Saints Major Weakness Revealed in 45-24 Loss to Atlanta Falcons

The New Orleans Saints have a Bijan Robinson problem. That much was evident on Monday night as the Atlanta running back ran all over the New Orleans defense.

Robinson running all over the Saints may not have come as a surprise, but the lingering questions from the game were certainly unforeseen. The Saints run defense is as vulnerable as their pass defense was against Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.

Whether or not it's as simple as linebackers not being good enough is still to be seen, but getting beat by a running back the week after a tight end certainly raises questions about the source of the problem.

Athlon Sports' Neal Coolong discussed the Saints' folding run defense in the big game. Here's what Coolong had to say about the defensive collapse on the Monday night stage.

"Bijan Robinson ran 59 yards for a touchdown on Atlanta's third snap, the Falcons scored six more times after that, and the Saints lost 45-24 on a night built around the Superdome's reopening 20 years ago. It was 14-0 after one quarter and 24-7 at halftime, and New Orleans never led. Fans booed at times, and many left after Jahan Dotson's fourth-quarter touchdown.

Atlanta ran 35 times for 205 yards and five touchdowns. Robinson had 145 yards and two scores, and Brian Robinson Jr. scored three times. The pair averaged 3.7 yards before contact and broke 11 tackles, according to ESPN Research.

New Orleans ranks last in the NFL in points allowed at 32 per game and 30th against the run at 147.8 yards per game. It played without linebacker Kaden Elliss and edge rushers Carl Granderson and Anfernee Jennings, but this was the second time in four games an opponent topped 160 rushing yards. Opponents are averaging more than 5 yards per carry against the Saints this season."

So, what's the Saints' biggest weakness on the defensive side? That's something the team will need to figure out.

Last week, we noticed that top tight ends get the better of the Saints and now a top running back did the same. When Bijan was getting a break from running past the New Orleans, Brian Robinson came in and added more in the running game.

For whatever reason, this New Orleans team is not the same on defense as last year's squad. They will need to improve to right the ship and get back in the NFC South division race.