Key components of the New Orleans Saints’ victory over the Detroit Lions | 2023 NFL Week 13
The New Orleans Saints (5-6) lost three straight games to fall out of first place in the NFC South Division. They will need to regain their footing going into Sunday’s game at the Caesars Superdome against Detroit (8-3).
With six games left in the regular season, New Orleans may be able to turn things around in a few beneficial ways.
STRIKE GOLD IN THE RED: In a 24–15 loss to Atlanta, the Saints were 0 for 5 in the red zone, including two turnovers that the Falcons converted into scores. There is nothing more fundamental than needing to score touchdowns in the red zone or, in the event that you can’t, making sure you don’t make mistakes in order to prevent
points from being scored. The Saints were successful for a while when they just decided to run the ball in the 20-yard line, but quarterback Derek Carr’s effectiveness has fluctuated inside that zone. Taysom Hill and Alvin Kamara are a solid combination anyhow, but it could be even more advantageous if two of New Orleans’ top three receivers—Michael Thomas and Rasheed Shaheed—are sidelined.
becomes more intricate and challenging to administer in the event of a penalty. Therefore, accurate passing and clean line play could help resolve the problem, and Jimmy Graham, a tight end, might be needed. Although Graham has not played for the past four games, the Saints signed him primarily because they thought he could be useful in the red zone. And this is the opponent if there’s a game to sort it out. With a red zone defense percentage of 68.5 percent, Detroit is the third worst in the NFL and has been a vulnerable opponent.
PUT THE ROCK: While relying on the run game seems like a good idea in theory, it might not be so easy to implement. The Lions allow the fifth-fewest amount of rushing yards per game (91.3) in the league. In spite of this, Kamara, Hill, and former Lion Jamaal Williams—as well as the Saints’ offensive line—need to be felt on Sunday because, in the absence of Thomas and Shaheed, expectations must drop. To help pick up the slack in the passing game, New Orleans will need tight end Juwan Johnson, receivers A.T. Perry, Keith Kirkwood, and Lynn Bowden Jr. However, New Orleans must be able to muster some resolve on the ground, even with the Lions concentrated on stopping the run.
PLUG THE LEAKS: Atlanta ran for 228 yards and a touchdown on 41 carries, bringing the Saints’ defense’s problem with their mobile quarterback to a low point. Six straight games, New Orleans has given up at least 113 rushing yards to the opposition; during that time, opponents have averaged 151 rushing yards per game. The Lions, who rank sixth in the league in rushing yards per game with an average of 136.9, will either put up a performance that fits the current trend or the Saints will face a formidable opponent in terms of running defense. On 242 carries, running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs of the Lions have amassed 1,214 yards and 14 touchdowns combined.
GET TO GOFF: Lions quarterback Jared Goff is much less of a threat to run, and he has been prone to turnovers lately (three interceptions and three lost fumbles in a row, against Chicago and Green Bay), which could aid the Saints’ run defense. However, Amon-Ra St. Brown (82 catches for 993 yards and five touchdowns) could cause him problems. He has thrown for 3,075 yards and 18 touchdowns. Isaac Yiadom, the cornerback, might have a busy day.
GETTING GOING: It will be interesting to see if Saints kicker Blake Grupe (24 for 30) plays on Sunday. Austin Seibert is the next in line if not. During his time with the Jets this season, he made his lone field goal attempt, out of his 80 percent career field goal percentage.
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