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Miami (3-0) at New Orleans (3-0) — Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN: We all know how great Drew Brees is, but the quarterback with the hottest hand in this game might be Ryan Tannehill, who has risen from the shadows of last year’s amazing rookie class to transform himself into something pretty special. The light has come on for Tannehill after a streaky rookie campaign, and he’s performed very well in three wins over three solid defenses. The challenge New Orleans’ defense presents? Well, that could be a bit tougher. Atypically for this team under Sean Payton, defense is leading the way in the Big Easy right now, and Rob Ryan’s schemes are the key. He’s turned end Cameron Jordan into one of the most effective linemen in the NFL, and rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro is thriving in a system that asks him to play in multiple slots and roles.

Brees will have a couple of advantages against Miami’s impressive defense in that linemen Paul Soliai and Cameron Wake are not expected to play. This defense did not manage a sack against the Falcons last week, and Brees will carve any defense up if it doesn’t present a consistent pass rush. But giving Brees time to throw has been an issue for the Saints this year because although Brees makes his line look better than it really is, he’s already been sacked 10 times in just three games, a primary reason for the offense’s relatively slow start. Brees was sacked just 26 times last season.

Right guard Jahri Evans, one of the game’s best at his position, saw his 122-game starting streak snapped Sunday due to a hamstring injury. Brees was sacked four times by Arizona, but the offense did start to roll in New Orleans’ 31-7 win. Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle may have to get seriously creative to disturb Brees. One thing’s for sure — Tannehill will see things from Ryan’s defense that he hasn’t seen before. – DF

NFL Week 4 preview: Lions-Bears, Saints-Dolphins, more games | Audibles - SI.com

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