Should The Saints Make Some Changes At Quarterback?
Updated: Feb 1
Saints Quarterback Andy Dalton started last week’s game against the Vikings due to Jameis Winston being out with an injury. Based on his performance, is this something the Saints should be sticking with?
Dalton Limits Turnovers For Saints
The initial starter for New Orleans, Jameis Winston has five interceptions in just three games. Dalton did not throw a single pick in last week’s game and completed 71.4% of his passes compared to Winston’s 63.5%. He seemed to take more of what the defense gave him as opposed to taking the big-shot plays and forcing throws. While Dalton did have a fumble on a strip sack by Zadarius Smith, it was nice seeing good decisions in the passing game.
A Much More Fluid Saints Offense Under Dalton
Taking what the defense gives you helped create a much smoother offense last game. Dalton leading three drives resulting in touchdowns is a great sign in terms of the offense’s success. For context, the Saints have only had three touchdowns in the last two games combined. Keep in mind that two of the team’s best weapons in Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara were inactive.
Quarterback Play Was Not The Reason The Saints Lost
The Vikings won that game purely by taking advantage of the mistakes made by New Orleans…and a double doink. The Saints had a season-high ten penalties resulting in 102 free yards. While of course some of these were questionable, the team cannot be making these mistakes.
The defense and their mistakes were one reason the game ended in the loss column for New Orleans. Letting the Vikings’ best player get open all game and tally up an easy 147 yards is not going to win you a game.
Dalton May Have Another Shot To Start For The Saints
If Winston is out with injury for the second game in a row, the Red Rifle may have another shot to start. The Seattle Seahawks will travel to New Orleans for a Week Five matchup. This Seahawks team just surrendered 45 points last game so if there is any time for either Dalton or Winston to show the team what they’ve got, this is the game to do it.
The Saints are currently sitting at 1-3 which is only good enough for last place in the NFC South, something they haven’t been too familiar with in recent years.
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