The New Orleans Saints have shown promise through two weeks, but haven’t been able to break through for a win. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks are looking to keep pace in what’s already a very competitive NFC West. These offensive players are ones to watch as we look to see who will emerge victorious in Week 3.
Erik McCoy, OC, New Orleans
Like a light in the storm, McCoy has been the only above average offensive lineman for the Saints to start the season, recording a 70.9 grade from PFF. He’s especially excelled as a pass blocker, earning an 83.4 grade in that area.
The only other New Orleans offensive lineman to have a pass blocking grade even close to that is Dillon Radunz and his 72.0 mark. But like powdered sugar on a beignet, bad news is sure to follow this offensive line, as Radunz has been ruled out for Week 3.
Therefore, if the Saints have any hope of getting that elusive first win, McCoy will have to continue his high level of play.
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans
Even if McCoy is able to maintain the high standard he’s set, he’s just one of five men on the offensive line. Thus, Spencer Rattler will likely need to get the ball out quickly.
So far, Johnson has been his favorite target. A beacon of hope in what’s otherwise been an inconsistent skill group, he’s recorded 13 catches for 125 yards and a touchdown.
In a game where Rattler is expected to have minimal time in the pocket, look for Johnson to be a safety blanket when the pocket shrinks.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seattle
The Seahawks have a two headed monster at running back between Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker, but they seem to alternate which one actually eats every week. While he’s actually outcarried Walker 27 to 23, Charbonnet has been outgained in yardage, 125 to 57.
There’s a clear commitment to not only the run, but to distributing the load evenly. If Seattle can get Charbonnet and Walker going at the same time, it would make their offense borderline elite.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Seattle
Now of course, it would only be elite if the Seahawks can take advantage of the opportunity that such a ground game would provide. In such a scenario, Kupp would likely play a large role.
As he gets older, Kupp is obviously not the elite threat he used to be. But, he’s more than qualified to be a high end second option at receiver.
His 65.9 PFF grade and 105 yards through two games (putting him on pace for 893 yards) show that he has plenty left in the tank. If New Orleans hopes to pull off the win on Sunday, they’ll have to make sure he doesn’t empty this week.