Davon Godchaux sends strong message about Saints' NFC South chances

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Davon Godchaux sends strong message about Saints' NFC South chances

Davon Godchaux sends strong message about Saints' NFC South chances

Arye Pulli, Saints Wire · Saints Wire

Mon, Aug 3, 2026 ·

2 min read

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Davon Godchaux believes the New Orleans Saints have everything they need to compete for the NFC South title this season. The veteran defensive tackle looked back on several missed opportunities from last year while explaining the team's confidence. New Orleans had chances against Tampa Bay and Atlanta while sweeping its two matchups against Carolina.

"We just feel like it's our year, man," Godchaux said after Sunday's practice . "If we don't beat ourselves — and I'm sure the offense feels the same way, should feel the same."

The loss that stands out most to Godchaux: the Saints' falling to the Buccaneers in New Orleans. He believes the defense showed during that matchup that it was capable of controlling one of its biggest divisional rivals, but the Saints failed to finish the job.

"It pissed me off a lot last year when we let Tampa slip away with that one here. We thought we were the better team. Really, for sure on defense, we were the better team," Godchaux added. The Saints are entering their second season in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley's system. Godchaux emphasized that the players are more comfortable and consistent after spending a full year in the scheme.

The offense will also be led by second-year quarterback Tyler Shough , who finished last season strongly in his first year under head coach Kellen Moore. Godchaux said the defense can handle its responsibilities as long as Shough and the offense protect the football and avoid placing the unit in difficult situations: "Just take care of the football. Put us in a great position, and we're going to do the rest."

New Orleans will still need several defensive linemen to step forward following Bryan Bresee's season-ending torn ACL. Despite that setback, Godchaux remains confident, though, that the Saints have enough talent to challenge every team in the division.

"We feel pretty good about that," Godchaux said. "We like our chances in this division for sure."