Saints: 3 keys to prime-time success against Raiders

The offensive line needs to open up the run.

Last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Saints offensive line let up one sack and three hits on the quarterback. That wasn’t too terrible for a Week 1 game. However, they let 11 tackles for a loss on the run game.

The reason the Saints only averaged 2.25 yards per carry on 27 rushes is that the offensive line wasn’t creating the holes that Kamara and Murray needed. For the run to succeed, the Saints need to open up lanes and push blocks.

Now, the line was without Cesar Ruiz last week due to an injury. He should be back this week though. Nick Easton filled in and did an okay job, but he is no Ruiz. Let’s hope the thought of Ruiz isn’t better than how the rookie will perform in his debut.

I’m excited to see how the line chemistry works with a rookie playing his first game.

The New Orleans Saints are not going to easily give up this game. I would expect that this is at least a ten-point win for the black and gold. If these three things get under control, then I’d anticipate a pretty big prime-time blowout on Monday night.