NFL New Orleans Saints

5 Takeaways From New Orleans Saints’ Week 5 Win

Fresh Videos

By @chrisbreezy91

5 Takeaways From New Orleans Saints' Week 5 Win

Drew Brees
Getty Images

Through five weeks, the New Orleans Saints have not lived up to expectations. After a tough overtime victory against a division opponent, there are five main takeaways.

5. Offensive Line Is Solid

New Orleans Saints Offensive Line
Getty Images

5. Offensive Line Is Solid

New Orleans Saints Offensive Line
Getty Images

Drew Brees dropped back 57 times against the Bucs. He also attempted 57 passes, meaning not once was he sacked. For such a high volume of passes, that’s remarkable protection. This line also shined in the run game. The big men up front allowed the Saints to grind out 140 yards on the ground, a solid number by any team’s standards.

4. Ground Game Can Deliver

Pierre Thomas, Saints
Getty Images

4. Ground Game Can Deliver

Pierre Thomas, Saints
Getty Images

Speaking of the run game, since Mark Ingram’s injury, this team has greatly struggled to run the ball. This Week 5 game was the first time since the team’s Week 2 loss against the Browns that they generated any push on the ground. Let’s see if they can keep this up.

3. Defense Is Improving

Junior Galette Safety
Getty Images

3. Defense Is Improving

Junior Galette Safety
Getty Images

The Buccaneers scored 31 points against the Saints, so the defense needs to play better, right? Not necessarily. The offense didn’t do much to help Rob Ryan in this game. Keep in mind, one of Tampa Bay’s touchdowns was an interception return, meaning the Saints’ defense only allowed 24 points. With this high-powered offense, 24 points allowed shouldn’t be an issue.

2. Drew Brees Must Limit Turnovers

Drew Brees Pass
Getty Images

2. Drew Brees Must Limit Turnovers

Drew Brees Pass
Getty Images

Drew Brees threw three interceptions in Week 5, giving him six for the year. This puts him on pace for 19 interceptions for the season, which out of your elite, franchise quarterback is far too many. Consistently putting your defense in awkward situations with short fields to defend is a surefire way to lose games.

1. Playoff Hopes Are Still Alive

Drew Brees Sean Payton
Getty Images

1. Playoff Hopes Are Still Alive

Drew Brees Sean Payton
Getty Images

As awful as the start of the season has been for the Saints, they are somehow still alive in what was considered to be one of the toughest divisions prior to Week 1. Trailing the Carolina Panthers by only one game for the division lead gives the Saints a chance to turn this season around and position themselves for a spot in the postseason.

Chris Lehman is a New Orleans Saints Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisBreezy91, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on