(10-13-2019, 08:08 PM)Bullseye Wrote: In the offseason when the schedule was announced, this looked like one of the tougher games of the season. Even with Brees out, their defense would be a challenge for the team. Nevertheless, it was disappointing to lose this hard fought game. My thoughts...
1. One of the fears I had was that once teams got tape on Minshew, they would begin to adjust and reduce Minshew's effectiveness. Although the teams coming up in the next few weeks don't have the kind of personnel the Saints offer, it appears they now have the approach to defending Minshew. The Saints seemed to make it a point to keep Minshew inside the pocket to limit his effectiveness. Minshew had his worst statistical game as a pro. Granted, they were helped a good deal with the Jaguars being saddled with horrible field position, but the Saints executed a good defensive game plan.
2. The one thing the Jaguars could get going offensively with any degree of success was Leonard Fournette. He had between 70-80 yards rushing for the game, and had one really nice run to the left taken away due to a holding call on Will Richardson. But I think as teams continue to adjust to Minshew as described above, Fournette becomes more important. Even if Foles returns to the starting lineup, having a credible running game will be key to keeping him upright.
3. The Minshew INT wound up being a key turning point in the game, and the field position was another determining factor. However, second and third downs were yet another big factor. It seemed too often, the Saints would turn a second and long into a 3rd and short, while too often the Jaguars offense would have a second and long turn into a 3rd and long. Those sorts of things are often the difference between wins and losses.
Still, we still have time to bounce back. But we have to start playing better now.
1- Minshew struggled today but he faced a good D line that got pressure and a good secondary that kept coverage and contested catches. He had that early pass that was nearly picked, that seemed to shake him a bit and we struggled moving the ball in the air for most of the game. O was off all game for some reason but we had a nice drive using the run to get us into 3rd and short.
3- This is really hurting us. We can be so wasteful with downs. Too many times, like you say, we make 2nd and 8 a 3rd and and 8 and teams know your passing. We can really struggle putting a drive of 5-6 first downs together. I'm hoping this work we are putting into the run game will start paying off down the line. Fournette is looking good so far.
I think the next 3 games are all must wins for this season. We need to go on a roll of W's but that's a lot easier said then done. We need some momentum, something to build on. We are a long way from that 3-1 start.
But we have a chance...
