Not every team can raise the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the year. There can only be one. One team achieving the dream. One team to make a run to the top. For the New Orleans Saints, the mission is clear. The tests lie ahead from training to camp to the playoffs. Five missions need to be accomplished to reach their goal in February of 2020. Keeping these in check throughout the season will help stay focused on the task at hand.
Five Missions Completed For Saints to Become ‘Top Gun’ In 2020
The Need for Speed on the Edge
The Saints have to get consistent pressure from the pass rushers. This mission is crucial, especially down the stretch. Pressuring the quarterback makes the secondary better. Cornerbacks can play more aggressively knowing the defensive line will be pushing the offensive line back. Also, turnovers can happen with more hands in the face. Additionally, tipped balls have to be intercepted, and nothing changes momentum like a change of possession.
The defensive line has to get off the ball quickly. The New Orleans Saints don’t need sacks versus pressure. Getting close is just as important. Consistency is the key. Make the quarterback think about your defense every time he drops back.
Wil Lutz Must Continue to Be Iceman
Wil Lutz was 28 of 30 last year for a 93.3% accuracy rate. His best year yet. The Saints have one of the best kickers in the league. Most importantly, when the game is on the line. This is why ‘Iceman’ has to continue to perform at a high level. When the pressure is on, Lutz needs to be on the top of his game.
Every point is going to count this year. A missed field goal can put a damper on the mentality of a long drive without points. Lutz in the clutch is something that’s now expected. He’s earned it too.
The Offensive Line is the Wingman
The wingman is usually considered to be one person. The true definition of a wingman is to always be close by and ready to protect the lead gunner at all costs. Drew Brees depends on the guys up front to have his back at all times. With the loss of Max Unger at center, new faces have to step up to keep Brees upright.
Defenses once again love to throw the kitchen sink against the Saints. The trust has to be there. Playing the AFC South this year brings some tough defenses in the 2019 season.
Saints Red Zone Versus Danger Zone
Nothing is more important than scoring points inside the 20-yard line. Touchdowns are even more important. In 2018, the Saints were ranked fourth at 68% in the NFL for converting touchdowns in the red zone. This was an improvement from 2017 at only 61%. The Saints dropped slightly in the last three games, including the playoffs at 60%. Furthermore, in the NFC Championship, the Saints dropped immensely to 40% in that game alone. If the Saints want to go all the way, the red zone percentage is key to winning games consistently.
On the flip side, controlling the field position will be crucial. Having punter Thomas Morestead helps in flip the field for sure. He keeps the Saints literally in games by his leg alone. The “Danger Zone” is starting off deep in your own territory. This position puts the offense in the hole before the ball is even snapped. The defense can help the offense by negating big plays or causing negative plays. Once again, the “need for speed” on the edge is something to look at as the season progresses.
Winning The Dogfights
Close wins are at a premium these days in the NFL. And there’s no reason that the fine line between winning and losing could be the difference in one play or a field goal. Most people forget about the game against the Cleveland Browns game last year. That win was one of the most important wins last year in my opinion. Remember, the Saints started off with a loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-40. Then, the Cleveland Browns led 12-3 going into the fourth quarter. The Saints should’ve lost that game, but the team stayed resilient. Resilience was the team’s motto last year.
The Saints inched out that win 21-18 by staying in the game and winning. That being said, every team playing the Saints in 2019 knows the black an gold are one of the favorites going into the 2019 season. Simply put, the Saints have to be much better especially early on. Also, expect the NFC south to be improved. It’s almost a given about 3-4 games could go either way every year. That can be the difference between 11-5 and 7-9. The fourth quarter won’t be enough. The Saints must play till the final 00:00 shows on the board. These four games will decide how the regular season record turns out.
Those are the five missions for this year. None more important than the other.
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