Everything you need to know for Sunday’s game

Links to the game

If you don’t get the game or can’t watch it for some reason, links to live streams of the game will be sent to my Saints groups chat. All you have to do is download the Relevnt app, and search up Saints Fanatics to join! Link is here to join: https://relevnt.app/vibe/44763 

Uniforms 

White jersey’s over white pants 

Inactive’s

Ian Book

Albert Huggins

Erik McCoy

Lil’Jordan Humphrey

Desmond Trufant

Injury Report 

Erik McCoy – Out (calf) 

CB, Marshon Lattimore (thumb/hand), expected to play

OL, Calvin Throckmorton (knee), expected to play

DE, Payton Turner (elbow), expected to play

DB, Chauncey Gardner Johnson (knee), expected to play 

LB, Pete Werner (hamstring), expected to play 

DB, P.J. Williams (back), expected to play 

DE, Tanoh Kpassagnon (calf), expected to play

*Ryan Nielsen (assistant head coach/defensive line), Brian Young (pass rush specialist) and Dan Roushar (run game coordinator/tight ends) will not be in attendance at Sunday’s game due to COVID-19 protocols

Players to watch

  • Payton Turner, can he continue his dominance after last week’s performance 
  • Cesar Ruiz, can he communicate with the line to pick up blitzes and stunts
  • Marquez Callaway, he hasn’t done much this year and needs to be available for Winston this week 
  • Deonte Harris, they wanna get him more involved offensively, on special teams last week he was a stud 
  • Zack Baun/LB2, can the guy next to Demario help stop the run game 

Things to keep an eye on

  • Can the offensive line communicate and give Winston time
  • Does Jameis learn from last week, less to no turnovers, his decision making
  • Can the front seven get pressure on Mac Jones
  • Does Sean get Kamara more involved this week
  • Do the wide receivers create separation and become available for Jameis 
  • Can Zack Baun have a better game and show that last week was just a bad game 
  • How does Roby/Adebo perform at CB2 now with a healthy defense 

Keys to the game 

Stop the Run

The Patriots strongest part of the offense so far this year has been the run game. It’s been something they rely on and use to get Mac Jones into comfortable situations. Especially in the red zone, they use the run game to get into the end zone and open up more play action passes. If the Saints can contain the run and keep it minimal they will be in good hands. We want Mac Jones to win this game without the run, and I personally don’t think he can win this game without the run game. That would be too much pressure for Mac Jones as the run portion of their offense would just be eliminated. 

Win the turnover battle

Sean Payton earlier this week mentioned that the Patriots are 108-7 at home when winning the tmover battle. Turnovers are critical for the Saints to win this week and we saw last week what turnovers can do to a team. Mac Jones hopefully will have a lot of pressure on him from due to the lack of success in the run game. If Jones is pressured and in a situation where he can’t rely on the run, he’s gonna make a mistake and turn the ball over. The defense without a doubt can create turnovers, the offense has to execute off of them. Offensively we can’t turn the ball over, Bill Belichick will slowly demoralize the Saints if there are turnovers. This is a week Winston has to play smart and not turn the ball over. 

Get up fast and early 

The Saints offense has to be able to put points on the board unlike last week. Whether it’s a field goal or a touchdown they need to produce points. Scoring early and getting the momentum fast will force Mac Jones to be uncomfortable. Imagine the Saints are up 14-0, Jones is gonna have pressure on him to put up points and possibly cause a turnover. Executing on each opportunity will be critical for a Saints win this week. 

Who to root for

Panthers @ Texans – Texans

Washington @ Bills – Bills

Bears @ Browns – Browns 

Ravens @ Lions – Ravens 

Cardinals @ Jags – Jags

Falcons @ Giants – Giants

Bucs @ Rams – Rams 

Seahawks @ Vikings – Vikings

Packers @ 49ers – Packers

Eagles @ Cowboys – Eagles

Written By Kadin Janisch

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