Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints: Five Questions with the Enemy

Each week as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their matchup we will go behind enemy lines to get the scoop on the team they’re facing with a member of the FanSided Network. Today we have John Hendrix, editor of Who Dat Dish, giving us the info on the New Orleans Saints. He discusses the state of the NFC South, the biggest surprise of the Saints 4-7 season so far, the matchup between Keenan Lewis and Antonio Brown, the Saints’ strengths and weaknesses, and even gives a prediction for the game. Here’s what he had to say.

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The Steelers and Saints sit at opposite records at 7-4 and 4-7 respectively yet are both in the thick of their divisional races. What in the heck is going on in the NFC South this year?

You may have an easier time figuring out why the AFC North is playing so well right now. I’m honestly clueless as to why there has been a serious drop off in the NFC South. I can understand the issues with the Bucs, who were somewhat tarnished with the Greg Schiano residue. The Panthers were already in a big hole with the loss of several key offensive linemen, and a lack of receivers, but no one would have guessed that their defense would fall flat on their faces. Much is the same with the Falcons, who have been hit really hard with the injury bug. As for the Saints, they figure to be the most disappointing of the group. Each division has had their respective woes over the past couple of decades, and I guess it’s just the NFC South’s turn.

What’s been the biggest surprise of the season so far for Saints fans?

The fall off on defense has been the single most surprise of the season. We realistically didn’t expect this unit to be Top 5 again, but to be so bad and look more like the league’s worst defense from 2012? That has been a real head scratcher. Many have called for the removal of Rob Ryan, but not everyone agrees. Ryan calls the defense, but he isn’t the one out there tackling and executing on assignments. Nothing about the defense has been exactly encouraging this season.

Steelers fans are looking forward to watching the matchup between Steelers WR Antonio Brown and Saints CB Keenan Lewis because of Lewis’ history here. Is that just a one-sided thing or are Saints fans anxious to see if Lewis can attempt to shut Brown down?

Any player that Keenan Lewis lines up opposite against is always an anticipated part of the game. Lewis has been nothing short of spectacular for the Saints since ‘coming back home’ in 2013. He’s everything we have needed and then some. He’s been able to hold his own, and has played hurt, just showing everyone how tough he is. He commands a great deal of respect. It will be a highly entertaining matchup between the two.

What’s the Saints biggest strength/weakness?

Let’s start with the biggest weakness, and that’s the defense. It’s hard to pinpoint where you begin to dissect the breakdowns from this season. I’d tend to shift the primary focuses on the secondary and lack of rush defense. Either way, it’s been the Saints largest problem this season, as they can’t get off the field on third and however long it is.

As far as their biggest strength, it has to be in Drew Brees’ ability to move the team down the field through a variety of weapons like Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston. The Saints have struggled recently on offense, and have lost their identity as a quick strike team. The Ravens and Bengals were ready to stymie the Saints rushing attack, and the Steelers look to be no different.

What is your prediction with score for the game?

I don’t have a lot of optimism left in the tank for the Saints, especially after what has transpired over the past three home games. I believe the Steelers rushing attack will replicate success, and gash the run defense of the Saints. Big Ben has played great for the Steelers, and should also continue his trend. Dick LeBeau will take a page from the past several defenses the Saints faced, and will show a good bit of blitzes. In turn, that will make Brees turn the ball over to help set up some short fields for the Steelers. I look for the Saints to make a game of it, but they’ll fall in the end.

Steelers 34, Saints 24

There you have it, Steeler Nation. Everything you need to know about the New Orleans Saints before they arrive at Heinz Field to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. What questions would you have asked?

Be sure to check out Who Dat Dish for my answers to John’s questions!

Here we go Steelers! Here we go!