Saints Week 6 Preview

Travis Himel • October 13, 2024

WEEK 6 PREVIEW

 

   Coming off of a big loss to the Chiefs, Saints fans are hopeful going into Week 6. News broke early in the week that Spencer Rattler will be starting at QB in Derek Carr’s absence. The injury report has gotten shorter this week and players are excited for this game. Multiple players have taken to social media in support of the QB decision for this game. Let’s break everything down so we’re all prepared for what’s to come.


 THIS WEEK’S MATCHUP:

   The Buccaneers are coming to town this week for a divisional matchup. Although this is a divisional game, we can’t call this much of a rivalry like we have with the Falcons. The Saints lead this series 40-25 all time. The Bucs are sitting 1 game ahead of the Saints in the division but a loss this week would move the Saints into 2nd place. The Bucs are averaging 341.6 YPG while the Saints are averaging 328.4 YPG. The Saints are really trying to get back to their level of production from Weeks 1 and 2.


 YOUR SAINTS:

   The injury bug has really been affecting this team the last few weeks. While some key players are still out hurt, others are returning from injury. During last week’s game, Derek Carr went down in the 4th Quarter with an oblique injury. In his absence, Spencer Rattler will be the starting QB. We’ve heard from coaches and players who are all excited for this opportunity the rookie has been presented. Klint Kubiak said the offense won’t be “dumbed down” for Rattler. What can we expect from Spencer in his NFL debut? We can expect a QB who’s aware of when the pocket is breaking down, along with a QB that’s able to climb, or even escape, the pocket when necessary. He will be looking to get the ball down field. During the preseason Rattler spoke about making an emphasis to get the ball to Chris Olave. Olave, who’s down statistically so far this year, should be excited for that news. Shaheed will be ready to go for Sunday so the rookie will have both receivers to throw to. I expect a rejuvenated scheme with a lot more RPO and Play Action early and often.

   The defense is getting a few players back this week, which should only boost our performance on that side of the ball. The defense has been less productive the past few weeks, but that’s to be expected when the offense can’t stay on the field. The key matchup in this game, to me, is always Marshon Lattimore against Mike Evans. Lattimore has only been targeted 9 times during the first 5 games of the season. Having Khalen Saunders in the trenches really seals up our run support. Bijan Robinson will look to have a big game but Saunders and Chase Young look to keep his production down. This should be a very exciting game!


 INJURY REPORT:

   Taysom Hill, Cesar Ruiz, Derek Carr, Will Harris, and Pete Werner are all out this week. Payton Turner, Lucas Patrick, and Kendre Miller are listed as questionable.


 MY PREDICTION:

   Maybe I’m crazy. Maybe I’m over excited for Rattler’s debut. I think the Saints will look fresh this week and surprise a lot of folks. I think the offense will control the tempo and give the defense chances to stay off the field. I have the Saints beating the Bucs with a score of 27-20. If the Saints can get back to .500 at 3-3, the future’s looking bright! Who Dat!!!


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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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