Is The Saints Defense Ahead Of The Offense In Training Camp So Far?

Tracking training camp progress is an interesting process. Yes, you want to see crisp play on both sides of the ball, but realistically it will take time for either side to click and during certain drills, the scales are tipped to one unit over the other. 

Without pads on, it is hard to judge certain position groups, and one-on-one drills between receivers and the secondary are an advantage for the offense. Three days into training camp for the New Orleans Saints, the defense has gotten the better of the offense, according to reports. 

Luke Johnson of NOLA.com details what has been seen at training camp.

"Three days into camp, the Saints offense is looking for a decisive win against a defense that features many of the same players from last year. There were moments — such as Tyler Shough’s brilliant anticipation throw to one of his new weapons, tight end Noah Fant, on a skinny post in 7-on-7 drills. But for the most part, the defense is having its way.

That continued to be true even as Olave made his way back into the fold Friday. The star receiver saw just one target in either team or 7-on-7 periods, a deep shot toward the back left corner of the end zone that he wasn’t able to haul in."

There isn't any cause for concern or alarm, but the Saints defense is picking up where it left off in 2025. During the install period, things are going to be clunky. The Saints offense will be fine and get rolling.

Johnson continued about training camp.

"Shough completed six of 12 throws Friday. One of those was a bad drop by Juwan Johnson, who has otherwise been the most dependable target through three days (Johnson has caught his other five targets in camp). One of them was a nice breakup by Quincy Riley on an on-target pass to Vele. Yet another was on a well-placed throw into double coverage for Vele on a deep post.

At some point, the offense will begin to find its stride — it is too talented, and the quarterback and play-caller are on the same page — but at this point the defense is still ahead."

Let's wait for the pads to pop and it'll be easier to evaluate both sides of the ball.