On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints face the Seattle Seahawks in a huge game for both teams. Still, all eyes will be on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. This is his first real game that matters as a starter for the Black and Gold. This is why he’s getting paid the big bucks. He’s here for this opportunity. Many wondered if the decision to stay as a backup was the best decision coming into the 2019 season. Regardless, Bridgewater is going to be taking most of the snaps this week in a tough road environment.
It’s been a while for the backup quarterback but he has done it before. “I mentioned to someone that I had not played any meaningful football since 2015,” Bridgewater said. “I was able to play in the game last year against the Carolina Panthers, but we already sealed our place in the playoffs and I was able to play in the preseason the past two years for the Jets and the Saints. But it is nothing like being out there during the games when it counts the most.”
He understands the moment. These moments don’t come along very often. And this is his job, to step in if Drew Brees gets hurt. No one figured the moment would come this early in the season. Especially, last week against the Los Angeles Rams. So much focus was on the “revenge” game. Now, this game is the most important, since the Saints sit tied atop the NFC South with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons.
Seattle has to keep winning too. No one predicted three teams atop the division with a 2-0 record. The Seahawks know the Rams are going to be tough to match all season long. But now the San Francisco 49ers are off to a 2-0 start too. Both teams have a lot at stake in this game.
And this is not just about Teddy Bridgewater. This game can be a small vision into the future without Drew Brees. No one knows when the finale will be. With this in mind, both quarterbacks now have to be ready. Sean Payton specifically said Taysom Hill and Teddy Bridgewater gets an opportunity to play on Sunday. And the challenge is a new one for Payton. Although, Luke McCown stepped in for a bit before, this feels different. Drew Brees is 40 years old and the clock is ticking on the tail end of this career.
Payton is fully aware of the matter at hand. “Look, that’s why Teddy Bridgewater is here. That’s why Taysom Hill is here. Those guys have been great in preparation. Those guys will be ready to go.”
Another point that’s overlooked this week is the defense. The defense has to step up. Right now, the defense is giving up nearly 28 points game. This puts them ranked at 27th of 32 teams. Although it’s early in the season, no one wants to see this start a trend. Additionally, the run defense has been non-existent. Giving up 5.6 yards a carry is close to Bo Jackson numbers, and that’s not good. If the Saints can’t stop the run, this game could get away from them quick. Especially, if the weather forecast proves true. There is a 90 percent chance of rain Sunday so footing could be an issue.
This is a big game early on the season. The Saints really don’t want to be 1-2 heading into the game against the Dallas Cowboys.
