---
title: "Saints Use Bye Week to Fix Run Game Woes in New Orleans"
url: https://www.hereneworleans.com/2026/10/27/saints-bye-week-self-scout-run-game-new-orleans/
date: 2026-10-27T06:33:39-05:00
modified: 2026-10-27T06:33:39-05:00
author: "Clinton Shelton"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE New Orleans"
attribution: "HERE New Orleans"
---

# Saints Use Bye Week to Fix Run Game Woes in New Orleans

> NEW ORLEANS, La. — Back home from France with a 2-5 record, the New Orleans Saints are using their open week to take a hard look at themselves. Coach Kellen Moore said Monday that this is a self-scout week and that his staff will evaluate everything, with a heavy focus on finding ways to score.

*Source: [HERE New Orleans](https://www.hereneworleans.com/2026/10/27/saints-bye-week-self-scout-run-game-new-orleans/) — October 27, 2026 by Clinton Shelton*

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Back home from France with a 2-5 record, the New Orleans Saints are using their open week to take a hard look at themselves. Coach Kellen Moore said Monday that this is a self-scout week and that his staff will evaluate everything, with a heavy focus on finding ways to score.

The trip to Paris ended in a six-point loss to Pittsburgh at Stade de France, the first regular-season NFL game played in France and the fourth Saints loss in five games. It was also the team’s third one-possession defeat of the season.

The ground game is the biggest worry. New Orleans ran for 18 yards on 17 carries in Paris, its lowest rushing total in 27 years, and the Saints rank 26th in the league at 86 rushing yards per game. The defense has its own problem against the run, ranking 29th after giving up 148 rushing yards to the Steelers and letting them run out the final 5:52.

Quarterback Tyler Shough has kept the passing game afloat. He completed 30 of 38 throws for 278 yards and a touchdown in Paris, though a red zone interception by linebacker Payton Wilson early in the second half cost the Saints a chance to take the lead.

Rookie receiver Barion Brown supplied the biggest play with a 49-yard catch. Kicker Daniel Carlson is perfect inside 50 yards this season but has missed four of seven tries from beyond that range.

Injuries are also on the list. Running back CJ Donaldson left the Paris game with a shoulder injury, and safety Justin Reid is working back from what looked like a concussion. The Saints, who have not reached the playoffs since the 2020 season, return to the Superdome on Nov. 8 against Cleveland. They are 0-3 at home.