The New Orleans Saints suffered their 10th loss of the season -- officially eliminating them from playoff contention with Tampa Bay’s win over Arizona. Another incredibly slow start against Miami put them behind early, as the Saints were shut out in the first half. Their first six drives consisted of four three-and-outs and two turnovers -- about as rough a start as an offense can have. The team’s ongoing inability to convert on third down remains an alarming issue, as does a run game that continues to fail at generating meaningful yardage on early downs to create manageable situations.
They did find some life to open the second half, scoring immediately out of the break, but the damage was already done. The lack of early rhythm left them with little breathing room as the game progressed.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs expected, the defense struggled to contain Miami’s De'Von Achane, who gashed them for 134 yards on 22 carries. Achane powered Miami to its first 16 points in the opening half before the Saints tightened up considerably after the break. To their credit, the defense allowed just three points in the second half, forcing two punts, holding Miami to a field goal inside the 10, and generating a critical fourth-and-one stop that gave the offense a chance at a comeback. Brandon Staley’s unit has consistently made strong second-half adjustments this season -- one of the lone bright spots in an otherwise difficult year.
Despite the team’s latest dose of frustration, there were still several encouraging performances, including contributions from players who project to be part of the Saints’ future. Others, however, played a role in the team’s underwhelming showing.
Here are the Saints’ studs and duds from Week 13 of the regular season:
Stud: DE Cameron Jordan
USA TODAY SportsCam Jordan must have taken a drink from the fountain of youth this month, because he’s suddenly hit a major stride. Jordan racked up two sacks and three QB hits against Tua Tagovailoa, bringing his season total to 6.5 -- already his most since 2022. In Brandon Staley’s new system, the 37-year-old looks rejuvenated and is playing some of his best football in years.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith five games remaining, Jordan has a real chance to surpass his 2022 total of 8.5 sacks and could even push into double digits if he continues this pace. For a player many believed was nearing the end, Jordan is showing he may still be a valuable piece heading into next season.
Dud: Run Defense
Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) carries the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn ImagesOne of their worst showings of the season, the Saints’ run defense continues to be a major problem. Miami’s perimeter rushing attack required all eleven defenders to rally to the football against Devon Achane and company -- and they simply didn’t. Missed tackles at the second and third levels consistently led to chunk gains and extended drives. It was a performance that set the tone early in Miami’s favor.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementStud: WR DeVaughn Vele
USA TODAY SportsThis game was essentially the DeVaughn Vele show. In what felt like a true coming-out party, the rookie caught all nine of his targets for 93 yards and a phenomenal touchdown grab.
Vele shined in the second half especially, making several tough catches over the middle in traffic and consistently creating separation in the short passing game -- flashes that were a bit reminiscent of a young Michael Thomas. It was his most complete game to date and a strong sign of his growth.
Dud: Offensive Line
Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn ImagesAnother unit that just can’t seem to find any consistency. The offensive line paved the way for only 81 rushing yards on 27 carries (3.0 YPC) and allowed four sacks on the afternoon. Whether it’s run blocking, protection, or pre-snap communication, this group continues to struggle across the board.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementStud: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (4) intercepts a pass in front of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn ImagesKool-Aid McKinstry made two massive plays on Sunday that easily earn him a spot on this list. His leaping interception on a deep ball intended for Jaylen Waddle in the second quarter halted a potential Miami scoring drive and marked his third interception of the year -- a strong rebound from a pick-less rookie season.
Later, he delivered an even more impactful moment with a fourth-and-one stop late in the game that set up a potential tying drive for the offense. After an inconsistent start to the season, McKinstry is beginning to settle in and play with confidence within this defense.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDud: Kellen Moore
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Kellen Moore of the New Orleans Saints reacts after his team was defeated by the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)Kellen Moore’s play-calling and situational decision-making have been increasingly underwhelming, particularly in recent weeks. The lack of intermediate and deep concepts in the passing game limits the offense’s ability to threaten defenses, and several questionable calls on critical downs stalled promising drives. With the season slipping away, the offense’s lack of structure and identity reflects poorly on Moore’s approach.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Kellen Moore, Devaughn Vele among Saints' studs and duds vs. Dolphins
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