blackangold

I got this one marked as a blow out.

41-17 Saints

Has all the makings of a big win considering how we match-up. Bills have one of the worst o-lines in the game when it comes to protection so I expect a lot of pressure in the dome. (given up 60 QB hits this year which ranks 31st)

Here is an interesting look at some o line stats. Our saints have been pretty good this year protecting Drew, and getting everyone healthy will be big for our running game.
NFL Stats: by Team Category

thebandit27

While the number of pressures that Buffalo's OL has allowed may lead you to that conclusion, I'd say it's not quite representative of the OL. There are a few confounding factors at work there:

1) The vast majority of pressures were allowed by former LG Colin Brown, who has not only been replaced, but also released from the team. In the Jets game alone, he allowed double-digit pressures and 3 sacks.

2) Both EJ and Thad have had a tendency to hold the ball too long. EJ because he's methodical in going through his reads; Thad because he panics in the pocket if his 1st read is taken away...makes the OL look worse than it is in reality.

Overall, the weak points in protection along the OL are the guard positions. Legursky is barely serviceable at LG, and Urbik is a much better run blocker than a pass blocker. If NO can get inside push with both Jordan and Hicks, that's their best best to pressure Thad. The tackles, Glenn in particular, are very good in pass protection, although Lewis hasn't gotten to the point where he's comfortable stepping up into a clean pocket to avoid edge pressure, so that's going to work in your favor as well.