Defense can get turnovers vs. Winston, New Orleans
The Patriots shut down the Jets offense because they either forced or baited rookie quarterback Zach Wilson into a four-interception afternoon. Next up, turnover machine Jameis Winston and the Saints.
Winston has gotten off to a topsy-turvy start, throwing five touchdowns Week 1, then zero TDs and two picks last weekend. The Panthers frazzled Winston all game, leaving him with a 26.9 quarterback rating, the worst of his career. Overall, they held the Saints to just 128 total yards.
Might they have provided a defensive blueprint for the Patriots?
Maybe, but even if the Pats have the answers to the test, they still have to execute. Several members of the defense termed it a “do your job game” this week. From Bill Belichick on down, there’s plenty of respect for Saints coach Sean Payton as a play-caller and play designer.
Naturally, the Patriots are expecting the Saints offense that showed up in Week 1 and blew out the Packers 38-3.
“We’ll see the team that played Week 1, there’s no doubt about it,” said defensive captain Devin McCourty. “They’re going to be ready to go ... coming off a tough game in Carolina, there’s no doubt to me they’ll be ready and we’ll see their best stuff.”
Here’s how the Patriots defense can shut down Winston and the Saints.