Advocate staff photo by SCOTT THRELKELD
By Nick Underhill | The Advocate
No need to panic.
After playing three subpar games on offense, the Saints took a step toward regaining their form on offense during Sunday’s 31-28 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in what might be the last live action the group sees as a whole before the playoffs begin. A big reason for that was New Orleans’ ability to create the matchups it wanted.
The Saints seemed to like the way Pittsburgh covered the slot, where they took advantage of some coverage issues and the Steelers' zone defense.
The success was apparent — Drew Brees connected with the slot for 115 yards. It was only the third time this season the Saints accumulated 100 or more yards from the inside, also hitting the mark Week 1 against Tampa Bay and later against the Rams. These advantageous looks are likely one of the reasons why Michael Thomas logged 13 snaps inside, his fourth-highest total of the season.
It was clear the Saints were going to have plays to take advantage of when, on the first passing play of the game, a cornerback blitz left Thomas on linebacker Vance Joseph for a gain of 13 on an out route. Later, Thomas was left uncovered for a gain of 5 on a curl against a zone coverage. ...
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