Welcome to the latest edition of #4Downs where we break down every Saints game into four categories! This week, it’s the wild matchup between the Saints and Panthers.
1st Down: Fast Start Was Refreshing
We talk so much about the Saints being a team that has to play from behind due to poor play defensively and relying on veteran quarterback Drew Brees to bring them to victory. But looking at the first half, the Saints showed that they can start out like a ball of fire. The defense looked like it was putting together an admirable performance allowing only 192 yards and the Saints offense lighting it up with over 300 yards at halftime. If the momentum could have been sustained it would’ve been a very different final result.
2nd Down: Fleener and Brees Starting to Click
The last two seasons have been interesting in seeing how Drew Brees will be without one of his favorite targets in Jimmy Graham. Last year, the veteran Ben Watson was that answer, but old age and a lot of dead money led to the Saints parting ways with Watson and picking up Coby Fleener. Through the first few games, it looked like another free agency miss, but since the Falcons game, it looks like Fleener is starting to click with the Saints veteran QB with seven receptions including a 50 yard touchdown after what looked like a missed route based off how close he and Willie Snead were to each other. Only time will tell though if Fleener is the long-term answer for the Graham part of the Saints equation..
3rd Down: Lutz Comes Through In Clutch
This game was important for the Saints, but the final moments of the game were crucial for the future of Will Lutz. The former Georgia State kicker has had a rough start to his NFL career with a blocked field goal along with missing what would have been a game winner against Oakland back in week one. He had missed one from 53 yards earlier in the day, but with under 30 seconds left on the clock, Lutz lined up and put the ball through the uprights for the win. It’s a big confidence booster for the young kicker and a good look for the Saints who change kickers like some people change shoes.
4th Down: Have They Turned the Season Around?
After starting out 0-3, the Saints have started to get wins on the board. At the same time, they haven’t had any truly convincing wins. Two weeks ago, they beat the Chargers thanks in part to two fumbles that gave the Saints a chance to win. This week, they started out strong but needed their rookie kicker to bail them out. Does that look like a team that is trying to defy the odds? Not really. If they can get a good game together against Kansas City next week, then we can have a dialogue going. But for now, let’s calm down the playoffs talk.
-Clint Domingue