Two different teams, same spot.
After losing in week one, both the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints are looking for its first victory of the season.
While both teams are in similar situations, look for the Patriots to come out with more of a sense of urgency, as they have had 10 days to think about the 42-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Patriots quaterback Tom Brady will more than likely throw the ball all over the field against a Saints’ defense that allowed Sam Bradford to throw for 346 yards and three touchdowns.
Receiver Brandin Cooks will be coming back to the team he spent three seasons with and will garner a lot of attention on the offense. Some are predicting a big game for the former standout at Oregon St., but if Brady has shown anything over his illustrious career, it’s that his favorite receiver is the one that’s open.
If anyboy knows how to cover Cooks, it’s the Saints.
This leaves fellow wide receiver Chris Hogan and tight end Rob Gronkowski to reap the benefits.
The defense will be in for a tough challenge in dealing with Drew Brees.
Even if he has slipped the past few years, the 10-time Pro Bowler is still a force to be reckoned with.
The defense allowed Alex Smith, a quarterback who is not known to light up the stat sheet, to throw for 368 yards and four touchdowns last week.
They will be in for a rude visit to the Big Easy if similar play continues.
It will be interesting to see how the Saints rushing attack looks, especially when you consider the sideline drama between the disgruntled Adrian Peterson and head coach Sean Payton. Add in Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, and the Saints give defensive coordinator Matt Patricia a lot to think about.
Patriots injury report: WR Danny Amendola (Out), WR Matthew Slater (Out), LB Dont’a Hightower (Out), DT Vincent Valentine (Out), OT Marcus Cannon (Questionable), DB Nate Ebner (Questionable), S Devin McCourty (Questionable)
Saints injury report: OT Terron Armstead (Out), OT Zach Strief (Out), LB Anthony Stephone (Questionable), DE Trey Hendrickson (Questionable), LB Nate Stupar (Questionable)
