Previewing the New Orleans Saints’ Week 9 matchup against the Bucs

Overview

By now, I think I’ve made it clear how little hope I have for the Saints to slow down Tampa Bay.

With that in mind, this game all comes down to Drew Brees. His performance, mostly due to a 5.8 average depth of target, has been inconsistent at best. However, with Thomas and Sanders back in the fold, the offense should ideally become much more diverse.

It will be tempting for Payton to establish the run and control the clock. However, that would be a very bad idea, considering how terrific Tampa Bay’s run defense is and the likelihood this becomes a shootout.

If Payton trusts his key playmakers, however, this game could get interesting. With two talented offenses, I think this will be a close game, which is why the Saints should cover as a 5.5-point underdog.

Will they win? Unfortunately, this doesn’t appear to be a good matchup for them on paper.

At the same time, Payton might have some cards up his sleeve in a game with such great implications, and if Brees performs up to his capabilities and demonstrates a little more aggressiveness, this could get interesting!

Brees vs Brady? Sunday Night Football with Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth! Sign me up. Regardless of the outcome, this should be a very exciting game to watch.