Re-Focused: Saints @ Rams, Week 8

...This is just one game but the flaws the Rams brutally exposed at offensive tackle and in run defense raise alarming concerns for the prospects of the Saints in a competitive NFC South. It wasn’t just the Saints beating themselves though, with the Rams putting in the kind of performance that had most installing them pre season favorites for the NFC West...


New Orleans – Three Performances of Note
Vulnerability at middle linebacker
At some point a consistent vulnerability, such as that which the Saints have at middle linebacker with Jonathan Vilma (-3.7 run defense), has to be exposed. This Sunday was that day. This marked the ninth straight game in which Vilma has graded negatively as a run defender and though he managed not to miss a tackle for the third straight week he is a clear Achilles heel for this defense.

Return to NFC West brings a return to form
When the New Orleans Saints signed Aubrayo Franklin (+2.4) they thought they’d be getting the stout run defender... Up to this week his returns on their investment had been somewhat inconsistent... This week, against a familiar NFC West opponent, he came to the fore and showed the form the Saints expect from him registering two defensive stops in 14 snaps in run defense. Only Franklin’s limited snaps prevented him having more of an impact on the Rams’ running game.



Run blocking worries
Four of the Saints’ starters graded negatively with their run blocking this week and of particular concern must be the performance of Carl Nicks (-3.1 run blocking this week). When the Saints were at their best they thrived on balance in their offense with the running game just as dangerous as the passing game. If they are to return to their best the Saints’ offensive line must return to form to allow the Saints to run the ball more than the 20 carries they managed this week.

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