Going into this season, the New Orleans Saints know they will have to create a positive turnover ratio to be in playoff contention. The talk and buzz has been about the defense and how they have to create turnovers and take the ball away from the opposing offense. It will not only help the offense improve, but also ease the pressure they have been under for the last couple of years.
But for that to happen, the offense will have to keep their mistakes to a minimum. Last year, the Saints only gave the ball away 20 times. It was a good bit under the league average of 23. It’s something Sean Payton’s squad will have to keep up with, and if the preseason is any indicator, it’s not looking good so far.
In the first two preseason games, the offense has turned the ball over seven times. As we would all agree, this is unacceptable and something the coaching staff will focus on going into the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
What is impressive is that the Saints actually had their chances to win both games, despite the turnovers. Against the Patriots, the team was able to narrow the score to 24-22, but then Luke McCown fumbled. That fumble led to Trey Flowers taking it back for a New England touchdown. Against the Texans, the team only lost by 7 points. The loss came despite committing 3 turnovers and a dropped touchdown by RaShaun Allen.
So, the Saints biggest goal of the week should be to not turn the ball over. If they can do that, the obvious chance of winning will improve significantly. Let’s hope they got the bugs worked out.