Football is officially here! Albeit a preseason contest, the New Orleans Saints will take the field for the first time this season in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals.
How will Brees run the offense without Sean Payton? We might get a partial answer Sunday evening.
The calling card for the New Orleans Saints last season was the offense, a unit that ranked as one of the greatest ever in league history. Topping last year’s production will be almost impossible, but the team returns almost all of their key starters. The Saints’ offense faces a talented Arizona Cardinals’ defense, a unit that is trying to improve in order to challenge San Francisco for the NFC West crown.
PASS OFFENSE
Will Drew Brees have any rust following his contract dispute that led to his absence during offseason workouts? That question will be answered during the first few offensive snaps for the Saints on Sunday. By all accounts, Brees has looked as sharp as ever during training camp. Keep in mind that Brees missed offseason workouts last year due to the NFL labor dispute; he went on to have the greatest statistical season for a quarterback in league history.
Brees’ handling of the passing attack in a live game situation without Sean Payton will be something to closely monitor, however. Offensive Coordinator Pete Carmichael did an excellent job last year during Payton’s absence due to injury; Brees was able to keep a pace that allowed him to break the passing yardage record. How will Payton’s absence throughout the season impact the offense? That remains to be seen, but a clearer picture will emerge after the game on Sunday.
Arizona’s ability to stop the pass ranked near the middle of the pack, allowing an average of 231 yards per game (17th in the NFL). That figure, however, should go down this season. CB Patrick Peterson emerged last season as a stud on special teams, but should improve in coverage with his first season of pro ball behind him. CB William Gay will join him as a starter, joining the team as a free agent from Pittsburgh. His veteran presence will help along the progression of Peterson as well as CB Jamell Fleming, a third round pick of the team this year. DE/OLB Quentin Groves, acquired via free agency from Oakland, will try to give the defense somewhat of a pass rush.
Arizona offers an early test on the depth of the Saints’ wide receivers. After the trio of Colston, Henderson, and Moore, New Orleans is still somewhat trying to figure out a pecking order. Nick Toon will be out for this game with a foot injury suffered Thursday in training camp. Look for Adrian Arrington, Joe Morgan, and Andy Tanner to get plenty of opportunities on the field.
RUN OFFENSE
The New Orleans running attack should be stronger this season with the return of a healthy Mark Ingram, adding a wealth of depth to an already stacked backfield. The Saints fared very well running the ball a year ago, amassing over 2100 yards and 4.9 yards per carry. The running game, however, is used somewhat sparingly by the Saints; New Orleans ranked 20th in attempts per game last year. A rotation of Ingram, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, and Chris Ivory provides the Saints with not only a deep rotation of players, but a group of backs that each provide a different unique skill set.
The Cardinals ability to stop the run was considered below average last year, ranking 21st in the league. The 4.2 yard per carry mark surrendered by Arizona must be improved if the Cardinals want to compete in a division that features Stephen Jackson, Frank Gore, and Marshawn Lynch.
Look for the Saints to try to establish the running game early on. Ingram and Ivory will probably get the bulk of carries early on, with veterans Sproles and Thomas rotating in on passing situations. Undrafted rookie running backs Joe Banyard and Travaris Cadet will also get playing time later on in the game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
OG Ben Grubbs
The biggest new piece to the Saints’ offense will be up front. Ben Grubbs will replace the departed Carl Nicks at offensive guard. His production will be key for an offensive line that provided the foundation for a record setting year a season ago. Grubbs, a free agent signee from Baltimore, is no slouch at guard; the Ravens’ offensive line has been wonderful in their run heavy scheme. Grubbs’ transition to a new offense, one that is pass-first, will be interesting to monitor.
WR Joe Morgan
Expected fourth receiver Nick Toon injured his foot on Thursday and did not practice Friday, meaning that he will be out for Sunday’s game. The injury opens the door a little wider for the speedy Morgan, who first raised eyebrows last preseason against the 49ers by returning both a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns. A knee injury sidelined Morgan for the remainder of the season, but he starts his 2012 campaign with a fresh slate. Consistency has been an issue for Morgan; dropped balls has plagued him during camp, pushing his depth chart status lower. Toon’s possible absence provides a unique opportunity to push past fellow receiver Adrian Arrington as a fifth option in an already deep receiving unit.
