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Saints Beat Seahawks, Several Issues to 'Clean Up'

The New Orleans Saints (4-2) squeaked out an important NFC win in Seattle to keep pace with the NFC South division leader Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-1), but several problems need to be addressed.

Kyle T. Mosley

The New Orleans Saints (4-2) squeaked out an important NFC win in Seattle to keep pace with the NFC South division leader Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-1), but...

In the press conferences after the victory in Seattle, Sean Payton, Jameis Winston, and Alvin Kamara acknowledged the need to "clean up" several issues on offense.  

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Oct 25, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Trouble on 3rd Down

  • New Orleans converted two first downs out of 13 attempts on 3rd down.
  • That's a paltry 15.4% on third downs to a Seattle defense that allowed 33.7% of third-down conversions to teams.
  • The only good news for the Saints is that Tampa Bay allows 40.5% of third-down conversions to opponents.
  • The Saints are at 38.03% on 3rd-down conversions for 2021.

I am sure Sean Payton will address and work out the kinks with the offense this week.

New Orleans Saints tight end Adam Trautman (82)
Oct 25, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Ugo Amadi (28) tackles New Orleans Saints tight end Adam Trautman (82) and forces a fumble during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Receivers Losing It with Inconsistencies

  • Jameis Winston was 19-of-35 on passing attempts.  Alvin Kamara accounted for 10 receptions on 11 targets.  His production was 52.6% of the receiving for New Orleans.
  • Only 9 receptions were recorded by receivers:  3 -Trautman, 3-Callaway, 1- Smith, Johnson, and Ozigbo.
  • Tre'Quan Smith was a bit rusty in his return.  He caught one pass and had a sideline confrontation with Jameis Winston.
  • Adam Trautman's fumble in Seahawk's territory could have been costly, but the defense yielded only 3 points.
  • Kevin White and Kenny Stills missed a pair of passes from Winston that were on target.
  • The receiving corps is still struggling to gain separation from defensive backs.  
Sean Payton
Oct 25, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton watches a replay against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Peat's Injury

  • Andrus Peat was injured twice in the Seattle game and played in 23% of the offensive snaps.
  • First, his ankle was rolled on by the defender Terron Armstead was blocking.
  • Second, he sustained either a shoulder or pectoral injury and did not return to the contest.
  • G Calvin Throckmorton played 57 snaps at a 77% clip.  If Peat's injury is serious, expect the Oregon product to continue subbing at guard.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41)
Oct 25, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Running Game Missed Hill

  • Kamara toted the rock 20 times for 51 yards.
  • Winston found open green grass and ran 8 times for 40 yards.
  • Montgomery (4 yards), Armah (2 yards), and Ozigbo (-3 yards) were not factors in the game.  But, Armah did pick up a key first down on his lone carry.
  • Taysom Hill's power and speed game was definitely missing in the rushing attack.
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Personal Foul Calls Were Putrid

  • New Orleans had four personal foul penalties.
  • 2 personal fouls were by CB Marshon Lattimore.  DK Metcalf got to Lattimore's emotions, and the referees caught him retaliating.
  • 7 penalties for 90 yards.
New Orleans Saints kicker Brian Johnson (6)
Oct 25, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; New Orleans Saints kicker Brian Johnson (6) celebrates with holder Blake Gillikin (4) after kicking a field goal against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams Is Not a But, But Very Good...Again!

  • K Brian Johnson successfully booted his first two NFL kicks under intense pressure situations.  Cudos!
  • Thomas Morstead was the best punter in Saints history; but, Blake Gillikin is very, very good.  Blake Gillikin is performing very well this season.
  • Gillikin: 6 punts, 285 yards, 47.5 yards per punt!
  • 4 punts were downed inside the 20-yard line.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY