The chances are there.
Monday Night Football is nearly here, and with the New Orleans Saints playing the Atlanta Falcons, some big performances are bound to happen. With injuries and matchups in mind, here are three Saints players who I could see standing out during Monday’s game:
Tyler Shough
When looking at the Falcons' strengths and weaknesses, two things stand out that could change Shough’s day. The pass rush of Atlanta has been really good so far this season, and although they don't have household names in their edge group, they are getting to the QB. Most of this pressure comes from Gervon Dexter, the star DT Atlanta traded for this offseason and signed to a contract extension. This pressure is a scary future for Shough, but the Falcons’ pass defense is where Shough could thrive.
If the Saints can handle the Falcons’ pressure on the defensive line, Shough will have time to make big plays. The Saints need that to happen because they're expected to have a limited running game. Travis Etienne is on IR, and he was by far the Saints’ best RB. We don't know what this rushing attack will look like without him, so if I had to predict now, I'd say Shough throws for most of the game. This could easily lead to a 350+ passing-yard game for the second-year QB.
Chris Olave
With Shough potentially throwing the ball for most of Monday Night Football, Olave is the direct beneficiary. He is WR1 on this team, and it's clear he and Shough have built a bond that shows on the field. These two understand how the other plays, and for the first time in his career, near 100 yards a game may be the expectation, especially without Jordyn Tyson.
Also, Olave will not have a Marlon Humphrey level CB across from him, so we may see the star WR get open consistently throughout this game.
Vernon Broughton
Probably my favorite player so far this season, Broughton is another player who has the potential to shine in this game. The blocking from Atlanta has been good at times this season, but Broughton has a chance of blowing up runs and passing plays throughout Monday. He continues to be a strong pass rusher, to the point that he may be the second-best on the team.
I still think Broughton needs to work on his run defense, but his pass rush could really stand out against the Falcons.
