Despite offensive struggles, defensive stars like Chase Young and Demario Davis shone, earning top PFF grades and showcasing a glimmer of hope.
The New Orleans Saints showed great promise on one side of the ball in Week 8, despite a lopsided loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The offense floundered with just 275 total yards and no touchdowns: its worst performance of 2025. The defense, on the other hand, flourished. The Saints allowed just 212 total yards to a Tampa Bay team averaging 339 yards per game through Week 7. Many New Orleans defenders posted season-best PFF grades. Here are the top defensive performers from the matchup, via Pro Football Focus:
Chase Young, Edge Rusher, 92.3 Pass Rush
Young continues to bring a much-needed pass rush presence since returning from injury in Week 6. He has earned a PFF Defense Grade of 85+ in each of his three games played, including leading the team in this one. He racked up 1.5 sacks, forced and recovered a fumble, and was effective as a run defender. Young may finally be living up to his draft prowess as the type of pass rusher capable of taking over a game and carrying the team to victory on his back.
Justin Reid, Safety, 82.1 Overall Grade
Reid was an all-around playmaker in Week 8, playing valuable defense at every level. He played tight coverage, allowing just four receiving yards as the closest defender. He recorded three defensive stops in the run game and delivered a sack on a safety blitz. Justin Reid earned his best grade of the season in each of the following categories:
Overall: 82.3
Coverage: 77.2
Tackling: 80.1
Pass Rush: 79.3
Jonathan Bullard, Defensive Tackle, 81.6 Run Defense
Bullard was a force in the run game against Tampa Bay, perhaps taking notes from the game-wrecking Vita Vea on the other sideline. Bullard registered two defensive stops in what was his best defensive performance of 2025. He played a season-high number of snaps while earning a season-high PFF Overall Grade of 73.0. The Buccaneers rushed for just 88 yards, averaging three yards per carry.
Demario Davis, Linebacker, 90.9 Run Defense
The veteran linebacker led New Orleans’ defenders in run defense in Week 8 with a 90.9 PFF Run Defense Grade, his highest since Week 1. He was credited with five defensive stops, which also led the team; it was his third game this season with at least five stops. The 36-year-old Demario Davis may not be as quick as he was ten years ago, but he continues to be a leader on the field and a staple in the run game.