MIA: Saints Stars have been Missing in Action

Several New Orleans stars have started off slowly this season. The Saints will need them to play up to their capabilities quickly to remain in contention.

The 1-1 New Orleans Saints come into Sunday Night's home showdown against the 2-0 Green Bay Packers, looking to rebound from a surprising loss last week against the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s been a somewhat disappointing start for the Saints, one of the NFL favorites for the Super Bowl. 

While there's no reason for any legitimate panic about this team or their talent, it is surprising how quiet some of the New Orleans star players have started the year. Most of the team has played below their lofty expectations, but here are a few of the biggest early-season disappointments so far.

MALCOLM JENKINS, SAFETY

Sep 21, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) stiff arms New Orleans Saints strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) during the third quarter of a NFL game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY

Jenkins signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Saints during this offseason, returning to the franchise where he spent the first five years of his career. So far, he has one sack, 13 tackles, and 2 passes defended. The 32-Yr old Jenkins has also been caught out of position several times against both the run and pass. He has allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete nearly 64% of their attempts against his coverage.

Jenkins was particularly awful against Las Vegas on a night that the entire defense had its struggles.  In his 12th season, he is not as athletic in coverage as he once was, but can still be a playmaker near the line of scrimmage and leader for a young secondary. Expect him to be tested heavily against the Packers this Sunday, with the defense hoping that he’ll be able to rebound.

EMMANUEL SANDERS, WIDE RECEIVER

Credit: WVUE - Edwin Goode, Videographer/Photographer, August, 2020, New Orleans, LA; Saints Practice Facility

Saints is another big offseason free-agent pickup by New Orleans. He inked a two-year deal worth $16 million. The expectation is for him to give the Saints a bonafide number two threat at wide receiver to relieve some coverage against All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas. 

After two games, Sanders has been targeted eight times, catching four for 33 yards and one touchdown with one dropped pass and only 7 yards after the catch. That includes just 1 reception on 3 targets against the Raiders, which Thomas missed with an ankle injury.

The Saints offense will probably again be without Thomas this Sunday, meaning that Sanders will again be the top option at wide receiver. Sanders did not benefit from offseason workouts or preseason games to get acclimated into his new offense, but New Orleans needs him to quickly get up to speed to jolt their sputtering passing game.

CAMERON JORDAN, DEFENSIVE END

Sep 21, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of a NFL game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY

Jordan, a five-time Pro Bowler, came into 2020 with three straight double-digit sack seasons and a career-high 15.5 takedowns last year. After two contests this season he has only one QB pressure and no sacks, with 9 total tackles and just one of those for loss. He was completely shut down by a third-string OT against Las Vegas, managing only 3 tackles and not a single pressure.

The 31-Yr old Jordan is one of the NFL's most complete defensive ends, one of the league's best pass rushers, and the most disruptive player on a deep New Orleans defensive line. They will need him to pressure Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers this Sunday in to disrupt one of the league's most productive offenses.

DREW BREES, QUARTERBACK

Sep 13, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY

The 41 year-old Brees has been the primary scapegoat in many circles for a sputtering offense over the first two games. His statistics aren't awful. He has completed 64.7% of his throws for 472 yards with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. Brees hasn't been able to make plays down the field; however, his trademark accuracy has often been off target. That has caused many to speculate that he is in a sharp decline.

Brees isn't the only reason for the Saints’ offensive struggles. Playcalling has been criticized. A normally dominant offensive line has had pass protection issues inside, and the receivers have not been able to get separation from coverage and have dropped several passes. Brees and his offensive teammates must rebound quickly to keep pace with Rodgers and his rolling Packers offense.

Again, this is just two games into the season. There is no reason not to believe that a talented and deep New Orleans team won't be among the contenders as the year progresses. The Saints desperately need their stars that have been Missing In Action to play up to their capabilities. That must start with a key conference battle this Sunday against Green Bay.