What is there left to say about the New Orleans Saints? They gave up 45 points and over 200 rushing yards at home, on the 10 year anniversary of the game Steve Gleason blocked the punt that brought football and , more importantly, hope back to the city of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. It was one of the biggest moments in Saints history, and to get beat this badly on the night of this commemoration is extremely telling of how porous this defense really is. If they can’t elevate their game on a night this big and this special, well they just aren’t ready to compete this year.
Drew Brees played well, as usual, throwing for 376 yards and 3 touchdowns. Brandon Coleman and Michael Thomas filled in nicely for an injured Willie Snead and ineffective Brandin Cooks. After posting just 3 catches for 35 yards in his 2 games, Coby Fleener had his first big performance as a Saints. He caught 7 of 11 targets for 109 yards and a touchdown. The Saints were also able to establish the ground game, rushing for a total of 115 yards on 23 carries. The offense really did play well and look promising moving forward. Unfortunately, the Saints defense simply did not have an answer for anything the Falcons threw/ran at them. The Falcons averaged nearly 7 yards a carry and their running backs combined for 4 touchdowns.
The Chargers, meanwhile, are doing a pretty nice job of finding life after Allen and Woodhead. Philip Rivers completed 67% of his passes last week and threw for 326 yards without his two top targets. The Chargers defense held Andrew Luck and company in check all game until that final drive when he and T.Y. Hilton hooked up on a 63 yard touchdown. If the Chargers are able to get Melvin Gordon going this week, and all indications points to that happening against the Saints’ league worst run defense, the Chargers should be able to win comfortably at home. Like Drew Brees, Philip Rivers tends to get the most out of his playmakers, regardless of their credentials, and should be able to move the ball relatively easy.
How to Watch New Orleans Saints vs. San Diego Chargers
When: 4:25 p.m. ET
Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
TV: FOX
Online: Sunday Ticket, Fox Sports GO, Verizon NFL Mobile
Drew Brees played well, as usual, throwing for 376 yards and 3 touchdowns. Brandon Coleman and Michael Thomas filled in nicely for an injured Willie Snead and ineffective Brandin Cooks. After posting just 3 catches for 35 yards in his 2 games, Coby Fleener had his first big performance as a Saints. He caught 7 of 11 targets for 109 yards and a touchdown. The Saints were also able to establish the ground game, rushing for a total of 115 yards on 23 carries. The offense really did play well and look promising moving forward. Unfortunately, the Saints defense simply did not have an answer for anything the Falcons threw/ran at them. The Falcons averaged nearly 7 yards a carry and their running backs combined for 4 touchdowns.
The Chargers, meanwhile, are doing a pretty nice job of finding life after Allen and Woodhead. Philip Rivers completed 67% of his passes last week and threw for 326 yards without his two top targets. The Chargers defense held Andrew Luck and company in check all game until that final drive when he and T.Y. Hilton hooked up on a 63 yard touchdown. If the Chargers are able to get Melvin Gordon going this week, and all indications points to that happening against the Saints’ league worst run defense, the Chargers should be able to win comfortably at home. Like Drew Brees, Philip Rivers tends to get the most out of his playmakers, regardless of their credentials, and should be able to move the ball relatively easy.
How to Watch New Orleans Saints vs. San Diego Chargers
When: 4:25 p.m. ET
Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
TV: FOX
Online: Sunday Ticket, Fox Sports GO, Verizon NFL Mobile