The New Orleans Saints showed they have no plans to step down as playoff contenders in Sunday’s 30-9 win over the New York Jets. The win won’t receive any style points, nor will it placate the anxieties of fans in acknowledgement of the opponent. Neither of those facts change that the team decisively ended a five-game losing streak and got swiftly back on track towards the offensive identity they’d been foraging under Winston.
What’s important is found reading between the lines of Sunday’s game plan. Continued injuries to the offensive line? Throw an extra lineman out there for run blocking. Inability to generate a passing game? Lean on Alvin Kamara early and often. No identity on offense? Look again. As much as the idea of Taysom Hill under center for the remainder of the season elicits a chorus of groans, his return to the lineup is perhaps most significant past Kamara. Passing prowess aside. Some key trends surfaced that haven’t had footing in weeks. Here’s what mattered in the team’s Week 14 win: