The struggles of the New Orleans Saints offensive line has been the biggest storyline of the team’s season. The opposing defensive line has won the battle in the running and passing game, and it’s been the biggest impediment to the Saints offense. New Orleans has allowed a dozen sacks in just three games. The complaints about the line only grew after Derek Carr’s injury.
Unfortunately, the Saints won’t get a reprieve from in the near future. Their next two games feature more difficult tests for the struggling unit. This Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to town. They have 9 sacks on the season with trench players like Shaquil Barret and Vita Vea who can wreck the game on any play.
The following week the Saints travel to face New England Patriots defensive end Matthew Judon. Judon currently has the fourth-most sacks in the league and he lines up on both sides of the formation, so both Trevor Penning and Ryan Ramczyk are going to be tested.
Both games provide their challenges. It’ll be on the Saints offensive line to improve as they stare down two difficult challenges with a backup quarterback behind them. Highly-paid veterans like Ramczyk and center Erik McCoy can’t continue to be liabilities when they’re expected to be cornerstones.
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