Prediction:
Justifying a Saints win these days is as hard as solving a Rubik's Cube, but I think the Saints will beat the Chargers and here is why:
1. Drew Brees record-setting day: The atmosphere in the Dome will be electric with the potential for Brees to shatter one of the oldest records in the books, Johnny Unitas' consecutive games with a TD pass.
2. Sean Payton in the House: You don't think the Saints are going to lay an egg with their suspended coach looking on inside the Dome do you? No chance!
No Show:
Saints GM Mickey Loomis and Assistant Coach Joe Vitt will not be at the game Sunday night in the Superdome. While the NFL said they could attend, Loomis and Vitt say they don't want to be a distraction as Brees goes for the record, and will not be there.
Injury report:
WR Lance Moore (hamstring,) defensive end Turk McBride (ankle,) Linebacker David Hawthorne (hamstring,) and RB Travaris Cadet (shoulder) all did not practice this week. Defensive tackle Broderick Bunkley also missed practice (illness.) Safety Roman Haper was limited. With Moore missing practice this week, Interim Coach Aaron Kromer said, "Guys have to step up and we have to adjust what we're doing. It's hard to replace a guy like Lance Moore." The re-signing of veteran wide receiver Greg Camarillo makes more sense now. Moore has a history of hamstring issues. He missed a few games last year because of a sore hamstring.
Pass rush:
The Saints haven't been able to generate a consistent pass rush from their front four this season. "A lot of times it comes when you are up in a game, and teams are playing catch up. So that's when guys can pin their ears back and get a great pass rush. We're improving, and we have to keep working on it," Kromer explained. The Black and Gold defense has totaled just 6 sacks through the first four games of the season.
Photo courtesy the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
