Gardner Minshew Could Cause Problems For A Solid Saints Defense

The New Orleans Saints defense could have problems with Indianapolis quarterback Gardner Minshew.

The New Orleans Saints (3-4) may have a problem going into their 14th all-time meeting with the Indianapolis Colts (3-4) — Gardner Minshew II.  New Orleans recently faced Minshew towards the end of last season while quarterbacking the Philadelphia Eagles.  During that game, he threw for 274 yards, a touchdown, and one interception.  However, it was Marshon Lattimore's fourth-quarter pick-six that gave the Saints the 20-10 victory over the Eagles.

MINSHEW HAS BEEN COMPETITIVE

Should he play well, Gardner Minshew II can be problematic, giving a good Saints defense a headache.  In his three starts with the Colts for the injured Anthony Robinson, Minshew has a record of 1-2.  He's completed 105/161 passes for 1,187 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.  Last week against Cleveland, the Indy signal-caller had a rough outing.  The Browns forced him to fumble three times, four sacks, and an interception.  Although the Colts lost 38-39, Minshew had his second 300+ yard game and a pair of touchdown passes.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew II (10) celebrates a touchdown Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

OUT OF POCKET

New Orleans should be as concerned about his pocket presence and mobility.   The former sixth-round pick out of Washington State has already doubled his career NFL rushing touchdown stats, having scored two touchdowns this season.  Also, he added 29 yards rushing yards versus the Browns.  New Orleans man coverage could surrender rushing opportunities for Minshew.

In 2023, the Saints' defensive edge has lost contain with mobile quarterbacks like CJ Stroud and Trevor Lawrence.  Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson cannot afford Minshew to leave the pocket on critical third downs.

IN THE POCKET & SCRAMBLE DRILL

Gardner Minshew has effectively executed Shane Steichen's offense by completing 65% of his throws and connecting on long passes with six completions of 40 or more yards.  The Colts' offense has shown the ability to advance the ball against good defenses.

It may be challenging for New Orleans to handle the running back duo of Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss, given their previous struggles against Jacksonville's rusher Travis Etienne.

Expect Pete Werner or Demario Davis to pay close attention to Minshew getting out of the pocket on 2nd and 3rd downs. Otherwise, he'll make the Saints pay for their lack of discipline.

ADVANTAGE NEW ORLEANS

Joe Woods' defensive unit holds an advantage in this NFC vs. AFC tilt, allowing an average of 18.1 points (6th), 285.7 yards (4th), and 30.55% on third-down conversions.   New Orleans can create turnovers, which Minshew has penchant for doing at times.  "We're 3-0 when we win the turnover battle," coach Shane Steichen said. "When we don't, obviously, we've lost four."

The Saints lead the all-time series 8-5 over the Colts. Vegas has moved the line from +1.0 points to -1.5 points in favor of New Orleans.