{'byline': 'by Jeff Nowak', 'hosts': '', 'byline_sources': 'WWL Radio Sports', 'audience_id': '', 'original_station': [{'station': 'wwl', 'path': 'wwl/local-sports/saints/5-saints-x-factors-what-has-to-happen-for-success-in-2024'}], 'syndicated_items': '', 'original_item': {'_index': 'published-content_v44', '_type': '_doc', '_score': None, '_source': {'date': '2024-09-03T18:11:19.760Z', 'lead': [{'data': {'_version': 2, 'autoPlay': False, 'contentId': 'bykMkcugJFE', 'videoType': 'Editorial', 'isPlaylist': False, 'origSource': 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bykMkcugJFE', 'videoValid': True, 'videoSource': 'video', 'playerCaption': None, 'videoLocation': 'article', 'videoPlaylist': '', 'playerHeadline': None, 'playerBorderTop': False, 'autoPlayNextVideo': True, 'componentVariation': 'youtube', 'playerBorderBottom': False, 'playerBorderTopCTA': 'Watch', 'previousTypeRelated': False}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/youtube/instances/cm0mmc9r5000r3b7kk6fymo17@published'}], 'slug': '5-saints-x-factors-what-has-to-happen-for-success-in-2024', 'tags': ['Football', 'NFL', 'New Orleans Saints', 'Inside Black & Gold'], 'feeds': {'msn': True, 'rss': True, 'postup': True, 'facebook': True, 'newsfeed': True, 'sitemaps': True, 'frequency': True, 'smartNews': True, 'apple-news': False, 'smart-news': True, 'most-popular': True, 'reversechron': True, 'google-news-feed': True}, 'hosts': [], 'adTags': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/ad-tags/instances/cm0mmber3002a01sya52hz7j5@published'}, 'byline': [{'names': [{'name': 'Jeff Nowak', 'text': 'Jeff Nowak', 'slug': 'jeff-nowak'}], 'sources': [{'text': 'WWL Radio Sports'}], 'hosts': [], 'prefix': 'by'}], 'teaser': 'Saints X-factors: Here’s what has to happen for 2024 season to be a success', 'authors': ['Jeff Nowak'], 'content': [{'data': {'text': 'The New Orleans Saints are heading into a 2024 season that feels like it could go either way. If certain things break positively, a return to the playoffs feels possible.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmber4002e01sygxzbhfon@published'}, {'data': {'text': "So what are those things? That's what we broke down on the latest episode of the Audacy original podcast Inside Black &amp; Gold. Check out the full episode and breakdowns in the player below.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmjztl001u3b7kr8zstais@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<em>Can\'t see the embed? </em><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-new-orleans-saints-change-vibes-around-2024-season/id1635420001?i=1000668110454"><em>Click here</em></a><em>.</em>', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mqr2zo003w3b7k7bwrgore@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="450" style="width:100%;max-width:660px;overflow:hidden;border-radius:10px" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" src="https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-black-gold/id1635420001"></iframe>', 'isIframe': True, 'componentVariation': 'html-embed', 'fbInstantArticleHtml': '<iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="450" style="width:100%;max-width:660px;overflow:hidden;border-radius:10px" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" src="https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-black-gold/id1635420001"></iframe>'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/html-embed/instances/cm0mqobde003o3b7kihiu4kqk@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'With all that in mind, here are my top five X-factors that could potentially swing the 2024 season for the Saints.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmk36o00223b7k9sycee3k@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<em>━━</em><br /><strong>1. Can the rush/coverage be elite-elite?</strong>', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmkov9002a3b7k09k0b6vq@published'}, {'data': {'text': "One mistake we make in analysis is talking about the pass rush and pass coverage as if they're separate things. In reality they're inextricably linked. You can't be elite at one without being pretty good at the other, and vice versa. If receivers are running free the ball is coming out before the pass rush gets there. If the pass rush never gets there, a receiver will eventually be running free.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmkvto002i3b7kc6he7iwx@published'}, {'data': {'text': "To me the greatest strength of this team is that they have the potential to be elite at both, particularly if Marshon Lattimore can stay healthy for the first time in three seasons. Prior to the preseason games one of my predictions was that this team could finish top five in sacks now that Chase Young is in the fold to as a dynamic chess piece. I still think that can happen, and if it does I like this team's chances to make some noise.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mpsrxa000d3b7k7y6acvom@published'}, {'data': {'text': "If that doesn't happen, be it due to injuries or ineffective play, this season could go a bad way.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mpune1000m3b7knef6e7wt@published'}, {'data': {'tag': None, 'fill': None, 'items': [{'uri': 'www.audacy.com/_components/article/instances/cm0mnueip002001t6ks3wlahm@published', 'url': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/dennis-allen-confident-in-himself-and-saints-team-chemistry', 'lead': 'youtube', 'pageUri': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/dennis-allen-confident-in-himself-and-saints-team-chemistry', 'feedImgUrl': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/USATSI24078376168395313lowres-1-9cafa8ee-73c7-49a3-bc98-eb582cf3fd21.jpg?crop=16:9', 'urlIsValid': True, 'contentType': 'article', 'canonicalUrl': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/dennis-allen-confident-in-himself-and-saints-team-chemistry', 'overrideImage': None, 'overrideTitle': None, 'primaryHeadline': "Dennis Allen confident in himself and Saints team chemistry. Here's why.", 'ignoreValidation': False}], '_version': 2, 'articles': [{'uri': 'www.audacy.com/_components/article/instances/cm0mnueip002001t6ks3wlahm@published', 'url': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/dennis-allen-confident-in-himself-and-saints-team-chemistry', 'lead': 'youtube', 'pageUri': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/dennis-allen-confident-in-himself-and-saints-team-chemistry', 'feedImgUrl': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/USATSI24078376168395313lowres-1-9cafa8ee-73c7-49a3-bc98-eb582cf3fd21.jpg?crop=16:9', 'urlIsValid': True, 'contentType': 'article', 'canonicalUrl': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/dennis-allen-confident-in-himself-and-saints-team-chemistry', 'overrideImage': None, 'overrideTitle': None, 'primaryHeadline': "Dennis Allen confident in himself and Saints team chemistry. Here's why.", 'ignoreValidation': False}], 'missingItems': False, 'sectionFront': 'local sports', 'componentVariation': 'inline-related'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/inline-related/instances/cm0mqrgyo00433b7krjakq5qb@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<em>━━</em><br /><strong>2. Can we get hyper-efficient Derek Carr?</strong>', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmkyzw002q3b7klwem2vvo@published'}, {'data': {'text': "Lost in the frustration of the 2023 was not only that Derek Carr seemed to hit his stride down the stretch of the season, but also that we were seeing elite quarterback play. The offense has changed and a level of consistency has to exist early in the year, but there's no denying what we saw over the final month of the season.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mml8ha002y3b7k279vf5p3@published'}, {'data': {'text': "You don't complete 75% of your passes and have a 12/1 touchdown to interception ratio by accident. You do it by understanding how defenses are playing you and attacking weaknesses. You do it by getting the ball out of your hand quickly. You do it by playing like a veteran with a decade of NFL experience that should have you one step ahead a majority of the time.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mpx4kz000v3b7kd6t222kv@published'}, {'data': {'text': "If we can get that level of efficiency from Carr throughout the year, or at least something approaching it, this team is in good shape. At his absolute worst Carr is a QB who protects the ball. I'd love him to be more like late-career Tom Brady and get the ball out quickly a vast majority of the time. Pass-rushers will be the first to admit how frustrating it is to win their matchup and find a QB who no longer has the ball. With a defense as good as I expect the Saints to have, avoiding mistakes and taking what the defense gives you honestly might be enough most weeks.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mpzkdw00143b7kiq15erz5@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<em>━━</em><br /><strong>3. Can you protect the protection?</strong>', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmlcbo00363b7kyr4qwof8@published'}, {'data': {'text': "We'll sit here and talk over and over again about how the offensive line could struggle in pass protection, but the fact is: If the Saints are constantly in pass sets that hang the OL out to dry, it's because they've failed in other aspects of the game.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmm8bb000c3b7k31ovh907@published'}, {'data': {'text': "We know pass protection won't be the Saints' strength this season, but the run game will help in more ways than one. Picking up positive yardage on early downs will create positive game-script scenarios where the defense can't simply guess pass and sell out. Blocking well in the run game and forcing defenses to respect it is a must. That's what happened on the long TD drive by the first-team offense against the 49ers, and things looked a lot easier.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mq41pm001d3b7kz3oay4my@published'}, {'data': {'text': "But there's a second element, too. This is an offense that will rely heavily on the play action passing game. That game really only works the way you want if you can make everything look the same pre-snap. In order to do that, you need the defense to respect the idea that you'll run the ball with Chris Olave and/or Rashid Shaheed on the field. That means those guys have to block, and they have to do so at a reasonably effective level. To their credit, both guys seem committed to that idea and have bulked up a bit. A lot of WR blocking is more about willingness than anything else, so we'll see what happens.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mq666f001m3b7kk84grdnr@published'}, {'data': {'text': "Again, if you can protect the protection with an effective run and play action games, you can survive a less-than-stellar OL group. If not, you're asking for trouble.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mq8rne001v3b7k3chyw2wq@published'}, {'data': {'tag': None, 'fill': None, 'items': [{'uri': 'www.audacy.com/_components/article/instances/cm0lrxe45000y01teaq27fhsn@published', 'url': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/saints-alvin-kamara-is-selling-his-usd2-75m-home-heres-why', 'lead': 'youtube', 'pageUri': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/saints-alvin-kamara-is-selling-his-usd2-75m-home-heres-why', 'feedImgUrl': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/USATSI24041753168395313lowres-2dacd2ec-d777-4b90-856c-8a820eacee54.jpg?crop=16:9', 'urlIsValid': True, 'contentType': 'article', 'canonicalUrl': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/saints-alvin-kamara-is-selling-his-usd2-75m-home-heres-why', 'overrideImage': None, 'overrideTitle': None, 'primaryHeadline': "Saints RB Alvin Kamara has listed his house for sale. No, it's not about his contract.", 'ignoreValidation': False}], '_version': 2, 'articles': [{'uri': 'www.audacy.com/_components/article/instances/cm0lrxe45000y01teaq27fhsn@published', 'url': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/saints-alvin-kamara-is-selling-his-usd2-75m-home-heres-why', 'lead': 'youtube', 'pageUri': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/saints-alvin-kamara-is-selling-his-usd2-75m-home-heres-why', 'feedImgUrl': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/USATSI24041753168395313lowres-2dacd2ec-d777-4b90-856c-8a820eacee54.jpg?crop=16:9', 'urlIsValid': True, 'contentType': 'article', 'canonicalUrl': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/saints-alvin-kamara-is-selling-his-usd2-75m-home-heres-why', 'overrideImage': None, 'overrideTitle': None, 'primaryHeadline': "Saints RB Alvin Kamara has listed his house for sale. No, it's not about his contract.", 'ignoreValidation': False}], 'missingItems': False, 'sectionFront': 'local sports', 'componentVariation': 'inline-related'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/inline-related/instances/cm0mqrnjp004b3b7keprzijzq@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<em>━━</em><br /><strong>4. Can Blake Grupe be rock solid?</strong>', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmmdxi000k3b7k07k1i3v1@published'}, {'data': {'text': "There was a lot of kicker talk throughout training camp, and I do think it was a legitimate competition between Blake Grupe and Charlie Smyth. At the end of the day the decision came down to confidence level inside the 50, and that's why I always saw Grupe as the obvious answer.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmmvpk000s3b7khmju85pf@published'}, {'data': {'text': "The Saints will find ways to scheme around and navigate offensive deficiencies, but it's hard to shake the idea that the Saints will have a lot of drives bog down once the deep ball becomes less of a threat. That will mean a lot of field goals, and I need a guy who will be rock steady from those distances.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mqawyf00243b7k77oc93cv@published'}, {'data': {'text': "Generally speaking I think Grupe had a better season than he'll get credit for. There were two bizarre misses inside the 30, but when you consider he went 40-40 on the 33-yard PATs, it's fair to say those misses likely had something to do with the operation. In all he was 24-28 inside 50 and 6-9 outside 50. If you can erase three of those closer misses, you have an elite kicking season.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mqcjc1002d3b7knkta10o3@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'I think the Saints have to win special teams pretty routinely to win double-digit games this season.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mqflxn002l3b7kcmjxkom7@published'}, {'data': {'text': "<em>━━</em><br /><strong>5. Can Chris Olave prove he's a true No. 1 receiver?</strong>", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmmz8700103b7khkltfji8@published'}, {'data': {'text': "Over two seasons I've seen more than enough glimpses to know Chris Olave is capable of being No. 1 in an NFL offense. The question I've always had is whether he can do it on a consistent basis.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmnf1k00183b7kwb0g5ta5@published'}, {'data': {'text': "The difference between a top end WR and a superstar is that superstars don't flame out. In big moments, those guys burn brighter. They expect the ball because they know the defense can't stop them from getting it without significant extra attention that opens up things across the board.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mqhgik002t3b7kfiya7r5y@published'}, {'data': {'text': "We've seen the spectacular catches and we've seen big statistical games, but to this point there's been too many lulls. In the 2023 season Olave was under 50 yards receiving in 7 of his 16 games. He went over 100 yards in five games. That first number needs to be lower and that second number needs to be higher. There's really no other option. I need Chris to take over for this offense to move in the way we want to see it.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mmnkzb001g3b7kwmm4y4pn@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<em>━━</em>', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mqn5sf00323b7kr9h5594r@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<em>Check out Inside Black &amp; Gold wherever you get your podcasts</em><br /><em>LINKS: </em><a href="https://t.co/9eAyiRwRiT"><em>Apple</em></a><em> | </em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3FXYTRYA4tVbRV3oZf1bcz?si=3697f806baa14d66"><em>Spotify</em></a><em> | </em><a href="https://t.co/1NmXadYgjf"><em>Audacy</em></a><em> ... remember to rate and subscribe!</em>', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm0mqn911003a3b7k0xom8kqo@published'}], 'feedImg': {'data': {'alt': 'Chase Young', 'url': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/Artboard-3-eeaa21fc-844f-459a-83ec-da64a8599b2e.jpg', 'width': 1920, 'credit': 'USAT Images', 'height': 1080, 'mimeType': 'image/jpeg', 'sizeInBytes': '301769', 'componentVariation': 'feed-image'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/feed-image/instances/cm0mmber4002b01syg55anial@published'}, 'sources': [{'text': 'WWL Radio Sports'}], '_version': 24, 'featured': False, 'headline': "Saints X-factors: Here's what has to happen for 2024 season to be a success | Inside Black & Gold", 'msnTitle': "Saints X-factors: Here's what has to happen for 2024 season to be a success | Inside Black & Gold", 'textTags': ['Football', 'NFL', 'New Orleans Saints', 'Inside Black & Gold'], '_msnTitle': {'shouldOverride': False}, 'apContent': None, 'isOpinion': False, 'pageTitle': '5 Saints X-factors: What has to happen for success in 2024', 'sideShare': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/share/instances/cm0mmber4002c01sy3srxrjis@published'}, 'feedImgUrl': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/Artboard-3-eeaa21fc-844f-459a-83ec-da64a8599b2e.jpg', 'feedLayout': 'small', 'showSocial': True, 'stationURL': 'https://www.audacy.com/wwl', 'breadcrumbs': [{'hidden': False, 'text': 'WWL', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wwl'}, {'hidden': False, 'text': 'Local Sports', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports'}, {'hidden': False, 'text': 'Saints', 'isLastVisibleDivider': True, 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints'}, {'hidden': True, 'text': "Saints X-factors: Here's what has to happen for 2024 season to be a success | Inside Black & Gold", 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wwl/local-sports/saints/5-saints-x-factors-what-has-to-happen-for-success-in-2024'}], 'contentType': 'article', 'seoHeadline': '5 Saints X-factors: What has to happen for success in 2024', 'stationName': 'WWL', 'stationSlug': 'wwl', 'dateModified': '2024-09-04T00:41:47.435Z', 'featuredNews': True, 'sectionFront': 'local sports', 'fullWidthLead': False, 'shortHeadline': "Saints X-factors: Here's what has to happen for 2024 season to be a success", 'syndicatedUrl': None, 'unityPageType': 'article', 'editorialFeeds': None, 'featuredSports': False, 'msnTitleLength': 97, 'seoDescription': 'The New Orleans Saints are heading into a 2024 season that feels like it could go either way. 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