NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints and New York Jets have gone through major staff and roster changes in the past year, the result being seven victories between them 15 weeks into the season.
Their parallel rebuilding projects under first-year coaches — and now also featuring rookie quarterbacks — will occupy the same field on Sunday when they meet in New Orleans.
“They’re somewhat similar to how we operated when they let some players go from that team, some veterans,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn, a former Saints secondary coach, said of the changes in New Orleans. “They’re actually trying to build their core of young guys and get those guys a lot of playing time to see exactly how they’re going to operate for the future of that team — somewhat similar to us.”
The Saints (4-10) have seen more hopeful signs lately under first-year coach Kellen Moore. New Orleans has posted consecutive victories over division rivals Tampa Bay and Carolina, who are tied atop the NFC South.
“Obviously, they’ve been doing a pretty good job the last two weeks,” Glenn said, touching on Saints rookie Tyler Shough’s 3-3 record as a starter. “This quarterback is really showing things that we saw on tape. They think that he can be a pretty good quarterback.”
Moore praised Shough’s “composure,” which “showed up a bunch” as the Saints scored 10 points in the final five minutes to pull out a 20-17 comeback victory over Carolina last Sunday.
The Jets (3-11) have lost four of five and this week fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks after allowing 48 points in a loss to Jacksonville.
Moore anticipates an effective response from the Jets, based on his memory of when he and Glenn squared off as coordinators in 2023. Moore was with the Los Angeles Chargers then, and Glenn with Detroit.
“Always had a ton of respect for Aaron,” Moore said. “Obviously, we know he’s building something.”
Jets QB Brady Cook has appeared in just two games — both losses — and will be making his second start.
So far, not so good for the Missouri product. He’s completed 57.1% of his passes for 339 yards with one TD and five interceptions.
“It’s opportunity for me to lead this team once again and try to go get a win on the road,” Cook said. “It’s really as simple as that.”
The game also marks the debut of Chris Harris as the Jets’ interim defensive coordinator.
Harris, a former NFL safety, was hired by Glenn as the Jets’ defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. Glenn noted that he spoke with Harris when he was considering defensive coordinator candidates before hiring Wilks.
“He did a really good job in that interview,” Glenn said. “He’s more than capable.”
On the defensive side for the Saints, defensive end Chase Young has put together a solid season since sitting out New Orleans’ first five games with a calf strain. He has six sacks, just a half-sack behind Cameron Jordan for the team lead. He also has seven tackles for loss, 10 QB hurries, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
His latest sack last Sunday helped stall Carolina’s final series and enabled New Orleans to stage a game-winning drive.
“Our pass rush has definitely improved with him coming back and I think our third-down defense has really improved,” defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said. “Everyone’s just benefiting from a premium player coming back.”
The Saints have been steadily climbing the defensive rankings in recent weeks. They are up to 11th in total defense and sixth against the pass.
Defensive backs “can do their job better because there’s just more total pass rush,” Staley said. “It’s been noticeable.”