The Seattle Seahawks will look to move above .500 for the first time this season with a win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. This is a matchup that is not a common occurrence, as these teams have only met four times since the 2016 season. As such, we felt it was time to get to know Seattle’s opponent a little better with another edition of our Behind Enemy Lines series.
We at Seahawks Wire spoke with John Sigler of Saints Wire to give the 12th Man a little more insight on New Orleans. Our questions and his answers are below:
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No. 1 – How would you asses the Saints despite the 0-2 start?
They’ve looked better than I expected, or would expect, given their record. This is a competitive football team that looks like they belong. They aren’t getting shut out 40-0 each week. That doesn’t mean they’re perfect, or even a good team (they’re 0-2, right?). Penalties have been a major problem especially on offense where veteran players have been making too many mental mistakes. But they’re on the right track.
No. 2 – Do you think Spencer Rattler is the answer at quarterback?
I don’t think so; this team will definitely be in the quarterback market in the spring. But Rattler has looked better than expected and it’s obvious why he got the starting nod over Tyler Shough. Maybe his ceiling is a Sam Howell, Jake Browning backup. For now he’s the best option the Saints have.
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No. 3 – Who is a non-household name Saint that you think Seahawks fans should be aware of?
Kai Kroeger has been performing really well for a rookie punter, and some Seahawks superfans might know about him given Seattle’s decision to sign a left-footed punter to their practice squad to prepare for him. But it says a lot about how thin the Saints’ depth chart has gotten that a rookie punter is my response to this one.
No. 4 – Is there a Seahawk who gives you concern?
I’m terrified to see what Leonard Williams is about to do to Cesar Ruiz. The veteran starter has taken a big step back this year and was a liability in each of the first two games. Now he has to slow down one of the best interior linemen in the business. With all the injuries hammering the Saints offensive line — Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning are playing through injuries, and Dillon Radunz has been ruled out — I’m worried about the Seattle defensive line taking over this game.
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No. 5 – Who wins and why?
I think Seattle has an edge here. They’re better positioned to control the line of scrimmage and dictate terms, and I don’t think Rattler is about to end his 0-8 winless streak as a starter on the road in a hostile environment. But I don’t expect the Saints to get left in the dust. They’re scrappy. Seahawks 20, Saints 16
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks vs Saints: 5 things to know about the Saints in Week 3