The New Orleans Saints (5-6) lost three straight games to fall out of first place in the NFC South Division. They will need to regain their footing going into Sunday’s game at the Caesars Superdome against Detroit (8-3).
With six games left in the regular season, New Orleans may be able to turn things around in a few beneficial ways:
1. START GOLD IN THE RED ZONE: The Saints lost 24–15 to Atlanta, going 0 for 5 in the red zone, including two turnovers that the Falcons converted into touchdowns. There is nothing more fundamental than needing to score touchdowns in the red zone or, in the event that you can’t, making sure you don’t make mistakes in order to prevent points from being scored. The Saints were successful for a while when they just decided to run the ball in the 20-yard line, but quarterback Derek Carr’s effectiveness has fluctuated inside that zone. Depending on Taysom Hill and Alvin Kamara isn’t a bad option in any case, but it could be even better if Michael Thomas and Rashid Shaheed, two of New Orleans’ top three receivers, are sidelined. The issue is that if a penalty is committed, the process becomes more intricate and challenging. Therefore, accurate passing and clean line play could help resolve the problem, and Jimmy Graham, a tight end, might be needed. Although Graham has not played for the past four games, the Saints signed him primarily because they thought he could be useful in the red zone. And this is the opponent if there’s a game to sort it out. With a red zone defense percentage of 68.5 percent, Detroit is the third worst in the NFL and has been a vulnerable opponent.
2. PUMP THE ROCK: Although relying on the run game seems like a good idea in theory, it might be challenging to implement. The Lions allow the fifth-fewest amount of rushing yards per game (91.3) in the league. In spite of this, Kamara, Hill, and former Lion Jamaal Williams—as well as the Saints’ offensive line—need to be felt on Sunday because, in the absence of Thomas and Shaheed, expectations must drop. To help pick up the slack in the passing game, New Orleans will need tight end Juwan Johnson, receivers A.T. Perry, Keith Kirkwood, and Lynn Bowden Jr. However, New Orleans must be able to muster some resolve on the ground, even with the Lions concentrated on stopping the run.
3. FIX THE LEAKS: Against Atlanta, who ran for 228 yards and a touchdown on 41 carries, the Saints’ defense’s problem with their mobile quarterback/run game reached a low point. Six straight games, New Orleans has given up at least 113 rushing yards to the opposition; during that time, opponents have averaged 151 rushing yards per game. The Lions, who rank sixth in the league in rushing yards per game with an average of 136.9, will either put up a performance that fits the current trend or the Saints will face a formidable opponent in terms of running defense. On 242 carries, running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs of the Lions have amassed 1,214 yards and 14 touchdowns combined.
