The offensive line of the Saints may be “Sleepless in Seattle” thinking about their match-up Sunday against a tough Seahawks defensive front. K.J. Wright, Mychal Kendricks, and Bobby Wagner are a troublesome trio at linebacker, combined with a young talent in Poona Ford in the middle along with the additions of Ziggy Ansah and Jadeveon Clowney on the edge. The Black & Gold managed to avoid Clownery in week 1 against the Texans, but the first overall pick in the 2014 draft was dealt to the Hawks so a showdown against the DE who has racked up 18.5 sacks the past 2 season was inevitable.
“We all put a high premium on pass rushers and he certainly brings that,” said Coach Sean Payton. “He’s got strength, he’s got initial get-off. He’s explosive and then combine that when you’re on the road and it’s noisy and you can’t hear that well. I think he’s an exceptional player.”
To the surprise of absolutely no one, Jadeveon Clowney was an immediate MONSTAR for Seattle vs. Cincy, repeatedly showcasing an explosive counter club-swim, play-wrecking disruptiveness, and generally freakish athleticism. Not bad for his 1st week back on the field. pic.twitter.com/odFCM2fVF5
— James Thomas (@JamesThomasHT)
September 10, 2019 Payton mentioned crowd noise, which the Saints have been practicing with during their workouts and the University of Washington. Seahawks fans are a fiery bunch, very similar to Who Dats and pride themselves on being the 12th man and a factor for their team.
“It’s certainly one thing you’ve got to handle, with a young center, and you’ve got to be able to, at least to some degree, neutralize it,” said Payton. “But, this is one of the louder venues.”
The greatest atmosphere I have ever experienced #12thMan #Seahawks - the noise was different level pic.twitter.com/OunuQbHlvm
— David Rees (@rees_da)
September 9, 2019 Rookie Erik McCoy may be up for the biggest challenge on Sunday, but luckily he has a strong veteran supporting cast around him in Terron Amstead, Larry Warford and Ryan Ramczyk to keep the center calm and focused in the midst of the madness.
