I am with you guys that this could get ugly real fast. Like, 24-0 midway through the 2nd quarter bad. New Orleans (Brees or not) is a top 3 squad in the NFL right now. Our only hope is complacence. Hold out Brees and Kamara till after the bye, coming off a huge game in Chicago, looking at their individual travel itineraries for the next weekend, knowing that they have a division that is easily winnable regardless.
Of course there is always a "chance". But I would be hard pressed to say that we will be even competitive on Sunday. And I think Brees doesn't go because they know they can win without him. Just like we did with DJ in New York.
Kyler, the WR's (including Kirk), and the O-Line will have to be in sync like never before. Affording him the time to look down the field on throws. it's the only way we can even keep it close IMO.
NO is full of fast defenders who tackle well, cover a lot of ground, and make impact tackles. If we try our horizontal attack on this defense we will get clobbered like a hot girl on Bourbon Street.
Must look long, deep dig routes, with dagger like accuracy. Combine that with a fast and ferocious run attack and we may be able to run with you guys for a little while.
In the end though....... I give our defense a 2 out of 10 drives chance of stopping you from scoring. Maybe 3 out of 10 with PP back there. And I don't see us jacking up 35 points.
My main question is: Will Kamara be ready? Or will they hold him out through the bye as well?