An optimist's guide to the 2024 New Orleans Saints

QB Derek Carr improved as the 2023 season progressed

First impressions are everything, and Carr made a bad one in New Orleans. 

The Saints scored 20 points or fewer in five of their first seven games and began 3-4. Carr was a main culprit, struggling mightily in clutch situations, including third downs and in the red zone. 

Per data from rbsdsm.com, among the 31 quarterbacks with at least 50 third-down plays from Weeks 1-8, Carr ranked 28th in expected points added per play. He also had an ugly 39.5 completion percentage on red-zone pass attempts during that span.

Carr improved as the season progressed, and if he starts 2024 the way he ended 2023, New Orleans should be in good shape offensively. 

From Weeks 9-18, he was 16th in third-down EPA per play among qualifying quarterbacks while posting a 66.6 completion percentage on red-zone throws.

Defensive veterans show no signs of decline

Next to quarterback Drew Brees, linebacker Demario Davis is likely the best free-agency addition in Saints franchise history. 

The 12-year NFL veteran signed with the Saints in 2018 after five seasons with the Jets and one with the Browns. He's been the backbone of one of the most consistently solid units ever since. 

Davis has been named either first- or second-team All-Pro in each of the past five seasons (2019-23). Even at 35, his production hasn't waned. Last year, the two-time Pro Bowler had 121 tackles, his most since 2017, and tied his career-high in sacks (6.5), which he had previously set in 2022.

And Davis isn't the only elder statesman to continue making an impact. Safety Tyrann Mathieu, 32, had four interceptions last season, his most since 2020 with the Chiefs, while defensive end Cam Jordan, 34, had 45 total pressures.