Every rebuild has its rough patches, and for the 2025 New Orleans Saints, the early part of the season has been filled with them. A 0–4 start tested the patience of fans, the resolve of the locker room, and the vision of first-year head coach Kellen Moore. But amid the frustration and the scoreboard struggles, there are glimmers of hope — tangible proof that this new era of Saints football might already have its foundation forming.
Two names in particular stand out: Jonas Sanker and Kendre Miller.
In a season where moral victories and development have mattered more than standings, the rookie safety and the young running back have provided exactly what Saints fans needed most — reasons to believe the future is bright.
Jonas Sanker: The Defensive Spark
It’s rare for a rookie defensive back to look as comfortable, instinctive, and disruptive as Jonas Sanker has looked through his first four games as a starter. The former Virginia standout was thrust into the lineup in Week 2, and since then, he’s made the kind of steady, impact-driven plays that change the energy of an entire defense.
Sanker’s confidence has grown each week after a solid debut against San Francisco (8 tackles and three assists). He’s quickly earned a reputation as both a smart communicator in the secondary and a ball magnet in clutch moments. Against Buffalo in Week 4, Sanker produced his first NFL interception — a well-timed read of Josh Allen’s crossing route showcasing his anticipation and closing speed. He also added five tackles, three pass deflections, and a visible leadership presence that belied his rookie status.
Then came Week 5 against the Giants — the Saints’ first win and Sanker’s best all-around performance yet. Seven total tackles, one interception, and a fumble recovery in a game that featured five total takeaways for New Orleans. His recovery of a loose ball in the second half helped flip the momentum at a critical moment, setting up the Saints’ offense with favorable field position.
What stands out most about Sanker isn’t just the stats, though they’re impressive for a rookie defensive back. It’s the demeanor. He plays with a poise and command that suggest the Saints have found a long-term answer in their defensive backfield.
For a franchise that has long prided itself on tough, opportunistic defense, Sanker feels like the next natural fit in a line of playmakers that includes names like Roman Harper, Marcus Williams, and Tyrann Mathieu.
Kendre Miller: Patience Paying Off
While Jonas Sanker has sparked the defense, third-year running back Kendre Miller has quietly become the steadying presence the offense desperately needed.
After flashes of potential in limited action as a rookie, Miller entered 2025 expecting to take on a larger role. It wasn’t always smooth through the first few weeks — but it was steady progress.
Miller’s early-season game logs tell the story of a young back finding rhythm:
- Week 1 vs. Arizona: 5 carries, 24 yards (4.8 AVG)
- Week 2 vs. San Francisco: 5 carries, 8 yards (1.8 AVG)
- Week 3 vs. Seattle: 7 carries, 27 yards (3.9 AVG)
- Week 4 vs. Buffalo: 11 carries, 65 yards (5.9 AVG), 1 TD
- Week 5 vs. New York Giants: 10 carries, 41 yards (4.1 AVG)
His performance against the Bills in Week 4 was his breakout moment — not just statistically, but in confidence. His 11 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown showed the burst, balance, and field vision that made him a standout at TCU. Miller ran with decisiveness and power, often turning minimal gains into productive plays through sheer effort.
Against the Giants in Week 5, he followed it up with another efficient showing — 10 carries for 41 yards and consistent production in short-yardage situations. While not flashy, it was the kind of performance that keeps drives alive and gives a young quarterback room to breathe.
In a Saints offense searching for identity, Miller’s development has been one of the few constants. He’s becoming the kind of back who can do a bit of everything — run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and provide reliable pass protection.
It’s no coincidence that Spencer Rattler’s best two games as a Saint have come in Weeks 4 and 5, right as the run game began finding its rhythm.
For Saints fans used to the days of Drew Brees’ offensive fireworks and Sean Payton’s playoff chases, seasons like this one are humbling. The scoreboard hasn’t offered much joy, but player development — particularly from Sanker and Miller — has been a genuine source of optimism.
It’s easy to overlook the importance of these progress points during a rebuild, but they are the building blocks of future success. Every franchise transitioning from mediocrity to contender goes through a phase where the focus shifts from results to foundation.
For the Saints, that foundation is forming around young talent like Sanker and Miller.
Both players represent more than just production; they represent what Kellen Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis are trying to cultivate — a roster built on youth, effort, and growth.
Moore’s first few weeks as head coach have been a crash course in adversity management. He’s seen blown leads, red-zone struggles, and defensive lapses. But now, in the wake of the team’s first win, he’s also seeing the fruits of patience.
The Bigger Picture
If the Saints turn things around long term, they’ll need players like Sanker and Miller to become cornerstones. Both have the traits to do it — high motor, high character, and the ability to deliver impact plays.
Sanker gives New Orleans a future defensive leader who plays beyond his years. Miller provides the offense with a young, versatile runner who can grow alongside Rattler. Together, they embody what this season was supposed to be about: development, identity, and progress.
The 2025 Saints aren’t a finished product — far from it. But in a season defined by frustration, a silver lining forms.
It’s not about playoff races or wild-card spots just yet. It’s about young players taking meaningful steps, coaches finding the right fits, and fans rediscovering what it means to hope again.
Because amid the losses, penalties, and growing pains, something real is starting to take shape — a foundation built by bright spots that could one day shine even brighter.
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