As the New Orleans Saints continue to search for their first victory of the season, a sort of “got to have it” opportunity awaits when the New York Giants come to town on Sunday. If there was ever going
to be a time to break the four-game losing skid, this week is as good a time as any.
After getting trounced in back-to-back weeks by the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills, the Saints’ defense is in search of a bounce-back performance. New York is dealing with a little turmoil and turnover on the offensive side of the ball, so New Orleans may be able to catch them reeling.
New York won their first game of the year last week versus the Los Angeles Chargers, but star wide receiver Malik Nabers suffered a torn ACL during the contest, which will keep him out for the remainder of the year as expected. The loss is a major hit to the Giants’ offensive production.
On a lighter note, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has taken over the starting gig in the Big Apple and will be making just his second career start against the Saints. The young QB looked solid against the Chargers and will look to continue that success on the road.
Dart, one of the top prospects in this past offseason’s NFL Draft, was considered by many to be an option for the Saints to select when he was available. However, the Saints passed on the Ole Miss product and elected instead for Tyler Shough out of Louisville in the second round.
Also in the backfield for New York is rookie tailback Cam Skattebo. The Arizona State RB was taken in the fourth round.
In order to give the Saints’ offense a chance to maintain pace with the Giants, the defense will have to limit the time of possession for New York. New Orleans has proven that it can drive the field, but it also needs the time to do so.
If New Orleans’ top rushers can force Dart into some uncomfortable situations, that will allow the pass coverage the time to set up. Carl Granderson is leading the Saints with 4.5 sacks thus far. Longtime Saint Cam Jordan follows suit with 2.5 of his own.
Rookie safety Jonas Sanker not only secured Bills’ QB Josh Allen’s first interception of the season last week, but it also marked the first of his career and the Saints’ first pick as a team in 2025. I would expect Sanker to continue to be aggressive as he works in place of the injured Julian Blackmon.
Although play may be ugly on both sides, I am feeling optimistic about New Orleans finally getting things rolling and finding itself in the win column. The Saints remain the NFC’s only winless team to this point, but that could change this weekend.
