Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
Matchups make football. Whether it’s a coach dialing up the perfect mismatch or a star player making a play against another, they decide outcomes.
Here are three big matchups to watch Sunday as the New Orleans Saints take on the Arizona Cardinals in the Big Easy.
C Erik McCoy vs. Nick Rallis
The Cardinals’ pressure packages are confusing, impressive and aggressive. McCoy, along with quarterback Spencer Rattler will have to keep communication clear and precise throughout this game in order to manage the exotic pressures that Rallis and the Cardinals will send.
Whether showing blitz and dropping out or disguising pressure from one side by threatening the other, communication pr- and post-snap will be vital.
CB Alontae Taylor vs. TE Trey McBride
Taylor has a lot of opportunities to have an impact in this game. He will be deployed in several different ways including rushing the passer, stopping the run and coverage slot receivers. However, his most important job may be covering McBride.
McBride is the Cardinals’ top threat. Keeping him from taking over the game will be a crucial part of the Saints’ ability to find success on Sunday. Taylor knows that this will be a big task and is excited to prove he can handle it.
WR Chris Olave vs. Cardinals’ cornerbacks
This will be a fun one to watch. Sometimes matchups are all about creating mismatches. Olave’s ability to line up either side of the field outside and in the slot will force matchups with numerous cornerbacks in the Arizona secondary. Moving him around can create some great matchups that work in the Saints’ favor and could even cause some confusion for the Cardinal’s coverage unit.
