Every team starts the season with the hope of making it to the Super Bowl. It is the ultimate goal along with breaking records along the way. The journey is tough and not taken lightly. Each year, the Saints have proven to be closer and closer to the possibility. This season is proving to add on its difficulties as the Saints battle their way through the season without the starting quarterback.
2019 New Orleans Saints: The Game that Changed it All
The 2019 New Orleans Saints have progressed to 4-1 with the only loss being the game that took their beloved Drew Brees out. This left Teddy Bridgewater to make his debut. A tandem of things resulted in this loss, not only because of the injury. In his postgame interview, Sean Payton basically hinted there were plenty of reasons for the loss-not just losing the quarterback.
Back to Basics
With the season on the line, Payton had to pull out the stops. It was already confirmed Brees was going to miss a couple of games. So what does he do? He goes back to basics. The New Orleans Saints are filled with talent but lacked consistency.
Offensively, it was easy to play when you had a seasoned quarterback on the field. A coach could trust the judgment and trust the quarterback to help make something happen. Once they lost Drew Brees, the backup quarterbacks had to learn how to handle the offense. It requires everyone to step up and make something happen. Now, the offensive line is doing an exceptional job allowing time in the pocket. Alvin Kamara is having an explosive time as a running back and Michael Thomas is leading the league in receiving yards.
Keys to Brees-less Victories
First, Sean Payton is a genius. Just when it looks like the Saints will be backed in the corner, he has a “look what we can do” moment. The Saints are on a new level. They are playing with such aggressiveness and not afraid to be physical. Years ago, some could argue physicality was a struggle for players, especially on defense. There were plenty of missed tackles where it seemed the opponent was absolutely missed or not held on tightly. Now, we are seeing it solid on both sides of the football. Blocks are clearing the routes better.
Next, activating both quarterbacks has its perks. Teddy Bridgewater is coming from the shadow of second-string quarterback and evolving into a leader. Bridgewater is feeling the field better and his competitive edge is starting to show. Teddy has proven it is going to be hard containing him. He doesn’t shy away from running to get yards. Teams have to figure out how to stop the run game, defend a receiver, and defend the quarterback. Payton has found a balance in how he puts Taysom Hill in as quarterback as well. Both quarterbacks are mobile. Teams can predominately assume when Hill is in as quarterback, it can result in a handoff to Kamara, but that is not a safe assumption to make. Against the Buccaneers, one of Hill’s call was a pass to Michael Thomas for 18 yards.
Lastly, the defense has made improvements with each game. The defense has done a great job picking up the slack. Since the Rams games, the defense has allowed an average of 20 points. Dennis Allen has been an important key in this happening.
There is no doubt, the Saints are a great team. They are showing the seriousness in improving their game, but one of their best features is the unity within the team. Teammates spent time encouraging one another in their injury and welcomed Bridgewater in his starting role. The return of Drew Brees is met with anticipation, but until then, the Saints are still marching in.
