2015 New Orleans Saints Preview
By John Sigler
Aug 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) talks after the game with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Second Quarter Record: 2-2
Week 5: The Philadelphia Eagles are probably the most overrated team in the NFL. Head coach Chip Kelly is infallible in the media even though he’s gone 10-6 twice and lost his only playoff appearance at home in the rain and sleet, to a team that rarely won outdoors or on the road in the playoffs. In spite of that, they have a dynamite defense stacked with talent in the front seven and feature one of the more difficult passing offenses to defend. Sean Payton has been doing everything Chip Kelly is praised about for a decade now, but I’m not convinced the Saints have the defensive talent to hang with his fast-paced offense. Final score: 28-21, Saints lose.
Week 6: The first meeting with the hated Atlanta Falcons under the coaching of Dan Quinn kicks off in New Orleans in Week 6 on Thursday night. Despite a last-minute trade for Tennessee Titans offensive guard Andy Levitre, the Falcons still look to trot out one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL and a lackluster personnel group on defense. That’s a recipe for success for the Saints, who should seize on this opportunity to knock off a division rival. Like all of their games this one shouldn’t light up the scoreboard, but I give the Saints a home advantage. Final score: 33-24, Saints win.
Week 7: The Saints go back on the road in Week 7, traveling to Indianapolis. Andrew Luck is swimming in receiving options this year and Frank Gore will see six men in the box for the first time in his pro career, making for a tough defensive situation for the Saints. The Colts’ defense still lacks much to feel good about, but the additions of linebacker Sio Moore and defensive end Henry Anderson are encouraging. Cornerback Vontae Davis is overrated but can still lock down most of Drew Brees’ favorite receivers, which may make for a long day. It would be surprising to see the Saints take a victory lap around Lucas Oil Stadium. Final score: 37-30, Saints lose.
Week 8: The first half of the schedule is very unfavorable for the Saints, but that’s pretty much where the bad news ends. The Week 8 match against the New York Giants in New Orleans is promising as an opportunity to turn around the season and go on a tear. Outside of the stellar Odell Beckham, Jr. and some expectations-beating performances from rookie left tackle Ereck Flowers and injured star wideout Victor Cruz, who do the Giants have that can give the Saints trouble? The only thing regular-season Eli Manning is reliable for is throwing a couple of interceptions every game. They don’t have a single defender worth mentioning unless we’re making jokes about fireworks safety. This should be a morale-building win for Sean Payton’s team. Final score: 35-20, Saints win.
Next: The Third Quarter