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Saints defense fatal flaw isn’t stopping the run (it’s actually much worse)

The New Orleans Saints defense allowed the loss last Sunday to be much closer than some may think. By the end, they were just too exhausted to hold the line.

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 10:13 PM
Saints defense fatal flaw isn’t stopping the run (it’s actually much worse)
Key Things to Know
  • Molly Bauer argues that late-game exhaustion, not run defense, is the New Orleans Saints' fatal flaw.
  • The Saints defense spent over 32 minutes on the field during their 16-10 loss to Pittsburgh.
  • Aaron Rodgers secured Pittsburgh's victory with a critical eight-yard third-down scramble with 2:46 remaining.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Molly Bauer writes that the New Orleans Saints' primary defensive weakness is late-game exhaustion rather than stopping the run. In their 16-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the defense held the opponent to one touchdown but wore down after being on the field for over 32 minutes. A crucial third-down scramble by Aaron Rodgers sealed the defeat with under three minutes remaining.

Team captain Kaden Elliss noted that the defense must create more takeaways and three-and-outs to assist the struggling offense. Bauer highlights that late collapses have troubled the Brandon Staley-led unit throughout the season, including earlier failures against the Giants and Raiders.

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