Tag: Saints

Saints enter a low-risk, high-reward matchup vs. Packers

Expectations are low against the Packers, but some Saints have a lot to gain in Week 16. Spencer Rattler and Darren Rizzi could make waves:

The back half of the New Orleans Saints’ season became an evaluation period from the moment Dennis Allen was fired. The two people under the microscope the most are Darren Rizzi and Spencer Rattler. As the Saints enter a night game at Lambeau Field, this is a low risk, high reward game for both men.

There aren’t any expectations for the Saints to beat the Green Bay Packers. Because of that, the pressure on both Rizzi and Rattler is low.

The expected result alleviates a lot of pressure off Rizzi’s shoulders. You still want to see the Saints show some good traits, but you’re not looking at the final score as critically. If the Saints are able to pull off the upset, this will be a huge feather in the cap of Rizzi as he builds his case to shed the interim tag.

At this point, every game is high reward, low risk for Rattler. It’s unlikely for Rattler to be benched in favor of Jake Haener. All the Rattler needs to show is potential. If he can show enough potential, there is a shot he can be the starter next season for the new head coach.

Rattler’s weapons continue to dwindle. Alvin Kamara is likely out of the equation this week, which creates an opportunity for Kendre Miller to assert himself. Rattler will be attempting to do more with less, and the more he does, the more impressive it’ll be.

In general, we’re probably not judging the quarterback or head coach too harshly on Monday unless things go really bad.

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Derek Carr has millions of motivations to return to the field

Between guarantees for injury written into his contract and a chance at revenge against his old team, Derek Carr has millions of motivations to return to the field:

Spencer Rattler will start against the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football, but the New Orleans Saints have continued to keep the door open for Derek Carr to return at some point. With the season and hopes of a playoff berth almost over, why would Carr return to the field?

Outside of simply being a competitor, Carr has simple motivation to play again this season. Next week, New Orleans plays the Las Vegas Raiders. Getting a chance to beat his former team is an opportunity he’s been waiting for since leaving the Raiders.

The organization’s decision to move on from him infamously made Carr’s wife cry. If there is any chance to play, Carr likely won’t give up hope until that game has passed.

That’s why Carr could want to keep the door open, but what about the Saints side? Technically, the Saints still have a shot at making the playoffs. It’s a slim shot and could be over this week, but keeping the door open displays a desire for competitiveness isn’t gone. Nobody wants to go in the tank, at least not inside the building.

Carr’s injury guarantees may be a factor, too. If he plays again this season and suffers another injury, serious enough that he couldn’t pass a physical in March, the Saints would be on the hook for another $30 million that otherwise wouldn’t cash out unless they choose to pay it.

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5 keys to Packers beating Saints in Week 16

Five keys to the Packers beating the Saints at Lambeau Field in Week 16.

The Green Bay Packers will attempt to get win No. 11 when they host the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field for a “Monday Night Football” showdown in Week 16. While the Packers will have a chance to clinch a playoff spot with a few results before Monday night, a win over the Saints would also do the trick.

The Packers are big betting favorites against the 5-9 Saints, who are all but eliminated from playoff contention and expected to be without several key contributors. While the Saints started 2-7, interim coach Darren Rizzi is 3-2 over the last five games, and rookie Spencer Rattler was a two-point conversion away from upsetting the Washington Commanders last week.

Here are five keys to the Packers beating the Saints in Week 16:

Feed the psychos

A cold night game at Lambeau Field against a defense that has struggled to get ball-carriers on the ground, especially after the catch? You know what time it is. Feed the psycho trio — Josh Jacobs, Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft. The Packers used this formula to steamroll the visiting 49ers and Dolphins during a five-day stretch to end November. The same can be done against the Saints, who are bleeding yards after the catch while also giving up 4.9 yards per carry in the run game. This is a game to get the ball to playmakers and let them do the tackle-breaking work they love.

Attack the rookie QB

Spencer Rattler, who is expected to start for the Saints, has been sacked 10 times on 140 dropbacks. Like most young players at the position, processing speed and pocket awareness have been hurdles for Rattler to getting the ball out on time. The Packers defense must take away the quick first reads and force the rookie to hold the ball. Last week, the defensive front did a terrific job of winning one-on-one matchups and disrupting the pocket. Watch the edges — both of the Saints offensive tackles have allowed 30 or more pressures this season. Another sack-fest could ensue if Rattler get rattled early. Don’t be surprised if the Saints’ plan is built around screens and underneath stuff to protect the rookie.

Win the LOS on offense

The Saints aren’t lacking talent up front on defense. Both Carl Granderson and Chase Young have more than 50 pressures, and 2023 first-round pick Bryan Bresee and veteran Cam Jordan can disrupt from various alignments. It’s tough to imagine the Saints winning this game without a dominant effort from the front — both in terms of stopping the run on early downs and pressuring Jordan Love in passing situations. The Packers must lean on the run game — the Saints are giving up almost 5.0 yards per carry and rank near the bottom in most meaningful run defense metrics. Expect Matt LaFleur to give Josh Jacobs another chance to feast, especially if the weather isn’t ideal for throwing the football.

Score touchdowns in the red zone

The Saints rank eighth in the NFL in touchdown percentage allowed in the red zone this season, creating a big reason why New Orleans ranks 30th in yards allowed but only 13th in points allowed. The Packers can’t march up and down the field and then settle for field goals. Matt LaFleur’s offense has done a better job converting opportunities in the red zone, mostly thanks to Josh Jacobs’ ability to find the end zone from inside the 5-yard line. The Packers need to score touchdowns early and not keep the Saints in the game.

Win the ball

Turnovers are so often an equalizer in games like this one. Jordan Love has just one turnover in the last five games and four straight games without an interception, and he needs to continue the streak against the Saints on Monday night. Can the Saints win this game without getting a takeaway or two? The New Orleans offense is going to be starting a rookie quarterback and will be without most of its top weapons. They will need short fields and momentum-changing plays. The Packers can’t provide them. Protect the ball, win the ball, and the Packers are going to win this football game.

5 stats to know ahead of Packers vs. Saints in Week 16

Five stats to know before the Packers take on the Saints at Lambeau Field in Week 16.

The Green Bay Packers will welcome the 5-9 New Orleans Saints to Lambeau Field for an NFC showdown on “Monday Night Football” in Week 16. The Packers need a win to clinch a playoff spot, while the Saints will almost certainly be eliminated from the postseason at some point in Week 16.

Can the Packers improve to 11-4 with a win over a fading Saints team that will likely be without Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara?

Here are five stats to know ahead of Monday night’s showdown at Lambeau Field:

Plus-451: The Saints defense has allowed the most yards after catch over expected in the NFL this season, per Next Gen Stats. And opponents are averaging 6.3 yards after the catch against the Saints in 2024. This is all a fancy way of saying the Saints are struggling to get receivers on the ground after catches this season. Turns out, the Packers have several dynamic playmakers with the ball in their hands. Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft and Josh Jacobs could do major damage on Monday night, especially if the Packers prioritize the short, quick passing game. Playing in the snow and cold won’t make tackling easier for the Saints.

14: Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler has only dropped back to pass 140 times this season, but he’s been sacked 14 times — a 10 percent sack rate. Avoiding sacks is a skill, and many young quarterbacks don’t have their  internal clock adjusted to the right time or possess enough pocket awareness early on. It doesn’t help that Saints offensive tackles Trevor Penning and Taliese Fuaga have both allowed more than 30 pressures this season. Like facing Sam Howell to end last week in Seattle, the Packers’ pass-rush could feast if they take away Rattler’s first read and continually collapse the pocket.

18 and 68: Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor has missed 18 tackles and given up 68 completions in coverage, both the most among cornerbacks entering Week 16, per Pro Football Focus. He’s also committed six penalties and doesn’t have an interception. In last year’s matchup, Taylor broke up three passes but also gave up four catches for 81 yards — mostly to Jayden Reed. Don’t be surprised if the Packers make him a frequent target again on Monday night.

5 straight: Packers quarterback Jordan Love has five straight games with a passer rating of 100.0 or better, but he’s about to face a stingy passing defense. The Saints are giving up a passer rating of just 83.0 overall (sixth best) this season, and they’ve allowed only 14 passing touchdowns (third fewest). Throw in a pass rush that has 37 sacks and two rushers with 50 or more pressures (Chase Young, Carl Granderson), and the Packers passing game will be tested on Monday night.

21: Since Darren Rizzi took over for Dennis Allen, or a span of five games, the most points the Saints have allowed is just 21. The Packers, meanwhile, have scored 30 or more points in four straight games. The Saints didn’t face a gauntlet of offensive powerhouses over the last five, but holding the Rams to 21 points and the Commanders to 20 points are both jobs well done. The Saints are stingy on third down (37.3 percent conversions) and in the red zone (51.2 percent touchdowns).

Darren Rizzi sees a ‘reenergized’ Cameron Jordan amid late-season hot sreak

Cameron Jordan’s production has soared in the past few weeks, and Darren Rizzi believes some changes have reenergized the defensive end:

One player that has stepped up his play in recent weeks is Cameron Jordan. Jordan didn’t have a good season last year and started this season slow as well. The defensive end even began to be phased out of the rotation.

Jordan has awoken over the last five weeks. He’s getting to the quarterback and making impact plays again. Darren Rizzi described Jordan as being “reenergized” during this hot streak.

But what changed? Why is one of the leaders of the New Orleans Saints suddenly improving and feeling reenergized in the middle of the season?

The Saints changed philosophically when they changed head coaches. Rizzi moved position coaches around, too, putting longtime pass-rush specialist Brian Young in a more prominent role working with the entire defensive line, instead of Todd Grantham.

Jordan received one of the biggest direct impacts from the changes. Instead of being phased out of the rotation, Jordan has returned to being a critical piece. Pro Football Focus charting has credited him with 26 pressures this season and 15 of them have come in the five games since Rizzi took over and charged Young with livening up the defensive line, including Jordan.

Rizzi points to playing time and style of play as reasons for this improvement from Jordan: “I think the fact he has more opportunity to play, number one. We made the change and tried to simplify things up front these last five games.”

Rizzi also mentioned the way the Saints are practicing as a benefit to Jordan as well. There have been many changes in New Orleans since Rizzi has taken over and many of them have benefitted Jordan.

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Darren Rizzi ‘really impressed’ by Spencer Rattler’s final drive vs. Commanders

Saints coach Darren Rizzi was “really impressed” with how well Spencer Rattler handled the two-minute drive to close out Week 15’s game with the Commanders:

When Spencer Rattler stepped in for Jake Haener against the Washington Commanders, he led four consecutive scoring drives. Darren Rizzi’s explanation for inserting Rattler into the game was the New Orleans Saints needed a spark. Mission accomplished.

One of the more impressive things about Rattler’s game is how he performed in crunch time. Rattler returns to the starting lineup until Derek Carr is healthy enough to play, if that happens in 2024. The rookie will need to take some of the positives from end of Week 15 and carry them throughout the game.

Rizzi walked away from the final drive of the game impressed by some of the intangibles the rookie quarterback displayed.

Rizzi highlighted some of the impressive parts of Rattler’s final drive, including “the way he operated that that final drive, the way we managed the drive, managed the clock, understood the situation,” as well as that, “We got the ball clocked there to allow us to have one final play in regulation.”

What impressed Rizzi the most was Rattler handled the situation with great poise despite being in just his fourth professional game.

We’ve seen one rookie this year not handle a late fourth quarter drive with such calmness and efficiency. This is a good starting point and shows Rattler can handle himself when the pressure is on.

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Packers vs. Saints: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 16

Highlighting three key matchups to watch when the Packers take on the Saints in Week 16.

Standing between the Green Bay Packers and a clinched playoff berth are the all-but-hopeless New Orleans Saints, who have less than a one percent chance of making the postseason after last week’s one-point loss to the Washington Commanders.

The Packers are set to host a wounded Saints team on Monday Night Football, marking Green Bay’s fourth consecutive primetime game. New Orleans is expected to travel to Lambeau without their top offensive weapon, Alvin Kamara, and starting quarterback, Derek Carr.

If Carr can’t play, rookie Spencer Rattler will start under center after a poor showing from backup Jake Haener last week against Washington.

The Saints don’t have much to play for at this point and may be better off losing games to improve their draft position. Meanwhile, the Packers can still boost their playoff standing by winning their final three regular-season games.

With a second-consecutive postseason berth on the line, here are three key matchups Green Bay can exploit against a banged-up New Orleans team on Monday night.

WR Christian Watson vs CB Alontae Taylor

The Packers’ lethal deep threat has come alive of late, with three straight games of at least 55 receiving yards. On the heels of a 114-yard performance against the Detroit Lions, Watson totaled 56 yards on three receptions in last week’s win over the Seattle Seahawks, including this impressive toe-tapping grab down the left sideline. Watson could be in for another big week if he matches up against Taylor. Watson’s speed and playmaking ability present a significant challenge for the Saints corner, who has allowed more receptions and receiving yards than any other player in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.

RB Josh Jacobs vs Saints Run Defense

Jacobs set the tone last Sunday in Seattle, finishing with 17 touches for 111 yards in the first half. Although he slowed down in the second half, he still posted 132 yards from scrimmage. Jacobs has been the motor for Green Bay’s offense most of the season and could factor heavily into this week’s game plan against a struggling run defense. While the Packers boast the fourth-ranked rushing offense, New Orleans ranks 27th in rushing yards allowed per game and 30th in rushing yards allowed per carry. The Saints have also surrendered 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024, giving Jacobs a strong chance to extend his five-game scoring streak.

Edge Rashan Gary vs RT Trevor Penning

Penning has been through some tough stretches this season, and unfortunately, it isn’t about to get any easier. Gary has found his stride, with 5.5 sacks and 27 pressures over the past eight games. Lining up across from Green Bay’s top pass rusher will be a challenging matchup for Penning, who is tied for the 7th-most allowed pressures this season among offensive tackles. If you’re Gary, this matchup feels like a prime opportunity to dominate and make life miserable for New Orleans’ rookie quarterback.

Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury feared ‘voodoo’ with clock stoppage

Kliff Kingsbury’s hilarious reaction to the officiating mistake in last week’s Washington win.

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was shocked his team came away victorious in last week’s 20-19 win over the New Orleans Saints.

No, Kingsbury isn’t shocked the Commanders did enough to win. He was shocked Washington came out with the win after the officials mysteriously stopped the clock with under 10 seconds remaining, giving the Saints one more play. New Orleans would score a touchdown on the following play, go for the two-point conversion, and win. However, the pass fell incomplete, and the Commanders escaped with a much-needed win.

Kingsbury discussed the clock stoppage when he met with reporters Thursday.

“I was just watching; I’m like, it looked like he waved to stop it, and I was like, it shouldn’t be stopped,” Kingsbury said. “And then I looked, and it was stopped, and I lived down there for a year, so I know all the voodoo s–t. And so, I was just like, here we go again. So, I was actually shocked we won that game. I’ve lived this before, but yeah, I just waved. I’m like, why would he stop it? And then it actually stopped, and so luckily we’re able to get that win.”

Kingsbury played for the Saints back in 2004.

That’s a hilarious way to describe those events. The officials’ call was unanimously lousy, and even the head referee acknowledged it was a mistake after the game. Of course, the NFL had no further comments regarding the matter this week. 

The Commanders have moved past it and can laugh about it now, but things would certainly be different if the Saints had converted on the two-point play.

What to know from Packers’ first injury report of Week 16 vs. Saints

Things to know from the Packers’ first injury report before playing the Saints in Week 16.

The Green Bay Packers released the team’s first injury report of Week 16 on Thursday. The team will release two more injury reports, including a final injury report on Saturday with official playing status designations before facing the New Orleans Saints on Monday night.

Here’s everything to know from the Packers’ first injury report of Week 16:

Who didn’t participate?

Rookie defensive back Javon Bullard and linebacker Quay Walker, who both have ankle injuries. Bullard missed last week’s win in Seattle, while Walker was hurt in the first half of the win on Sunday night. The Packers are considering these to be “week to week” injuries, so Bullard might have a chance to return but Walker is probably a long shot to play against the Saints.

Did Jaire Alexander practice?

Yes, and he was a full participant again on Thursday. Last week, Alexander was a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday before being shut down on Friday. The Packers didn’t see the movement ability necessary to play a game, so Alexander missed a fourth straight game. He’ll get another week to prove he’s physically capable of returning from a knee ligament injury.

Any new injuries to know?

Just Walker. The Packers only listed five total players on the first injury report, a new season low.

Anyone removed from the injury report?

A bunch of players were removed. Ten, to be exact. Kenny Clark, Edgerrin Cooper, Romeo Doubs, Travis Glover, Elgton Jenkins, Isaiah McDuffie, Josh Myers, Lukas Van Ness, Rasheed Walker and Evan Williams were all removed from the injury report coming out of Week 15. The Packers are as healthy as they’ve been all season.

Who are the injured players to watch this week?

Alexander must prove he’s ready to return. The Packers need him healthy for the postseason, but he’ll play if he’s ready this week. Bullard might have an outside chance of returning, but not practicing on Thursday isn’t a good sign. The same goes for Walker. Tight end Luke Musgrave was limited again on Thursday, but the Packers can activate him from injured reserve at any time.

Packers injury report

CB Jaire Alexander (knee) – FULL
CB Corey Ballentine (knee) – LIMITED
S Javon Bullard (ankle) – DNP
TE Luke Musgrave (ankle) – LIMITED
LB Quay Walker (ankle) – DNP

What’s to know from Saints injury report?

Quarterback Derek Carr (hand), running back Alvin Kamara (groin), receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) and Bub Means (ankle) and defensive end Chase Young (illness) did not practice on Thursday. Carr and Kamara aren’t expected to play Monday night. Receiver Chris Olave was limited with a head injury. Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry was limited with a shoulder injury. Tight end Juwann Johnson was limited with a foot injury. The Saints also have tight end Taysom Hill and cornerback Paulson Adebo on injured reserve.

Kendre Miller’s long road back from injury has led to a big opportunity

Kendre Miller has a big opportunity in front of him. His long road recovering from injuries has led to a chance to assert himself:

Heading into this past New Orleans Saints offseason, one of the more exciting talking points was the potential emergence of second-year running back Kendre Miller. He’s had to take a long road to get here, but he has a big opportunity through the last three weeks of the 2024 season after an injury to Alvin Kamara.

After an injury-plagued rookie year, Miller caught the attention of many in the 2023 regular season finale. In the first start of his career with  Kamara sidelined due to another injury, Miller delivered a promising performance against the rivaled Atlanta Falcons. In a 48-17 blowout win, Miller rushed for 73 yards on the ground on 13 carries (5.6 yards per carry) to go along with an acrobatic touchdown, the first of his young career.

With hopes high for Miller, many were looking forward to seeing what the offense could potentially be with he and Kamara sharing the backfield in Klint Kubiak’s zone-blocking run scheme.

But unfortunately, the now second-year pro was unable to catch a break. Miller would suffer a hamstring injury on the very first day of training camp, resulting in him being placed on injured reserve for the next three months or so.

Finally at full strength, Miller would be activated off of IR and return to play against Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos. In what was a catastrophe of a game, many got to see that spark again from Week 18 of last season. In his six carries Miller rushed for 36 yards (6 yards per carry) including a 16-yard pick up. It was noticed quickly the burst, the elusiveness and contact balance was all still there post-injury.

In the coming weeks though, Miller would be hit with adversity once again. Now-former Saints head coach Dennis Allen would place Miller on IR for the second time, sidelining him for the next four weeks. It was reported there was a “lack of trust” in Miller’s ability to stay healthy which led to this decision. During this time, Miller was in fact healthy and ready to play despite being placed on IR, which only added more frustration to a player that is waiting to prove himself yet again.

After the firing of Dennis Allen and the elevation of now interim head coach Darren Rizzi, Miller and Rizzi had a positive conversation, giving the green light on his return when eligible. Miller was asked about this and replied with, “I’m ready to get out there and bark a little bit.” This would be indicative of him being out of the “doghouse.” Miller was ready to go.

Miller would get his first opportunity in over a month against the New York Giants in MetLife Stadium and was quick to deliver. Miller would score his first touchdown on a 9-yard outside run in which he and his teammates carried Giants defenders into the end zone. This marked his first touchdown of the season. He would follow this performance up with an exceptional game against the Washington Commanders (9 carries for 46 yards, 5.1 per carry) where he and rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler led a late second-half comeback down 17-0 but falling just short of victory after a failed two-point attempt.

With Kamara’s status in question, Miller has an opportunity to cement himself as the team’s No. 2 back going into the offseason. After much uncertainty due to injury, Miller gets his chance to showcase his abilities and even audition as the teams answer at the position once Kamara decides to hang it up. Now is the time for Kendre Miller to prove that there he’s the guy for the job and that the team can allocate their resources elsewhere.

The lights will be bright for the young buck on Monday night against the Green Bay Packers. Expect him to embrace it.

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