Are the New Orleans Saints feeling the pressure to finish strong? The Saints generally play NFC opponents coming towards the end of the season. The team will have to go up against the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans with double appearances from those who are in the NFC South division.
Of the remaining games, a highly anticipated contest may be the now undefeated 49ers. The Saints last played the 49ers in 2016 ending with a Saints victory. The two teams are almost completely different teams since playing each other. For example, the 49ers have had an extreme makeover moving from last in their division in 2016 to leading the NFC so far in this season. The Saints have found themselves to be a solid contender for the Super Bowl two years straight. This will be a highly anticipated game, but until then, the Saints have to make it through its contenders.
So far, these are the NFC division leaders:
- NFC West- San Francisco 49ers
- NFC South- New Orleans Saints
- NFC North- Green Bay Packers
- NFC East- Dallas Cowboys
Possible Wildcards:
- Seattle Seahawks
- Minnesota Vikings
In the NFC, the 49ers are sitting at the top with the New Orleans Saints right under. A 49ers loss, could possibly move the Saints to the number one seed. Each team would want the home-field advantage for the playoff start. While we wait for this to unfold, will they keep the ball running?
Special Teams Do Special Things
I haven’t focused much on special teams, but it’s obvious they have been working hard. Thomas Morstead has a wonderful job ensuring he kicks the distance. They have helped contribute to the success of the defense by positioning the ball the best way they could.
A Defense to Remember
Let’s backtrack to 2015 when the Saints released Rob Ryan from his defense coaching responsibilities. Dennis Allen took on his role. Back in 2015, the Saints defense was ranked as one of the lowest in yards allowed. In the past four years, they progressively moved up the charts allowing fewer yards. Currently, the defense is sitting at fifth in yards per game measurements. In this category, if the Saints defense continue the route they are going, this could be the best defensive performance the team has had in the past five years.
Powerball Offense
The offense has been a little lagging this season. The injury to Drew Brees has surrounded the offense. It has literally seemed to haunt them as the focus has been either his return or Teddy Bridgewater’s performance. One person who has not gotten much mention is Michael Thomas, who is having an impeccable season. Thomas is currently leading the league in receptions and yards receiving. He has been the most reliable receiver for the team.
The Saints have been lacking wide receiver depth. My concern is that there is not someone who can take the pressure off of Michael Thomas if he needs it. Tre’Quan Smith is set to return. This could be the move that helps Thomas reduce the risk of injury this season. While Thomas has been reliable, the Saints will need to be smart in playing Thomas, Hill, Kamara, and Murray these next eight games. While they’ve shown they have talent in their rookies, they don’t want to have to depend strictly on them.
