Marques Colston Injury: Why New Orleans Saints' Offense Just Got Worse

The New Orleans Saints now have much more to worry about than just their defense being able to stop teams after they dropped their season-opener to the Green Bay Packers, 42-34.

It was reported today by FOXSports.com that the most productive receiver on the Saints roster, Marques Colston, will be out approximately four weeks with a broken collarbone.

Ahead are three reasons the Saints offense got worse with the absence of Colston.

Their Playmaker Is Gone

Colston is without a doubt the most consistent receiver on the Saints roster.

One of quarterback Drew Brees' favorite targets, Colston has racked off 1,000-yard receiving seasons four out of his five years in the league. His only year without 1,000 yards receiving, Colston only played 11 games but still accrued 760 yards.

He is also a dynamic down-field threat, catching season longs of 43, 68, 70, 45 and 86 over the past five years.

Brees could struggle in the four games Colston misses, primarily due to lack of depth at the position.

No Depth at the Position

Marques Colston is expected to miss at least the next four weeks, so the Saints need someone from their bulk of receivers to step in as a No. 1 receiver.

The Saints will possibly be looking at replacing their No. 1 and 2 receivers in Week 2 though.

Lance Moore missed New Orleans' Week 1 tilt against the Packers due to a groin injury, so it will be interesting to see how the sixth-year receiver out of Toldeo heals throughout the week.

Behind Colston and Moore are veterans Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson. Henderson is coming off a six-reception, 100-yard game against the Packers, compared to Meachem's five catches for 70 yards.

Timing Couldn't Be Worse

The Saints couldn't have picked a worse time for the Marques Colston injury to happen.

After losing their season-opener, the Saints will have to play the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Carolina Panthers in consecutive weeks.

The Bears have always offered a stifling defensive style and the Texans are working under Wade Phillips  revamped defensive secondary.

Jacksonville's offense is in shambles, but their defense and new safety Dawan Landry are ready for the Saints pass attack. It is up in the air what Carolina can offer, but new head coach and defensive mastermind Ron Rivera will surely have something up his sleeve for Drew Brees and Co.

Conclusion

With the Saints passing attack under fire, New Orleans could be heading into Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sitting at 2-3.

Potential losses to Houston and Chicago could set the Saints in a deep hole in the NFC South, one the NFL's toughest divisions.

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