The Saints need to get their ‘Monday Night Magic’ back

Once upon a time, the New Orleans Saints used to be unstoppable when it came to prime time games. After the 2013 season, that rapidly diminished. The Saints enter Monday Night Football in Week 5 having lost four of their last five appearances, with their lone win coming on the road against the Bears in 2014. They haven’t won a home contest since 2013, losing three straight.

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• 2017 — Week 1 at Minnesota Vikings (29-19 loss)
• 2016 — Week 3 vs. Atlanta Falcons (45-32 loss)
• 2015 — Week 15 vs. Detroit Lions (35-27 loss)
• 2014 — Week 15 at Chicago Bears (31-15 win)
• 2014 — Week 12 vs. Baltimore Ravens (34-27 loss)
• 2013 — Week 13 at Seattle Seahawks (34-7 loss)
• 2013 — Week 4 vs. Miami Dolphins (38-17 win)

While we know what’s at stake for Drew Brees in becoming the NFL’s all-time leading passer against the Redskins, the more important thing is that the Saints get to 4-1 before their Week 5 bye. Returning to the fold is Mark Ingram, who is fresh off his four-game suspension. Sean Payton could help take some pressure off Brees and company by leaning upon the ground game, which has been spearheaded by Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill (yes, that offensive weapon).

Ted Ginn Jr. has been ruled out of the game with a knee injury, which bodes well for Cameron Meredith, Austin Carr, and rookie Tre’Quan Smith to make more of an impact. Michael Thomas still finds himself among the Top 10 in receiving yardage (7th) despite having a rather quiet game against the Giants last week. The Saints enter 4th in the NFL with 418.3 yards/game on offense, while the Redskins are giving up a league low 187.3 yards/game passing on defense. Their last two games included the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Andrew Luck.

The atmosphere at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome should be at some of the highest levels we’ve ever witnessed, and it’s the best time possible for this team to get their ‘Monday Night Magic’ back.