Nobody wants to watch this Saints defense with their eyes open
New Orleans has allowed 4,217 passing yards this year (which includes yards lost by the opposing team on sacks) on 538 dropbacks, which is already pretty bad. That translates to a 7.84 Net Yards per Attempt allowed average, which is the worst in the NFL by half a yard per attempt. But where things get really bad is in touchdowns and interceptions. New Orleans has allowed an unbelievable 43 passing touchdowns through 15 games, the most in NFL history. In addition, the Saints have intercepted just 8 passes, tied for third fewest in the league this year.
That translates to an 8.77 Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt average, after giving 20 yards for each touchdown pass and subtracting 45 yards for each interception. That is, by a decent measure, the worst rate in NFL history. The current record belongs to the 0-16 Detroit Lions, who allowed 8.53 ANY/A. Only three other teams — the ’81 Colts, the ’69 Saints, and the ’63 Broncos — have even allowed 8.00 ANY/A over a full season. [continue reading…]