The New Orleans Saints are looking to rebound from a disappointing last couple of seasons that have kept them far removed from the playoff picture. While their offense continue to provide a much needed spark in the Big Easy, the defense has let them down on far too many occasions. If the team hopes to make significant strides towards the postseason in 2016, they need to get out of the starting gate quickly. It is important to get some wins under their belt so that confidence will follow. In addition, wins are necessary in order to make the opposition finally take notice once again. Let’s take a look at the Saints first four games of the ever so crucial first month in 2016.
Week One
Overall, the Saints schedule looks to be precarious on paper. Their opponents had a combined winning percentage of .547 in 2015, which is the highest in the NFL. At the same time, there is a silver lining. The Saints will open up at home, where they will be play two of their first three games. This all begins with the Oakland Raiders, who are notoriously slow starters in their own right. There will be much fanfare opening night, as the Saints open up at home for the first time since 2013. It will also be the kickoff to their 50th season, and expectations will be high. If they can withstand the pressure, they should be able to get their first victory of the season against the Raiders.
Week Two
Week two takes New Orleans to New York to battle the Giants; pitting two future hall of fame quarterbacks against one another. Thankfully, Brees seems to thrive in these situations. The Saints will need him on this night. Manning and the Giants have had their own offensive and especially defensive struggles in recent years, but the Saints haven’t been able to prove that their defense can hold anybody back. With a new coaching staff in place starting with with new head coach Ben Mcadoo, the Giants are sure to have extra pressure on them early in the season as well.
Week Three
After an extra day off, the Saints return home to play the Atlanta Falcons in primetime Monday night football. This is an Atlanta team that is primed for a deep postseason run of their own. They have a high powered offense, so this will understandably cause some worry to Saints fans. It will be the first big test of the year for a rebuilt defense. If the team ekes out a win here at home, it will position them very well entering the later part of the season.
Week Four
The end of the first month will not be easy, with the Saints having to play on short rest in sunny San Diego. The Chargers, however, are a team in flux, so this is a possible pick up for the Saints. Hopefully this will position them well to end the first month of the season on a high note before entering into their bye week.
If the Saints can enter week 6 with a record of 3-1 they should be pleased. Their defense needs to hold strong and key offensive players remain healthy. If they can accomplish this, then they will be positioned well for a run at the playoffs, which will be music to the fan’s ears, big loud brass band music.
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