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Carl Granderson gives the defense something to build around, but the unit remains a concern. Explosive plays remain limited, and offensive-line stability around a young quarterback lowers the ceiling further.
See how the PFM category ratings shape New Orleans.
The Saints want to win through a multiple-front defense, but the defense has not earned trust yet. Carl Granderson gives the defense a player it can build around.
Big-play production is the swing factor. More chunk plays would change the ceiling.
Carl Granderson and the edge group give the Saints a slightly firmer defensive base. The 8.6-point edge matters while Tyler Shough and an unsettled line try to turn downfield talent into a dependable offense.
The offense does not create enough sudden yardage at 32nd in explosiveness. Chris Olave and Travis Etienne have to turn more touches into field-flipping plays.
The Saints win by running efficiently, using motion to create clean throws for Shough and letting the pass rush protect a lead.
The Saints are most exposed in shootouts or obvious passing situations where Shough has to survive repeated pressure. Those games put a spotlight on offensive-line stability around a young quarterback.
New Orleans' road sits No. 30 in difficulty; opponents average 77.6 in PFM Score, with one game against a current top-10 team. The toughest three-game run comes in Weeks 11, 12, 13 against Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers; the next 5 opponents average 79.2.
Toughest remaining opponent: Detroit Lions at 86.8 PFM.
These are the two closest on-field builds in the PFM ratings. The similarities matter, but so do the differences.
The Raiders are the closest match because both teams are more comfortable letting the defense set the terms. The Saints lean on a multiple-front defense, while the Raiders lean on a wide-zone and play-action offense. The Raiders have the better answer at quarterback.
The Browns are another close match because the weekly edge starts with the coaching staff. The Saints get there through a multiple-front defense; the Browns are built around a front-driven defense. Defense is where the Browns create the separation.
Coming into the draft Tyson had plenty of doubters due to his injury history. The injury risk will always be there but Tyson just has "it". You can see it in his game tape. An explosive receiver ready to blossom.
Tampa Bay is still the most proven NFC South obstacle. A motion-based plan gives New Orleans enough to stay in the race. The remaining problem is offensive-line stability around a young quarterback.
New Orleans is 1–0 in the Super Bowl, winning Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.
