Thursday, September 24, 2009

Saints Nation: Facing the Bills

The Saints travel to Buffalo this Sunday to face the Bills - and on paper it looks like a decent matchup. Through 2 games the Bills have the 28th ranked defense, 31st against the pass and 8th against the rush. Offensively the Bills are 14th, 20th in passing and 6th rushing. A little surprising that the Bills have managed to run the ball so well thus far because Marshawn Lynch has been suspended. Fred Jackson has filled in at running back and run for 220yds in 2 games with an average per carry of 5.1 yards. Pretty impressive stuff. Jackson also leads the team in receiving and their passing game has been very efficient as Trent Edwards (pictured) currently boasts a 64.3% completion rate and a 104.9 rating. Lynch will serve his last game of suspension so the Saints can expect a heavy dose of Fred Jackson. The Bills are 1-1, including a game where they had the Patriots on the ropes in Foxboro and lost late on an ill advised Leodis McKelvin fumble when they were in a position to ice the game. The following week they came home and blew out the Buccaneers.

The Saints rank 1st overall offensively, 1st in passing and 8th in rushing. Their defense is currently 21st, 29th against the pass and 4th against the run. I'm hearing that with Mike Bell hurt and Pierre Thomas still not quite at 100%, Lynell Hamilton has been getting a healthy dose of reps with the 1st team this week. Don't be surprised if he's used as the primary back Sunday. this may be his chance to show what he can do.