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5 Questions for the Saints in Week 11

Here’s what I’m looking for Sunday afternoon.

By Chris Dunnells
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome back to a new series piece for 2019. Before each game, I’ll point out the five questions I have for the team that I’ll be looking out for in the upcoming game.

In Week 11, the New Orleans Saints have their back-to-back divisional game, this time on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here are the biggest questions I have for the team:

  1. How will the offensive line hold up? The Saints offensive line was absolutely manhandled by the Atlanta Falcons last week. Can they rebound against a talented Buccaneers defensive front?
  2. What about the cornerbacks? If Marshon Lattimore can’t go for the game, it’ll be up to Eli Apple to cover Mike Evans. Who’s covering Chris Godwin then? OJ Howard? Cameron Brate? CJ Gardner-Johnson has looked solid in the slot, but the Saints are going to need someone to step up at corner against one of the best wide receiver groups in the NFL.
  3. Can Drew Brees rebound? The New Orleans Saints future Hall of Fame quarterback had one of his worst games of his career in New Orleans on Sunday. If the Saints want to make a run of things this year, they’re going to need Drew Brees to play like Drew Brees.
  4. Which Jameis Winston shows up? Jameis has six games with over 300 passing yards, and 4 games with less. He has five games with two or more touchdowns, and five with one or less. He has five games with two or more interceptions, and five with one or less. Jameis can either play like a Pro Bowler or a fringe starter - which will it be this week?
  5. Can the run defense turn things around? The Saints let the Falcons rush for 143 yards as a team last week, after allowing only 40 yards to the Cardinals, 17 yards to the Bears, and 75 to the Jaguars. The Saints defense is best when it is stout against the run, so if they want to return to their formidable ways, they will need to keep the Buccaneers from running the ball down their throats.

So those are the things I’m looking at in the game. What about you? What are you looking at specifically in this game? Something different? Tell me in the comments. Send me presents.

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