The NFL isn't a "moral victory" business. There are no asterisks placed on won-loss records for coming close, trying hard or making strides.
But the New Orleans Saints (0-2) showed improvement from the season opener to Game 2, and very much had opportunities to win both games. Have they built enough off seven- and five-point losses to Arizona and San Francisco to surge their way to victory on Sunday against the Seahawks (1-1) in Seattle?
If they can accomplish a few of these goals, it'll help:
1. STAY CLEAN
New Orleans made significant improvement in a vital area from Game 1 to Game 2 by slicing its penalties in half, from 13 to seven. It's significant because the team has a small margin for error and can't afford to sabotage itself with undisciplined, pre-snap penalties. Cleanup is easier at home than at Lumen Field, where it'll be loud and the Saints will be playing their first road game this season. Maintaining a collective poise is essential, and holding penalties to a minimum is imperative.
2. RATT RACE
Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler still is in search of his first win as a starter, but give him props for what he has done so far. Not only has he completed 52 of 80 passes for 421 yards and three touchdowns, and has run for 43 yards on eight carries, but he hasn't committed a turnover, has shown elusiveness and the willingness to run when necessary, and has made a few "trust" completions that speak favorably for the chemistry developed. He has to continue to play cleanly, because opposing defenses' eyes are on running back Alvin Kamara (32 carries, 144 yards and a touchdown this season). He needs catch consistency from his targets, especially tight end Juwan Johnson and receiver Chris Olave, who are tied for the team lead with 13 catches each. And regardless of how the offensive line looks — left guard Trevor Penning practiced on a limited basis and right tackle Taliese Fuaga missed practice Wednesday — it has to hold up.
3. RULE OF THIRDS
Defensively, the Saints haven't been up to par on third down. The first two opponents converted half the time (14 of 28) and it didn't matter whether or not the distance was favorable. From third-and-1 to third-and-14 and all points in between, the Saints didn't get stops consistently enough. The good news is that Seattle's offense has struggled, converting nine of 24 attempts on third down, so maybe this is the breakthrough game for New Orleans' defense. The third-and-layup distances are understandable; the Saints have to be better — much better — when the distance is six yards or more.
4. KICK START
Blake Grupe has missed a fairly routine field-goal attempt, from 37 and 40 yards, in each of the first two games. Weather might not be pristine in Seattle (high of 70 degrees, 75 percent chance of rain on Sunday), but Grupe has to shine if and when the opportunity presents itself. If the game is close, a field goal — or a missed one — could be the difference.
5. TUNE IN TO JSN
The Seahawks have not been a prolific passing team so far. Quarterback Sam Darnold has completed 38 passes for 445 yards. But roughly half of those receptions and yards — 17 catches and 227 yards, second most in the league — belong to receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. There's little doubt who should be the focus of New Orleans' secondary, and that the secondary can be boosted by a steady pass rush. Edge Carl Granderson (tied for league lead with 3.5 sacks) has held up his end, and hopefully the defense is better prepared for the possibility of underneath crossing routes.
