3. TRY, TRY AGAIN
The Saints’ pass game may have to shine, because the Patriots only allow 86 rushing yards per game, fourth-fewest in the league. Still, like last week, New Orleans has to be true to the run game. The Saints gained 88 yards on 30 carries against the Giants, but the attempts are important. The Patriots have to respect the Saints’ running game in order for the passing game to function better. The combination of Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Rattler and Hill need to squeeze out all they can on the ground.
4. DISRUPT DRAKE
New England allows lots of passing yards, but it balances by producing 241 passing yards per game. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye is completing 74 percent of his passes for 1,261 yards, with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. He’s been sacked 17 times in five games, so maybe edge rusher Carl Granderson can get to him (and not have this sack nullified by a questionable roughing the passer penalty). The Saints benefitted from forcing five turnovers against New York, including two interceptions by cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. You can’t count on five turnovers each week, but you can hopefully pressure the quarterback and reduce his efficiency. Do that, and maybe a few turnovers can result from it, too. Maye has been far too efficient to allow him to be comfortable, and receiver Stefon Diggs (29 catches for 359 yards) can make life miserable for a secondary.
5. NO ROOM FOR ERROR
The Saints’ offense and defense haven’t been spotless, but the special team units have been a colossal disappointment so far. Blake Grupe has missed five of 15 field goal attempts and has missed the landing zone a couple of times on kickoffs; the punt and kickoff cover teams each have surrendered big returns; and New Orleans hasn’t yet created a field-flipping return (the Saints averaged 13.5 yards on two kickoffs against the Giants). The team doesn’t need fireworks in the kicking game, but it’ll take “steady.”