The New Orleans Saints are looking to rebound in a big way this week on “Monday Night Football” against the Indianapolis Colts, but that could be easier said than done. To get the best-informed takes on the Saints’ next opponent, we reached out to our friends at Colts Wire and shared a question-and-answer session with mangaing editor Kyle Hickey. Here’s what he had to say:
1. Andrew Luck’s retirement sent shockwaves around the league. How has Jacoby Brissett performed this year? Is he the long-term answer at quarterback for the Colts, or could they be a team that tries to sign Teddy Bridgewater in free agency?
KH: Brissett has handled an impossible situation with class and elegance. Replacing a franchise QB is never easy and has done so admirably off of the field. When it comes to his play on the field, it is difficult to say that he is the long-term answer. While he has the intelligence, arm talent and pocket mobility to be a successful starter in the league, there have been some concerns that show he isn’t ready to be a franchise guy. There are struggles with timing and anticipation throughout the season, and he’s been far too conservative when throwing. That’s great to keep his turnover totals down, but the offense has seen a dramatic drop off in explosive plays. They could be in the market for a quarterback this offseason, but it is much more likely they look to the draft his replacement.
2. Quenton Nelson is a superstar, which isn’t a word used to describe many guards. But how well do the Colts play up front as a group? The Saints defensive line is loaded with talent, even after losing two starting-quality players this week to injuries (Marcus Davenport and Sheldon Rankins).
KH: The offensive line is the best position group the Colts have. They’ve been mostly consistent this season in pass protection and run blocking. The left side of the line is elite with Anthony Castonzo and the aforementioned Nelson. Center Ryan Kelly is above average when healthy. The weakness is at right guard with Mark Glowinski, who has regressed incredibly while right tackle Braden Smith has been more good than bad. This unit is how the Colts win games, which means they will need to be near-perfect on Monday.
3. If T.Y. Hilton isn’t ready to return just yet from his calf injury, who should the Saints look to defend as the go-to receiving option when the Colts drop back to pass?
KH: Hilton is questionable for the matchup. If he can’t go, the top wide receiver in the room is Zach Pascal, who has enjoyed a semi-breakout in 2019. He’s a reliable possession receiver and is carving out a role in the offense. Wide receivers Marcus Johnson and Dontrelle Inman (just re-signed) will also be in the mix on Monday. Don’t be surprised if tight end Jack Doyle is targeted heavily as well.
4. Darius Leonard is one of the league’s fastest-rising talents at linebacker, just like a player the Saints faced last week in 49ers stud Fred Warner. What makes Leonard so special? Will he be up to the task of playing chess with Drew Brees?
KH: Leonard brings everything you want in today’s linebacker. He has incredible instincts, closing speed and is arguably the best tackling linebacker in the game. He’s nicknamed “The Maniac” for a reason. He will get a really tough task across from Brees, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brees have a few plays that out-smart Leonard. That said, the All-Pro linebacker will also have his share of big plays whether they come from a blitz or punching a ball out of a receiver’s hands.
5. Finally, who’s winning this one? Will the Colts defense be able to slow down the Saints? What’s your final score prediction?KH: The Colts are in a really bad place having lost five of their last six. The Saints are rolling even after their exciting loss against the 49ers. I think the Saints take this one pretty easily, 31-20.
