The Saints Are Currently A Powerhouse In The NFC After Embarrassing The Cowboys On The Road. Will The Clock Strike Midnight? The New Orleans Saints have become a surprise success story in the NFL. They have achieved back-to-back blowout wins against the Panthers and the dominant Cowboys, grabbing everyone’s attention. The team had low expectations for the 2024 season due to aging veterans. However, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and the offense scored 91 points in the first two games, tying for the second-most points in NFL history since the merger.
Despite the offensive success, the defense will be crucial for the Saints in their Week 3 matchup against the Eagles. The Saints ability to limit explosive plays and contain dual-threat QBs like Hurts has been an issue for Allen’s defenses. Here are three keys to how New Orleans can secure a victory against Philadelphia and continue their winning streak.
Champion Could Be Saints Answer to Jalen Hurts, Eagles’ Offense
Former Super Bowl Champion
In early March, the Saints signed former Super Bowl winner Willie Gay to a one-year $3,000,000 deal with a $1,200,000 signing bonus. However, this signing felt like it flew under the radar after the team signed defensive end Chase Young a few days later. Gay brings experience and versatility to a New Orleans defense that has been amongst the NFL’s elite over the past few seasons. He is an incredible athlete, logging a 4.46 40-yard dash, 39.5″ vertical, and an 11’4″ broad jump at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. Gay’s combination of speed, athleticism, and football IQ makes him a perfect fit for the Saints’ defensive scheme to contain mobile quarterbacks. As the Saints prepare for an NFC showdown, the spotlight will be on Gay’s ability to neutralize Hurts. Willie Gay will be critical to slowing down quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Reverse-Aging Superstar
NFL history has not been kind to older running backs. Once a running back reaches 29, production tends to decline massively. Alvin Kamara is breaking the norm and dominating after the back turned 29 in the offseason. Through the first two weeks, Kamara is the league leader with four rushing touchdowns. On top of his rushing efficiency, he has seven catches, 92 yards, and a receiving touchdown. Moreover, he is averaging 5.7 yards per carry, which is his second-best mark since his rookie year, when he had 6.1 yards per rush. He is the key to Kubiak’s offensive system, which prioritizes zone runs and a heavy dose of play-action. Kamara will look to continue his resurgence against an Eagles defense that allowed 5.4 yards per rush to the Falcons.
Former 19th Overall Pick Turning Corner
The New Orleans Saints drafted offensive tackle Trevor Penning 19th overall in the 2022 NFL draft. Since being drafted, Penning has started only eight games (including two this season) and dealt with a multitude of injuries. He did not live up to his draft status in his first two seasons, and many considered the Northern Iowa product a bust. Consequently, the offensive line was the biggest question mark entering the 2024 season. According to PFF, the Saints have the fourth-highest-ranked pass-blocking unit in the NFL. Penning has flipped a switch and has played well switching to the right side in Kubiak’s system. However, Penning’s continued growth will be crucial for the Saints to continue their offensive efficiency.
Main Photo: [Stephen Lew] – USA Today Sports
