PLAYER NOTES
–QB Drew Brees has not thrown an interception in his last six regular-season games, the longest such streak of his career, which covers a span of 232 passes.
–CB Marshon Lattimore (concussion), who left the game against the Redskins for good in the first quarter, practiced fully Wednesday.
–WR Ted Ginn Jr. (knee), who was inactive for the game against the Redskins, did not practice Wednesday.
–DT Taylor Stallworth (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.
–G Andrus Peat (head) was limited Wednesday.
–T Terron Armstead (knee) was limited Wednesday.
–WR Cameron Meredith (knee) was limited Wednesday.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: RB Alvin Kamara. The Saints limited Kamara to nine touches against Washington in Mark Ingram II’s first game back from suspension. They had leaned on Kamara more than they would have liked to during Ingram’s absence, but it was necessary to maximize the offense’s productivity. But after the light workload against the Redskins and the subsequent bye week, Kamara should be refreshed and he’ll be vital against the Ravens’ defense. In addition to utilizing both Ingram and Kamara in the running game, the Saints can lessen the impact of Baltimore’s exceptional pass rush by getting the ball out quickly to the running backs. Though both are effective in the passing game, Kamara presents the bigger threat as a receiver.
GAME PLAN: The Saints offense will be focused on protecting quarterback Drew Brees. Of course, that’s always a priority but it’s an even bigger point of emphasis because of the fierceness of the Ravens’ pass rush. The offensive line is as healthy as it has been all season and that should be helpful in this matchup. New Orleans will use both Ingram and Kamara extensively to try and stay on schedule so Brees is kept out of obvious passing situations as much as possible. When the Saints do throw the ball, they will utilize quick routes to Ingram and Kamara as well as wide receiver Michael Thomas and sprinkle in some downfield throws.
The defense wants to contain the Ravens’ running game, which averages just 99 yards per game, and force Joe Flacco into more challenging passing situations. New Orleans is allowing the fewest rushing yards per game (71.4), which is partly due to opponents having success passing the ball (297.6 yards, 30th). The Saints have three sacks in each of the last four games and feel they can get at least that many against quarterback Joe Flacco if they force him into obvious passing downs.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
–Saints WR Michael Thomas vs. Ravens CBs. Thomas set an NFL record by catching 38 passes in the first three games of the season, but he has had just four catches in each of the last two games. His remarkable pace didn’t figure to be sustainable over the long haul, but the Saints need him to exceed his productivity in the last two games. His physicality and ability to get off the line of scrimmage will be important against the Ravens’ physical defense.
–Saints OL vs. Ravens rush LBs Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith. The Ravens will alternate Suggs and Smith and move them around, along with other rushers to try and confuse the Saints and create mismatches and openings. The Saints will have to identify the proper matchups and then hold their own in blocking two elite pass rushers in order to protect QB Drew Brees, who will bear some of the responsibility for getting blockers focused on the appropriate targets.
