Game day!!! Wooohooo!!! Yeah!!! So pumped!!! Expect not really. The chances of making the playoffs are now mathematically at about 0.0001%. I don’t know the exact number but I saw it somewhere and it really was close to that. The Saints need to win out and get a boatload of help. Why am I even talking about this? It’s not happening. So now the Saints will basically play 4 preseason games to end the season. What a drag and useless exercise. I think at this point we’re all rooting for the best draft pick – so losing out might not be that bad. Sweeping the Falcons still holds a lot of importance in my heart, though, so I’m willing to give up a little draft positioning for that. The Saints lead the career series against the Bucs 29-17 so that’s safe even with a loss. So this game is pretty much “whatever”, but here’s five things I will be watching closely:
1. The back rotation… C. J. exists?
With Mark Ingram gone and only three runners on the roster, you would think it’s finally time to unleash C. J. Spiller. Except I have this sinking suspicion Tim Hightower is going to see a lot more reps. I know he’s a better blocker in passing situations and he’s more of a between the tackles runner like Ingram. Spiller can’t block, apparently, which is why he never sees the field. That and it’s rumored he runs the wrong routes and doesn’t know the offense. Well, sink or swim, we’re going to find out what he can do. At least I hope. And there’s a chance we’ll see Marcus Murphy back there some too. Interesting to see that they called up Austin Johnson, who I’m assuming will see snaps in an effort to protect Drew Brees.
2. The NFL record for opposing passer rating.
The NFL record for futility when it comes to giving up the highest passer rating in a season is the 2008 0-16 Detroit Lions. That year, opposing quarterbacks had a 110.9 rating against the Lions. This year, quarterbacks playing the Saints have a 116.6 rating through 12 games. So when you think to yourself “oh my God we have the worst pass defense ever!”, that’s factually accurate. You can be the one fan ever that says that and it’s actually true. So as Jameis Winston lights the Saints up like everyone else does, the question will be does it move the needle up or back from 116.6? Fact is, Winston could play an amazing game and have a 109.2 rating, and that would bring the average down! It’s the little things!
3. More blitzing, please.
The reason why I liked the blitzing against the Panthers is it created sacks and chances at turnovers. Look, with this pass rush and decimated pass defense the Saints can’t stop anyone. We know this. So if you’re going to get scored on regardless, why not blitz every chance you get? Obviously wait until passing downs, but then send 5 or 6 guys. You might go down in flames, but it could also yield a turnover. Why not?
4. The development of Andrus Peat.
The fact that Peat is on the field and playing right now is huge. As much as we all like Stephone Anthony, don’t forget that Peat was the 1st pick. He’s the future of this franchise. The Saints have a shot with he and Armstead of having elite bookend tackles one day. So I’ll be watching him closely and hoping that he has some good learning moments mixed in with success. At this point it’s about developing guys like him for the future more than winning a game.
5. Brandon Browner.
Ugh. I think Browner has to play, right? There’s six corners on the roster currently. Brian Dixon injured his abdomen and looks like he’ll miss this game. Down to 5. Damian Swann has been “cleared” from his concussion but hasn’t played in forever. I think he’ll play, but I’ve thought that before. Delvin Breaux has an injured hamstring so he’s probably 50-50. Then you have Browner, Kyle Wilson and Chris Owens. So I mean, Browner is pretty much the best corner on the roster right now and I’m barely kidding. He’s the worst graded corner on Pro Football Focus and he’s arguably the best corner on the Saints right now unless Breaux can play. Think about that for a second. Ok more seriously, I wonder if there’s an opportunity to maybe bench him? If he does play, expect more comedy. At this point it’s clear he’s hot garbage. And look, if you’re rooting for a better pick and the Saints to lose out, Browner is the guy you want out there. He will make sure that happens.
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