Well, this week escalated quickly. What looked early this week like a game with few storylines quickly turned into a nightmare scenario for Saints fans. First, the Saints reported a positive test for Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, the young, energetic nickel, who has been outstanding this season. Then, the addition of superstar Alvin Kamara to the Covid list brought on a whole new dynamic to this week 17 matchup. However, when it was announced that the Saints would now be without their entire running back room, suddenly the Saints found themselves in an uncomfortable situation.
Needing a win in week 17 to keep hopes for the one seed and securing the two seed, New Orleans was heading to meet a depleted Carolina team. With the Panthers down star running back Christian McCaffrey, backup Mike Davis, leading pass rusher Brian Burns and starting left tackle, it appeared the Saints would have an advantage going into this game. Most, if not all of that advantage, was depleted in a matter of hours. In total, the Saints made 11 roster moves Friday.
Related
They activated CB Grant Haley and LB Chase Hansen from the practice squad. They Covid-19 elevated WR Tommylee Lewis, RB Tony Jones Jr., TE Garrett Griffin, LB Andrew Dowell and WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey. The Saints also sent to the reserve/Covid 19 list RB’s Latavius Murray, Dwayne Washington and FB Michael Burton due to being high risk contacts of Alvin. And, complicating that list was a new positive test from S D.J. Swearinger. So in all, Friday was a busy and disappointing day for Saints fans as well as those within the Saints organization. Today we’ll get a glimpse of how this team handles that adversity.
In this wild season the Saints running back room, without question, is the most severely impacted group. While the Saints knew earlier in the week that Alvin Kamara would likely not be available, the rest of the running back room wasn’t ruled out until Friday, giving very little time and practice opportunity to get the other backs up to speed. When the Saints found out Saturday that their entire running back room would be out, it must have been an anticipated, but also jolting reality. Yet, like any difficult situation, the only response is to find where the positives lie.
For the Saints, they find themselves in a very fortunate situation considering the harsh realities they’re dealing with. Because of the injuries and depth problems at the wide receiver position, Ty Montgomery had been spending the week in the wide receiver room. Ty was originally a wide receiver when he was drafted by the Packers, but after injuries plagued their running back room, Montgomery made the switch to running back and really never looked back. Through 6 NFL seasons he carries a 4.6 rushing average. Montgomery also is obviously a very capable receiver out of the backfield. He has 97 career receptions. Ty Montgomery is not Alvin Kamara, but he also doesn’t have to be. He can give the Saints a reliable veteran option who can keep the defense honest vs. the Panthers. That’s a luxury the Broncos certainly didn’t have earlier in the season.
Related
Also, Ty Montgomery is not the only available option. Tony Jones Jr., an undrafted rookie free agent, is on tap for today’s game. If you look back in Jones’ history, there isn’t necessarily a bunch there to inspire confidence. He was a solid back at Notre Dame, though he never eclipsed 1000 yards. Known in the pre-draft process as a rugged, tough runner with limited speed, Jones was simply impressive throughout training camp. He showed outstanding vision and patience as a runner, and in my opinion, would not have survived the season on our practice squad had there been preseason games this year.
The reality for the Saints today is that they dodged a bullet. With two active running backs available, despite the entire room being shut down, including the running backs coach Joel Thomas, the Saints have everything they need to perform offensively, especially with the outstanding offensive line they possess.
The secondary is a little trickier for the Saints. Already without the injured Marcus Williams and Patrick Robinson, the Saints, earlier in the week lost nickel Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to the Covid list. Then, later in the week on Saturday, lost backup safety D.J. Swearinger. Down 4 contributors on the back end, the Saints will have some holes to fill.
They activated Grant Haley from the practice squad as part of yesterday’s roster moves. Haley started 9 games for the Giants in his rookie year, finishing as the fourth best rookie CB according to PFF. He amassed 33 tackles and had 2 pass breakups. He followed that rookie campaign with 43 tackles appearing in 15 games for the G-men. Haley took 375 of his 476 snaps in the slot in his second season and would appear to factor in there for the Saints. That would allow P.J. Williams to fall back to safety as he did last year and in the first half of this season for the Saints. Williams practiced at CGJ’s spot all week, however, and it is possible the Saints would rather move Haley back to the Safety spot and keep Williams where he was most comfortable during the week.
It will be an interesting game for the Saints. A win is necessary to stay in the running for the one seed as well as for guaranteeing two home games in the playoffs. There is a lot at stake for this group. The Panthers, on the other hand, are depleted and looking to play spoiler to the Saints. Carolina comes into this game with 5 wins, but have lost 8 one score games, including vs. the Saints earlier in the year.
A fast start would do wonders for the Saints and Drew Brees knows that. Look for Drew to take over early, but don’t be surprised to see the Saints rack up big yardage on the ground by the days end. Afterall, the offensive line is the best position on the field for the Saints offensively, might as well use them. Fortunately for all of us, the season doesn’t end today. As a matter of fact, after today, the season is just beginning.