New Orleans Saints: 5 X-factor players for Week 1 vs. Bucs
Which New Orleans Saints players hold the key to beating the Bucs?
After months of waiting and uncertainty, the time is finally here. It’s finally Week 1 for the New Orleans Saints. The team has been among one of the most hyped during this offseason and no doubt we’re all expecting big things. This Week 1 matchup will be unlike any other though as the Saints are facing off against the new-look Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Oddly enough, it will also be Brees’ back-up, Jameis Winston’s return to Tampa Bay.
Week 1 sets the precedent for a lot of teams and the sentiment rings true for the Saints. The team has to set the pace early and then go from there. It’s not going to be an easy road for them as they have a tough schedule. However, the Saints have proven time and time again they won’t shy away from a challenge.
To ensure a win, the Saints have some guys who need to make an impact. Whether it be veterans, new additions, or young guys, the Sains need five players, in particular, to step up. If they do, the team should have no problem, beating the Bucs. Even with the addition of Tom Brady, the team still has a lot of room for improvement and the Saints need to capitalize early.
5. Drew Brees
The first X-factor player had to be Drew Brees. Everything basically starts and ends with Drew Brees in New Orleans. If there’s one person who needs to play well, it has to be Drew Brees. The team was able to work together last season but this year, the Saints really need him. If the team plans on making it to the Super Bowl, then they most definitely need Drew Brees to be healthy.
Brees is an X-factor because the entire offense is centered around him. If he can connect with his receivers, work together with Sean Payton and sling the ball as he has been, then the offense should be golden. Brees is also incredibly smart and able to get the ball away quickly so if he can keep making sound decisions, the Saints are in great shape.
If he starts showing signs of his age or even making a few mistakes, then it all falls apart. Basically, the entire tower could fall or thrive depending on how Drew Brees plays.