Derek Carr and Saints offense have huge third down problem

The offense of the New Orleans Saints have a lot of issues, one of which being the red zone. However, the Saints also have a bigger issue at hand on offense.

The New Orleans Saints offense has been a real lightning rod so far in the 2023 season. That isn't because they've been explosive either, it's because the talking point causes explosive bursts of anger among Saints fans.

It seems that the issue (of which there are many) that has gotten the most attention has been the Saints inefficiency when they do mercifully get into the red zone. While that is completely fair, there is another crucial inefficiency this offense is dealing with that has to be called on the carpet.

Simply put, Derek Carr and the Saints offense have a third down problem, and it's a big one.

A team's success rate on third down can make or break them, the down is that crucial, even if doesn't always get the emphasis it sometimes deserves. Well, here we are.

Now, Carr has to wear the lionshare of this blame, but a lot of it has to do with coaching. The subject of offensive Pete Carmichael has been beaten into the ground at this point, but the fact that Dennis Allen is a defensive-minded head coach doesn't help matters either. In a sense, Carr is going out there with a hand tied behind his back, but given some of the throws he's missed, how good would he be with both hands free?

The disparity of those splits by down is glaring. There really isn't any way around it. The drop off resembles the sharp descend of a roller coaster that's been symbolic of this Saints season up until this point.

The New Orleans Saints have to get better at a lot of things on offense. With the season close to wrapping up given that it's almost Christmas, the clock is ticking, but when the alarm goes off, will fans even be that excited if they wake up and it's playoff time?