The New Orleans Saints’ defense, which has been the league’s worst, hasn’t been all that bad so far in Sunday night’s game against the Denver Broncos.
But the problem is the New Orleans offense has been unusually quiet. That’s why the Broncos have a 17-7 lead at halftime.
The Saints have made a few stops of Peyton Manning and the Denver offense and they also got a fumble recovery. It’s come with linebacker Jonathan Vilma making his first start of the season and shifting to the outside from his traditional spot in the middle and with rookie defensive tackle Akiem Hicks replacing Brodrick Bunkley in the starting lineup.
But quarterback Drew Brees hasn’t been nearly as sharp as usual. He’s completed 9 of 18 passes for 104 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The Saints have only 121 yards of total offense at halftime.
I don’t know if the defense can continue to do a decent job of slowing Manning. But I do know the Saints need to get Brees and the offense going in the second half.
Otherwise, the Saints will be in a deep hole at 2-5.
I’ll be back with a wrap-up soon after the game ends.