Saints Proven Formula for Success is the Rushing Game, not Passing Attack in 2019
The Saints tested and validated the proven formula for success for their 2019 offense while Drew Brees was on the sidelines for 5 games. Run the football and rely on the short passing game. Sean Payton implemented a controlled offensive game plan with Teddy Bridgewater at the helm. The strategy was to focus on rushing often and use intermediate routes in the passing attack. This created the best formula for the Saints to win. They were undefeated while facing the Seahawks, Bears and Jaguars defenses using the techniques. Hence, it was a great plan that worked for the Saints and against the Saints. Atlanta deployed the same offensive strategy in their win on Sunday over New Orleans.
Rushing the football is not a knock on future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. These are the days in New Orleans where a pass first offense is not suitable for this version of Sean Payton’s offense. It has more to do with the offensive personnel than because of Drew Brees being the quarterback. This offense cannot rely on Drew’s 30+ pass attempts per game to have sustained success for the rest of this season. The Saints have rushed the football for over 100+ yards in every win in 2019 except the Seattle game. They must adopt the “run first and often” tactic to keep winning.
Let’s examine four reasons:
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1. Michael Thomas has no Consistent Support - Michael Thomas is the most valuable weapon in the passing game. But he does not have a complement. Ted Ginn is inconsistent. Tre’Quan Smith has been injured and inconsistent when on the playing field. There is no one else Brees can rely on in the passing game. TE Jared Cook is a capable receiver, but has been inconsistent this season and not 100% healthy. The Saints front office did not gain help for Michael Thomas. They went into the season without signing another playmaker in free agency, did not draft a receiver, and did not trade for a dependable #2 in October before the trade deadline. Loomis and Payton knew other than Ginn, the team lacked speed at the receiver position. Today, no Saints receiver behind Thomas has stepped-up to become a true #2. Ginn and Smith are their only answers to the problem. It is a major concern Saints cannot address until the offseason.
2. Offensive Line is Struggling in Pass First Protection - The play action pass is more effective when the Saints focused on the run game to set up the pass. When Brees returned, Payton has been dialing up more pass plays. Drew took advantage of a weak secondary in the Cardinals game, but the offensive line protected Jones and Suggs much better. Armstead without Peat alongside of him struggled when Clapp replaced an injured Andrus Peat. Atlanta’s front four is much better than advertised. Garrett dominated Peat and Clapp all day. The only way to soften a pass rush is to have your rushing game as the focus. The football game was still in striking distance for the Saints, but Payton kept calling pass plays to get back into the contest. He must return to the patient and methodical approach he showed with Bridgewater at quarterback and duplicate it with Brees. Brees cannot last the rest of 2019 by taking a high amount of sacks.
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3. Murray and Kamara Combo can be productive - Latavius Murray and Alvin Kamara both can pressure defenses in the rushing attack. However, Payton must commit to the run as he did without Brees in the lineup. Murray has proven his value in the rushing game with consecutive 100+ yard games with Kamara nursing knee and ankle injuries. Rushing will also help in the play action portion of the offense. Against Atlanta, the Falcons defense was not concerned about the Saints rushing the ball with the Saints playing from behind the entire game. The Saints did not do themselves any favors by notching only 52 yards on 11 attempts. A commitment must exist for the team going forward into the rest of the season.
4. The running game will protect Brees - The sacks and pressure on Brees during the Rams and Falcons games had him “off his game” and out of sync with his receivers. A focus on the run will ease the pressure on Brees and the offensive line if they maintain the rushing attack. If Peat’s injury has him out for an extended period, then the Saints will have no choice but to concentrate on the running game. Clapp is not ready at this point in his career to handle 30+ pass attempts per game protecting Brees.
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The Saints next game will be in Tampa to face the Bucs. This is an important NFC South contest. They already defeated the Bucs in New Orleans, however, if Marshon Lattimore cannot play due his hamstring injury, the best way to keep the Bucs off of the field is with the run. It will be a challenge. Tampa has been in many of their contests and won against the Cardinals at home this past Sunday. New Orleans cannot afford another division and NFC lost. Both the Packers and Vikings won on Sunday. If Seattle defeats the Niners on Monday Night Football, the pressure will be on the Saints to keep winning in a close race for the playoffs and playoff bye week.
