Pats Pulpit
Coming off one of their most impressive win of the 2020s, the New England Patriots cannot rest on their laurels. Week 6, after all, presents them with a second straight road trip. And while their opponent is, on paper, very much beatable, the New Orleans Saints have all the makings to turn this into a trap game.
So, without further ado, let’s get to know them.
The Saints are heading into this week’s game having won just one of their first five games of the season. Their statistics are a reflection of their lack of success so far.
Record: 1-4 (4th NFC South)
Scoring differential: -43 (27th)
Turnover differential: +5 (t-4th)
Offense: 18.4 points/game (27th), 307.2 yards/game (24th), 3 giveaways (t-5th), 0.024 EPA/dropback (25th), -0.137 EPA/run (23rd)
Defense: 27.0 points/game (24th), 326.2 yards/game (17th), 8 takeaways (t-5th), 0.139 EPA/dropback (21st), -0.144 EPA/run (9th)
Ranking 27th in the NFL in scoring differential and in the bottom half in most of the other key stats, not a lot went right for the Saints early in their first season under new head coach Kellen Moore. However, there are a few exceptions, most notably their ability to hold onto that football and generate turnovers. The club’s top-5 ranking in that second category, however, is a bit deceiving: five of those came during last week’s win against the New York Giants.
The Saints’ season started off badly, but like the Patriots they will be entering Week 6 off a victory.
Week 1: 20-13 loss vs. Arizona Cardinals (0-1)
Week 2: 26-21 loss vs. San Francisco 49ers (0-2)
Week 3: 44-12 loss at Seattle Seahawks (0-3)
Week 4: 31-19 loss at Buffalo Bills (0-4)
Week 5: 26-14 win vs. New York Giants (1-4)
The Saints started their season with back-to-back home games against two teams that would, on paper, have been beatable. However, both the inconsistent Cardinals and a 49ers team missing its starting quarterback were still able to secure road victories.
New Orleans did not fare much better in the two road games that followed. The game in Seattle was decided at the half, with the Seahawks taking a 38-6 lead into the locker room, while the Bills pulled away late to secure a convincing win.
Last Sunday’s game against the Giants was a different story, though. Despite falling behind 14-3 in the early second quarter, they rallied to win their first game of the season.
(Note: Roster up-to-date as of Oct. 8, 5 a.m. ET; *denotes nominal starter)
Quarterback (2): Spencer Rattler* (2), Tyler Shough (6)
Running back (3): Alvin Kamara* (41), Kendre Miller (5 | KR), Devin Neal (24)
Wide receiver (5): Chris Olave* (12), Rashid Shaheed* (22 | PR), Brandin Cooks* (10), Devaughn Vele (14), Mason Tipton (15)
Tight end (4): Juwan Johnson* (83), Foster Moreau (87), Jack Stoll (88), Taysom Hill (7)
Offensive tackle (4): Kelvin Banks Jr.* (71), Taliese Fuaga* (75), Asim Richards (72), Xavier Truss (74)
**Interior...
