The key to beating San Francisco resides on the defense doing one thing often
With the New Orleans Saints ending a two-game losing streak last week against the Los Angeles Rams, the team will now punch up a weight class against the San Fransisco 49ers on Sunday. The 49ers lead the NFC West. And with a win, the Saints can claim a serious contending position in the NFC South. […]
With the New Orleans Saints ending a two-game losing streak last week against the Los Angeles Rams, the team will now punch up a weight class against the San Fransisco 49ers on Sunday.
The 49ers lead the NFC West. And with a win, the Saints can claim a serious contending position in the NFC South. If a win is to come, here is how the Saints can manage to get it done:
1.) Get to the QB
The Saints' pass rush really has come into form in the last four games. It has totaled 17 sacks. Even without starting defensive ends Cam Jordan and Marcus Davenport against the Rams, they were able to register four sacks thanks to Kaden Elliss and defensive end Carl Granderson, who had 1.5 each.
Jordan and Davenport are back this week. They'll be needed. San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo only has been sacked 16 times in nine games this season. Getting him on the turf will be difficult. But New Orleans needs to minimize his comfort with the pass rush.
2.) No dumb plays
Saints quarterback Andy Dalton played one of the cleanest games of his career against the Rams – 260 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Dalton didn't commit a turnover and his decision-making and execution were high-level. That becomes even more important on the road, against good teams that have good defenses.
San Francisco has as many interceptions (nine) as passing touchdowns allowed. It'd be a great time for New Orleans' offensive line to have a banner day, but the reasonable assumption is that Dalton is going to be pressured. When he is, he again has to be wise with his decisions.
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Feature image via Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports.
