The New Orleans Saints have a tough task on their hand in Week 16. Entering the week at 5-9, the Saints are going on the road to play a 10-4 Green Bay Packers team. As if the Packers don’t provide enough of a challenge, New Orleans also has to deal with Wisconsin in late December. Needless to say, this will be a tough game to win.
However, that’s what’s special about sports. The games aren’t supposed to be easy, and upsets are possible. New Orleans will be upset minded on Monday night, but the team will need some big performances to actually get the job done. Here are a few players that could lead the Saints to a win.
3. Saints need Cesar Ruiz to thrive in Week 16
In the last two weeks, New Orleans hasn’t been able to run the football that well. It’s been a confusing development, because the offensive line finally got healthy two weeks ago. Unfortunately, their lack of time together on the field this year is showing.
That needs to change in Week 16, and it has to start in the interior with veteran guard Cesar Ruiz. Playing in the cold with a rookie quarterback, the running game absolutely needs to get going. Ruiz and the other four linemen need to move defenders off the line of scrimmage and carve out running lanes.
2. Kool-Aid McKinstry needs to thrive against the Packers
Green Bay has a really good offense, and quarterback Jordan Love isn’t afraid to throw the ball around. The Packers will enter the game averaging 231.4 passing yards a game, which ranks 11th in the league. Simply put, Love is going to give his young receivers a chance to make plays, and most of the time, they do.
This should excite rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, because he’ll have the opportunity to make a big statement. If he can continue his impressive rookie campaign and deliver some shut-down coverage on Monday, the Saints should have a chance to win.
1. Saints need Bryan Bresee to take the next step against the Packers
While the passing game is good for Green Bay, its offense is really elite because of the rushing attack. On the year, the Packers are averaging 144.4 rushing yards a game— that’s fourth best in the NFL. Once Josh Jacobs gets going on the ground, teams are at Green Bay’s mercy.
If New Orleans is going to prevent that, the team needs Bryan Bresee to have a big game. Bresee has made some big developments this year, dominating as a pass rusher from the defensive tackle position. However, a true game-wrecking defensive tackle also dominates against the run. It’s time for Bresee to take the next step, and take over the game in every facet.