NFL PREVIEW: New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Saints (5-4) go back on the road this Sunday and travel up north to Minneapolis to take on the Vikings (5-4), as they'll not be back in the Superdome until they play the Lions on Dec. 3. New Orleans looks to put together their first winning streak since the final leg of last season, while Minnesota is riding the high of Josh Dobbs upsetting the Falcons. Here's a few of the things we're paying close attention to this week leading up to kickoff.
Saints Storylines to Watch vs. Vikings
SAINTS DEFENSE STARTING BETTER
We've now seen four straight games in which the Saints defense has gotten off to a less than ideal start. Calling it for what it is, it's just been slow and lethargic. Dennis Allen downplayed the idea of making halftime adjustments against the Bears, but for whatever reason we continue to see a different defense in the third and fourth quarter.
Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye (6) celebrates getting an interception against Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
You can't overlook the fact that the team got five takeaways and is tied with Jacksonville for a league-leading 18 this season, but they really have to do better job out of the gate. Josh Dobbs is certainly going to be the media darling and a big storyline going into this game after embarrassing the Falcons with his lack of reps. Essentially, putting the pressure on him and taking advantage early will go a long way. Even if Justin Jefferson gets back into the lineup, the chemistry won't automatically be there between him and Dobbs.
KEEP THE EXECUTION GOING
The red zone and third down offense is improving. Overall, the Saints moved up to 20th on 3rd Down (37.3%) and improved efficiency in the Red Zone at 45.5%, but fell back to 28th in the league. It doesn't have to be perfect, for Derek Carr and company, but just continue to put away drives with sevens and not threes. Taysom Hill should be another big part of the game plan, as well as the other big threats New Orleans has at their disposal that can help get into the end zone.
ROOKIE HEALTH WATCH
Kendre Miller left Sunday's game with an ankle sprain and Isaiah Foskey exited early after injuring his thigh on a kickoff early. The rotation at the edge spot and third running back could see veteran Kyle Phillips hop in this week and Jordan Mims used from the practice squad if those injuries will keep either or both of them out. Miller had a big screen play against the Bears, so the Saints will just have to make do with what they have.
NFC SOUTH WATCH GOING INTO THE BYE
Both Atlanta and New Orleans will be on their bye week following Sunday, so both teams will be well-rested for their Week 11 matchup. That game will count double in the standings, but with us being on the back half of the schedule, it's worth watching what other teams are doing across the division, mainly with the Bucs and Falcons. Tampa hosts Tennessee while the Saints play the Vikings while the Falcons travel out west to the on the Cardinals in a late kick.
