The New Orleans Saints (5-10) aren’t ascending toward the playoffs this season but they’ve matched last season’s victory total with two games remaining, and only six NFL teams currently have longer win streaks than the Saints’ three straight, the first time they’ve accomplished that since 2022.
That’s noticeable progress and the Saints have a prime opportunity to add to their streak Sunday against the Titans (3-12) at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. The rookie quarterbacks – No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward of Tennessee and Saints second-round pick Tyler Shough – will be worth watching as the Saints attempt to win their fourth consecutive game within a season for the first time since winning six straight from Weeks 5-10 in 2020.
Here are some areas that should factor:
1. WHAM CAM
The Titans’ future at quarterback is secure with Ward, who has completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,866 yards and 13 touchdowns, with seven interceptions, and has added 138 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries. But the number to circle for the Saints’ defense is 51 – as in, Ward has been sacked 51 times. New Orleans has the rushers to bring the heat, led by 15-year veteran Cameron Jordan (8.5 sacks) and fellow edge rusher Chase Young (seven sacks). New Orleans’ defense is on a heater – 16 points allowed per game in the last six, 177 passing yards allowed per game overall, fourth fewest in the league. Here’s a chance to stack another good effort.
2. STEADY SHOUGH
Shough has handled success well so far; New Orleans is 4-3 in his starts and his performances progressively have improved during the winning streak. He posted a career high 308 passing yards against the Jets last Sunday, and the Titan pass defense statistically seems accommodating (223 yards allowed per game, 11th most). Shough, who has 1,792 yards and seven touchdowns, with five interceptions, and receiver Chris Olave (92 catches for 1,044 yards and eight touchdowns) are synced. Can they combine for another solid day?