By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints are looking to turn their fortunes around this weekend against the Los Angeles Chargers. We broke down three of the most important matchups they will face in defense, but it will be up to an offense that’s gotten a lot healthier over the last few days to put points on the board.
Here are three of the most important matchups the Saints offense will need to win in order to get back on the winning side of things.
Saints RT Trevor Penning vs. Chargers OLB Joey Bosa
Bosa is expected to make his return after missing a couple of games with injury. That is going to set up an important matchup for right tackle Penning and the Saints. New Orleans has not done well protecting rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler in his previous two starts. This week is expected to be different as the team is healthier on its interior offensive line.
However, the Saints’ edges were threatened and challenged very effectively last week by the Denver Broncos’ pass rush. Bosa spends the majority of his time lining up over right tackles. So this will be an important matchup to watch all game long.
Saints WR Chris Olave vs. Chargers Corners
A lot has been made of the health concerns for Chargers wide receivers. But their cornerback room may be just as concerning. Starting corner Asante Samuel, Jr. was placed on Injured Reserve on Oct. 12, meaning he will be out for this game. Fellow cornerbacks Ja’Sir Taylor and former LSU Tiger Kristian Fulton both managed injuries throughout the practice week.
Fulton (hamstring) and Taylor (fibula) both returned to full participation by Friday and are ready to go against the Saints. But with Olave’s speed and route-running ability, both injuries could impact the Chargers’ top cover guys.
Olave has also performed well against off coverage (5 or more yards of cushion given at the line of scrimmage), which the Chargers defense tends to deploy. Per Next Gen Stats, the Chargers have played off coverage at the second-highest rate in the NFL. This should be a good matchup for Olave all-around in his return after clearing concussion protocol.
Saints LT Taliese Fuaga vs. Charger OLB Khalil Mack
Similar to Penning and Bosa, rookie tackle Fuaga and veteran pass rusher Mack is another important showdown to watch. It doesn’t get much different than this. Fuaga is in his first NFL season while Mack is in year 11. It will be a bout of experience against youth in this one.
Fuaga is coming off of what might be his least successful game yet. But those games will come for a rookie starter. For the vast majority of the season, he has been outstanding. But he may face his toughest test yet with Mack’s speed and athleticism.
