Saints: the Lions will be hungry after disappointing loss
By Dayton Brown
The New Orleans Saints’ Week 6 matchup against the Detroit Lions will have extra meaning after Sunday.
The NFL works in funny ways, sometimes. Two weeks ago, the Saints blew out the Panthers in Charlotte, showing a lowly Cam Newton-led offense. That same offense went into Foxborough and defeated the same New England team that won Super Bowl LI and stomped on the Saints in Week 2.
Then, this week, the leaders of the NFC South stomped on a 3-1 Detroit Lions team at Ford Field. The most important part for the Saints, however, was the losing team. Coming off their bye, New Orleans will face Detroit in the Saints’ second home game of the season on Oct. 15.
More from Who Dat Dish
- Are the Saints playoff contenders or pretenders in 2022?
- 3 takeaways from Saints unofficial depth chart ahead of preseason opener
- Saints 2022 Training Camp: Top 5 takeaways from Day 13
- 3 things to know about new Saints QB K.J. Costello
- Kirk Merritt could be a difficult player for the Saints to cut
With a win so close to their grasp, expect the Lions to come firing off all cylinders in the Superdome. The game was lopsided towards Carolina for the first three quarters. Then, Matthew Stafford began to mount a comeback after being down 17 points to start the 4th. However, despite 2 touchdown passes to tight end Darren Fells, Stafford and the Lions could not seal the deal.
Some could look at this as good news for the Saints. A deflating loss for the Lions may mesh with a rested New Orleans squad and create a recipe for success for the home team. But, with the great coaching and veteran leadership Detroit has, be aware that they will be wanting a win even more come Sunday.
How concerned should the Saints be?
Detroit was already loads talented. On paper, on the field, Stafford has weapons, and their defense is full of skill. Add in a surprising loss, and an extra fire has been lit.
Next: Will early bye week slow Saints' roll?
As mentioned above, though, the Saints are coming off a bye week. As early as it may be, it helps sore bodies rest, and opens the door for possible starters to return from major injuries. This includes left tackle Terron Armstead.
Even if just one or neither of them can play, the extra week’s rest is crucial for a Saints team on a roll. Detroit was expected to be a tough matchup, so I have no doubt that the team has been preparing even better for this game. Get ready for fireworks, folks, as we see which offense can bring the most thunder in the Big Easy.