THE SECOND LINE REPORT: 5 REASONS THE SAINTS WIN OR LOSE VS. JAGUARS
In order for the New Orleans Saints to win in Jacksonville Jaguars on TIAA Bank Field today, they must focus on the following five reasons they can WIN or LOSE against the Jaguars.
#5: DEONTE HARRIS HAS TO BE SPECIAL AND BREAKOUT HIS FUNK
Deonte Harris - Photo Credit - Joe Nicholson (USA TODAY SPORTS)
He has the potential to positively or negatively impact this game for New Orleans in just one play. Harris must take care of the football. The rookie punt/kick returner had a rough day versus Tampa Bay last Sunday. He allowed the football to hit the Mercedes-Benz Superdome turf multiple times. This is a "no-no" for Sean Payton who has not given up on the dynamic talents of Harris. In order for the Saints to win, Harris has to be a "special" on special teams and in the Saints offensive gameplan. Through five games, he has 13 returns for 138 yards and one touchdown. Explosive? Yes, but he must focus and protect the football for the Saints to win.
#4: DEFENSE MUST BE DISCIPLINED, PATIENT, and PASSIONATE
Saints Defense - Credit - Derick E. Hingle (USA TODAY SPORTS)
Over the years, the Saints under Sean Payton have had "let-down games" when their teams have faced less talented teams. The Saints defense since the Los Angeles Rams game in week two has become a much more disciplined unit. The squad has improved in its core techniques. Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen has led them to able to effectively set the edge, reduced quarterback runs on broken plays, stymied potent rushing attacks, and reduce the big plays in the secondary. However, the defense will have to contain a wily rookie quarterback in Gardner Minshew, punishing runner in Leonard Fournette, and a rising star in for LSU wideout, D.J. Chark. The Saints can rely on Demario Davis, Marshon Lattimore, Cam Jordan, and Sheldon Rankins providing the intensity necessary to stay hungry and passionate for a win.
#3: MICHAEL THOMAS NEEDS HELP
Jared Cook - Credit - Derick E. Hingle (USA TODAY SPORTS)
Yes, " YOU CAN'T GUARD MIKE"! Also, you cannot solely rely on Michael Thomas' production as a wide receiver in Sean Payton's offense. Thomas is on pace to have 144 receptions, 1,738 yards, and an 82% catch rate in 2019. A Herculian performance so far for Thomas and no doubt his numbers are staggering, however, He Needs Help! The next closest receiver for the Saints is not a wide receiver or tight end, it is New Orleans all-purpose running back, Alvin Kamara. Kamara has 26 reception accounting for 241 yards of production. Ted Ginn and Jared Cook are next with 14 and 12 receptions, respectively. Tre'Quan Smith, with 5 receptions in 2019, will miss today's game due to an ankle injury. The challenge will be on wideouts Austin Carr and Lil' Jordan Humphrey to force the Jaguars secondary to shift some attention away from Thomas. Whether its Ginn, Cook, Carr, or Humphrey, one of them must assemble a solid performance in Jacksonville.
#2: BRIDGEWATER MUST WIN THE "BACKUP BOWL" OVER MINSHEW
Teddy Bridgewater - Credit - Chuck Cook (USA TODAY SPORTS)
Backups are ruling in the first five games of the NFL's 2019 season. Many pundits and Saints fans believed when Drew Brees injured his thumb, Teddy Bridgewater would only be able to guide the Saints to a 3-3 record before his return against Atlanta. Today, if Bridgewater is able to notch another win under his belt against Minshew, he will have not exceeded expectations, but increased his value in the NFL for 2020 as a free agent. Minshew Mania since Foles' week one injury is real. He has the moxie, swag and now the fanatical followings from the Jacksonville faithful. Bridgewater must play is game. Be consistent, decisive, be aggressive, but limit all turnovers to zero in the passing game in order to win.
#1: ALVIN KAMARA, PERIOD.
Alvin Kamara - Credit - Chuck Cook (USA TODAY SPORTS)
Kamara is the Saints Playmaker. The Saints need him for Payton's offense to run smoothly. Kamara's presence is crucial for a Saints win. Period. How can the New Orleans win if Kamara is still "gimpy" after tweaking his ankle in practice this week? Let's examine. The team rested Kamara on Friday and Saturday. NFL reporter, Ian Rapoport shared an update in which Kamara did participate in the Saints walk-through practice on Saturday in Jacksonville. Kamara is an important weapon for the Saints due to his ability to create mismatches and open throwing lanes for Teddy Bridgewater. Without Kamara, the rushing attack would feature Latavius Murray and Dwayne Washington. Both are solid running backs but lack the designated focus and attention out the backfield the way defenses would if Kamara was in the same backfield.
The New Orleans Saints need to play their style of football. They must take advantage of any RedZone visits and score touchdowns early in the football game. The Jaguars have shown a tenacity behind Gardner Minshew II's leadership. No River City Relay Miracle would be necessary on this visit. The football game will be a close one for the Saints, but they can win in Jacksonville.
Contributors: Kyle T.Mosley and Bob Rose
