Saints 2023 Week 8 Preview
New Orleans visits Indianapolis Desperate for a Victory
The Saints are sitting in no-man’s-land at a dismal 3-4 record. After suffering a 31-24 loss at home in week seven versus the Jaguars, New Orleans will head back on the road as a matchup with Indianapolis approaches. The Colts share the same .429 winning percentage as the Saints and are coming off a 39-38 shootout loss against the Cleveland Browns.
The Matchup:
Derek Carr and the Saints’ offense continue to shoot themselves in the foot with miscommunication, mental mistakes, penalties, turnovers, and lack of effort on that side of the ball. While the defense has been the team's saving grace this season, allowing Jacksonville to put up 31 did not help that case at all. New Orleans will have their hands full in attempting to keep up with an Indy squad that is the only team in the NFL this season to score 20+ in every game. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew has been slinging it around this season with the Anthony Richardson injuries. He has maintained consistency and, at the very least, keeping the Colts competitive in close games. The game will be aired live on FOX from Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, October 29th, at noon CST.
Series History:
All-time, the Saints lead the Colts with a record of 9-5. The Saints have won the previous four contests since 2010, when New Orleans bested Peyton Manning and Indianapolis 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV. With Sean Payton now in Denver and Drew Brees retired, it is time for more history forging between the two sides. New Orleans dominated in the most recent game, winning at home 34-7 in 2019.
Team Rankings Comparison:
| Rank (Week 7) | Saints | Colts |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 3-4 (3rd NFC South) | 3-4 (3rd AFC South) |
| Scoring Avg. | 19.0 (21) | 25.4 (6) |
| Opp. Scoring Avg. | 18.1 (7) | 27.3 (30) |
| Total Off. | 326.0 (17) | 361.1 (10) |
| Rushing Off. | 98.1 (22) | 124.0 (9) |
| Passing Off. | 227.9 (12) | 237.1 (10) |
| Total Def. | 285.7 (4) | 351.3 (22) |
| Rushing Def. | 98.7 (12) | 118.7 (21) |
| Passing Def. | 187.0 (4) | 232.6 (19) |
| Turnover Margin | +3 (11) | -2 (20) |
| Penalties | 46 (6) | 48 (3) |
| Penalty Yards | 440 (1) | 356 (15) |
Current Injury Report:
Saints-
Juwan Johnson, TE, Probable, Calf
Demario Davis, OLB, Probable, Knee
Ryan Ramczyk, T, Probable, Concussion
Landon Young, T, Questionable, Hip
James Hurst, G, Questionable, Ankle
Tyrann Mathieu, FS, Questionable, Foot
Marcus Maye, FS, Questionable, Hamstring
Taysom Hill, QB, Questionable, Chest
Alontae Taylor, CB, Questionable, Hip
Colts-
Julius Brents, CB, Doubtful, Quad
Kylen Granson, TE, Doubtful, Concussion
Zack Moss, RB, Questionable, Elbow/Heel
Braden Smith, T, Questionable, Hip/Wrist
Eric Johnson, DT, Questionable, Ankle
Final Thoughts/Prediction:
New Orleans needs to get rolling on what ought to be a very winnable four-game stretch starting in Indy. If they want any chance to salvage their season and maintain play for the NFC South divisional title, the winning culture has to be developed now. Although head coach Dennis Allen has reiterated to the media that no coaching or play-calling changes are currently happening, the leading veterans on the team understand change has to happen on the field in terms of playing efficient football. Do the Saints have what it takes to keep up with a quick-paced Colts offense? I don’t believe so. However, I think a stingy New Orleans defense will bounce back in a big way and hold Indianapolis under 20 for the first time this season. I’ll take the Saints to squeak out a 23-17 victory.
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