There are many question marks for the New Orleans Saints ahead of their game this Sunday versus the Indianapolis Colts. The Saints have been off for 10 days since their last game, ironically against another AFC South opponent. This mini-bye was a time for reflection and the Saints must come out of the other side better.
The Saints chose not to make any changes to the coaching staff. Aside from that questionable decision, there are some other aspects of this team in need of repair. New Orleans enters this game with storylines around this team in general and also storylines specific to this game.
1
Will Derek Carr step up his performance?
Derek Carr has not been what the Saints expected him to be when they signed him this offseason. At the start of the year, offensive line issues were the main topic of discussion. As the season progressed, it became clear Carr was also part of the problem. He went from navigating pressure well to seemingly getting antsy before pressure got there.
Carr’s performance last week rightfully led to a lot of criticism from different directions. The criticism was so prevalent that Carr was asked about a JT O’Sullivan film study on Youtube of Carr’s performance. Opposing players are essentially taunting him by saying they know he’s going to quickly look for his check down. His third down inefficiency was one of the worst in 25 years.
2
Where is Chris Olave mentally?
There has been a lot going on for Chris Olave on and off the field over the last month. It started when he admitted to letting his frustration get the best of him and quitting on routes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Prior to Patriots game the next week, he was dealing with an ankle injury with the training staff.
This past week may have been the hardest. Derek Carr was seen yelling at Olave to run on a route. This furthered the narrative of Olave quitting on routes. It turns out it was actually Carr at fault in the situation, but the visual remains. I’m addition to that, Olave was arrested for speeding and the footage of his arrest was released by Kenner PD. His relationship with his quarterback could be fracturing and he had to deal with footage of his traffic stop being unnecessarily released.
3
Will the Saints rally around each other?
Speaking of fracturing, this locker room feels as if it is slowly falling apart. It’s all come to a head with the aforementioned pass to Olave from Carr. There was a lot of blame being thrown to Olave, and it was Michael Thomas who stepped up for Olave. This isn’t much surprise as they have a good relationship. In the process, though, Thomas put the blame on Carr by saying Olave isn’t a part of that play’s progression.
Alvin Kamara has also questioned the effort of some of the players in the locker room. He has stated there’s only about five players he can vouch for putting in the effort. When you’re on a losing team and the effort gets questioned, things are getting really bad. This could be a pivotal juncture for this team.
4
Will the Saints have a losing record against the AFC South?
For the third week in a row, the New Orleans Saints will face an AFC South opponent. The Saints haven’t had any luck against the division since opening the season versus the Tennessee Titans. Since that game they have faced the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, the Saints have dropped both of those games in disappointing fashion.
This time, the Saints travel to Indianapolis to even their record against the division at 2-2. They face a familiar quarterback and play caller. Last year, the Saints faced the Philadelphia Eagles with Gardner Minshew at quarterback and Shane Steichen at offensive coordinator. The only difference is Steichen is now the head coach.
5
Can the Saints slow down Jonathan Taylor?
The New Orleans Saints have been good against the run this year, but they haven’t been great. They have kept yardage low, but there have been big runs occasionally throughout the game at times. There have also been games like the Texans and Titans matchup where the run defense comes alive in the second half after struggling through the first 30 minutes.
Jonathan Taylor is arguably the best running back the Saints faced this year, unquestionably top two. The former All Pro running back is working his way back from an ankle injury that kept him sidelined to start the season. In his third game back, his workload increased and so did his efficiency. Taylor should see his heaviest workload to date after Zach Moss missed another day of practice this week.
