Saints’ New Playbook: Can Kellen Moore and Derek Carr Find Success in New Orleans?

The New Orleans Saints are betting on a fresh offensive approach in 2025, spearheaded by newly appointed head coach Kellen Moore and veteran quarterback Derek Carr. After a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Moore comes to New Orleans after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2024 World Championship campaign. Can this duo revitalize the Saints’ offense and lead the team back to contention? The answer lies in Moore’s innovative playbook and Carr’s ability to execute it effectively.

A Change in Philosophy

The Saints’ offense sputtered in 2024, leading to a change in leadership. The team ranked 14th in total yardage but struggled to consistently put points on the board. Quarterback Derek Carr, despite flashes of brilliance, missed seven games due to injuries, hindering the team’s offensive rhythm. The running game was anemic, ranking 21st in the league with a paltry 3.6 yards per carry. This lack of balance made the Saints’ offense predictable and easy to defend.

Kellen Moore brings a different philosophy to New Orleans. Known for his aggressive play-calling and ability to maximize quarterback talent, Moore’s offenses have consistently ranked among the league’s best. During his four-year stint as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, Moore orchestrated a unit that ranked second in the NFL in total offense (391.0 ypg) and scoring offense (27.7 ppg). In his only season with the Eagles, he coordinated an offense that finished seventh in scoring offense (27.2 points per game) and eighth in total offense (367.2 yards per game). Moore’s system emphasizes spreading the field, creating mismatches, and empowering the quarterback to make quick decisions.

Carr’s Opportunity for Redemption

Derek Carr’s first season in New Orleans was underwhelming. Signed to be the Saints’ franchise quarterback, Carr struggled with consistency and injuries. He completed 67.7 percent of his passes for 2,145 yards and 15 touchdowns, but his seven missed games underscored his durability concerns. With a new offensive system tailored to his strengths, Carr has a chance to prove his worth and lead the Saints to success.

Carr has expressed optimism about the new offense, noting that the simplified verbiage and emphasis on quick decisions will benefit the entire unit. “Every play, all 11 (players) matter,” Carr said. “So I have to be able to make a good fake, it has to look the same when I go to hand it to the running back, same thing when I run a play action or a bootleg. It’s got to all look the same. I think that’s the thing about this offense that has just given teams problems for so many years.”

Key Components of the New Saints’ Offense

Several key components will determine the success of the Saints’ new offensive approach:

Play-Action Passing: Moore’s offenses heavily utilize play-action passing to exploit defenses and create big-play opportunities. In 2024, the Saints used play action on 40.0% of Derek Carr’s dropbacks, a significant increase from the 14.8% usage in 2023. This emphasis on play-action helped the Saints’ offensive line exceed expectations in pass protection.
Motion and Versatility: Motion and pre-snap movement will be integral to the Saints’ new offense, creating confusion for defenses and opening up running lanes. Versatile players like Taysom Hill, who is now officially playing tight end/fullback, will be key to exploiting mismatches and keeping defenses off balance.
Simplified Reads and Rules: The new offensive scheme emphasizes clear rules and reads for all 11 players, ensuring everyone is on the same page regardless of the defensive alignment. This simplified approach aims to reduce mental errors and allow players to react quickly and decisively.
Improved Offensive Line Play: The Saints’ offensive line struggled in 2024, hindering both the running and passing games. The team has invested heavily in improving the line, drafting OT Taliese Fuaga in the first round and adding veteran players like Dillon Radunz and Will Clapp. The development of young players like Trevor Penning and Nick Saldiveri will also be crucial to the line’s success.

Doug Nussmeier’s Role as Offensive Coordinator

Kellen Moore’s first hire as head coach was Doug Nussmeier as the offensive coordinator. Nussmeier and Moore have been together for the past seven seasons. Nussmeier’s experience and familiarity with Moore’s system will be invaluable in implementing the new offense and ensuring a smooth transition.

Challenges and Obstacles

Despite the optimism surrounding the new offensive approach, the Saints face several challenges:

Carr’s Health: Carr’s durability remains a concern after missing seven games in 2024 due to various injuries. The Saints need Carr to stay healthy and on the field to maximize the potential of the new offense.
Offensive Line Consistency: The Saints’ offensive line must improve its consistency and reduce penalties. In 2024, the team had 38 offensive line penalties, tied for the second-most in the NFC.
Adjusting to the New System: It will take time for the Saints’ players to fully grasp and execute the new offensive scheme. The team’s success will depend on how quickly they can adapt and develop chemistry.

The Verdict

The Saints’ decision to bring in Kellen Moore and revamp their offense is a bold move with the potential to pay significant dividends. Moore’s innovative playbook, combined with Derek Carr’s talent and the team’s investment in the offensive line, could transform the Saints into an offensive juggernaut. However, the Saints must overcome several challenges, including Carr’s health and the offensive line’s consistency, to realize their full potential. If they can successfully navigate these obstacles, the Saints could be poised for a return to contention in 2025.