Sunday Showdown:
Saints Need To Win. Period.
Saints Need To Win. Period.
Here's my weekly take on the Keys to the Game for the Saints on Sunday!
It’s an eerie feeling being at 0-4. It’s like we’re the Browns, but with actual talent. There’s no question that the absence of Sean Payton(and Vitt) is affecting this squad. We were encouraged by what we saw in Green Bay, but weren’t able to manufacturer a win. This week’s focus is turned to a home game against the Chargers, and Drew Brees has a chance to once again make history in front of the Dome crowd. The record is only 50+ years old. This also will highlight Darren Sproles playing his former team, and Robert Meachem returning to the Dome.
Offense
The continuity that was established last week with Brees & the passing game must be there. The O-Line again must protect Brees, especially against the blitz packages we will see, and stretch the plays to make something happen. I look for Jimmy Graham to have a pretty huge day, and we always say that, but this week especially - the Packers kept him in check for the most part last week, and that means 7 grabs for 76 yards (with no TD). The big thing I want to see here is have a ground game. Again, 19 rush plays last week. Our backs are talented, let the line push people out of the way to prevent us from having 3rd & longs. It will hurt with Lance Moore being unable to go for Sunday, so Mr. Morgan (who is questionable) & Henderson - we need you. Establish & sustain.
The continuity that was established last week with Brees & the passing game must be there. The O-Line again must protect Brees, especially against the blitz packages we will see, and stretch the plays to make something happen. I look for Jimmy Graham to have a pretty huge day, and we always say that, but this week especially - the Packers kept him in check for the most part last week, and that means 7 grabs for 76 yards (with no TD). The big thing I want to see here is have a ground game. Again, 19 rush plays last week. Our backs are talented, let the line push people out of the way to prevent us from having 3rd & longs. It will hurt with Lance Moore being unable to go for Sunday, so Mr. Morgan (who is questionable) & Henderson - we need you. Establish & sustain.
Defense
Three points here: force Rivers to cough it up, don’t let Robert Meachem’s homecoming be his ‘eruption’ game, and don’t let Antonio Gates torch the defense. I stressed in my recap that it was a good thing to only see Aaron Rodgers pass for 319 yards. What’s not good is our injury report: Hawthorne, Harper, McBride (still), Casillas was limited Wednesday, and Hicks/Jenkins were both full participants. Harper & Casillas remain questionable.
Three points here: force Rivers to cough it up, don’t let Robert Meachem’s homecoming be his ‘eruption’ game, and don’t let Antonio Gates torch the defense. I stressed in my recap that it was a good thing to only see Aaron Rodgers pass for 319 yards. What’s not good is our injury report: Hawthorne, Harper, McBride (still), Casillas was limited Wednesday, and Hicks/Jenkins were both full participants. Harper & Casillas remain questionable.
Special Teams
Garrett Hartley must convert on field goals, plain and simple. We cannot afford to leave any points on the board, as we have clearly seen they have been the big difference makers. No secrets on what Morstead must do, but I'd love to see Sproles run a few back to get us in some strong starting field position.
Garrett Hartley must convert on field goals, plain and simple. We cannot afford to leave any points on the board, as we have clearly seen they have been the big difference makers. No secrets on what Morstead must do, but I'd love to see Sproles run a few back to get us in some strong starting field position.
X-Factor
Sean Payton. The NFL mysteriously said it would be okay to have Vitt, Payton, & Loomis attend this game because of the history & such. However, one does not simply overlook Sean Payton stating that he will be at this game.
Sean Payton. The NFL mysteriously said it would be okay to have Vitt, Payton, & Loomis attend this game because of the history & such. However, one does not simply overlook Sean Payton stating that he will be at this game.
We have to win. There is tomorrow. I said a lot of my personal feelings in my Rapid Reaction. We have a bye week after tomorrow, and will get Joe Vitt back. It's not too late.
Final Prediction: Saints 30, Chargers 24
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