By Ross Jackson
Scoring Offense Vs. Scoring Defense:
Saints Offense – No. 17 | Commanders Defense – No. 17
The Saints offense looks evenly matched with the Commanders defense on paper. But with additional context, this could end up being a lop-sided affair in favor of Washington. The Commanders are about to field their new top cornerback and former Saints star Marshon Lattimore for the first time in the same game in which New Orleans will have a first-time starter at quarterback in second-year passer Jake Haener. So, while both teams are ranked No. 17 in this particular area, one will be without a key part while another will be debuting one.
Commanders Offense – No. 4 | Saints Defense – No. 14
For all intents and purposes, the Saints have fared well this year keeping points off the board. Considering the amount of explosive passing plays they’ve let up as well as their struggles in the run game, it would make sense if New Orleans had surrendered more points than it has this season.
Point Differential:
Saints – -2 (No. 16) | Commanders – +80 (No. 6)
The Commanders have a… well… commanding lead here. But that’s to be expected when the team has three more wins than the Saints who have either won big or lost close so far this season
Passing Offense Vs. Passing Defense (Yards):
Saints Offense – No. 19 | Commanders Defense – No. 5
Washington has been strong against the pass and only stands to get better with the addition of former Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Meanwhile, the Saints may struggle with quarterback Jake Haener getting his first start. But Haener’s quick processing and trigger may end up working to the team’s advantage when it’s all said and done. Look for the tight ends and running backs to be big factors in the New Orleans passing game. Big targets that are close in proximity to the passer could prove beneficial while Haener settles in.
Commanders Offense – No. 18 | Saints Defense – No. 28
With the loss of wide receiver Noah Brown, the Commanders may be a bit short-handed in their passing game. However, they will still field two primary threats in wideout Terry McLaurin and tight end Zach Ertz. A lot of pressure will be put in the Saints’ secondary to limit explosive plays between quarterback Jayden Daniels and his top weapons.
Rushing Offense Vs. Rushing Defense (Yards):
Saints Offense – No. 10 | Commanders Defense – No. 27
This is where the Saints have their best chance to control the game. The Commanders are weak against the perimeter run, which has been the Saints primary offensive attack, rushing outside the tackles 69.9% of the time in the run game. The Saints will look to attack the edges of Washington’s defense by stretching the run game horizontally. But expect the Saints to also threaten on the inside with running back Kendre Miller as well. Star back Alvin Kamara missed a couple of practices this week but is good to go this weekend while being just 62 rushing yards shy of his first 1,000 yard rushing season.
Commanders Offense – No. 3 | Saints Defense – No. 25
New Orleans’s best run defense may have to be its offense. Between Daniels and running back Bryan Robinson Jr., the Commanders are going to be hard to limit on the ground. Especially considering how challenging limiting the run game has been for the Saints. Compound that with their usual issue with containing mobile quarterbacks, and the best thing the Saints can do is score on offense to force Washington into a one-dimension gameplan.
Turnover Differential:
Saints – +2 (T-No. 13) | Commanders – +4 (T-No. 9)
This area of the game is going to be tough to predict. The Saints will have a first-time starter at quarterback while the Commanders are debuting their new top corner. That matchup will be one to watch as far as turnover differential goes.
Pressure Rate Allowed Vs. Generated:
Saints Offense – No. 18 | Commanders Defense – No. 17
Commanders Offense – No. 6 | Saints Defense – No. 23
The Saints are evenly matched on offense here, especially with their entire starting offensive line available to go. However, the Saints defense will be facing a surprisingly stout Washington offensive line which was expected to be one of the worst in the league. They’ve proven to be quite the tough matchup instead.
