What To Watch For In New Orleans Saints Week 4 Matchup Against Miami Dolphins

New Orleans Saints: 5 Things To Watch In Week 4 Matchup Against Miami Dolphins

Heading into their Week 4 Monday night matchup against the Miami Dolphins, the New Orleans Saints are definitely not coming up short on interesting storylines. Sure, New Orleans has started off the 2013 NFL season on the right foot, but there is much more to look at than just their win-loss record. We should also note that the last time New Orleans began a season 3-0 they would eventually go on to win the Super Bowl.

The opposing quarterback in that year’s Super Bowl was none other than Peyton Manning, who by all accounts is having an incredible year with the Denver Broncos. Manning and the Broncos have also started their season on a good note as well, improving to 4-0 after blowing out the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, 52-20.

It would be foolish to predict that Manning will get a chance to redeem his Super Bowl loss against the same team, quarterback and head coach, but it is interesting to note.

All of this aside, there is more than enough to focus on besides a theoretical rematch between Manning and Drew Brees. Following the Atlanta Falcons loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football, the Saints are primed to continue their winning streak, solidify their standing and make up for a lost season last year.

Take a look at the interesting storylines there are to follow for the Saints and their fan base as they welcome the Dolphins to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. There is a lot more at stake than just a potential 4-0 record.

Jack Cavanaugh is a New Orleans Saints contributing writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @cav_jack, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

5. Ryan's Defense Making Waves In New Orleans

Rob Ryan and his new 3-4 base defense with multiple looks has performed surprisingly well through their first three games. After Week 3, New Orleans was fourth in passing defense and fourth in total defense. Ryan has used rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro on every defensive snap and he has responded well, recording his first NFL interception last week against the Arizona Cardinals. Ryan and has eclectic, energetic personality has gotten a lot out of a relatively young defensive unit. Another solid defensive outing and Saints fans may be ready to make Ryan the Patron Saint of Defense.

4. Jimmy Graham Will Continue His Monster Year

Tight end Jimmy Graham has a monster year ahead of him if he keeps playing like he has through the first three games. Graham led all tight ends in passing yards after Week 3 with 358 yards and has also hauled in four touchdown passes. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Graham is playing like a man who wants his big payday. Assuming he stays healthy and the Saints organization isn't insane, look for Graham to get locked up for the long term and to continue to be a nightmare for opposing defenses.

3. Drew Brees' Consecutive 300-yard Passing Streak

After throwing for 342 yards last week against the Arizona Cardinals, Drew Brees extended his streak of throwing for 300 yards to eight consecutive games, one shy of the record. Brees also holds that record and is on track to throw for 5,000 yards for the third consecutive season. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, there is no reason Brees won't be able to keep both of these streaks going.

2. Mark Ingram's Injury Could Open Door For Other Running Backs

Mark Ingram is listed as questionable for Monday's game as he is dealing with a toe injury. In his place last week, Khiry Robinson rushed for 38 yards on four carries and looked relatively decent. Those yards came during garbage-time in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter, however, so we shouldn't get excited just yet. Still, if Ingram misses another game and another young running back steps up and makes an impression, Ingram's time in New Orleans could be coming to an end.

1. A Saints Win Would Seriously Improve Chances of Taking NFC South

A win against the Miami Dolphins on Monday would improve the Saints to 4-0. The last time the Saints started off 3-0 was the year they went 13-3 and won the Super Bowl. With a two-game lead over the Atlanta Falcons, it's looking more and more likely that New Orleans will reclaim the NFC South title and hopefully go on to make some waves in the postseason.