New Orleans Saints: Three things we can learn against Los Angeles Rams

1. Whether or not this defense could be an issue

It is hard to be impressed with the defensive showing that the New Orleans Saints had in Week 1. While the defense did come up with some big stops in certain moments, all in all, the defense was not all that impressive against the Houston Texans.

And I get it, the Texans have one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL and arguably the best wide receiver in the entire league in DeAndre Hopkins. That is naturally going to lead to some points.

However, the Texans also have a running game that is not that dynamic and a receiving corps that, outside of Hopkins and the occasional deep threat of Will Fuller, is not spectacular. While it would be unrealistic to expect a shutout against the Texans, the best defenses in the league could figure out how to stop them.

The Saints do not have one of the best defenses in the league. We all should know that and that is not the team’s identity. The team is right around league-average in defense, which should be enough with the offense.

That is what we thought heading into the year. After Monday, although the defense was missing some pieces, it looks like it could potentially be a problem.

I mean they allowed Watson to drive 75 yards down the field to complete what should have been the game-winning touchdown in just two plays. You don’t think that is a bad sign, especially when they have to play other elite quarterbacks in the playoffs?

The Rams also have a great offense, so it is unreasonable to expect this defensive masterpiece. However, if the same bad signs from Week 1 show up again, it could start to look like a problem.