Saints Week 3 Preview

Travis Himel • September 22, 2024

Here we go Saints fans!!! This Saints team is pretty exciting through two weeks. We have the highest points differential in the entire NFL so far. The fans are feeling it and bringing the energy after a huge win on the road against Dallas. We should expect a full Dome on Sunday that is rocking. Let’s take a deep dive into what’s happening this week:

This Week’s Matchup:

In Week 3 the Saints will be facing the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are 1-1 to start the season after a disappointing loss against the Falcons on Monday night. They look to get back on track this week as they come into town. The Eagles acquired Saquon Barkley in the offseason so you should expect them to use him in a similar way we use Alvin Kamara. The 2 have had very productive starts to the season. The Saints need to make it a point to contain Jalen Hurts as we have a history of giving up rushing yards to mobile quarterbacks.

Series History:

The Eagles currently lead the series 19 wins to the Saints 16, including the Playoffs. The Saints were able to win the previous matchup 20-10 last season. Fireworks tend to happen when these two teams take the field together.

Your Saints:

This team looks really good! Klint Kubiak has this offense flowing and making big plays. One thing is still imminent, Klint Kubiak will run the ball. Other teams know the run is coming and can’t do anything to stop it so far. Carr and Shaheed continue to connect on deep balls each game. I find it crazy that the Saints have been putting up the points and stats they have without Chris Olave really being a big factor yet. I look for him to get going against the Eagles. I think they’ll key in on Shaheed which will open things up for the Saints other speedy receiver. Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams are enjoying life in this new system. The ball is in their hands early and often to make plays. I for one am genuinely shocked with the performance of the O-line. We came into the season believing they’d be our biggest weakness but they have more than held their own creating running lanes and giving Carr all the time necessary to make accurate throws. Derek Carr is leading the league in multiple QB statistical categories and is in the early season MVP race. The Saints defense is phenomenal. They are bringing the pressure, the big hits, and the swagger as the cherry on top. They picked up right where they left off last season with creating turnovers and getting opposing offenses off the field. The Eagles will be a big test with a mobile quarterback. If we can contain the two playmakers in the backfield then I believe we’re in for another convincing victory. Someone I don’t think has been talked about at all is Blake Grupe. Grupe has been consistent so far this season with 5-5 on his field goals and 10-11 from XP distance. If the Dome is rocking like I expect, I think the Eagles are in for another rough game.

Injury Report:

Khalen Saunders is still out as he continues his recovery. Taysom Hill, Will Harris, A.T Perry, and Landon Young are all listed as questionable for this game. Taysom Hill was recently downgraded to doubtful but his designation for the game is still unknown.

Prediction:

My prediction this week is that the Saints start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2013. I was a bit skeptical of the offense after the Week 1 win, but after last week I have bought into what this offense is capable of. I think we will see a physical game this week from both teams. If the Saints offense keeps pounding the ball and the defense stays fresh and off the field, the Saints could pull away in the 2nd half. I think we will see a closer game this week as the Saints win with a score of 31-24!

Like what you’re reading?

Follow @TheTHimel on Twitter/X for more!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

A quick share helps us a lot!

How X Games Found Its Perfect Match in New Orleans

By Patty V • July 28, 2026

How X Games Found Its Perfect Match in New Orleans

Linebacker Room Outlook: Different Yet Familiar?

By Kaden Arkeder • July 28, 2026

Well the changing of the guard has begun on defense. With Demario Davis leaving in free agency a big leadership void was left in the locker room where someone else will have to take the torch. Whom remains to be seen but all eyes are on what Kaden Ellis brings in his return to the Saints. The Saints signed Ellis to bring back someone with familiarity with the organization and the talents he was better able to showcase after leaving the team. Kaden Ellis in his time with the Atlanta Falcons was able to show he can do whatever you need of him from the linebacker position. He can play off ball in space showing good awareness in coverage but can also play well on the ball when asked to rush the passer from a variety of situations. With Ellis in the fold I expect the defense to be more effective in keeping the offense guessing on what the linebackers will be doing on a down to down basis. Next up is Pete Werner who has had a up and down career thus far with the Saints but overall has been a solid starter since he was drafted. Werner’s coming off a down year in terms of on field production in 2025 where he was routinely taken off the field in favor of getting the young linebackers on the roster snaps on defense to give them some opportunity and experience. If Werner wants to keep his starting role on defense he is going to have to show more impact on defense this season beginning in training camp. With Demario gone and Pete Werner the only returning starting at linebacker on defense the door of opportunity has fully opened for the young linebackers on the roster. who have been patiently waiting for their chance to make a name for themselves. Isiah Stalbird, Jaylan Ford, Danny Stutsman fit into this category as young guys earning their stripes through special teams and limited snaps on defense thus far. This will be one of the more fascinating, fun training camp battles to see if any can overtake Werner on the depth chart and carve out a more meaningful role on defense. After them is the roster hopefuls in Anfernee Jennings and Jackson Sirmon. These two will look to show they belong in the league and will do whatever it takes to prove it. Whether they make the 53 man roster with the Saints or not the goal is to help bring more competition to the room and see who can do enough to latch on somewhere in the NFL. Opportunity is the key word I would use for this group. From Kaden Ellis getting a chance to really star on defense to Pete Werner getting an opportunity to keep young guys from taking his snaps again to the young guys like Danny Stutsman overtaking Werner on the depth chart. The linebacker unit has plenty of opportunities ahead of them, let’s see what they can make with them.