Behind Enemy Lines: 5 Questions with Saints News Network Publisher Kyle T. Mosley

The New York Giants can, with a win over the New Orleans Saints, move straight into the playoff consideration race.

The Saints? They're trying to win the NFC South, but they've been as inconsistent as any team in the race. The Aitns currently sit in third place in their division despite having the same record as the Falcons and Bucs. They snapped their three-game losing streak last week with a 28-6 win over the hapless Carolina Panthers.

Just how good, though, are the Saints? We turn to Saints News Network publisher Kyle T. Mosley to learn more about what the Giants are up against when they visit the Saints this weekend.

Receiver Chris Olave has seen fewer receptions and a lower per-yard catch despite getting more targets. What do you think is behind that?

Several things. First, quarterback Derek Carr's adjustment to Pete Carmichael's scheme and playcalling. Then you had the offensive line with early injuries and issues. They are also missing receiver Michael Thomas due to injury. And, of course, Olave and Carr weren't in sync at times, and his concussion didn't help.

Given the issues with the receivers, how big of a role do you expect the Saints tight ends to play in this game?

The Saints' tight ends could be a factor if Carmichael and Carr utilized them more during the game. Jimmy Graham has been missing in action for most of the season because of what Dennis Allen noted as a "staffing strategy."

Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau are limited by the game plan as well. Johnson had a very productive 2022 with seven touchdown receptions. However, this season with Carr has yet to yield similar production.

The Saints don't run a lot of play-action, but they seem to lean heavily on their running game. What can you tell us about their run game philosophy, and where is it strongest?

It's frustrating to see that the Saints haven't been running the play-action phase this season, even though it was effective with Andy Dalton last season. With Derek Carr's mobility and stronger arm, it could be just as effective.

It's worth noting that Alvin Kamara is healthy, and although Jamaal Williams missed a couple of games, he is now fully available. Williams hasn't seen the end zone this season, although he led the NFL in touchdowns with the Lions last season. It's up to Pete Carmichael to answer this question.

Is the team able to establish a consistent running game? While Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill are skilled rushers, the team needs help to deploy them effectively. Establishing a solid running game could address the issues encountered by Carr and the offensive line when facing defenses that heavily prioritize pass-rushing.

The Saints defense seems to like to run stunts/twists a lot. How successful have they been on the whole regarding generating pressure up front?

The defensive line and linebackers can pressure the quarterbacks with stunts and twist games. However, sacking signal-callers have dropped for New Orleans in 2023. Most opposing quarterbacks either get rid of the football or take off running.

.First-round pick Bryan Bresee had an outstanding outing pressuring Bryce Young, but it was Demario Davis and edge blitzes getting to him. Eventually, if DeVito has to throw more, Carl Granderson, Cam Jordan, and Nathan Shepherd could be problematic for the young quarterback.

The Saints seem like they run several types of coverage—Cover 1, Cover 2, quarters, etc. What coverage has been most effective for them, and what do you think makes the most sense against the Giants receivers, who thus far have been primarily targeted outside the hash?

Recently, with Marcus Maye's and Marshon Lattimore's injuries, man coverage, Cover 1, and quarters have been adequate. According to PFF ratings, Paulson Adebo and Issac Yiadom are quietly having excellent seasons.

Also, the Ol' veteran Tyrann Mathieu patrolling the secondary has already delivered three interceptions for New Orleans. Dennis Allen won't get too cute, and watch if DeVito can handle his standard defense before sending the linebackers and corners on blitzes.

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