The New Orleans Saints return home for the first time in the 2021 NFL season. It’s been a nomadic September for the Saints as Hurricane Ida made things difficult for the black and gold. Having to practice in Texas and playing their first game in Jacksonville was just a sample of some of the logistical challenges faced so far this season. However, finally, the Saints come to their newly renovated Caesars Superdome on Sunday. Also, this will be the first game with fans in nearly two years for a regular season game. But the Saints have to be ready for plenty of running by Daniel Jones. And no game is a gimme in the NFL.
Daniel Jones’ Legs are Threat to the New Orleans Saints Homecoming
The noise will be deafening against the 0-3 New York Giants. The Saints are slowly building a reputation of being a lockdown defense. Ranked in the top ten in most categories on defense strikes physical defensive identity sought after many times during the Drew Brees era. The defensive side of the ball has cost the Saints dearly in the past — playing second fiddle to the air raid offense put on since Sean Payton took over in 2006. Ironically, now it’s the face of the franchise.
Still, it’s early. Way too early to gauge the defense just yet. In another three weeks, the sample size should be a bit more legitimate. Not to mention, the Saints go on the road to play the Seattle Seahawks than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But for right now, the Giants are the main focus.
Hurts Hurt the Saints in 2020
Take a second and remember what Jalen Hurts did last year against the Saints. Hurts made his first start as a rookie and the Saints were expected to win overwhelmingly. That didn’t happen. What did happen is Hurts ran all over the Saints for 106 yards on 18 carries. In addition, running back Miles Sanders pitched in for 114 yards and two touchdowns, as the Eagles won 24-21. That loss ended a nine-game winning streak for the Saints. Also, it broke the Saints streak of holding a rusher under 100 yards for 56 games straight until then. And Philly had two!
Now the Giants will try and duplicate the effort. Daniel Jones’ running ability is underrated. And this year he’s averaging seven yards a carry with 161 yards rushing and two touchdowns on the ground. Add Saquon Barkley to the mix — the Saints best be prepared for Daniel Jones and his legs.
Take no Team Lightly
Every single statistic points to a blowout win at home for the Saints. There’s nothing the Giants do especially well but on the other hand, this team is better than the 0-3 record at present. Of course, the loss last week against the hapless Atlanta Falcons makes this game feel like a bye week. On the other hand, this is the NFL. Don’t expect the Giants to come in and lay down in front of the raucous crowd on Sunday. And there is reason to be concerned about the Saints offense. Ranked 29th in total offense out of 32 isn’t exactly a welcome statistic. The passing offense for the black and gold also ranks dead last averaging 129 yards per game.
Still, Jameis Winston holds a 101.8 quarterback rating and a top-five touchdown to interception ratio. He’s thrown seven touchdowns against only two interceptions to date. Even so, skeptics remain cautious. Even with the drubbing of the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 seems a long time ago. And in this league, it’s “what have you done for me lately?” All things considered, a 2-1 record is more than satisfactory. Because that’s what it’s all about. If the Saints keep winning — all is well in the Big Easy.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
