Welcome everyone to the latest edition of #4Downs where we break down every Saints game! This week, we look at the Saints win over the Chargers.
1st Down: Opportunistic Offense
A few weeks ago, I talked about the Saints inability to capitalize on mistakes against the New York Giants. In the final minutes of the game against San Diego they were able to capitalize on two turnovers and turn them into 14 points. If you can get turnovers and turn those into points, nine times out of ten, you’re winning games. With the lackluster defense the Saints have had the last couple of seasons, it’s a little refreshing to see good D from the Saints.
2nd Down: Cool Brees
Drew Brees has been a master of the fourth quarter comebacks ever since he first donned the black and gold. So why would it be any different in the return to San Diego for the first time since he left with an injured shoulder in 2005? Brees didn’t have numbers that set the world on fire, but they got points on the board late that led to the Saints getting their first win of the season. Sometimes, it’s not how you start but how you finish. If you look up that phrase in the dictionary, the accompanying picture is Drew Brees. He gets to another level when he’s in the fourth quarter.
3rd Down: Chargers Offense Shorts Out
Heading into this game, the Chargers were up against one of the worst defenses in recent history, but the Saints secondary, which has been ravaged by injuries in recent week and put up an admirable game allowing only 346 yards on the afternoon. If there’s one positive to the Saints, it’s been the defense keeping them in some matchups throughout the season and it looks like they are starting to rally around each other.
4th Down: Bye Week at Right Time
The New Orleans Saints will be able to rest up before another big conference game against the Carolina Panthers. With all the injuries it helps out a lot that the bye week is at this point of the season. Sure guys like Sheldon Rankins and Delvin Breaux won’t be back on the field week six, but there’s a few guys that could be ready to go in two weeks when it’s time to host the Panthers.
-Clint Domingue