This week, the New Orleans Saints will face the Indianapolis Colts in a primetime matchup sure to garner the attention of a national audience. The Indy defense has been abysmal this season, ranking 27th overall. What will the Saints need to do offensively in order to capitalize on a shaky Colts defense and secure a much needed win?
Run Offense
It is fair to say that the Saints’ rushing attack so far this year hasn’t been as good as expected. Although the team is averaging 4.2 yards per attempt, there really hasn’t been a game where one of the three featured running backs has truly taken over a game. Darren Sproles has been great so far, but its clear that Sean Payton wants him to catch passes out of the backfield and be utilized in the screen game. Mark Ingram, although impressive at times, is still too inconsistent. Pierre Thomas has been good when he gets the ball; he has averaged 4 yards per carry on 41 attempts.
This week, however, might be when the New Orleans running attack truly comes together. Stopping the run has been a problem for Indianapolis this season, ranking 30th league-wide. If the Saints get ahead by a few touchdowns early, look for Ingram and Thomas to get more opportunities to get the ball. Fans might also get a Chris Ivory sighting if the Saints go up big early on.
Getting around 4 yards per attempt is the key for this unit. Offensive line consistency is paramount now more than ever, especially with the departure of veteran C Olin Kreutz. Backup Brian De La Puente is now the guy in the middle, and although he has filled in nicely, he will need to step up in order for the running game to loom large.
Pass Offense
Drew Brees has been lighting up opposing secondaries all year, averaging 344.3 yards per game, good enough for second best in the NFL, only trailing Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. The standout in the Saints’ receiving corps this season has easily been TE Jimmy Graham. His emergence has been the story of the year for New Orleans, and his presence continues to make a huge impact against opposing defenses.
The Colts have been average to below-average in defending the pass this season, surrendering 255.8 yards per game. Indianapolis, however, still has two elite pass rushers in DE Dwight Freeney and DE Robert Mathis. Both players can be absolutely dominate at times, and will need to be accounted for on every passing down in order for the Saints to be successful. Brees has been interception-prone in the past few games, and keeping him away from pressure will cut down on his turnover rate.
The Saints can go four-deep at wide receiver and possess pass catching options in Graham and Sproles. Look for Brees to get rid of the ball quickly on quick passes in order to neutralize Freeney and Mathis. Screen passes and throws to the running backs will also provide a solid antidote against a relentless pass rush.
Matchup to Watch
Saints OTs Jermon Bushrod and Charles Brown vs. Colts DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. In Superbowl XLIV, Bushrod was fortunate to defend against an injured Freeney, keeping Brees clean for the majority of the evening. In this rematch, Freeney is healthy, and will be looking to prove that the last meeting was a fluke. Charles Brown, on the other side of the line, will have his first big test in Robert Mathis, an end who often times gets overlooked. If Brown and Bushrod can keep Freeney and Mathis out of the backfield and off of Brees, the Saints will win the game. If not, it will allow a hungry, veteran Indianapolis team to keep within striking distance of their first win of the 2011 season. Keeping Brees off of the ground will be the key Sunday night.
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