Get ready, Saints fans! The 2025 season promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with a schedule packed with thrilling matchups and can’t-miss events. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable year of Saints football as we embark on a journey that will test our limits and ignite our passion.
The Saints will kick off their season with a highly anticipated home opener against the bitter rivals, the Atlanta Falcons. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome will be electric as the Saints look to set the tone for the season with a resounding victory. Following the season opener, the Saints will embark on a challenging road trip to face the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams. This will be a true test of the Saints’ mettle, as they aim to prove that they can compete with the league’s elite.
As the season progresses, the Saints will face a gauntlet of formidable opponents, including the NFC South’s Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Divisional matchups are always intense, and these games will be no exception. The Saints will also have the opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage with primetime matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers. These games will provide a chance for the Saints to make a statement and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. Get ready, Saints fans, because the 2025 season is shaping up to be one for the ages!
Quarterback Quandary: Brees’ Retirement & Winston’s Emergence
Drew Brees’ Retirement
After an illustrious 20-season career, Drew Brees announced his retirement in 2021, leaving a gaping hole at the quarterback position for the Saints.
Taysom Hill’s Experiment
The Saints briefly experimented with Taysom Hill as their starting quarterback in 2021, but his injury-prone nature and limitations as a passer made this a short-lived experiment.
Jameis Winston’s Signing
In 2022, the Saints signed former Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston on a one-year deal. Winston’s dynamic arm talent and mobility brought a new dimension to the Saints’ offense.
Winston’s Breakthrough Season
Winston had a breakout season in 2022, passing for over 5,000 yards and 39 touchdowns with a passer rating of 102.8. He led the Saints to a 12-5 record and a playoff berth.
Long-Term Future at Quarterback
The Saints are faced with a decision in 2023: whether to sign Winston to a long-term contract or explore other options at the quarterback position. Draft prospects like Bryce Young and CJ Stroud could be potential targets should the Saints let Winston walk.
Winston’s Impressive Stats
In his 2022 season with the Saints, Jameis Winston put up impressive numbers:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Passing yards | 5,175 |
| Touchdowns | 39 |
| Passer rating | 102.8 |
| Interceptions | 15 |
Defense Delivers: Saints Reign as a Defensive Force
Anchored by Stars
At the heart of the defense, Demario Davis continues to lead as the defensive signal-caller, orchestrating the unit with his infectious energy and impeccable instincts. Marshon Lattimore, the 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year, remains a lockdown corner, shutting down opposing wideouts with elite coverage skills.
Unleashing the Sack Attack
The Saints’ pass rush has been relentless, led by Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport. Jordan, a perennial Pro Bowler, continues to terrorize quarterbacks with his explosive first step and relentless motor. Davenport, entering his fifth season, has emerged as a force with his combination of speed and power.
Safety Net of Success
Marcus Williams and Tyrann Mathieu form a dynamic safety duo. Williams, a ball hawk with exceptional range, has a knack for making game-changing interceptions. Mathieu, the “Honey Badger,” brings versatility and a physical presence to the secondary.
Elite Linebacking Corps
Kaden Ellis and Kwon Alexander have been instrumental in the Saints’ defensive success. Ellis, a hard-hitting linebacker, excels at stopping the run and applying pressure on the quarterback. Alexander, known for his speed and athleticism, covers ground quickly and disrupts opposing offenses.
Versatile Depth
The Saints’ defense boasts a deep and talented bench. Players like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Paulson Adebo, and Pete Werner provide quality depth and can step up in crucial moments.
Dominating Defense: A Statistical Showcase
The Saints’ dominance on defense is evident in the numbers. In 2024, they led the NFL in sacks (65), takeaways (35), and red zone efficiency (56.1%).
| Statistic | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|
| Sacks | 1st |
| Takeaways | 1st |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 1st |
Special Teams Success: Saints’ Punt and Return Units Shine
Elite Punting
Blake Gillikin continued his exceptional form as the Saints’ punter, leading the NFL in net average (43.2 yards) and ranking among the top ten in gross average (49.4 yards) and inside-the-20 percentage (42.9%). Gillikin’s consistent and field-flipping punts proved invaluable for the Saints, pinning opponents deep in their territory and often leading to turnovers on downs.
Thrilling Return Game
The Saints’ return game was equally impressive, led by versatile return specialist Deonte Harris. Harris ranked among the league leaders in both punt return average (11.5 yards) and kickoff return average (27.3 yards), showcasing his explosive playmaking ability. His electrifying returns provided the Saints with consistent field position and set up the offense for success.
Individual Standouts
In addition to Gillikin and Harris, several other players contributed to the special teams’ success. J.T. Gray, an undrafted rookie, emerged as a reliable gunner, while safety CJ Gardner-Johnson displayed his versatility as a crucial member of the punt and kickoff coverage units. These individual contributions played a vital role in the Saints’ overall special teams dominance.
Consistency and Execution
The Saints’ special teams units demonstrated remarkable consistency and execution throughout the season. They ranked among the top five in several key metrics, including net punting average, punt return average, and kickoff coverage. This consistent performance played a significant role in the team’s overall success, often providing the edge in field position and momentum.
Number 8’s Impact
Wide receiver and return specialist Marquez Callaway made a significant impact on the Saints’ special teams, primarily as a punt returner. Callaway’s explosiveness and agility made him a dangerous threat to opposing defenses. In 10 games as a punt returner, Callaway averaged an impressive 13.7 yards per return, including a crucial 78-yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11. Callaway’s ability to create big plays on special teams further enhanced the Saints’ versatility and overall effectiveness.
| Player | Punt Ret Avg | Kickoff Ret Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Deonte Harris | 11.5 | 27.3 |
| Marquez Callaway | 13.7 | – |
The New Orleans Saints’ 2025 Schedule: A Look Ahead
The New Orleans Saints are set to release their 2025 schedule later this year, but fans are already eagerly anticipating what the team will have in store for them next season. With a number of key players returning from injury and a promising young quarterback in Ian Book, the Saints are hoping to make a run at the playoffs in 2025.
The Saints’ schedule will be released in three stages. The first eight games will be announced in April, with the remaining eight games to be announced in June and the final two games to be announced in August. The Saints will play eight home games and eight away games in 2025, with their home games being played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The Saints’ 2025 schedule is expected to be challenging, with the team facing a number of tough opponents. The Saints will play six games against teams that made the playoffs in 2024, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons.
The Saints will also play a number of games against teams that are expected to be competitive in 2025, including the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Green Bay Packers. The Saints will need to be at their best in order to compete with these teams and make a run at the playoffs.
People Also Ask:
When will the New Orleans Saints’ 2025 schedule be released?
The New Orleans Saints’ 2025 schedule will be released in three stages. The first eight games will be announced in April, with the remaining eight games to be announced in June and the final two games to be announced in August.
How many home games will the New Orleans Saints play in 2025?
The Saints will play eight home games and eight away games in 2025, with their home games being played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Who are the New Orleans Saints’ toughest opponents in 2025?
The Saints will play six games against teams that made the playoffs in 2024, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons. The Saints will also play a number of games against teams that are expected to be competitive in 2025, including the Los Angeles Rams, 49ers, and Green Bay Packers.
