METAIRIE, La. -- There are plenty of things wrong with the New Orleans Saints' offense. But if you're looking for the biggest culprit, start at the beginning: They've been lousy on first downs.
In fact, the Saints have been worse on first downs than in any other season during the Sean Payton-Drew Brees era.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, they are averaging 4.82 yards per play on first downs, which ranks 27th in the NFL and is by far their lowest average since 2005.
As a result, the Saints also are on pace to face more situations of third-and-8 or longer than they have since 2005 (28 so far, on pace for 90).