Saints Must Establish Consistency With Win Over Texans
It feels unique to say that a team which just pitched a 34-0 shutout has something to prove the weekend after. But that is where the New Orleans Saints are right now. After several questions were raised about a fledgling offense, the Saints presented some answers on that side of the ball. Meanwhile a defense looking to further establish itself did so in a big way.
Oct 8, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon (92) and defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Now the question is simple. Can the Saints maintain this level of productivity and prove it through consistency? While that does not mean the team will need to go out there and secure 30-point shutouts every week, continuing to improve is a must.
The Week 5 win over the New England Patriots was only the third 30-point scoring game for New Orleans in its last 22 contests. Over the span it has been easy to identify the roller coaster of inconsistency.
Whether it be through offensive output, wins vs. losses or even the usage of key players, the list goes in. It sometimes feels like when the Saints figure things out one week, they struggle to replicate their success the next. The inconsistent usage of offensive weapons like the versatile Taysom Hill, playmaking running back Alvin Kamara, and speedy wide receiver Rasheed Shaheed has commonly drawn scrutiny, for instance.
Oct 8, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) reacts after making a first down during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
This week’s matchup with the Houston Texans presents an opportunity to show that the team’s struggles to remain consistent are now of the past. Will they eventually struggle again? Most certainly. However finding the struggles to be fewer in occurrence than the successes would be a welcome change of course without question.
Many elements will be under the microscope Sunday. Scoring, red zone productivity, play calling, execution, usage of playmakers and discipline will be among the focuses on offense. Meanwhile the defense will simply look to show that they remain the dominant unit they have proven they can be.
The Texans may not have a top defense in the NFL, but New Orleans will still need to execute in order to take advantage of that. Meanwhile, the Houston offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud will be the best passing attack the team has faced thus far this season. The rookie-led passing offense is ranked No. 3 in the NFL and the team has yet to throw an interception.
With this game being a non-conference matchup, it is hard to call it a “must win” but if nothing else, it is most certain a “prove it” game. These are not the Texans of yesterday any longer. And therefore they provide a formidable test for a New Orleans Saints team with a lot to prove.
