Just a fortnight ago, shades of darkness were filling the skies as the Saints dropped to a shameful 0-2 after another less than sufficient performance against the defending champion New England Patriots. Many of the faithful fan base were thinking that the bitter moon in the sky and the lack of defensive progress were signs of the team crossing the line from mediocrity into full blown dumpster fire. Whilst this emotional portion of the fan base thought like this, those were more common sense and sensibility understood that there is still a long way to go in the restoration of the New Orleans Saints. The best part of last week’s win was not the relief it caused those in a panic, but the planning and care with which Sean Payton and his staff approached that particular victory. For it is a balanced and focused approach that will guide the Saints towards success on this awfully big adventure; not extreme measures and hysterics.
With a win under their belts, the Saints travel to foggy London town still just a couple losses from Sean Payton needing to give his two weeks notice in, but also just one win from a complete reset on the season and the most important thing in pro sports, momentum. This match-up is not a walk in Hyde Park however. The Miami Dolphins pose a threat to areas on the pitch where the Saints could be at a disadvantage. Rookie Ryan Ramcyzck versus perennial Pro Bowler Cameron Wake is not a match-up Saints fans should love. Actually, Saints fans should be terrified of what a threat the Dolphins entire defensive line poses. Max Unger is a great center but Ndamukong Suh will be a terror if he does not get help from the guards. And the fact that Zach Strief may not play means that a backup, not Andrus Peat, will be who the Saints rely on to keep this monster of a man from getting into Drew Brees’ face. Even if Suh is neutralized, this game could become a story about a boy versus a real man when Ryan Ramcyzck enters his battle with the talented Cameron Wake.
The story will also be told in the trenches when the Dolphins have the ball. Historically the Saints have been able to disrupt Jay Cutler and if last week is any indication of what the Saints defensive line will be throughout the season, the Saints defensive line should have an advantage against an offensive line even the Dolphins own head coach called “garbage.” If the Saints attack Cutler like they did Cam Newton, this game could turn as ugly as a Florence Foster Jenkins concert for the Dolphins.
Yes Sunday in London should be a real kerfuffle at the line of scrimmage. Sure players like Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, and Adrian Peterson will be on the field, but keep your eyes on the players with numbers 50 through 79. These are the extraordinary gentlemen who will determine the outcome of this monumental football match. Sure the brilliance of Drew Bress will always be a factor, but the Saints must have the planning and preparation necessary to handle such a worthy foe. As the Queen herself often says, never underestimate your opponents, even if they have lost to the Jets. While the opening chords were a bit ominous, the music and lyrics to the Saints 2017 season have yet to fully written, and in front of her majesty and the world, the Saints can start turning this tune into a classic celebratory pop song.
– Alan Michael