The Saints Have Two Tough Decisions That They Must Make

The New Orleans Saints were able to get a big win against the New York Giants, and although the game ended way too close, some great performances were sprinkled throughout. We saw some players who have been good all season, but we also saw two players stand out after not seeing them for most of the season.

When Cesar Ruiz went out, rookie Jeremiah Wright was put into the lineup and looked good in his debut. He opened up lanes for the Saints' running backs to get some really nice rushes. He was also decent as a pass blocker. Just an overall good start to his career.

Then, we have Martin Emerson Jr., who finished with 2 interceptions (nearly 3) and played well in pass defense most of the game. He has been dealing with injuries so far this season, but he has been decent over these past two weeks. It's also game-changing for this defense to cause turnovers, which is something that we haven't seen much this year. 

This is where the tough conversations start for Kellen Moore and the Saints. 

Ruiz is injured, but if his knee does allow him to play next week, the Saints are faced with a choice. Do you go with Ruiz, who has not been great, is part of the struggling run blocking, and will not be fully healthy? Or do you go with Wright, a rookie with potential to be a long-term option who just had a good debut? It may be risky to go with Wright, but it's clear that, at least for Week 7, you go with the young player with potential. 

For Emerson Jr., he came in after Kool-Aid McKinstry was pulled with an apparent migraine. That's not an injury that will keep McKinstry out, but maybe it's time to see what the duo of Emerson Jr. and Quincy Riley can do as starters. It's time to try anything to see if it works, and McKinstry hasn't been consistent this season. It's too early to fully give up on the young CB, and I think McKinstry can bounce back, but not now. 

If it doesn't work out for Emerson Jr. and Wright as starters, at least you'll have answers instead of always wondering. That's the benefit of rebuilding. But even if it’s going to be a tough decision for this staff, the Saints must start Wright and Emerson Jr. against the Steelers in Paris.