There have been a handful of close losses for the New Orleans Saints this season, tangible evidence that the team has the ability to put itself in position for success as often as not.
But the fact that those games have still been losses — four one-score decisions and a 14-point loss to Atlanta that the Saints gift-wrapped — is also tangible evidence that the team hasn’t figured out how to close in what has been a trying season.
Sunday’s game against NFC South Division-leading Tampa Bay (7-5) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., offers another chance for New Orleans (2-10) to do enough right to win a game. Here’s some of the right that must occur:
1. WIN EARLY DOWNS
Offensively, New Orleans has to be more efficient on first and second down. The Saints are spending too much time behind the chains and, accordingly, become more predictable when relegated to obvious passing situations. If this team wants to help rookie quarterback Tyler Shough develop, that has to be the top priority, because we’ve seen what happens when it does. A better run game would help — New Orleans has averaged 80 rushing yards, on three yards per carry, the last two games — but given the unlikelihood that will happen on Sunday (Tampa Bay allows 97 rushing yards per game), the Saints have to be sharp in the short passing game. Tight end Juwan Johnson could be the target.
2. PROTECT TO PRODUCE
The Saints have changed a bit since their first meeting this season with the Bucs, a 23-3 loss in the Caesars Superdome. New Orleans has a new starter at quarterback, a new starter at left guard (Dillon Radunz) and a better idea how receiver Devaughn Vele can be utilized. Vele showed how effective he can be against Miami, with eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. The 1-2 punch that can be offered by Vele and Chris Olave could be beneficial against a Tampa Bay defense that allows 248 passing yards per game, fourth most in the league. But Shough can’t throw effectively if he’s on his back; protection needs to be there.