FalconsNew Orleans Saints: the NFC South after Week 7
The Saints lost 16-10 to Pittsburgh at Stade de France in Paris on October 25 and fell to 2-5. They trailed 13-10 at halftime and did not score after the break, and the team's own recap says Pittsburgh won on its running game and third-down success.
New Orleans Saints2-5
How they play
Kellen Moore's offense is built on balance, mixing man and zone runs with pre-snap motion and multiple tight end sets. Against Pittsburgh the offense produced ten points, all in the first half, with Tyler Shough finding Devaughn Vele on a fourth-down touchdown.
Strengths
- Pass rush, with Chase Young at seven sacks this season
- Special teams, with a 42-yard kick return by Barion Brown
- Fourth-down aggression, with a Vele touchdown and an Olave conversion
Weaknesses
- Second-half offense, with no points after halftime
- Third-down defense, which the Saints' recap says Pittsburgh won
- Stopping the run against Pittsburgh's ground game
Key players
Threw a 1-yard fourth-down touchdown to Vele and a 49-yard pass to Brown.
Sacked Aaron Rodgers against Pittsburgh and has seven sacks this season.
Made a 12-yard fourth-down catch to keep a drive alive.
Caught Shough's 1-yard fourth-down touchdown.
Returned a kick 42 yards and caught a 49-yard pass.
Saints injury report
Injury watch
As of October 27, the Saints' Week 7 game page on NewOrleansSaints.com includes no injury details from the loss to Pittsburgh. New Orleans plays next in Week 9 against Cleveland on November 8.
| Player | Pos | Status | Injury | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cesar Ruiz | G | Questionable | Knee | Oct 27 |
| CJ Donaldson | RB | Questionable | Shoulder | Oct 25 |
| Justin Reid | S | Questionable | Concussion | Oct 25 |
| Nathan Shepherd | DT | Questionable | Illness | Oct 27 |
| Jordyn Tyson | WR | Injured Reserve | Hamstring | Oct 21 |
Saints vs Buccaneers in 2026
The Bucs angle
New Orleans is 2-5, level with Tampa Bay, and plays Cleveland at home on November 8 before the Bucs' two meetings. Those are Week 15 at Raymond James Stadium on December 20 and Week 18 at the Caesars Superdome on a date not yet set.