The New Orleans Saints are off to a 2-0 begin behind back-to-back stellar performances from their protection. Derek Carr and the offense have but to totally click on for a complete recreation, however they’ve proven flashes of what this offense can change into if they will put all of it collectively.

This weekend, the Saints journey to Lambeau to tackle the Jordan Love and the Inexperienced Bay Packers. The Packers opened up their season by stifling the Bears offense, however final week, their protection seemed fairly weak towards the Falcons.

At this time, we’re going to dive into how the Saints offense matches up with the Packers protection, and the primary matchup on the agenda is the Saints offensive line vs. the Packers line of defense.

To place it flippantly, the Saints offensive line has struggled in go safety thus far this season. By way of two video games, Derek Carr has already been sacked eight instances, and he’s been below duress throughout a whole lot of his drop backs. On the flip aspect, the Packers line of defense has totaled 5 sacks via two video games, 4 of which got here towards the Bears.

The Packers have two actually elite go rushers in Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary, each of whom have earned an 82+ go rush grade via two weeks. Kenny Clark has offered the third most pressures of any defensive deal with within the league, whereas Rashan Gary has the very best go rush win fee of any edge rusher within the league.

The Saints offensive line goes to have to enhance closely if this offense needs to search out success towards the Packers protection. We’ve already seen means too many drives killed by sacks this season, and if the Saints wish to maintain profitable video games, they’re going to have to search out methods to get higher upfront.

Our second matchup for as we speak goes to be how the Saints operating recreation matches up with the Packers run protection.

As soon as once more, a whole lot of this boils right down to the offensive line play. Fortunately for the Saints, their offensive line seemed lots higher within the run recreation than the go recreation on Monday evening. The Packers additionally simply allowed the Falcons to run the ball 45 instances for 211-yards and a landing on Sunday.

With Kamara suspended and Jamaal Williams doubtlessly out, the Saints are going to must depend on Kendre Miller to hold a giant load this weekend. Miller was nearly a go on Monday, however the Saints determined to sit down him out for precautionary causes.

If Miller is the one one of many massive three to go, the Saints are going to must depend on Tony Jones and Taysom Hill to go with Miller who hasn’t performed a full soccer recreation since January.

It is a laborious matchup to evaluate with all of the variables, however so long as Miller and/or Williams is ready to go, the Saints ought to be capable to discover some success on the bottom like they did on Monday.

Lastly, we get to the Saints passing assault vs. the Packers passing protection.

The Packers have the most effective cornerbacks within the league in Jaire Alexander, however his 2023 season hasn’t gone as deliberate thus far. Because the closest CB in protection, Alexander has allowed six catches on eight targets for 103-yards and a landing.

The Saints huge receivers are by far the most effective that the Packers have confronted this season, and it is a passing protection that simply allowed Desmond Ridder to cube them up for 237-yards and landing.

The Packers play a zone protection a majority of the time, and thus far this season, the Saints receivers have been in a position to feast towards zone defenses. Listed below are some numbers for the Saints huge outs towards zone protection this 12 months in accordance with PFF:

• Chris Olave: 10 receptions on 15 targets for 117-yards
• Michael Thomas: Six catches on seven targets for 71-yards
• Rashid Shaheed: 4 catches on 5 targets for 60-yards

If these outcomes maintain true this weekend, Derek Carr and the Saints ought to be capable to cube up the Packers secondary. Carr has missed a couple of throws and had two unhealthy interceptions, but when he can clear that up and make higher selections, I see the Saints receivers having a giant day on Sunday.

General, the Saints ought to be capable to discover success via the air, however I wish to see the bottom recreation actually get going. If Miller and Williams are wholesome and the offensive line can play the run like they did on Monday evening, the one factor that may maintain this offense again on Sunday is their go safety.

Be sure to comply with Canal Avenue Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Fb at Canal Avenue Chronicles, and be sure to’re subscribed to our YouTube channel. Observe my private web page @clukehubbard for extra!