The New Orleans Saints (8-2) head to Denver this afternoon to face the Broncos (4-6) in a game with significant playoff implications for both teams. The Saints are riding a seven-game winning streak and lead the NFC South, while the Broncos are fighting to stay relevant in the AFC playoff picture.
However, this matchup is unique. The Broncos are facing a major obstacle – a COVID-19 outbreak within their quarterback room. With all four quarterbacks on the active roster ineligible to play, Denver is forced to start practice squad wide receiver Kendall Hinton under center. The Saints, despite missing key offensive linemen Terron Armstead and Andrus Peat, will continue with Taysom Hill at quarterback in Drew Brees’s absence. This unexpected turn of events creates intriguing matchups across the field.
Key Matchups to Watch:
Saints Pass Rush vs. Broncos Offensive Line
The Saints’ defense is among the league leaders with 32 sacks and 70 QB hits, bringing pressure from all angles. They’ll target the right side of Denver’s banged-up offensive line, particularly guard Graham Glasgow and tackle Demar Dotson. Dotson, in his first season with the Broncos after a decade with Tampa Bay, has historically struggled against the Saints. In 11 career matchups against New Orleans, Cam Jordan alone has recorded 11 sacks, 18 QB hits, and 7 tackles for loss against Dotson. With a depleted offensive line and an inexperienced quarterback, providing adequate protection for Hinton will be a monumental task for the Broncos.
Alvin Kamara vs. Denver Linebackers
While Alvin Kamara’s pursuit of a 1,000-yard rushing and receiving season has slowed in recent weeks, he remains a dynamic weapon for the Saints. Kamara leads the team with 531 rushing yards and eight touchdowns and tops all NFL running backs with 67 receptions for 648 yards and four scores. The Broncos’ defense, ranked 19th against the run, will have their hands full containing him. Linebackers Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell, while strong tacklers, might lack the athleticism to match Kamara’s versatility. Expect the Saints to utilize Kamara heavily, both on the ground and through the air, exploiting this potential mismatch.
Saints Linebackers vs. Broncos Running Backs
The Broncos, averaging 115 rushing yards per game (14th in the NFL), need a strong performance on the ground to stand a chance. However, they face a formidable Saints run defense that allows just 74 yards per game, ranking second in the league. Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay form a potent rushing duo for Denver, and the Saints must contain them to force the inexperienced Hinton to beat them with his arm. Demario Davis, having an All-Pro caliber season, leads a Saints linebacking corps that also includes the athletic Kwon Alexander and Alex Anzalone. This trio must win the battle at the line of scrimmage and maintain discipline against misdirection plays to shut down Denver’s rushing attack.
James Hurst/Nick Easton vs. Bradley Chubb/Dre’Mont Jones
The Saints’ offensive line, tasked with protecting Taysom Hill, takes a hit with Terron Armstead and Andrus Peat sidelined. Guard Nick Easton and tackle James Hurst are serviceable backups but face a tough test against Denver’s pass rush, led by Bradley Chubb and Dre’Mont Jones. Chubb has been a disruptive force with 6.5 sacks, 27 pressures, and eight tackles for loss this season. The Saints’ makeshift offensive line must hold firm to give Hill time to operate in the pocket.
The X-Factor: Taysom Hill
While the matchup spotlights Denver’s quarterback situation, Taysom Hill’s performance is crucial for the Saints. He faces a stiffer test this week against a Broncos defense far superior to the Falcons unit he faced last week. Broncos head coach Vic Fangio and defensive coordinator Ed Donatell are known for their complex schemes, and they’ll likely deploy a variety of blitzes and coverages to confuse Hill. The Saints need Hill to make quick, decisive reads and limit mistakes against a Denver defense that flustered another young quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, just last week.
Historical Context
This game marks the 12th meeting between these franchises, with Denver holding a 9-2 series advantage. The Saints are winless against the Broncos in three tries under Sean Payton. The last time these teams met was a controversial 25-23 Broncos victory in New Orleans in 2016. However, the Saints’ history in Denver is particularly dismal, with a 1-5 all-time record at Mile High. Their sole victory came back in 1994.
Final Thoughts
The Denver Broncos face a monumental challenge with their makeshift offense. While their defense is formidable, the lack of experience at quarterback is a significant disadvantage. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints, even with their offensive line woes, have the talent and experience to exploit these mismatches. If the Saints can establish a ground game and protect Taysom Hill, they should have the upper hand in this contest. It will be fascinating to see how the Broncos attempt to overcome their quarterback predicament and if they can hand the Saints their first loss in over two months.
