clinical dismantling of a secondary that is simply overmatched.