Imperfect611
Starter
The Saints move past division rivals Carolina 21-13 with a stout defense and unstoppable run game. It looks like Coach Fisher and the team saw what worked last week and built on it letting the RBs control the pace of the game. Unfortunately the other big headline from the game was the injury from Mark Ingram. The leader in the backfield suffered a dislocated elbow and will be sidelined for about 4 weeks. We will address the impact of this later.
The Petty Problem:
Two interceptions is bad news for the young QB. Luckily other players on the field were having great games or he may have thrown the game away. These are the same problems we talked about last week. What happens when the Saints can't rely on the run game and check down passes? Well every New Orleans fan should be worried about that day until we see something different.
Keep Truckin':
Mark Ingram was having a career game before his injury. On 12 attempts he has 137 yards with 2 TDs. The scary part about his stats though is the 74 YAC. This is insanity, but also worrisome. While we know Ingram can break tackles left and right can Turbin do the same. He had 43 yards on 6 attempts filling in for Ingram, but not much after contact. He is faster than Mark off the ball so maybe he can simply make his yardage in a different way. There has also been talks of bringing in Simpson to split carries with Turbin. For now we know that Turbin will start with Simpson as backup and Poteat as the 3DRB as relief. 180 total yards rushing does seem like a good sign for the future even without Ingram because that means the offensive line has been blocking as hard as they can.
Mark Ingram breaking two tackles at once before a 51 yard TD.
The Slot Savior:
Rishard Matthews saved the passing game today stealing balls away all day. He had 4 catches for 74 yards. He was a monster all over the field and a terror to every DB on the field. Nobody wants to deal with a slot player that can impact a game like this. He seems to specialize in beating zone coverages because he was the king of finding holes today.
Matthews rising up and making DBs jaw drop
Cooks came away with another TD on a slant where he found some running room leaving him with 3 TDs in two games. Floyd however still seems to be having issues. Being matched up with Revis and then Norman two weeks in a row could explain it, but Floyd was signed to be a number on receiver and he needs to win some of these match ups. Both INTs were throw Floyd's way. One was overthrown, but the other was a one on one play between him and Josh Norman which he lost. Petty needs to be able to trust his number one man, but we also have to ask can Floyd trust Petty to make the throws that count.
The Dak Attack:
Ward is dangerous behind his D line and Stewart learned that today. Saints rush defense held up yet again today. It seems that this new system is working for New Orleans. Dak had the game sealing forced fumble today stopping the Panthers' last drive in its tracks. He also had a couple of broken up passes matched up against big man Olsen. Ward will be a threat for years to come at only 21.
Dak Ward showing his prey their place forcing the fumble
Conner and Hicks combined for 5 TFL. They were in the backfield so much that Carolina should've just let them lineup back there. It would have been just as effective. If these two can keep up this pace it should be a great year for New Orleans. Jordan owned his gap all game, but it seems people are avoiding him at all costs. He clocked in a sack today and if he can make sure teams stay away from the left side it will let every play keep funneling to Dak Ward.
Penalties:
"Four penalties is four too many" said the owner today. "I expect Jeff Fisher to address this in practice this week." Fisher stated "The owner is right and I will drive this point in this week." As far as the press is concerned it may be a bit early to try and put a fire under your 2-0 head coach. The Saints have looked strong, but undisciplined. We knew Imperfect would be an involved owner and it seems like he is also a perfectionist. These penalties may be a sign of a deeper problem, but hopefully they will be solved soon.
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