Saints believe offense will get even better
The New Orleans Saints are the highest-scoring team in the NFL and their offense might be getting better.
Leading rusher Mark Ingram II just played his first game after a four-game suspension, restoring the elite tandem of him and Alvin Kamara.
Veteran wide receiver Cameron Meredith is getting healthier a year removed from major knee surgery and rookie receiver Tre’Quan Smith is figuring things out more each week and is coming off his best game of the season.
Guard Andrus Peat is also getting healthier as the offensive line is rounding into form.
And none of that even mentions quarterback Drew Brees, who just became the NFL career passing-yardage leader.
The timing couldn’t be better for the Saints (4-1) because they come off their bye week to face the No. 1 overall defense in the NFL when they visit Baltimore on Sunday.
“They have a bunch of guys that can get to the quarterback individually, but schematically they have a bunch of disguises and exotic looks that can confuse the front five and the quarterback,” Saints tackle Terron Armstead said. “We’re going to have to be great with our communication, be great with our game plan.
“They’ve had years of a defense that has put up some crazy numbers.”
One of the craziest numbers they’re put up recently was the 11 sacks they had in a 21-0 victory against Tennessee last Sunday.
“Certainly their pass rush (produced), but I think, just as importantly, their efficiency on first and second down really put Tennessee into those certain favorable down and distances that you want defensively,” Saints head coach Sean Payton said.
So an emphasis for the Saints will be to move the ball well enough on first and second down to avoid lengthy distances on third down. They have plenty of players capable of making that happen.
“Everybody on the offense can make a play at any moment,” Kamara said. “It’s just a matter of taking advantage of those opportunities, whether it’s Tre’Quan, who’s young and still learning the offense, or whether it’s Cam, who’s young in regards to our offense. Anybody – me, Mark or Mike (Thomas) – that’s what we preach on is when your opportunity comes, make a play.”
Payton said the offensive line has improved in recent weeks.
“There are always some little things you want to work on and this week will be a big test for us,” Payton said, “but the continuity is something that’s significant in our league.”
SERIES HISTORY: 7th regular-season meeting. Ravens lead series, 5-1. Baltimore won the last meeting, 34-27, in 2014 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans’ only victory was a 37-25 triumph in Baltimore in 2002.
