3 problems Saints must fix before Week 9 game

The New Orleans Saints already have six losses this season, and they’ve only played in eight games. Entering a Week 9 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, New Orleans is running out of runway to turn its season around.

The Saints have made it clear they won’t be sellers at the trade deadline, so that means they’re banking on a strong second half to the season. Starting quarterback Derek Carr is expected to return to the lineup on Sunday, and that should make a big difference. However, New Orleans has several more issues it needs to fix. Here are a few of them.

3. Saints must fix their offensive play calling

A major problem from Sunday’s loss to the Chargers was offensive play calling. Several people pointed out how the pass calls were somewhat reserved, but a bigger problem was the refusal to lean on the running game.

New Orleans ran the ball 21 times for 117 yards (5.6 yards per carry), with Alvin Kamara leading the way with 10 Carrie’s for 67 yards. With that kind of production, you’d expect a higher volume of runs. For whatever reason, that wasn’t the case against Los Angeles.

That can’t happen in Week 9 against Carolina.

2. Saints must limit penalties

Penalties have been an issue for New Orleans all season. The volume isn’t always a problem, but the costliness is, as they team has a habit of committing the worst fouls at the worst times.

Against the Chargers, volume was actually a problem, as the Saints were penalized seven times for 66 yards. Among those penalties were a few holding penalties that really set the offense back. New Orleans isn’t playing good enough to overcome penalties, so they need to focus on not committing them.

1. Saints defense must limit big plays

New Orleans’ defense had it’s best game in weeks. They ultimately gave up 378 yards and 26 points, so that speaks to how bad things have been during the losing streak. However, Sunday’s game was a defensive battle for most of the action.

Unfortunately, the Saints defense cracked first, and big plays emerged as a kryptonite. With the game just 9-5 in the third quarter, New Orleans gave up a 60-yard touchdown pass. They also gave up a 38-yard quarterback run, and another 45-yard reception.

Oftentimes, big plays like that can be the difference in games, and that was the case on Sunday. The Saints must make sure it’s not the case against the Panthers.

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