The Saints however aren’t taking the approach of an easy walk of the bus victory.
“They’re explosive number one. They got big play ability. They’ve been consistent on offense, they’ve been able to move the football. I think they’re very, very disciplined on defense. They’ve rushed the passer well in the first two weeks and you see that on film, and they’re outstanding in the kicking game.” Saints head coach Sean Payton said of the Bills Friday after practice.
As for what Payton thinks his team needs to do for a win on Sunday? “We’ve got to make sure of protecting the football on the road. We got to be able to handle this up-tempo offense that they run, and we got to gain an edge in the field position battle on special teams. Those would be the three things I think are important.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Saints running game: The Bills defense through two weeks is allowing an average of just 65 yards per game on the ground, good for 8th in the NFL. With running back Mike Bell out this week, who will be the Saints primary back? Pierre Thomas has practiced all week but will be seeing his first action of the season. Lynell Hamilton had a solid preseason and likely will see carries, though Payton on Friday stopped short of saying Hamilton will see as many carries as Bell has, “I don’t think that’s accurate,” Payton said.
Reggie Bush could see more carries, splitting the rushes with Thomas. Regardless, the Bills defensive scheme makes it tough to run the ball. “They play a lot of down safety defense. They make it challenging to run the football against. It’s a well-coached defense. It’s a talented team, extremely talented,” says Payton.
Add the chance for rain during the game, and the ground attack could prove to be a key as to which team wins the game. The Saints have had very good balance through the first two weeks.
The kicking game: Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams mentioned this week that Buffalo’s stadium is known for it’s windy conditions, calling it a “nightmare for kickers.” Saints kicker John Carney has been around the block and should be able to handle the condition, but it still could provide a challenge. If it rains, the field will hold up being a synthetic astro play surface similar to the one in the Superdome.
Fielding punts could be a challenge. Payton hinted that Rod Harper could see his first action of the season as he could be activated due to the hamstring injury that will keep receiver Lance Moore out. Reggie Bush has handled most if not all of the punts so far, but fumbles, questionable decisions and indecisive running could make Payton give Harper a try. Harper returned a pair of punts for touchdowns in the preseason.
The Bills no-huddle offense: Buffalo will test the Saints defense. The up-tempo style limits the ability for defenses to switch personnel. LB Jonathan Vilma will have a lot on his plate in trying to diagnose the defense, help call the plays coming in from the sideline and place players where they should be.
“They’re a lot of check with me, at the line calls. You just got to be prepared for it, understand what you’re going to get, and it makes it a little be easier without the motion and stuff,” says safety Roman Harper. “You just got to understand what they’re going to do and just study a little bit.”
MY TAKE
I think the Saints win, in a much closer game than I believe many people feel it will be. The Saints have better talent and too many weapons on offense not to have a solid shot. That said, the weather, lack of a running game could put a lot on quarterback Drew Brees’s shoulders. He can handle it, but it’s been seen that the offense clicks when it has balance.
The Saints also have been benefactors of seven turnovers through two games. Can the Saints pick up a take-away or two against Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, whose an accurate passer.
The Saints defense hasn’t shown much in terms of schemes and looks, “They’ll be quite a few things this week you’ll see that we haven’t done at all,” said defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. “They’ll be things that come out this week.”
I see it Saints 27-Bills 23.
BUMPS AND BRUISES
LT Jammal Brown (hip) and TE Darnell Jenkins (foot), RB Mike Bell (right knee), WR Lance Moore (right hamstring), and DT Kendrick Clancy (right knee) will not play in Sunday’s game.
LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (left hamstring) is listed as questionable.
S Roman Harper (right hamstring), DE Bobby McCray (back), and DE Charles Grant (left hamstring), QB Drew Brees (left shoulder), LT Jermon Bushrod (right knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (left ankle), and RB Pierre Thomas (right knee) all are listed as probable.
WR Rod Harper is likely to see his first action of the season and may see action in the punt return game as well.
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