The New Orleans Saints defense is a hot mess
Most experts expected the Arizona Cardinals to have a field day against a talent-stricken and injury-plagued Saints defense on Sunday. And in reality, that’s pretty much what happened. While Arizona entered the fourth quarter with just 17 points, the difference in talent between Bruce Arian’s offense and Rob Ryan’s defense was readily apparent.
Carson Palmer completed 19-of-32 passes for 307 yards with three touchdowns and zero picks in a stellar return to action after last season’s torn ACL. A much-maligned Cardinals offensive line also did a great job in pass protection, limiting a struggling Saints pass-rushing group to zero sacks and just one quarterback hit. Overall, Palmer hit on passes of 55, 48 and 29 in the 31-19 Cardinals victory.
New Orleans has overcome less-than-stellar defenses in the past, but the team’s offense just doesn’t seem to be up to the task this season. Drew Brees completed 30-of-48 passes for 355 yards with a touchdown and a pick. Though, the Saints top-three pass catchers on the afternoon were not from the wide receiver position. Unless the Saints find a way to somehow play at a much higher level on defense, their offense won’t be able to lead them to wins on a consistent basis this season.