Saints' Pivotal Game Against Dan Campbell, Aaron Glenn, And Lions
The Lions game is pivotal for Dennis Allen, Derek Carr, his coaching staff, and his team. Unfortunately for New Orleans, two familiar yet agitated Lions are approaching the gates at Caesars Superdome for today's NFC tilt — Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn. The former Saints coaches have a massive chip on their shoulders after losing to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day. New Orleans has a tough assignment ahead, and the Lions are aware the Saints are vulnerable.
The Detroit Lions (8-3) lead the NFC North but need to keep up with the San Francisco 49ers (8-3) for the No. 2 playoff spot behind the Philadelphia Eagles (10-1). After losing to the Falcons last week, New Orleans (5-6) must beat the Lions to stay tied or keep pace with the 5-6 Falcons in the NFC South division race.
Taysom Hill vs. Lions; Credit: © Junfu Han via Imagn Content Services, LLC
The concerns coming out of the New Orleans locker room have Cam Jordan and Erik McCoy questionable. However, they will be without S Marcus Maye, RB Kendre Miller, WR Rashid Shaheed, and LB Pete Werner. This morning's good news is that the Saints expect Chris Olave to return to the lineup from concussion protocol.
Without Werner's sure-handed tackling and Shaheed's big-play ability, the Saints will have problems - offensively and defensively — handling the Lions. The home team must take a page out of Green Bay's playbook when they defeated the Lions:
- Be Aggressive
- Force Turnovers
- Neutralize The Lions Pass Rush
- Highly Efficient in the Red Zone
- Protect the Football
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and head coach Dan Campbell on the sidelines during action against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct, 8, 2023. Credit: © Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Plan for Aaron Glenn to attack Derek Carr early and often to test the Saints' offensive line and Carr's stability inside the pocket. On the other hand, Jared Goff has recently been prone to turnovers. Carl Granderson must have an exceptional day pressuring Goff to assist the Saints' secondary.
Detriot's turnover margin is -1.7 in the last three games. Also in that period, New Orleans' defense increased forcing interceptions at a rate of 5.88% and fumble recoveries at 66.7%
Moving the football is fair for both football teams. New Orleans has a 37.5% red zone touchdown efficiency and a 36.0% third-down efficiency at home, while Detroit has 43.75% and 38.96% on the road.
The New Orleans Saints must win this match. If they don't, the Saints management may find themselves in an uncomfortable position with fans, media, and the players.
