The New Orleans Saints have lost their last seven games. That’s absolutely unacceptable, and that’s why the team fired Dennis Allen after the seventh straight loss. Unfortunately, the team has a tough matchup on Sunday as they try to avoid an eighth straight loss. But, to be fair, every game is a tough matchup when you’re 2-7.
On Sunday, though, New Orleans is hosting the 6-3 Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta is sitting comfortably atop the NFC South and they already have a win over the Saints this season. However, it took a last second kick to pull out that game back in Week 4.
These are two different teams now. The Falcons have been on a roll, and New Orleans has stunk up every field it’s been on. Still, this is a rivalry game against a divisional opponent, and it’s sports after all, anything can happen.
If New Orleans is actually going to pull off an upset, they’ll need a few key guys to deliver some big performances.
3. Alontae Taylor needs to thrive in Week 10 against the Falcons
Alontae Taylor is now the top corner in New Orleans. Paulson Adebo is out for the season, and Marshon Lattimore is a Washington Commander. Additionally, Kool-Aid McKinstry and other depth corners have been battling injuries the last two weeks.
On Sunday, this thin secondary will be challenged by the sixth-most productive passing attack, as Atlanta averages 246.3 passing yards a game. While Taylor won’t be able to be all over the field, he can make things easier for the defense if he has an elite game. He can either stick to key receivers, or take away a side of the the field.
2. Saints need Chase Young to thrive against Falcons
Another way to help a struggling secondary is with pressure. Oftentimes, defenses will mask their secondaries by sending pressure or leaning on elite pass rushers. The Saints will hope they can do that on Sunday, and Chase Young could be the guy to step up.
Young was a player in trade rumors at the deadline, but he’s still with the team. On the season, he has just two sacks, but he has 15 total pressures. Sacks would be great on Sunday, but if he can make Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins uncomfortable, the defense has a chance of limiting the Falcons scoring.
1. Alvin Kamara needs another big game in Week 10 for Saints to have a chance
New Orleans always needs Alvin Kamara to thrive for a chance to win. While the team hasn’t been winning, the veteran running back has been delivering. In Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers, Kamara carried the ball 29 times for 155 yards, and caught six passes for 60 yards.
He’ll need another big game game on Sunday, especially since run defense is a weakness for Atlanta. The Falcons allow 133.1 rushing yards a game— 23rd in the NFL. If New Orleans can get the rushing attack going in this game, there will certainly be a path to victory.