Rattler is not the one rookie quarterback starter on this one. Denver’s Bo Nix has began all six video games for the Broncos and has accomplished 61 p.c of his passes for 1,082 yards with 5 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. He solely has thrown one interception up to now 4 video games, so the protection should create alternatives from a quarterback who has protected the ball. The Saints had three picks in opposition to Tampa Bay and have 10 this season, however that quantity solely will enhance together with stress. 4 sacks within the final three video games simply is not ok. Nix solely has been sacked 9 instances and has run for 180 yards and three touchdowns on 37 carries. The variety of instances cellular quarterbacks have triggered extreme injury to the Saints’ protection within the final three to 4 seasons simply tops 10 and should scratch the low 20s. Getting shut is not working usually sufficient; getting Nix on the bottom is paramount. Can Dennis Allen’s protection confuse the rookie?

New Orleans must be the cleanest model of itself, to assist Rattler. Meaning pre-snap offensive penalties and pesky, spirit-snatching penalties on protection have to be minimized. New Orleans is deep sufficient into the season for a few of these points to be lots much less obvious and frequent.

Whereas Saints gamers and coaches have labored to focus on the duty and never the circus surrounding Payton’s return, followers haven’t any such obligations or restrictions. They fervently need to see these Saints connect an ‘L’ to Payton’s resume, and so they’ll be on edge. If the group can get off to an early begin, and maintain the group concerned, that’ll go a great distance towards offering an adrenaline enhance. Clearly, this can be a huge recreation for a group that final misplaced 4 straight, but it surely additionally carries quite a lot of weight for a fan base that Payton helped rejuvenate after Hurricane Katrina.