After a 10 day break, the New Orleans Saints return to action against the Indianapolis Colts. Playing on Thursday night last week meant the Saints had a chance to sit down and watch the Colts game on Sunday versus the Cleveland Browns. What the Colts offense was able to do in that game was concerning.
The Browns and Saints share one huge similarity: the defense is the backbone of the team. Going into Week 7, the Browns allowed fewer total yards, rushing yards, passing yards and points per game than the Saints. Then, the Colts scored a season-high 38 points.
The one advantage the Saints have over the Browns is forcing turnovers. The Browns forced 4 turnovers and even scored on one of them. Even through that the Colts offense still found a way to generate consistent offense.
Indianapolis repeatedly drove down the field with long drives. Only two of their six scoring drives gained fewer than 75 yards, and they showed the ability to score quickly. The Browns saving grace is they were able to put up points and have a couple of lucky breaks go their way. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew challenged them all afternoon despite some lapses in ball security.
The Saints have been up-and-down offensively. New Orleans could put up points but there shouldn’t be confidence it will happen. Watching Indianapolis score with ease on a top-tier defense should concern the Saints because their offense might not be able to keep up if the Colts repeat that performance.
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