New Orleans Saints: 3 key matchups for a win against the Indianapolis Colts

Aug 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) runs off the field after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

There is almost nothing as personally satisfying as watching the New Orleans Saints beat down their arch-rivals, the Atlanta Falcons. Doing so in a primetime game  in front of the entire country when the aforementioned Falcons were previously undefeated is the best way to guarantee that at least for one week Saints fans get to enjoy our season. The fact that the Saints won by executing their game plan and mercilessly attacking the Falcons weak points by exploiting their advantageous match-ups is the best news possible. It is something that they have failed to do consistently this year (when they have actually had match-ups to exploit), but the team came out ready to play after an embarrassing loss the week before to the devastatingly mediocre Philadelphia Eagles.

Before I get into this week’s match-ups I want to give a special shout out to a few players from last week’s game who played exceptional football for the Saints. First of all Drew Brees  turned in another one of his masterful primetime games as he mercilessly shredded the Falcons zone coverages to the tune of 312 yards and a touchdown while completing 30 of 39 pass attempts. Simply masterful. Brees was partially able to do this thanks to the surprising emergence of a new secret weapon (at least for one week) in veteran tight end Ben Watson. Watson had a career day catching 10 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. Ben surprised us all and I think I’m safe speaking for all of Who Dat Nation when I say…feel free to do it again.

The last player I want to highlight from last week’s game is the Saints Pro-Bowl defensive end Cameron Jordan who had arguably the best game of his career right when his team needed it most. Jordan had 3 sacks, a forced fumble (which he recovered) and a whopping 10, yes TEN, pressures. Jordan flat out dominated one of the (at least to this point in the season) better offensive lines in the league. He not only was highly productive himself, but also created opportunities for others as both Hau’oli Kikaha and Kasim Edebali were able to get sacks in large part thanks to Jordan’s play. simply a monster performance, and one that he will need to try to replicate if the Saints are to keep winning. Now on to the match-ups the Saints must win when they play the Indianapolis Colts this coming Sunday.

Next: 1. Colts O-Line