New Orleans Saints: 3 Takeaways vs. Patriots in Week 2

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 17: Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots breaks up a pass intended for Ted Ginn #19 of the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

1. The Offense Underperforms Again

While the Saints defense has a history of struggling, their offense does not. Last season the Saints ranked second in points scored and were in the top 10 in the previous two seasons. However, this Saints offense has scored a total of 39 points in their first two games. The Minnesota Vikings defense they faced in Week 1 may be good, but the Patriots defense is not and the Saints were at home in that game.

Not only have the Saints failed to figure out their run game, their passing game hasn’t impressed either. Brees has a combined three touchdowns in his first two games, on pace for only 24 touchdowns on the season. That would be the lowest number of passing touchdowns for Brees since the 2005 season.

Some of the Saints struggles could be due to the loss of wide receiver Willie Snead, who was suspended at the start of the season. However, the loss of a single receiver shouldn’t be enough to stop an entire offense, especially when Snead was listed as the third receiver on the roster. If the Saints want even a chance of making the playoffs after starting 0-2 they will need to score a lot more due to the holes in their defense.

Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Week 3

In Week 3, New Orleans will travel to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers, who have not allowed a touchdown in their first two games. The Saints offense will be in for a tough test in they want to avoid going 0-3.

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