5 NFL teams that must win in Week 3
By Joe Schiller
2. New Orleans Saints
After three straight 7-9 seasons, the Saints are heading in that same direction this season. Coming off a 36-20 loss to the Patriots, they are desperate for a win coming into Week 3. Things don’t get any easier coming up against the 2-0 Carolina Panthers.
The defense has been the Achilles heel for the Saints over the years and it looks like it’s finally starting to catch up to them. In years past they’d be off the hook because Drew Brees would throw for 500 yards and multiple touchdowns, but that hasn’t been the case this season. When the offense isn’t putting up the points, the Saints are in the bottom half of teams in the NFL. Looking at the defense roster you’d be hard pressed to find a player that really scares you. Maybe Cameron Jordan, but that’s about it.
The Saints were burned by two pocket passers in the first two weeks, but now come up against the best dual threat quarterback in the league in Cam Newton. Unless we see any improvements on the defensive side of the ball, the only way the Saints can pull off the upset is if they make this game a shootout. If the Saints offense can do anything, it’s put points on the board in a short amount of time.
A win in Week 3 is crucial for the Saints. A loss continues to warm the seat for head coach Sean Payton.