Being 1-7 on the season, the New Orleans Saints enter nearly each game moving forward as the underdog, and this week is no different. Their next opponent, the Los Angeles Rams, is potentially the most challenging opponent of the Saints’ season. This will be a game that New Orleans should lose, but there are still some ways they could pull off an upset victory.
Dealing With the Rams’ Pass Rush
Looking at Los Angeles’ pass rushers, there are two that could destroy any offensive plan the Saints have. Outside linebacker Byron Young has nine sacks on the season, which puts him third in the NFL, and second-year EDGE Jared Verse, who has four sacks, is one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the NFL. If the Saints want any chance of winning this game, they must keep the Rams’ pass rush at bay.
Overall, the Saints’ defense has a grade of C- according to PFSN’s Defense Impact metric, and is ranked 18th overall in the league.
Get the Run Game Going
With the Saints hopefully preventing the Rams’ defense from making plays in the pass rush, they also have to defeat the defensive line using the run. Head coach Kellen Moore has gone away from the run too many times this season, and although the run game itself has not consistently been successful when used, relying on it will need to happen in this game.
Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough will be getting the first start of his career after Moore benched second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler. If the Saints want to keep the pressure off of him, establishing the run early can do that.
Running back Alvin Kamara, who has only played in eight games this season and boasts a PFSN Impact grade of C, should be good to go this game, but rookie Devin Neal may be the perfect answer to get yards when the Saints need it most.
Do Not Give Up Big Plays
So far this season, the Saints have done a commendable job of playing a bend-but-don’t-break defense. However, at times, teams can hit massive plays that put New Orleans behind fast. If the Saints do not avoid the big plays, a defensive performance like the one against the New England Patriots in Week 6 could occur, and that would knock out any chance of New Orleans winning this game.