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Keys to the Game

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; Here's what we'll be watching for: Saints at Vikings, 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN 1. Expect the Saints to give Peterson a chance to make his mark right away. Facing the team he starred with for a full decade, the 32-year-old ...

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Old 09-11-2017, 12:39 PM   #1
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Keys to the Game

Here's what we'll be watching for:

Saints at Vikings, 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN

1. Expect the Saints to give Peterson a chance to make his mark right away. Facing the team he starred with for a full decade, the 32-year-old running back was largely kept tucked away all summer. We saw the Saints replace Peterson with Mark Ingram near the goal-line during preseason fare, but both backs should see their share of carries against a Vikings team that finished 20th against the run last autumn. The X-factor for New Orleans remains rookie runner Alvin Kamara, who has a shot to steal the show after a headline-grabbing dose of work in August. The third-rounder runs with explosion and power while doubling as a dangerous asset on passing downs.

2. Minnesota has a rookie back of their own -- Dalvin Cook -- headed for a monster workload out of the gate. The first-rounder has emerged as an every-down player for the Vikings, one who will test an improving Saints defense with his ability to run inside and also hit the edges as a receiver in space. New Orleans struggled last season to shut down pass-catching backs, giving Vikings signal-caller Sam Bradford an attractive target to work with all evening. Behind Cook, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Latavius Murray figures to see a handful of carries near the goal-line.

3. Drew Brees remains a threat to pass for major numbers in a Saints attack featuring Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn and Brandon Coleman, who earned consistent praise from coach Sean Payton during the summer. New Orleans must find a way to mask over the loss of suspended receiver Willie Snead, which could mean a bigger workload for Coleman, slot-man Tommylee Lewis and tight end Coby Fleener. This collection of targets will battle a Mike Zimmer-coached secondary fronted by cornerback Xavier Rhodes and the up-and-down Trae Waynes. Traded-for cover man Tramaine Brock is questionable with a thigh injury.

4. Stretching back half a decade, the Saints and their high-octane offense have been sabotaged by an asleep-at-the-wheel defense that kept this team from its true potential. New Orleans finished dead last in total yardage allowed and points surrendered in 2016, but preseason observers saw an improved bunch in August. The additions of A.J. Klein, Manti Te'o and rookie Alex Anzalone have overhauled a suddenly quick and efficient linebacking core that will be tasked with shutting down Cook. Versatile safety Kenny Vaccaro should see work in the slot covering Adam Thielen while rookie Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore will man the outside. The key to Monday's game, though, could boil down to Cameron Jordan and his fellow Saints pass rushers facing a Vikings offensive line that struggled all preseason. If Bradford can't shake free, the big story coming out of this game will be a New Orleans defense that finally looks ready to turn the corner.
What to watch for in tonight's doubleheader - NFL.com

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Old 09-11-2017, 01:49 PM   #2
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Re: Keys to the Game

This is actually educated analysis. Watch the video, too. I was very impressed with their knowledge of the Saints' roster. Go figure. Media folks that aren't too lazy to do a little research.
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Old 09-11-2017, 04:06 PM   #3
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Re: Keys to the Game

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the Saints D gets their first pick-6 in way too long.

Book it.

Last edited by WillMacKenzie; 09-11-2017 at 04:11 PM.. Reason: confusing wording
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Old 09-11-2017, 04:16 PM   #4
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Re: Keys to the Game

Need to get Lasco going early
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Old 09-11-2017, 04:16 PM   #5
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Re: Keys to the Game

Something is telling me be on the look out for a big game from Ginn.
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Old 09-11-2017, 04:19 PM   #6
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Re: Keys to the Game

Originally Posted by spkb25 View Post
Need to get Lasco going early
He was waived last Friday.
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Old 09-11-2017, 04:35 PM   #7
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Re: Keys to the Game

Originally Posted by K Major View Post
He was waived last Friday.
i know. i am really not a fan of lasco. don't dis like him, just never really saw why he made the team
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