New Orleans Saints face formidable challenge against Lions defense
 

It's not often that a team can register eight sacks in a game. Eight teams in the league, including the New Orleans Saints, haven't even hit that mark yet this season.

So when Jahri Evans and Terron Armstead were asked the last time they could recall such a game happening, they both scratched their heads.

"It had been a while I think," Armstead said.

Added Evans: "It's been a long time."

At least until last Sunday.

Armstead, who was enjoying his bye last week, caught only a few minutes of the Detroit Lions win against the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions harassed rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater all day, forcing him to the ground eight times and pressuring him into three interceptions.

Things might not be so easy against Drew Brees. Brees has never been sacked eight times, although he's come close. Last season, he had four games where he was sacked at least four times, and was sacked six times against the Carolina Panthers when rookie left tackle Armstead joined the lineup.

Brees has only been sacked four times all this season.

read more

Re: New Orleans Saints face formidable challenge against Lions defense
 

More sacks and less interceptions, or no turnovers or sacks.

Re: New Orleans Saints face formidable challenge against Lions defense
 

I think it should read, "Detroit Lions face formidable challenge against Saints offense", but who am I? I'm with Evans & Armstead ... I can't remember the last time the Lions recorded eight sacks in a game or Suh even got two, :scratchhead:.

Let's talk "coverage sacks" ... 'Touchdown' Teddy Bridgewater probably could have avoided quite a few of those 8 sacks had he the wherewithal to chuck it to the sidelines. But then I thought I see comments Brees throwing INTs by trying to avoid the 'coverage sack'?

Now there's a huge difference between Brees & Bridgewater ... is Drew trying to force plays or not throwing it away properly? (Stafford frequently has on both counts & got himself in trouble).

This is probably where the game is gonna' be won/lost, IMO ... if the Lions can force some kind of pressure on Brees and their anemic offense can generate maybe three or more touchdowns, they got a chance. If they can't (and how many times have we seen Drew shred a defense like Detroit's?), I don't think the NO defense will have that much difficulty with the Lions offense.

There'll be some fireworks for sure & I'm figuring Drew'll go down once, maybe twice, but if the O/L has managed to keep him upright all but four times thus far this season, it's a good sign they'll probably manage to keep the Lions at bay, for the most part, :neutral:.

JMO.

Re: New Orleans Saints face formidable challenge against Lions defense
 

Brees is a pure pocket passer. Polar opposite of Teddy

The Lions D will work to get a push up the middle, then "hands up".

I expect to see a lot of dink and dump from Sean Payton or timing / crossing routes.

To me, this game is on our Defense. They're facing a familiar system and players. Must limit scores.

Re: New Orleans Saints face formidable challenge against Lions defense
 

Unluckily for the Lions, Brees threw his bone-headed pick 6 in the last game. Hopefully that is still front-of-mind and he doesn't repeat it.

Brees will be harassed, but he checks off and hits his first read as well as anybody.
Saints 31-21 (7 Prater FG's)

Re: New Orleans Saints face formidable challenge against Lions defense
 

this a game were the war will be won in trenches for both sides.

Re: New Orleans Saints face formidable challenge against Lions defense
 

Lions are pretty solid on the defensive side of the ball.
We have to keep them honest by running the ball.
Everyone knows Brees will be 7 deep, we have to make their front 7 pause...
and not just tee-off b-lining to that spot.
I would be glad to see good tackling and good angles this week.
Even that would be an improvement. Everything else would be gravy.
If Reggie goes for a buck-fifty we lose.

Re: New Orleans Saints face formidable challenge against Lions defense
 

Agreed, I can't see him having that kind of game with those mistakes again.