Game Overview ::
By papy324 >>
- The best plays from this game are the defenses.
- Derrick Carr had an absurdly low 3.4 yards per attempt last week.
- Alvin Kamara had 33 yards on 13 catches last week.
- The Patriots defense is missing several key starters.
- The Patriots backfield is becoming a timeshare.
- Both offensive coordinators look lost.
How new orleans Will Try To Win ::
The 2-2 Saints come into Week 5 off an embarrassing performance where they were soundly beaten 26-9 by division rival Tampa Bay. The Saints played their first three games within three points against the Titans // Panthers // Packers, and they are better than the result they got in Week 4. Once upon a time, I had an old school high school football coach who when any time you were banged up would ask, “You hurt or you injured?” Derrick Carr lied when he answered, “Hurt.” He had a pathetic 3.4 yards per attempt and it was clear to anyone watching that Carr was incapable of throwing the ball downfield. If it was obvious to onlookers, it was obvious to the Bucs, who simply squatted on the Saints offense. It would make sense that Dennis Allen would regret the decision to start Carr, given the outcome, when he had a viable backup in Jameis Winston. However, as it stands, Carr is in line to get the start again this week.
The Saints have played fast, pass-leaning football on offense, but that doesn’t mean much if your QB can’t throw the ball more than 10 yards. Pete Carmichael Jr. runs a vanilla offense, using play action and pre-snap motion at the lowest rates in the league. Don’t expect the scheme to adjust. The Saints O-line isn’t good (23rd ranked by PFF) and it doesn’t help matters that RG Cesar Ruiz and his backup Andrus Peat both left last week’s game with a concussion. The Patriots defense is above average against the run, and it’s unlikely the Saints will be able to get much going on the ground. The Patriots rely heavily on man coverage, which is vulnerable to big plays when defenders get beat deep, especially with star corner Christian Gonzalez looking likely to miss the rest of the season. Without the threat of the long ball, it’ll be a tough day for the Saints. Unless Carr’s shoulder shows substantial progress, the Saints would be wise to start Winston. That probably won’t be the decision in a league that values toughness as its top priority. With their run game likely to be ineffective, expect a similar approach to last week, where the Saints play their typical quick, vanilla, pass-leaning style, but without the ability to throw downfield.
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