Coming off their first loss of the season, the Patriots will host New Orleans in Week 6, hoping to put a stop to the Saints’ undefeated start.
While New England’s offensive woes were on full display against Cincinnati, it is their defense that will be faced with an even harder task — stopping the many weapons that comprise the Saints offense.
Jimmy Graham, who is on a record-setting pace this season, totaled 10 catches for 135 yards in their win over the Bears on Sunday. Graham has now racked up more than 100 yards in four consecutive games, tying him for the longest streak in NFL history by a tight end. Graham continues to be Drew Brees’ most targeted receiver, and the Pats defense will have their hands full shutting him down.
Marques Colston was limited to only two catches against Chicago, but the wide receiver has accounted for 313 yards on the season, and has posted at least 60 yards in the four games before being shut down by the Bears.
After a huge performance against Miami, Darren Sproles was used rather sparingly in Week 5, with Pierre Thomas getting the bulk of the work in the backfield and in the passing game. While the Dolphins were able to contain Graham for the first half, Sproles exploded for more than 100 receiving yards before halftime. Sproles notched season-lows in catches, targets and yards against the Bears, however, as Thomas piled up a season-high 19 carries to go along with two touchdowns.
The Saints will be bringing their fourth-ranked offense to Foxboro on Sunday, complete with a stacked arsenal, but which one of the offensive weapons concerns you the most?
