Kupp is an enormous boost to the offense, obviously. That will be compensated for a bit by the hostile environment, but I have to think the offense we've witnessed while he's been out is a thing of the past. They're going to be sharp on their blitz pickups and overall should have a really good day in the passing game. I don't think the Saints defense can keep us down offensively for an entire game, their secondary is going to struggle in locking down Woods & Kupp.
So things will largely be about how the defense shows against that New Orleans offense. And right at the top is Peters vs Thomas, whether he can have some damn eye discipline, because even though Brees isn't a big threat to beat you deep he is capable of it and they have a lot of film suggesting they should be taking shots. So they're gonna take some shots, and mash it in the run game.
We basically need a big game from our DL. Those guys need to dominate on the rush, and stay disciplined in their run fits. Again I think this is a really tough draw without Talib, given how up and down Hill is and with Peters struggling too. Don't like the matchup but hopeful the Rams step it up and get 'er done.
