Detroit Lions 2016 Opponent Preview: New Orleans Saints

A road game at the New Orleans Saints is always tough but the Detroit Lions get the long week after Thanksgiving to prepare for their week 13 meeting.

The Detroit Lions finish the third quarter of their 2016 season when they take a post-Thanksgiving road trip to face the New Orleans Saints in week 13.

To check in on the Saints, I got together Barry Hirstius of Big Easy Believer. Below are my questions followed by his answers.

1. How would you assess the Saints’ offseason? Did they do what they needed to do through the draft and free agency?

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I believe that the Saints have improved themselves this off-season, particularly on the defensive side of the ball — which has been their obvious Achilles Heel for the last few seasons. They’ve completely remodeled their LB corps (which was abysmal last year outside of rookie Stephone Anthony), and upgraded their interior pass rush with free agent DT Nick Fairley and rookie Sheldon Rankins. Just those few moves alone could help them sneak in as a NFC Wild Card, if they get a few breaks this season.

2. Which rookie are you most excited to see play in 2016 and why?

Michael Thomas, the 2nd Round pick out of Ohio State. He’s the nephew of former All-Pro WR Keyshawn Johnson, and is about as “NFL-ready” for a young WR coming out of college as you will ever see. Saints QB Drew Brees has gushed shamelessly over him like a love-struck teenage school-girl, and he will be a big part of the Saints offense, replacing the long-time veteran WR Marques Colston — who was released in February.

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3. What is the biggest question that still needs to be answered heading into training camp?

The edge pass rusher position. The Saints lost 2nd year defensive end Hau’oli Kikaha to a season-ending knee injury during OTA’s, and will have a total of three young veterans competing in Camp and the Pre-Season to replace him (Kasim Edebali. Obum Gwacham, and Davis Tull), none who have achieved anything of significance in their pro careers thus far.

4. What are your expectations for the Saints in 2016?

As I mentioned, I think they can actually contend for a Wild Card spot in the NFC. They’ve always had a Top 5 caliber offense despite whomever Brees is surrounded with; and even though Brees is now 37, he’s still playing at a high level a la Tom Brady. If the defense just improves slightly, they’re a 9-7 or 10-6 Wild Card team.

5. Right here, right now, are you marking down the game against the Lions as a win, loss or toss-up for the Saints?

It’s a toss-up. The Lions beat the Saints at the Superdome last year, a game that in years past the Saints probably would have won easily — with or without the Lions having Megatron. The Saints should be improved over what they’ve been in recent seasons, but they’re nowhere near being one of the top-tiered teams in the NFC that they were several years ago. It will be a “winnable” game for either team, when they finally meet.

Next: Checking in on the Jacksonville Jaguars

For more on the Saints and the rest of the New Orleans sports scene, check out Big Easy Believer.

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