If ever there was an out-of-the-frying-pan-into-the-fire scenario, this would be it.
The Saints (0-3) take on Buffalo (3-0) on Sunday at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., after having played one of New Orleans' worst games in recent memory in a 44-13 road loss in Seattle last Sunday.
The Bills are a high-scoring team this year (34 points per game, fourth most in the league); the Saints are not (15.7, next-to-last). Buffalo is first in total offense (420 yards per game) and rushing offense (163); the Saints are middle of the pack in total defense (313.3, 15th) and rushing defense (103.3, 13th).
The Bills' quarterback, Josh Allen, was the league MVP in 2024; the Saints' Spencer Rattler is winless in nine NFL starts.
Few metrics appear favorable to New Orleans. But the game is played on the field, and here are a few things that can benefit the Saints there:
1. HOG THE BALL
Perhaps the best way to slow down Buffalo's potent offense is to keep it inactive. That's asking a lot from the Saints' offense, but it's a must in this game. It's difficult to consistently mount 12-play scoring drives that last seven minutes, but if New Orleans can post a few of them, it may create a sense of urgency for Buffalo. That urgency could benefit the Saints if Buffalo feels pressured to force things offensively. Rattler only has one turnover this season, which is outstanding. What could be most beneficial for the Saints is this: the Bills allow a league-high 156 rushing yards per game. Alvin Kamara needs to be involved early and often.
2. PLAY CLEAN
Yes, this is important every week. But it's even more important when you're on the road, playing a team that many believe can represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. New Orleans has had games of 13 and 11 penalties, and far too many of the infractions are controllable, pre-snap hiccups. Buffalo doesn't need any help and the Saints haven't shown they're good enough to give them any and be successful.
3. PATCH UP SPECIAL TEAMS
Against Seattle, the Saints had a punt blocked, allowed a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown, allowed a 60-yard kickoff return and kicker Blake Grupe missed a field goal for the third straight game. Almost anything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Even if New Orleans doesn't block a kick or spring a return of its own Sunday, it at least has to make sure the opponent isn't feasting on special teams. The Bills watched the film. The Saints have to fill those holes.
4. FIND WRENCH FOR ALLEN
At present, there doesn't appear to be a solution to stopping Allen. He has picked up where he left off last season, completing 69 of 99 passes for 755 yards and five touchdowns, with no interceptions, and running 24 times for 114 yards and two touchdowns. The hope is that pressure can force him to revert to past mistakes (78 interceptions and 59 fumbles in his first six seasons), but that's a large ask considering he secured the ball last season (six interceptions, five fumbles). When he's on the field, New Orleans somehow must minimize chunk plays and, hopefully, get Allen on the ground once they get their hands on him. Keep him in the pocket if possible, force him to hold the ball and take it away when the opportunity presents.
5. PROFESSIONAL PRIDE
To describe last week's game as anything less than embarrassing would be generous. The Saints should have an insatiable desire to give a better representation. Sure, it only counted as one game, but New Orleans needs a positive mental and physical bounce-back after that one.
