Saints Week 5 Preview

Travis Himel • October 7, 2024

WEEK 5 PREVIEW


   Saints fans are searching for hope coming into Week 5. Last week’s game was a brutal loss. The defense gave up no offensive touchdowns to the Falcons but the Saints couldn’t get the job done. Going into the Monday Night Football matchup against the Chiefs, the Saints injuries have piled up. Things aren’t looking good for our Saints but let’s take a look at what the team needs to do to pull off a big win.


This Week’s Matchup:

   The Saints travel to Kansas City this week to take on the Chiefs. These 2 teams haven’t faced off often. Kansas City leads this series 7-5. Arrowhead Stadium is no easy place to play. Chiefs fans pride themselves on making their stadium a tough place to play. The Saints should be used to the noise as we play in a loud environment ourselves. The Chiefs come into this game fairly healthy and look to grab a crucial win against a beat up Saints team.


 YOUR SAINTS:

   It’s no secret, the Saints injury report is a long list! This is especially bad news after the loss we witnessed last week. Saints fans are scrambling to figure out how we can win this game. The offensive line will look very different this week so it’s Klint Kubiak’s job to disguise that weakness. What kind of scheme will we see to get the ball out quick and get down the field? A key player to watch is Chief’s DL Chris Jones. He’ll be working hard in the trenches to make Derek Carr’a night tough. 

   Despite the Saints injuries, I expect the defense to pick up right where they’ve left off each week so far. This defense is statistically in the top 10 out of the whole NFL. The ball absolutely has to find Chris Olave this week. He has created the most separation from his defender out of all Wide Receivers in the league. For some reason Carr hasn’t been looking to feed him the ball. This dates back to late last season as well. After watching some film from last week’s game, I find that Derek Carr predetermines his reads sometimes. Not necessarily a good sign from your QB when his predetermined read isn’t his #1 receiver! Kubiak has to find a way to get others the ball because Alvin Kamara’s workload has been too big to sustain, especially with his current injury situation. Let’s take a look at who’s out for this game.


 INJURY REPORT:

   Taysom Hill, Willie Gay, Cesar Ruiz, Shame Lemieux, and Payton Turner are all officially out this week. Players listed as questionable are Alvin Kamara, Demario Davis, Taliese Fuaga, Blake Grupe, Juwan Johnson, Bryan Bresee, Kendre Miller, Chris Olave, and Cedrick Wilson. Things aren’t looking in New Orleans right now.


 MY PREDICTION:

   I don’t see much hope for a win this week. With the amount of injuries the team has, we’re very short handed to have proper chemistry and make a big impact. I think the environment will also play a difference in this game. I think the Saints will fall to 2-3 this season as the Chiefs win this game with a score of 34-16.


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Football players crouched at the line of scrimmage on a field, wearing white uniforms and gold helmets.

Transfer Portal Spotlight: Ryan Mickow

By Patrick Harkness • July 31, 2026
OT 
Ryan Mickow- BC 
Ryan Mickow fits Tulane as a 6’7”, 317-pound versatile offensive tackle with proven ACC experience at both right and left tackle, elite length/leverage, and immediate starting potential who anchors a revamped offensive line needing size, physicality, and competition after multiple key departures. 
He’s a redshirt junior transfer from Boston College (ACC) who committed on January 9, 2026, via the portal (entered January 5). A three-star high school recruit out of powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL), he has two years of eligibility remaining (#58). 
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s offense (under head coach Will Hall and OL coach Cody Kennedy) demands tackles who can handle both run-blocking in the trenches and pass protection on the edge in their system. Mickow is a natural fit as the new right tackle. 
• Size and length: Massive 6’7”/317 frame with long arms and a strong base that creates natural leverage and mismatches against edge rushers, ideal for dominating at the point of attack and sealing the edge in Tulane’s run game. 
• Versatility and experience: Played both RT and LT at BC, plus extra OL packages. Proven special teams contributor (field goal/PAT protection). Shows football IQ and adaptability in a Power-conference environment, exactly what Tulane targeted to stabilize the line. 
• Physicality and intangibles: High school multi-positional OL (LT/RT/C) experience on back-to-back state title teams demonstrates technique and toughness. National Honor Society member who brings leadership and smarts to the room. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Tulane Green Wave football card for Jordyn Crites in blue uniform and helmet

Class of 2026 Spotlight: 
Jordyn Crites

By Patrick Harkness • July 31, 2026
DE 
Jordyn Crites- @JordynCrites26 6-7/274 Friendswood, TX 
Jordyn Crites is a towering defensive lineman from Friendswood High School in Friendswood, Texas, class of 2026. 
Standing at 6-7 and weighing 274 pounds, Crites combines exceptional length with athleticism, making him a disruptive force on the edge or interior. 
He signed with Tulane on December 3, 2025, after committing on June 14, 2025, choosing the Green Wave over 16 FBS offers, including Power 4 programs like Baylor, TCU, Oregon State, Texas Tech, and others such as Coastal Carolina, Louisiana, North Texas, Rice, San Diego State, Tulsa, UNLV, and UTEP. 
Crites transferred to Friendswood after attending Edmond Memorial in Oklahoma for his freshman and sophomore years, where he began building his profile. 
He also played tight end, showcasing versatility, but his future is on defense. Crites was noted as a “riser” in recruiting circles. 
His recruitment heated up with official visits to TCU, Tulane, and Baylor in June 2025. Crites was praised for his potential as one of the top defensive linemen from Texas, with Power 4 interest. 
Scouting Report: 
Frame and Length: Enormous wingspan and height make him a mismatch nightmare, allowing him to disrupt passing lanes and engulf ball carriers. His reach helps in shedding blocks and maintaining leverage. 
Power and Hand Usage: Violent, heavy hands at the point of attack; primary move is a pure power rush that overwhelms offensive linemen. He can swim and dodge as counters, showing developing technique. 
Athleticism and Bend: Exceptional bend for his size, allowing him to break down in the backfield and pursue with speed. His 4.8 40 and vertical translate to explosive get-off and closing burst. 
Motor and Production: High-motor player who lives in the backfield, generating sacks, hurries, and numerous tackles for loss (TFLs). Effective against both run and pass, with a dynamic presence that wrecks games. 
Versatility and Upside: Two-way experience (DE/TE), with unreal potential due to size, power, and athleticism. He’s come into his own recently, suggesting continued growth. 
Intangibles: Strong academics, track background, and resilience shown in transferring schools. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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