We’re off and running towards Week 3 of the NFL regular season, and just seven teams are undefeated — with five of them playing in the NFC, including the New Orleans Saints. But how do these different teams stack up against one another? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Who are the pretenders and Super Bowl contenders in the bunch?
To find out, we considered two of the most important stats in the sport: conversion percentage on third downs and inside the red zone, on both offense and defense. This gives us an idea of which teams are sustaining long drives that end with points on the board, meaning they’re in control each week and dictating the pace of play for their opponents.
Buy Saints TicketsIt’s not perfect, but it works in a pinch. And odds are a few of these undefeated teams are going to take their first loss this week. Let’s take a quick look at how the Saints compare to their peers:
Third down conversation rate achieved on offense
How often are offenses picking up first downs, moving the chains, and sustaining drives on third down? That’s what this stat tracks, and the Saints have made real progress over last year’s performance. Last season they ranked 15th with a third down conversion rate of just 40.2%; they’re up to third-best now among the league’s 2-0 teams. Obviously they need to keep it up as the season continues.
- Ravens: 17 of 29 (58.6%), 1st
- Cowboys: 15 of 31 (48.4%), 4th
- Saints: 14 of 32 (43.8%), tied-8th
- Buccaneers: 14 of 32 (43.8%), tied-8th
- Dolphins: 8 of 19 (42.1%), 13th
- 49ers: 8 of 22 (36.4%), 19th
- Eagles: 10 of 27 (37.0%), 18th
- Falcons: 8 of 25 (32.0%), tied-26th
- Commanders: 7 of 22 (31.8%), 28th
Red zone scoring rate achieved on offense
Here’s an area the Saints can — and must — improve. They aren’t finishing enough drives with touchdowns, too often kicking the ball away (or, worse, turning it over). Execution in this critical zone has been a problem for Derek Carr throughout his career and that’s continued to New Orleans, though the offensive line deserves blame for too many breakdowns in protection.
- Cowboys: 0 for 3 (0.0%), 1st
- Ravens: 6 for 9 (66.7%), tied-7th
- Eagles: 4 for 6 (66.7%), tied-7th
- 49ers: 5 for 8 (62.5%), tied-13th
- Falcons: 5 for 8 (62.5%), tied-13th
- Dolphins: 5 for 8 (62.5%), tied-13th
- Commanders: 5 for 8 (62.5%), 16th
- Saints: 3 for 8 (37.5%), 29th
- Buccaneers: 2 for 6 (33%), 30th
Third down conversion rate allowed on defense
This reflects how often each defense is getting off the field and forcing a stop. The Saints are tied with the Cowboys for the best in the group, ranking third overall around the league.
- Cowboys: 6 of 26 (23.1%), tied-3rd
- Saints: 6 of 26 (23.1%), tied-3rd
- Commanders: 8 of 26 (30.8%), 8th
- Falcons: 8 of 23 (34.8%), tied-11th
- 49ers: 12 of 29 (41.4%), 19th
- Eagles: 11 of 25 (44.0%), 21st
- Buccaneers: 12 of 27 (44.4%), 22nd
- Ravens: 17 of 33 (51.5%), 28th
- Dolphins: 16 of 30 (53.3%), 30th
Red zone scoring rate allowed on defense
The part of the field between the goal line and the 20-yard line is often referred to as the red zone, or the red area — otherwise meaning scoring position. This is where the field condenses down and individual players need to make a stop. And the Saints are second-best to only Dallas, a popular Super Bowl pick:
- Cowboys: 0 for 3 (0.0%), 1st
- Saints: 1 for 6 (16.7%), 2nd
- Ravens: 2 for 6 (33.3%), tied-3rd
- Commanders: 2 for 6 (33.3%), 4th
- Buccaneers: 2 for 4 (50.0%), 11th
- 49ers: 3 for 5 (60.0%), tied-16th
- Falcons: 3 for 5 (60.0%), tied-16th
- Eagles: 6 for 8 (75.0%), 27th
- Dolphins: 6 for 7 (85.7%), 30th
