Another winnable game, but the Saints must capitalize on matchups.
Going into Week 3, after two very exciting games, the New Orleans Saints have momentum, but so does their opponent. For their next matchup, New Orleans will be playing against the Las Vegas Raiders, who are 2-0 and being led by former Saints OC Klint Kubiak.
This Raiders team, one that many expected to be really bad this year, is clearly winning games, so this won't be an easy win for the Saints, far from it. But just like last week, and really every game, the Saints need to take advantage of positive matchups in this game, but also the Saints must prepare for their own weaknesses to be exposed.
Here are some of those matchups:
Saints Run Defense Against the Raiders' Rushing Attack
This is a very interesting battle. So far, it seems that the Raiders' run blocking could be better, and that could be an area where the Saints do well. Vernon Broughton has been really good so far; Christen Miller could hopefully return; Davon Godchaux is making space for linebackers to attack; and one of those linebackers (Kaden Elliss) is playing incredibly right now.
But the Saints still have to worry about Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington. These two are extremely dynamic and could destroy the Saints' defense on any play. New Orleans did well against the Ravens, but can it happen again?
Whoever Blocks Maxx Crosby
The next matchup is a simple one. New Orleans must deal with Maxx Crosby if they want any chance of winning this game. He is a player who can take over and open up the game for the Raiders' offense to win.
To make things worse, the Saints will be without their starting LT, Kelvin Banks Jr., due to an injury he suffered against the Baltimore Ravens. So, if Crosby is lined up on that side, it could be a scary day for the Saints.
Covering Brock Bowers
The Raiders will be getting back star TE Brock Bowers for this game, and covering the TE position was a massive issue for the Saints last week. The linebackers will need to do a better job seeing where open space is and attacking. Also, this could be a big game for Jonas Sanker, as he will likely be getting the coverage matchup against Brock Bowers for most of this game.
With Bowers coming back from an injury, time will tell if he's at 100%, but even if he's not, the Saints must stop him from taking over the game.
