Tough to get up for this one with the Saints 5-7 on the heels of a tough and embarrassing loss to the Lions at home. We’re all expecting the worst. The Saints are beat up, missing keys guys, and at a low point morale wise. I have expect them to start flat and mail this one in. But part of me feels like the times we’ve gone into a game feeling this way are the times the team surprises us. So there’s that. Here’s what I’m looking for:
1. Can the Saints protect the football?
Every game has the same goal – win the turnover battle. Stats prove that has the most direct impact on the outcome of a game. But I’m particularly nervous about this one because the Saints defense doesn’t really create turnovers so any turnover by the offense feels like a death sentence. Take away the blowout wins against the Rams and 49ers and the Saints have been hemorrhaging the football. Three interceptions against the Lions, one interception and a lost fumble against the Panthers, two interceptions and two lost fumbles against the Broncos. Needless to say, the Saints are 0-3 in those games where they coughed up the ball a combined 9 times. Bad. Meanwhile, the Bucs have been red hot getting takeaways. During this 4 game win streak their defense scored 4 turnovers against the Bears, 2 against the Chiefs, 3 against the Seahawks and 2 against the Chargers. 11 turnovers created in 4 games. On paper, this is set up for the Saints to make a lot of mistakes offensively – especially considering how banged up they are on the offensive line. The Saints have to take care of the football if they want any chance of winning on the road and the odds are stacked against them in this game.
2. The play of the offensive line
In tandem with protecting the football is playing a clean game in the trenches. The Saints are really banged up up front. Terron Armstead might be back, he’s been limited at practice, but will he last more than a quarter and a half? Max Unger is questionable and didn’t practice the last two days. Senio Kelemete is questionable and was limited in practice. Zach Strief should play, but he has an elbow issue. If Unger can’t go, I assume it’s Armstead-Peat-Kelemete-Evans-Strief. That’s right, Senio snapping the football, and yes, that should make you nervous. If Armstead can’t go either, then it’s probably the same but with Lelito replacing Unger. A lot of moving parts here for a team that’s sinking, going up against a team that’s hot and has everything to play for. Can these guys step up and play well?
3. Stephone Anthony
Craig Robertson is a long shot to play since he’s been out all week at practice. He’s officially listed as questionable but I’d be surprised to see him. Anthony has been practicing at Mike all week and will be wearing the headset if Robertson is absent. I’m really curious to see how he does. I’ve been waiting for the 1st round pick who had a lot of promising moments last year to get a chance. Maybe this is unrealistic but I think he can play well and re-ignite his career.
4. How the Saints patch up the secondary without Vaccaro
Vaccaro is now serving his 4 game suspension, which really sucks. I didn’t think the Saints could win four straight with him but without him it really feels hopeless. Roman Harper should start in his place but I think it would behoove the Saints to take him out on passing downs, just keep Bell/Byrd back there, and bring in an extra corner. Vaccaro does a good job covering tight ends so Harper may split that role with Anthony. Oh my God I just typed that hold me. Brate is probably their second favorite target and he has 6 touchdowns this week so if you play weekly fantasy stuff for money – I recommend picking up Cameron Brate. Maybe we’ll see B. W. Webb on the field more which…
He has crazy hair at least?
5. Slow down Mike Evans
Mike Evans is the Bucs offense. If I’m the Saints I have Delvin Breaux and Jairus Byrd on him all game long. He has 10 of his team’s 23 passing touchdowns, almost half. You can’t let their best player beat you. All attention needs to be on stopping him. Force Jameis Winston to beat you with someone else.
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