Welcome to another edition of #4Downs with me, Clint Domingue. In case you missed last week’s edition, let’s bring you up to speed. After every Saints, Cajuns, and Tigers game, I’ll break down four key points of the game that stuck out to me. Now, onto the four downs.
1st Down: Night and Day
When you look at the Saints performance last Thursday against the Ravens and tonight’s performance side by side, they look like two completely different teams. When your defense forces three consecutive three-and-outs against Tom Brady, you know this team looks to be vastly different from the week prior. The offense also looked different, with Drew Brees looking back to form on three drives, each leading to scores. Just look at that 45-yard pass to Brandin Cooks. Don’t be surprised if Brees has Cooks in mind for several big plays this season. According to reports, Brees has worked on his throwing form after last season’s oblique strain due to “falling into bad habits” and apparently it’s working.
2nd Down: Why Go For Two?
This is one question that will undoubtedly leave Saints fans confused for quite some time. When the PAT rule change was announced it was expected that there is more of a chance for teams to go for two due to the extra point not being as automatic anymore. But if the Saints are smart, the two point conversion attempt should be reserved for situations that are completely necessary. The Saints had three touchdowns in the game and missed all three of their two-point conversions. I can understand going for it in an outdoor stadium, but the Saints were in the Superdome and have two kickers on the roster that have been consistent in camp and could be almost automatic from 33 yards in a dome setting. Here’s the kicker (no pun intended): if the Saints opted for the extra point and made those three, the Saints could have won the game by one point. Yes, it is preseason, but this shouldn’t be done in a game that actually matters.
3rd Down: Less Penalties, Less Injuries
The Saints, after suffering multiple injuries from the time between the Ravens game last Thursday and tonight’s matchup against the Patriots, the Saints did not sustain any injuries. This is a very good thing, especially considering the lack of depth in the cornerback position. But the cornerbacks played extremely well, despite having costly penalties. The Saints penalties this week were eight for 88 yards. Most of these penalties extended drives for the Patriots, especially on third downs. This could be a situation where several of the players are still getting adjusted to the pro game.
4th Down: The Rise of Kikaha
As mentioned previously, the Saints starting defense forced the Patriots to three straight three-and-outs. But one person stuck out on defense straight out of the gate: rookie linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha. The second-rounder out of Washington came out ready to go, hitting LeGarrette Blount behind the line on the first play from scrimmage and stopping Jimmay Mundine on the very next play to force a third and long. Kikaha also played well trying to force pressure on Tom Brady. If his play keeps improving, he will be a force to be reckoned with in 2015.
Hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of #4Downs! Enjoy the rest of the weekend everybody!
-Clint Domingue