Opposing Viewpoint: Saints Writer Answers 5 Questions About New Orleans

[Viktor]

Here is the Wild Card edition of Opposing Viewpoint:


Thanks for helping out, John. We’ll start with the high-powered Saints offense, which seems to be humming along at its best right now. Michael Thomas looks like the best wide receiver in the game, while running backs Alvin Kamara and old friend Latavius Murray make up a dynamic 1-2 punch. Is there a way to slow down this offense? It seems that when a defense takes away one or two options, then two or three more guys just step up?


JD: I guess the best way to attack the Saints on offense is the old-fashioned way, and that’s to get pressure on the quarterback. In two of the three games New Orleans lost, against the Rams and Falcons, the key was those opponents posted wins against the Saints offensive line. That hasn’t been a regular occurrence, though, as you can see, especially when the line is healthy. Significant for the Saints is that tight end Jared Cook has helped carry the load in the passing game; since he returned from injury eight games ago, he’s caught 28 passes for 537 yards and seven touchdowns. He adds another weapon to the mix that has to be accounted for.


Of course, you can’t talk about New Orleans without bringing up Drew Brees. How remarkable is it that he’s playing so well at the age of 40? Is there any chatter of him hanging it up if the Saints win it all this year? Or he is a guy that loves the preparation and competition and wants to keep playing?


JD: He’s a guy who knows that it won’t last forever, and yet, he looks like he has forever in him – or, probably, at least another three to five years. I definitely don’t believe he’s going anywhere after this season, regardless of where the Saints finish, because he’s playing at such a high level and he’s that kind of competitor. It’s hard to ever say that an injury was beneficial, but Brees very well could be fresher than he normally would be if he hadn’t missed the five games with his thumb injury and surgery. And his focus may have narrowed – if that’s possible – because the injury gave him a different perspective on how precious it is for him to play the game. He’s as precise as he ever has been, really looks comfortable, and he also seems to be enjoying the moment.