The defense of the New Orleans Saints just can't catch a break this season. This week's challenge comes in the form of Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte versus Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley, , a four-time Pro Bowler and a promising third-year WR vs. the NFC Defensive Player of the Week and a rookie.
After finally winning their first game of the season, the Saints set to face off against the New England Patriots, who just took down the previously undefeated Buffalo Bills. Both teams are coming off of a high and are looking to avoid the let down. This matchup will be a pivotal factor in who achieves their goal.
Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is certainly aware of the dangers that Diggs could bring on the afternoon. "His superpower is that he can speed you up; he can make you feel like he's faster than what he really is." Staley said to the media. "His stop-start is elite, and it always has been. It's like guarding James Harden. I don't think Hardan's that fast, but he can make you feel that way, and he's able to create that separation."
The Patriots WRs vs. the Saints CBs battle is one part of the long history between Brandon Staley and Josh McDaniels
In addition to the matchup between the Patriots' wide receivers and the Saints' cornerbacks, this marks the eighth time that New England's offensive coordinator and New Orleans' defensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels and Brandon Staley, have faced each other.
So far through the seven games against each other, it's McDaniels that has the edge, with four victories to Staley's three. However, despite what the record says, Staley was able to outscore McDaneils 167-152.
On Thursday, McDaniels was quick to shout out the Saints' defensive coordinator. "Coach Staley does a great job. He's done a great job ever since he took the stuff from Vic (Fangio), and he's kind of got his own flavor of these things he does schematically. They're playing really well in a lot of phases, physical front, very tough, big guys on the edge."
The players know that this upcoming game won't be easy; just take Diggs' word for it. "It's super important we turn the page, considering the New Orleans Saints is a really good football team,” he said to the media. “I know their record might not show it, but they’re very skillful up front and in the back end. To be honest, it might be a bigger test than last week, just as far as having success and being able to replicate that process or do it all over again and work equally as hard and pay attention to detail and focus."