Four to go: next stop New Orleans

Three and in?

The Commanders have had their much-needed bye week. And, with four games to go in the regular NFL season, it is likely that three wins would equate to a surprising post-season presence given the team entered the 2024 season with a rookie QB, new Head Coach and his accompanying staff.

Jayden Daniels has been sensational under centre and the Commanders OL has, in general, far exceeded expectations in keeping the second pick of the draft upright. As we head into Sunday and a road trip to the Saints, can the former Louisiana graduate make a successful state return?

Chewing over the New Orleans season so far, UKHTTC founder Christian Burt welcomed back @WhoDatInTheUK Saints writer for @JoinTheHuddleUK.

UKHTTC: New Orleans have been struck by injuries in 2024, with QB Derek Carr the most recent. Are thoughts already turning to the 2025 season?

Many Saints fans have been urging the team to focus on next season for some time.

The offensive line has been decimated since week 3. WR1 & 2 (Olave and Shaheed) were gone soon after.

Taysom Hill, who has been the catalyst for everything the team have been able to do on offence, is out for the season. The team have looked lost without him when he has not been on the field.

Carr has already been out for 3 games this season and the results during that time were pretty abysmal. With the starting o-line back, it is possible that one of the backup QB’s (Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler) can make something of the next games, but it still feels unlikely.

The Buccaneers are 2 games ahead and have a similar schedule. It feels extremely unlikely the Saints can get close to the post-season, even with help. I never wish for my team to lose under any circumstance, but it is difficult to argue with anyone who thinks we should just shoot for a better draft pick in 2025.

How has the 2024 Free Agent Class performed in New Orleans?

Overall it has been a mixed bag but with a few standouts. WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling is possibly the best mid-season free agent pickup in many years. He filled the deep-threat void left by Rashid Shaheed and has quickly built a solid connection with Carr.

Chase Young has consistently brought pressure to QB’s in almost every game but can rarely complete and bring them down. Punter Matthew Hayball has been a diamond in the rough, after the Saints picked him up as an undrafted free agent.

He currently leads Pro Bowl voting for NFC punters and has certainly been much more successful than the Saints’ last Australian punter! And Safety Ugo Amadi has flashed through the season as the team has looked to bolster its DB room following the Marshon Lattimore trade.

And how have the Saints rookies fared in 2024?

OT Taliese Fuaga, the Saints’ first round pick has been outstanding for most of the year.

He has neutralised some of the NFL’s top defensive talent such as Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons and if he continues this way, he looks like a solid pick for years to come. It has been a while since the Saints hit straight away on a big man up front in the draft.

Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, number one on the Saints “coolest names” list, has shown real promise. Lattimore is a tough act to follow but he has done an admirable job in keeping the Saints secondary solid.

Time will tell if QB Spencer Rattler can be moulded into a starting QB in the NFL. Rattler is clearly talented but his showing when filling in for the injured Derek Carr was difficult to watch. Spencer was not helped by a banged-up offensive line so maybe we will get a better idea of what he’s got now Carr looks set to miss more time.

He may well have to share snaps with second year QB Jake Haener though.

What is a weakness be for the Saints that the Commanders can capitalise on?

The Saints run defence has been woeful again this year.

There were improvements against running backs in the Giants game, but they still let Drew Lock get free on multiple occasions. And Lock is no Jayden Daniels. I can see the rookie from LSU breaking a lot of big runs.

The Rams looked troubled through one half against the Saints, until they realised at half time that they could just pound the rock and there was little resistance.

And where do you see success for the Saints vs Washington?

If the offensive line can regain their early season form, running back Alvin Kamara is still the most dangerous weapon on the field.

He might be old in RB terms, but he has not lost a step.

If the Saints can get back to successful outside zone runs and OC Klint Kubiak can somehow scheme around the loss of his QB1 and ’Swiss Army Knife’ Taysom Hill, there’s still danger of some explosive plays. But it will rely on massive improvements under centre from one of the young QB’s and that is a lot to ask.

Any ‘under the radar’ guys that can cause the Commanders problems?

A couple of the wide receivers lower down the depth chart have stepped up following the injuries this year. Kevin Austin Jr and Dante Pettis have had some great plays but have yet to fully establish themselves.

Running back Kendre Miller is clearly very talented behind Alvin Kamara and could break a few tackles on his way to some decent gains if he can get some blocking up front.

Would you like to see CB Marshon Lattimore play vs his old side on Sunday?

I still love Lattimore. I was surprised he has not made it back on the field so far for Washington but if you told me he was going to get back for one game this season, I would have guaranteed it was against the Saints!

With our season the way it is, I’ll be happy to see him back on the field - even if it is against us! He has struggled with hamstring issues since college, but he has undeniable talent when healthy. I think he is going to make a big impact this weekend, especially without elite talent in the Saints receiver room.

Score prediction?

I fear this could be a one-sided affair in favour of the Commanders.

I hate to bet against my own team but the realist in me has this at 28-10. If the Saints can get the run game going, I could see a TD for Miller or Kamara, but I do not envisage the passing game looking good without Carr. I hope I am wrong!