3 Matchups To Watch In Broncos-Saints Game
DENVER (CBS4/The Sports Xchange) - The NFL's top-ranked passing offense will go against the league's No. 1 pass defense when the Saints meet the Broncos on Sunday.
The following are matchups to watch in the game, which takes place in New Orleans:
QB Drew Brees against Broncos defense. While Brees will want to throw against Denver (like he does against every NFL defense, generally with no fear), Chris Harris Jr. and the rest of the Broncos No-Fly Zone secondary are quite skilled, so the Saints probably won't mind trying to repeat their recent running success considering the Broncos allow 128.6 rushing yards per game and rank 29th in the league.
Broncos WRs Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas vs. Saints CBs Delvin Breaux and B.W. Webb. Sanders has 49 catches for 614 yards and three TDs and Thomas has 47 receptions for 591 yards and four scores and both are obviously capable of going off at any time. Breaux and Webb and nickel back Sterling Moore would love to get some help from a pass rush to make Trevor Siemian a little uncomfortable in the pocket, but the Saints have just 11 sacks this season. If the Saints can generate any kind of pressure, it could go a long way to having Breaux, Webb and Moore do their job against two formidable receiving threats.
Saints offensive line vs. Broncos linebacker Von Miller. This is the biggest key for the Saints this week, especially for the left side of their offensive line, after coach Sean Payton said Wednesday that Miller was the best pass rusher in the league. Left tackle Terron Armstead will likely be questionable, which means that left guard Andrus Peat will likely move into his spot. That would move Senio Kelemete into Peat's spot. Despite numerous injuries along the line, the Saints have given up just 12 sacks in eight games. That means keeping Miller away from Drew Brees will be essential to their success.
