Why are the Saints struggling?
Some possible reasons ...
1. The league is catching up Sean Payton's schemes
I'm not smart enough to explain how Payton confused opposing defenses last year, but he out-coached some teams last year. He made Terrance Copper look like Sterling Sharpe. That's not happening anymore.
2. The Saints can't beat the Cover Two
Chicago, Indy, and Tampa all play the Cover Two. Maybe New Orleans will do better against different defenses, although Tennessee is almost certain to play two safeties deep against New Orleans as well.
3. The lack of talent at receiver is catching up
This is a huge problem. Devery Henderson is still a promising fantasy prospect, but he's a poor starting NFL receiver. He struggles with drops and missed assignments. David Patten and Lance Moore are guys no one else wanted. Robert Meachem would have been cut by now if he was a second day pick.
4. Drew Brees is streaky
Brees has had his down moments in the NFL. The last two games, especially the Tampa one, was largely because of Brees' inaccuracy.
5. Motivation
Perhaps the Saints' success last year took a little hunger away from the whole team. It wouldn't be the first time it's happened to an NFC South champ.
6. Inconsistent running game
Reggie Bush is going far too side-to-side again. Every talking head wants Deuce McAllister to get the ball more, but he'd get the ball more if the Saints were leading. They need to run better, not just more.
***
So what do fantasy owners do other than pray? I would give Devery Henderson at least one more week to straighten himself out before dropping him. You can't play him this week, but he's worth owning as long as he's starting for the Saints. Otherwise, Lance Moore or David Patten will be an option.
Owners have to stick with Drew Brees and Marques Colston. You can't sell low. The Titans look solid on defense thus far, but the Saints have a good opportunity to bounce back at home. I would still use Reggie Bush this week, with Deuce McAllister as a decent flex play. It's still too early in the year to ignore the accomplishments of 2006. And the Saints defense, which was almost as bad last year, ultimately should lead to more shootouts for the offense.
Comments
would you use reggie over lamont jordan this week, gregg? seems like tennessee has stuffed the run pretty well so far this year and cleveland...well theyre cleveland
Posted by: matt | September 20, 2007 05:11 PM
I would use Lamont
Posted by: Gregg | September 20, 2007 05:30 PM
Excellent points Gregg. Let's not forget it was only a couple years ago that Jim Fassel took away the play-calling duties from OC Sean Payton on the Giants' sidelines. What he did last year was remarkable, but he's not unbeatable. I still think Brees and Colston will bounce back, but if they continue to take what the defense gives them (short passes) they will continue to lose.
Posted by: Tony C | September 20, 2007 07:18 PM
Speaking of Jordan vs Deuce, the ONE week I think I can safely start Lamont over Deuce, Lamont comes down with a bad back. Now I have to wait patiently and possibly swap Jordan out. At least OAK plays late on Sunday, so I don't have to be near a PC before 1 pm.
Posted by: jmp14 | September 20, 2007 08:03 PM
I'm a little skeptical of Jordan's bad back for now -- injury reports have long been used to give opponents something to think about -- wouldn't be surprised if Monte's boy is breaking out all the tricks in the bag to win a game after two losses to start the season. Third year in a row the Raiders start out 0-2
Posted by: Bucsfan | September 20, 2007 08:54 PM
Thanks for the insight, Gregg. Terrance Copper is listed as a backup to Colston, but he's really the only one who did anything last year (out of the backup WRs). If you get to this... who would likely step into the starting lineup if Henderson proves that he's the one trick pony everyone thought he'd be? Doesn't seem like any of those guys demands enough respect to keep the coverage from rolling to colston. Although he's 'over the hill', I thought they got rid of Horn too quickly based on the depth (or lack thereof) behind him
Also... why do they have issues with the cover two? That's where Eric Johnson should shine and keep the safeties out of the box.
Posted by: shootme | September 20, 2007 09:07 PM
Adrian Peterson or Reggie Bush?
Posted by: Jon | September 20, 2007 11:30 PM