With Alvin Kamara stalled and Atlanta boasting a top-ranked run defense, Tyler Shough must weaponize his prolific tight end duo to exploit the Falcons' vulnerable secondary on Monday.
The New Orleans Saints have a difficult offensive puzzle waiting for them Monday night. Atlanta owns the NFL’s top-ranked rushing defense, Travis Etienne Jr. is expected to miss time with a hamstring injury, and Alvin Kamara has averaged only 2.8 yards per carry. Fortunately, Tyler Shough may already have the solution standing in the middle of the formation.
Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant have combined for six touchdown receptions through three games, giving New Orleans one of the NFL’s most productive tight end pairings around the goal line.
Against an Atlanta defense that invites opponents to throw, the Saints should make those two a major part of the Week 4 plan.
The Touchdown Production Is Not a Fluke
Johnson has caught 15 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns this season. Fant has eight receptions for 66 yards and three scores.
That means six of their combined 23 catches have ended in the end zone.
The production exploded during Sunday’s 35-27 loss to Las Vegas. Johnson caught two touchdown passes, Fant caught two more and Shough finished with a career-high four scoring throws.
For some perspective, Saints tight ends recorded four touchdown receptions during the entire 2025 season. They matched that total in one afternoon against the Raiders and have already reached six this year.
That is more than a fun early-season statistic. It shows how Kellen Moore’s offense is creating favorable matchups in condensed areas, where the Saints struggled to consistently manufacture easy opportunities in recent seasons.
Johnson Has Become More Than a Red-Zone Target
Johnson’s early production deserves attention beyond his three touchdowns.
He ranks second on the Saints in both receptions and receiving yards, trailing only Chris Olave. Ten of Johnson’s 15 catches have produced first downs, and he is averaging 11.5 yards per reception.
That is not the profile of a player who disappears between the 20-yard lines.
Johnson can work the seams, settle into openings against zone coverage and use his 6-foot-4 frame against smaller defensive backs. His background as a college receiver remains noticeable in the way he moves and adjusts to the football.
He also has developed a real connection with Shough. Johnson has recorded four multi-touchdown games during his Saints career, and his previous two-score performance before Sunday also came against Atlanta in December 2022.
The fumble Johnson lost on New Orleans’ final possession against Las Vegas cannot be ignored. That was a costly mistake. It also should not erase the dependable production he provided throughout the game.
Fant Gives the Saints a Second Problem for Defenses
Fant’s statistics are unusual in the best possible way: eight catches, three touchdowns.
All three scores have come inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, where Fant has caught every pass thrown in his direction.
Fant does not need 10 targets to affect a game. His speed and athleticism make him dangerous when defenses focus on Olave outside and Johnson underneath.
That is the beauty of using both tight ends together.
If Atlanta responds with bigger personnel, New Orleans can spread the formation and attack slower linebackers. If the Falcons keep additional defensive backs on the field, the Saints can run at lighter boxes or use Johnson’s size in the middle.
This is analysis, not a confirmed game plan, but it is the matchup I would press until Atlanta proves it can stop it.
Atlanta’s Defensive Rankings Point Toward the Pass
The Falcons are allowing 63 rushing yards per game, the best mark in the NFL through three weeks. Their pass defense, however, ranks 29th at 263 yards allowed per game.
That does not mean Moore should abandon the run entirely. It means the Saints should avoid stubbornly wasting early downs against Atlanta’s greatest defensive strength.
Quick throws to Johnson and Fant can function like runs. They keep Shough in rhythm, reduce pressure on the offensive line and create manageable third downs.
They also make life harder for defenders trying to provide additional attention to Olave, who has already produced 375 receiving yards.
My Two Pennies
I don't think the Saints’ offense needs to become complicated Monday night.
Atlanta stops the run extremely well and struggles against the pass. New Orleans throws the ball better than it runs it. Johnson and Fant have combined for six touchdowns, while Olave continues pulling coverage toward the outside.
Follow the evidence. Execute the slant plays to the tight ends.
Use two-tight-end formations. Move Johnson into the slot. Let Fant attack linebackers and safeties. Force Atlanta to decide whether it wants to protect the middle or continue shading coverage toward Olave.
The Saints and Falcons kick off Monday, Oct. 5, at 7:15 p.m. CT in Caesars Superdome. Both teams are 1-2, and New Orleans can remain tied for first place in the NFC South with a victory.
If the Saints want their first home win of 2026, their tight ends may provide the shortest path to it.
