Behind Enemy Lines with Who Dat Dish
In anticipation of this Sunday’s game in New Orleans, I caught up with Saints expert Dean Mullen from Who Dat Dish. Mullen asked me about the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions, which you can read here. He was also kind enough to answer a few questions about those unpredictable Saints. Here’s what he Mullen had to say about the team and the upcoming Lions-Saints game.
Question 1: The Saints have been struggling on defense since winning the Super Bowl years ago. Have they improved since these two teams met on Monday Night Football last season?
WDD: There is no doubt that the defense has improved since that game last year. Most of the improvements have come specifically in the last few weeks. The Saints have held their opponents around the mid 20’s or so as far as points go. Earlier in the year, the total was skyrocketing to over 30 points a game. Injuries were a big part of the Saints getting better. Cornerback Delvin Breaux was out with a broken fibula and their number one pick Sheldon Rankins has just come back after being on IR for most of the year. Furthermore, there have been several other ongoing setbacks that has slowed the chemistry down until just recently. Right now is probably the most healthy they have been all year.
Question 2: Talk a little bit about the rookie class. Best and worst rookie so far?
WDD: Most of the local media around here has said that this draft class may be one of the best under Sean Payton and GM Micky Loomis. Obviously, wide receiver Michael Thomas has quickly become a superstar in the Saints’ offense. Thomas currently leads in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He’s no doubt been the star of the draft so far. Safety Vonn Bell has also played great as well. Ironically, both players have come from The Ohio St. University. I suppose the only question mark is Sheldon Rankins because he’s been injured for most of the year.
Question 3: Sean Payton ran up the score on his former assistant coach Greg Williams last week. How is the fan base feeling about Payton after another somewhat disappointing season?
WDD: That’s a very interesting question. Things have been icy at best over this season with the fans and Sean Payton. Until last week, the chirping was seemingly getting louder after every loss. However, the Rams were the perfect team for the Saints and Sean Payton. There’s no doubt that the game against the Rams meant more to Payton and the team since that was the first time Gregg Willams has been in the dome since that time. Fans seem to be energized after that win and it helped garner more enthusiasm for Sean Payton with the blowout win.
Question 4: Do you see this Saints team going on any sort of late-season Playoff run?
WDD: Unfortunately, I don’t see the Saints making the playoffs this year. They started off slow once again and they have been trying to get to .500 all year. After the Lions game the Saints play 3 of 4 on the road with three having winning records. The only team that doesn’t is Arizona which was a Super Bowl pick by many. I think the Saints will finish at 8-8 respectfully, but the NFC seems loaded this year too. I think 10-6 will be the record needed to get in as a Wild Card.
Question 5: Where is an area you think the Lions can exploit and where do you feel the Saints can expose the Lions?
WDD: I’m sure the Lions are aware of the Special Teams woes the Saints have been having all season. Your kicker also seems to have the edge as well if it comes down to a field goal. I’m very concerned about the Saints giving up a big play either on the receiving end or the coverage. For the Saints, their offense is simply firing on all cylinders. A new discovery for the Saints has been the running game with both Mark Ingram and Tim Hightower. Look for the Saints to be a little more balanced this time around as this may catch the Lions a little off guard.
Question 6: Score/Game prediction?
WDD: I just don’t see the Saints beating the Lions this week. The Saints haven’t been tested on defense and Matthew Stafford will have a field day throwing the ball on our young secondary. I’m really concerned about the big plays and missed assignments but hopefully I’m wrong. Detroit Lions-38, New Orleans Saints-31.
Thanks to Who Dat Dish and Follow Dean on Twitter @DeanNoelMullen