Now at 5-9, the Saints are purely playing for pride as a losing season is guaranteed and chances at the playoffs are mathematically impossible. If you’re curious about the picture I selected for this post, by the way, it’s a shot of the “River City Relay” play. If you’re not familiar with that part of Saints history, it’s a must to look up. The short version is that the Saints lateraled numerous times on the final play of the game to cover a huge chunk of the field and find the end zone against the Jaguars. Unfortunately, automatic kicker John Carney then missed the extra point and the Saints lost by one. It was the most surreal two play sequence I’ve ever watched in my entire life. Interesting to note that the Saints have played the Jaguars 5 times (I remember all five games very well) and currently lead 3-2 in the head to head series. So this game represents an opportunity for the Jags to even the historical series. I’m taking my son to the game so while he’s been to a preseason game this will be his first regular season experience. I just really hope the team shows up and at least makes it somewhat exciting. I would hate for my son’s first experience to be a chorus of boos, a team getting lit up by the Jaguars, and an angry/bitter/sad fan base. Here’s five things I’m looking for:
1. The quarterback situation
I’m not sure the Saints can win this game with a wounded Drew Brees. If Brees doesn’t play, I’m pretty much certain they have zero chance. Regardless of who starts it’s going to be interesting. If Brees starts, how limited will he be by the torn plantar fascia in his foot? If Matt Flynn starts, I fully expect horror – will he prove me wrong? If Garrett Grayson starts, then I’m really curious to see how he fares and what’s the outlook on his future with the Saints.
2. Any improvement versus the run?
The Saints gave up 150 yards at 6.5 per carry to the NFL’s worst rushing team in the Lions. The Saints have given up 1,919 yards on the ground, worst in the NFL, at 5.1 per carry, worst in the NFL. It’s embarrassing beyond words and it’s getting worse. You’d think that means the Jags will tear them up on the ground but rookie phenom T. J. Yeldon is out with an MCL sprain. That means Denard Robinson will get the nod this week. He’s had a decent season but the Jags focus on passing with Yeldon out of the mix. We’ll see how they choose to attack the Saints defense because pretty much anything is successful. It really is a pick your poison situation. I’m not expecting anything good, but I’d love to see the Saints hold the Jags to under 4.5 yards per carry. I don’t think that’s asking for too much and that’s the goal for me at this point. I don’t want to see good run defense, I just want to see slight improvement against a team missing their best horse.
3. Pass defense records
The Saints need only give up one more passing touchdown to tie the 1963 Denver Broncos for the most passing touchdowns give up for a season in NFL history. That record may be broken in the first quarter. Based on the clinic Matt Stafford ran last Monday I have no doubt Blake Bortles will turn up an equally impressive stat line. As I’ve stated many times, opposing quarterbacks are averaging a 116.5 rating against the Saints which is the worst ever in a season by 5.6 points. How guaranteed is it that the Saints will break this record? Consider this: the Saints would have to hold opposing quarterbacks to a 72.0 rating average over the next two weeks just to TIE the 2008 0-16 Lions for the worst opposing rating of all time in a season (110.9). They would need to average 71.0 over the next two games to dip under the Lions’ record at 110.8. Quarterbacks have thrown for 39 touchdowns and 6 interceptions against the Saints this season.
4. Quest for two 1,000 yard receivers
It would be cool to see the Saints finish the season with two 1,000 yard receivers, especially considering how much people have blasted their abilities this year. Brandin Cooks has his first 1,000 yard season pretty much in the bag, needing just 7 more receiving yards. Willie Snead needs 126 more yards which may be a little tougher to come by – but still very much possible with two games left. I’ll be rooting for this to happen as it would be another cool passing milestone for the Sean Payton offense.
5. The declining play of the rookies in 2015 – can they end on a high note?
The Saints rookies have kind of hit rock bottom lately. Andrus Peat didn’t fare too well at guard and has been benched in favor of a return to Tim Lelito. Stephone Anthony’s play seems to be dipping significantly. Hau’oli Kikaha played only 10 snaps last week and appears largely benched. Garrett Grayson may be slighted in favor of Matt Flynn. P. J. Williams never saw the field. Davis Tull never saw the field. Marcus Murphy and Damian Swann both showed flashes but are on IR. Bobby Richardson has shown flashes but has largely disappeared of late. Tyeler Davison has been starting and has played a big hand in the porous run defense. The long 16 week NFL season is taking a toll on these young players. And while I’m still optimistic about this class of players I just listed, it’s clear that they are all fading hard to end this season. I’d like to see some positives from at least a couple of these guys over the next two weeks. They’ve been playing a lot which is partially responsible for why they’re fading now. Preparing their bodies all offseason for the rigors of an NFL season next year will be big.
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