Each week our New Orleans Saints writers will huddle up and answer a few choice questions about the previous game and what lies ahead. This week we tackle the defense (something that Saints themselves would probably have a hard time with), who will fill Colston’s shoes as the go-to wide receiver, and lastly we give our opinions about Mark Ingram.
1. Fact or Fiction: Saints fans should be worried about the defense following the performance in week one.
Dan Lawton – Fact. Green Bay has a high-octane offense that will be difficult for any team to stop, but the Saints poor tackling in the secondary, most notably on James Starks’ 17-yard touchdown run and Randall Cobb’s 32-yard touchdown catch, is becoming the norm. Add in a non-existent pass rush and the Saints may have to score 40 often this year to compete.
Joe Gerrity – Fact. The secondary looked atrocious and the tackling was sub-par to say the least. There’s no reason to freak out, but it’s a more obvious concern now than it was a week ago.
Chris Trew – Fact. Sure, Green Bay is stacked on offense, but even the 2010 East Dillion Lions would have shredded us on Thursday as Patrick Robinson looked pretty awful. I can’t promise that will be my last Friday Night Lights reference.
Jonathan Christensen – Fiction. The Saints defense looked paltry against the Green Bay offense. Nonetheless, Gregg Williams will have the defense ready for Chicago. I think that it will be a back to basics approach this week in practice, focusing in on tackling, coverages, and stopping the big play. Outside of the Saints, Green Bay has an offense unlike any other in the league
Jake Lipsman – Fiction. The Saints can’t take this performance lightly, but they also don’t need to panic. A chance to shake off the nerves in front of the home crowd this weekend should give us a better glimpse of what this defense is capable of.
2. Now that Colston is out, which Saints Players will step up and become the number one receiving option?
Dan Lawton – When Lance Moore comes back, he’ll be the go-to guy, but until then, and possibly afterward, I think Meachem finally reaches his potential as a stud receiver.
Joe Gerrity – Jimmy Graham is going to step up and show the world that he’s ready to shine.
Chris Trew – Darren Sproles. I can’t wait to watch this prediction come true while I’m watching Darren Sproles break records against Chicago while I’m wearing my brand new Darren Sproles jersey. Sproles Fever, y’all!
Jonathan Christensen – Robert Meachem. With concerns about Colston and Moore, Brees will look to Robert Meachem as his top target. I almost put Devery Henderson after his impressive 100 yard performance last week, but consistency is an issue. Meachem presents matchup issues with his size and speed.
Jake Lipsman – Robert Meachem. I picked Meachem to be the Saints receiving leader while Colston was healthy, and I’m certainly not changing that prediction now that Colston is hurt. Meachem is a combination of the strength of Colston and the speed of Devery Henderson, giving him the ability to stretch the field and win any matchup a defense can throw at him.
3. Mark Ingram’s first game was ________.
Dan Lawton – Par for the course. It was disappointing that he didn’t punch it in it late, but in general he ran hard, looked tough and avoided making any big rookie mistakes.
Joe Gerrity – Disappointing. Call me a harsh critic, but when your number one draft pick is pretty much invisible up until he gets stuffed on a do-or-die fourth down play, it’s hardly something to write home about.
Chris Trew – Almost spectacular. I’m torn on giving him the ball on that last play, but man, can you believe how far up his ass we’d be if he scored? The entire city would have to be squeezed out. Here’s to hoping his confidence hasn’t taken a huge hit.
Jonathan Christensen – Pretty much as expected. Ingram finished with 40 yards on 13 attempts, averaging 3.1 yards per carry. Not great, but not atrocious. Once he adjusts to the speed of NFL defenses, Ingram will be able to contribute better statistically, as well as in situations similar to the end of the game last Thursday.
Jake Lipsman – Predictable. He looked like he has the makings of the runner we expect him to become, but he wasn’t going to get there in one game. Sure, he didn’t punch in the tying TD, but he was being asked to do more than what probably should have been expected of him in his first game. The interior O-line didn’t appear to make those short yardage situations any easier for him, either.
