The national media will go on and on about the areas of concern for the Saints. However, they fail to mention one that is lingering from the 2024 season: their inability to finish in the red zone. It doesn’t matter if the offense puts together long drives if they can’t cap it off. The Saints need to improve this to have any chance at success in 2025.
The Saints struggles in the red zone were already present in Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals. They weren’t able to finish drives, that proved to be the difference in the game. New Orleans attempted three field goals while in the red zone. In addition, they couldn’t convert on a last second play to tie the game.
Their inability to finish in the redzone isn’t a new problem. A major reason the Saints have struggled finishing drives is their lack of a red zone threat. The Saints' recent moves show this was obviously a concern going into the season. They now have two formidable threats currently on their roster.
Juwan Johnson and Devaughn Vele are the Saints top red zone targets
First off, Juwan Johnson is an excellent option. Fans might have a sour taste after he couldn’t reel in the game tying touchdown catch last game, but an exceptional play from Budda Baker caused that. Johnson is a big bodied, former wide receiver, at the tight end position. He will be a valuable option in the red zone.
The second player is new acquisition Devaughn Vele. The Saints love Vele as they traded away a 2026 fourth round pick for him. He is a massive receiver, standing at 6’5, 210 Lbs. He fills the physical, contested catch receiver that the Saints desperately needed. Watch for Vele to be the premier target in the red zone.
The final concern is the quarterback. Spencer Rattler is still unproven, especially in the red zone. One area he needs to exploit is his legs. He has enough mobility to extend the play and scramble, particularly in the red zone. This would also give receivers extra time to find open space. Rattler is a key part in improving the red zone offense.
The Saints have the pieces, they don’t have any excuses to struggle in the red zone. Short field goals are nice, but won’t be enough to win them games. They need to convert drives to touchdowns for any chance of success in 2025.