Defensive head-to-head preview: Rams vs. Saints

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 17: Jaylan Ford #53 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates with teammates after a interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of a preseason game at the Caesars Superdome on August 17, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Heading into the second preseason game, the Saints will face off against the Rams, who featured a very good defense last season. They took that good defense and then went out and made it even better. They sent young star edge rusher Jared Verse, along with three first-round picks, for Myles Garrett, and they are still currently flirting with the possibility of getting Aaron Donald out of retirement.

The Rams finished last season ranked 17th in total defense. The Saints finished ninth.

Since this is a preseason game, several starters are not expected to make an appearance. But last week against the Chiefs, the Rams' defense held Kansas City without a touchdown, forcing four field goals to serve as the Chiefs' only points of the game. They also allowed 314 total yards, with 189 coming through the air and 125 on the ground. They were also able to record two sacks.

Considering who the starters will be for the defensive unit, getting a consistent pass rush throughout the roster shows just how talented this defense can be because of the depth of the entire unit.

The Saints, on the other hand, had a better overall performance statistically but gave up touchdowns instead of field goals. The Saints' defense allowed only 275 total yards last week against the Jaguars, with 157 yards through the air and 118 yards on the ground. However, they gave up two touchdowns. Had those been field goals, the Saints would have been able to walk out of the Caesars Superdome as winners.

The Saints' defense was also able to force two turnovers and record four sacks. The defense literally checked every box. If they are able to improve on the 2-for-5 red-zone number just a little more, the defense could be the unit that leads the team through the final two games of the preseason.

This will be a very intriguing matchup to watch as these defenses go after the preseason offensive units they will face on Saturday.

Who do you think will have the better defense on Saturday? Share your thoughts in the comments.