Which Saints players could make the biggest difference against the Patriots? Here are this week's four X-factors:
A 26-14 win over the New York Giants improved the New Orleans Saints to 1-4 on the season. For the Saints, it broke an eight-game losing streak dating back to Week 14 of last year. New Orleans now hosts a 3-2 New England Patriots team in attempts for their first consecutive wins since weeks 10 and 11 in mid-November of last year.
New Orleans needs several obvious players to step up and have good games. Spencer Rattler, Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Carl Granderson, Demario Davis, and Bryan Bresee are the obvious culprits who need good outings for a win. However, these are a few X-factors for the Saints that could also play a huge role in whether New Orleans records a second straight win or drops another winnable contest.
Quincy Riley
Two weeks ago, this space called for Riley to replace Isaac Yiadom at cornerback (among other moves). It took a hamstring injury to Yiadom that will cause him to miss a second consecutive game and give Riley his first start. If he continues to play like he did against the Giants, he's unlikely to give up the job once Yiadom is healthy. Riley, a fourth round choice from Louisville, was credited with one pass breakup and allowed only two catches for 18 yards against New York. More importantly, he was part of a defensive backfield that blanketed Giants' wideouts and allowed no windows for a completion.
Riley and the secondary now face a New England team that ranks 7th in passing production behind quarterback Drake Maye. New Orleans cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is coming off a career performance and will likely be matched up against Stefon Diggs when the Saints play man coverage. As a rookie, don't be surprised to see Maye test Riley whenever possible. The performance of both corners will go a long way in determining who wins this game this afternoon.
Chase Young
It finally appears as if we'll see Young's name in a game piece instead of the injury or inactive report. A calf injury has kept the five-year pro out for the entire season thus far. This after the Saints signed him to a lucrative contract extension this offseason. It may be a few games before we see Young in every down duties, but expect him to at least be available in obvious passing situations and crucial drives against the Patriots.
New England quarterback Drake Maye has been sacked 17 times so far this season. Carl Granderson leads the Saints with 4.5 sacks and 9 pressures. While Cam Jordan and Bryan Bresee have given the defense some good pressure numbers, New Orleans has still had issues consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks. The Saints hope the injection of Chase Young back into their lineup improves that. There would be no better time for it to happen than against the Patriots this afternoon.
Kendre Miller
As game time approaches, the biggest injury status on both sides to watch is that of running back Alvin Kamara. Unable to be a full practice participant all week because of an ankle injury, Kamara may be limited even if he does play. That would be a big blow to the Saints for both their rushing attack and passing game, as Kamara would have a big advantage against New England linebackers Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss in the open field.
Enter third-year back Kendre Miller, who has seemed to have earned increased confidence of coach Kellen Moore with each passing week. Coming off a season-best 65 rushing yards against Buffalo, second highest of his career, Miller action had more carries than Kamara against the Giants with 10 rushes for 41 yards. The Patriots come into this game with a defense ranked 4th against the run. Rushing yards could be tough to come by this afternoon. Miller is a bigger and more physical back than Kamara. Even if Kamara is a full-go, Kendre Miller could wind up being an important part of today's game plan.
Taysom Hill
Taysom Hill is the human X-factor with his ability to threaten defenses as a runner, receiver, passer, and on special teams. In his first game action of any kind since an ACL injury in the 12th game of last year, Hill electrified the team and Superdome crowd last week against the Giants. It didn't translate into much production. Hill completed a 19-yard pass to Juwan Johnson, but rushed six times for no yardage.
It might take Hill a few weeks to get back into full football shape, but expect him to be a more active part of today's game plan. He adds another bonafide threat for the running game, especially if Kamara is slowed with his ankle issue. Additionally, Hill keeps defenses off balance with his ability to throw, perhaps preventing them from stacking the box against the run. Kellen Moore would also be wise to use Hill as a receiver, even if only on quick throws to take advantage of his power and breakaway speed. Taysom Hill adds several elements to the New Orleans offense. The Saints may need all of them to pull out a win against New England.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 4 Saints X-factors who could make a big difference vs. Patriots
Category: Football
