The New Orleans Saints' next opponent unfortunately features more than a future Hall of Famer at half back. Running the offense is two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, who was also a key contributor to his team's week one win.
Near the top of the NFL in terms of passing yards with 324, Jackson is a player who could pop off at any moment due to his duel-threat ability. A two-time 1,000-yard rusher, he can truly beat you in more ways than one if you let him. Jackson is a player who is nearly impossible to shut down, so the real question the Saints' defense should be asking themselves is how much damage from him can they limit?
Their defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is the one responsible for finding the answer to that question. Historically, he's struggled when facing mobile quarterbacks such as Jackson, adding pressure to see what this Saints team can do against this kind of QB. A bigger test than the one they had last week versus Jared Goff, containing the Ravens QB will require full-unit discipline.
On Sunday, the entire Saints defense should feel the pressure
Brandon Staley addressed the challenge of facing Lamar Jackson when speaking to the media on Thursday. "There's pressure on everybody on the field when you play a quarterback like this," Staley said. "There's pressure on every player, every coach, and that's what the great ones do. He's certainly one of them."
Edge rushers or any spies will have the biggest burden on Sunday, as they're the main ones responsible for keeping Jackson in the pocket. Staley's light box tendencies don't make the job any easier, as there are various ways a player like Jackson could exploit them. If they can keep him in the pocket and limit his ability to improvise, that would be a huge success.
Defensive backs have to be on their A-game as well and need to stay honest in coverage rather than jumping routes or biting on play-action plays. Linebackers also have a tough job, needing to be perfect when reading run/pass keys. This Sunday's result will hinge on the entire team staying disciplined through every quarter, as Staley also implied on Thursday.
Shutting down Jackson isn't something that even the greatest defenses are able to do easily, so again, limiting the damage will have to be enough for the Saints to take the W. A loss drops them to 0-2 on the season and likely kicks them out of the top two spots in the division. On Sunday, the Saints will have to be disciplined through all phases of the game.
The team is visiting one of the great ones, after all.
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