3 Saints That Need to Clamp Down On the Lions

Terron Armstead (and technically the ENTIRE Saints O-Line)

Oct 19, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive line lines up against the New Orleans Saints offensive line during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

If you don’t remember, when the Saints and Lions played last year, the Lions had constant pressure on Drew Brees.

If Brees would have had time in the pocket, he definitely would have been able to carve up the Lions more than he did. Plus, the Saints were only able to rush for 73 yards on 21 carries.

That’s because to be honest, the Lions defensive line just straight up handed it to the Saints offensive line last year.

Now granted, Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley are both now on other teams, but the Lions can still get pressure on the quarterback; starting with defensive end Ezekial “Ziggy” Ansah — who has played out of his mind the last few games. He has had 6 sacks in the last four games.

Facing off against Ansah will be Saints left tackle Terron Armstead, who by all accounts has had a solid season despite a knee injury that’s bothered him for the last two months.

Armstead, who has exceptional quickness and footwork, has played with the injury and has kept Drew Brees from taking too many unnecessary hits.

But Ansah, who is tied for second in the league with 13.5 sacks and is just a half-sack off the lead, will present an intriguing matchup for Armstead because of his strength and quickness off the ball.

Clearly, the Saints offensive line will need to give Brees and the offense time for plays to develop.

The Saints will have practically no downfield passing game if the offense doesn’t have time to get downfield. A lot of the Saints offense are long developing plays, and they need that time for the offense to work.

They also will need to be able to open up holes for Tim Hightower and maybe, just maybe, CJ Spiller. When the Saints have a strong run game going, the offense is nearly unstoppable off of play action.

The offensive line had one of their best games of the season last week against Tampa Bay and I hope they can keep that going. If not, it might be a long night for the Saints offense.

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