The New Orleans Saints are looking to make a big comeback after the performance the team put on against the Atlanta Falcons. Last week, the Saints started as a 7-1 team heading into the first Falcon division game of the season. The two rivals have had animosity towards one another for years. Fans were expecting a fight to the finish. However, the game was one-sided at best.
Drew Brees Looks to Return to Form for New Orleans Saints
The NFL has had a crazy season with the benching of quarterbacks. Teams have made changes as if the quarterback is the sole reason for the error. One interesting decision was the benching of Eli Manning, who has been a faithful starting quarterback for the New York Giants for years. However, this change did nothing for the Giants, who have only won two games thus far.
After the horrible loss to the Falcons, fans took to social media to express their frustration with star quarterback Drew Brees. Brees ended the game completing 32 of his 45 passes, no interceptions, no touchdowns, and six sacks. Yet, he found himself as one of the topics of discussion while fans typed the senseless thoughts of starting Teddy Bridgewater over Brees.
Bridgewater or Brees?
Look, I hear you. By this time, I can literally feel the comments. Yes, New Orleans went 5-0 with Bridgewater. Yes, Brees has a 2-2 record this year. Can we just take a step back though? Those statements are senseless. First off, before this game, Brees was injured in the beginning of the Rams games. That loss the Saints experienced was partially because the quarterback injury took everyone by surprise, especially coaches. As soon as there’s an issue, everyone gravitates to the “off with his head” mentality. When Bridgewater entered the field, he had a responsibility like everyone else: do the job. It wasn’t left just under one person. Each person on that field had a responsibility to execute. Those five games were an example that the team can play even football on both sides. This game was an example that they still have a lot of work today.
Lastly, this was the third game the Saints did not score a touchdown. Two out of three of those games resulted in the loss. The Saints were able to pull a victory against the Dallas Cowboys by relying on a defense that pulled through when the offense couldn’t capitalize. One game does not define who is better, especially when multiple factors contribute to the loss.
Hungry for More
It is going to be interesting to see how the team will respond to the loss and to the harboring injuries. Andrus Peat will be out for at least six weeks with a broken arm, and Marshon Lattimore is limited with a hamstring injury. Lattimore will be a big loss if he is out against the Buccaneers. The team played each other in Week 5, and Lattimore had a stellar day by limiting Mike Evans to zero catches.
With this, expect to see more of Will Clapp to cover for Peat. Also, for Lattimore, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson may very well be back on the field. The team will be looking at redemption as they face the Tampa Buccaneers and a repeat victory in this matchup. Until then, ‘Who Dat’ is the only slogan to say.
