The New Orleans Saints made several aggressive moves through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft to signal that the franchise is no longer focused on rebuilding. From adding pieces that fit Kellen Moore’s system to continuing to build around young quarterback Tyler Shough, New Orleans has clearly approached the offseason with urgency and expectation.
Despite those efforts, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport recently labeled the Saints as pretenders while naming the Atlanta Falcons contenders entering the season. That distinction is surprising considering the Falcons still face major questions surrounding consistency, quarterback play, and overall direction.
Davenport's biggest concern surrounding New Orleans is whether they can finally put all of their offensive pieces together. “Can Tyler Shough take the next step under center? Can free-agent addition Travis Etienne Jr. boost a ground game that was 28th in the NFL in 2025. Will rookie first-rounder Jordyn Tyson finally give Chris Olave a running mate at wide receiver?”
The Falcons get the benefit of the doubt while the Saints do not
The Atlanta Falcons enter the 2026 season still searching for a clear identity, after several offseason changes. Yet despite all the uncertainty surrounding the roster and direction of the franchise, Davenport seemed willing to give Atlanta benefit of the doubt. Meanwhile, the Saints were held back largely because of their own unanswered questions, even though both teams are facing similar concerns.
Davenport even acknowledges quarterback as a "major question mark." How many contenders you know with Penix vs. Tagovailoa level question marks at quarterback? Those who do have question marks have dominant defenses, which the Falcons have yet to show.
Rather than focusing on Atlanta’s uncertainty, Davenport leaned into the division being wide open. “The key for the Falcons is weathering the first half of the season. If they can do so without falling too far off the pace, they'll be in the mix in a weak NFC South.”
Davenport's logic feels inconsistent, when the Falcons are viewed as contenders despite many of the same concerns surrounding the Saints. Both teams are relying on new pieces, internal growth and unanswered questions entering 2026, yet only one is being labeled a pretender.
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Follow