Canal Street Chronicles
After a disappointing showing in Seattle, the New Orleans Saints’ defense will look for a rebound performance when they face off against Josh Allen and one of the top offenses across the league in the Buffalo Bills. To give Spencer Rattler and co. a chance to stay in the game, the Saints will need a defensive masterclass to slow down Buffalo.
Buffalo is averaging 34 points per game, has gone a perfect 3/3 on fourth down attempts, and has not turned the ball over thus far. Their ability to put points on the board at will certainly gives them an edge over a reeling New Orleans defense, which has struggled at times to get off the field.
Aside from the reigning NFL MVP, New Orleans will have its hands full trying to contain the Bills’ offensive weapons like James Cook, Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Josh Palmer, and Dalton Kincaid. Just about any player on Buffalo’s offense is capable of gashing defenses.
On the flip side, the Saints’ defense has given up an average of 30 ppg through its first three games. Although New Orleans has managed to keep games close, they’ve not been able to stop opposing offenses. A young secondary and mental errors have hindered Brandon Staley’s group.
The stops have to start with the effort up front, particularly in the pass rush. New Orleans will have to force Allen into uncomfortable situations and keep the Bills in long-to-go distances on late downs. Even with as mobile as their QB is, you’d feel a lot better about Buffalo beating you with their legs than through the air with time inside the pocket.
Although difficult, you’re probably going to need to force a turnover or two. Kellen Moore and this Saints team will have to find a way to steal possessions. Let’s be honest here. The Saints are a 15.5-point underdog at the time of writing this article… I’m not saying it is impossible, but fans of New Orleans should not hold their breath in such a tough road contest as this. There is still a long season ahead, but we’re in it for better or worse.
