Lions vs. Saints: What's the Game Plan for New Orleans?

The New Orleans Saints will look to score their second straight win Monday night, as coach Sean Payton’s squad takes on the Detroit Lions in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

With a 5-8 mark, New Orleans currently sits at the bottom of the NFC South standings, trailing the Atlanta Falcons (6-7) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8). After a win over the Buccaneers last week, however, the Saints still have a chance, albeit a slight one, to earn a playoff spot.

New Orleans will have to win to even remain in the discussion, and in order to get it done against Detroit (4-9), a sound game plan is needed on both sides of the ball.

Let’s take a looks at a few things the Saints might do come Monday night.

Offense

Quarterback Drew Brees was stellar on the road last week, and he’ll be looking to find a similar rhythm at home this week against Detroit.

Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin isn’t shy about sending an additional pass-rusher, or two, in order to generate pressure, and there’s a good chance Detroit will try to put the heat on Brees with an aggressive blitz package.

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Look for the Saints to attempt to get the Lions linebackers going horizontally with the short passing game, which has been exceptional in recent weeks. Short outs into the flats, screens and other high-percentage throws are all viable options here.

Wideout Willie Snead is coming off a seven-catch, 122-yard outing against Tampa Bay, and he’s developed an undeniable chemistry with Brees over the course of the season. Look for the second-year man to get a few easy receptions under his belt early on in this one, as the Saints attempt to stretch out the blitz-happy Detroit linebackers and loosen up the box with quick throws.

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There’s no doubt the Saints butter their bread with the Brees-led passing attack, but an efficient ground game will also be key in this one.

Tim Hightower handled the heavy lifting for New Orleans between the tackles last week, and he should get plenty of opportunities Monday night against the Lions’ No. 21-ranked run defense.

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In addition to keeping Detroit honest, an effective running game will also help open up play action for Brees. This is when wide receiver Brandin Cooks could break through with a big play on a deep post or a go route. Wideout Marques Colston should also get some downfield looks, especially in red-zone situations, but Brees must be wary of Detroit cornerback Darius Slay, who’s upped his game in a big way over the past couple of months.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a complete version of this year’s Saints offense without a heavy dose of tight end Benjamin Watson. The 12-year veteran’s 61 receptions in 2015 are the second-most of his career. It will be a surprise if he doesn’t make a significant impact Monday night on seam routes and intermediate crossing routes.

All the Saints’ offensive weaponry will be rendered moot, however, if New Orleans can’t keep Ezekiel Ansah off Brees’ back. The Lions defensive end is tied with J.J. Watt for second in the league in sacks this year with 13.5, and he’s capable of disrupting the Saints’ entire pass offense, if not adequately contained.

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Ansah often lines up on the right side in a Wild 9 position, but Austin sometimes moves him over to the left, which can create matchup problems for opposing offensive lines. In addition to his devastating speed rush, New Orleans must also be ready for stunts involving Ansah and defensive tack.

Defense

Despite the fact they’ve posted less-than-stellar numbers this season, Matt Stafford and the Lions field a potent offense, and they have some dangerous playmakers at the skill positions.

Star wide receiver Calvin Johnson obviously won’t be overlooked by the Saints, but Stafford also has wideout Golden Tate to throw to, as well as a trio of talented backs, all of whom are capable receiving threats.

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Lions running back Theo Riddick is especially deserving of attention, as he’s hauled in an eye-popping 67 passes for 578 yards and three receiving touchdowns this season.

As for the Saints, they’ve made some changes for the better on the defensive side since Dennis Allen took over the coordinator role for the fired Rob Ryan in mid-November.

New Orleans has made noticeable improvements under Allen in terms of tackling, communicating before the snap and cutting down on blown coverages. There have also been some schematic changes, and the Saints will likely continue to implement more of those come Monday night.

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For starters, they've blitzed more under Allen, and given the poor overall play of the Lions offensive line this season, don’t be surprised to see a relatively hefty blitz package from New Orleans on Monday.

The Saints have also done a better job of disguising their coverages. With Allen calling the defense, New Orleans has shifted coverages after the snap much more frequently than under Ryan, and opposing passers have been slower to make their reads as a result.

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Stafford is a much more seasoned passer than last week’s opposing quarterback, Jameis Winston, however, and New Orleans may find it more difficult to duplicate the same success against the Lions.

Still, the Saints are undoubtedly making strides under Allen, and they’ll look to continue to improve with another respectable showing in prime time.

Prediction

Despite the fact that it features two cellar-dwelling teams, this week's Monday night contest should be quite entertaining. Both the Saints and the Lions have capable offenses, and this one shouldn't lack for points. 

Look for Brees and the Saints to attack Detroit with an aggressive passing game that utilizes the entire field, while balancing things out on the ground with the strong, steady running of Hightower.

On the other side of the ball, New Orleans will be challenged by Stafford, Johnson and Co., and it will need to get off the field when it's able to put the Lions in third-and-long situations. 

Detroit will score points by taking full advantage of its offensive skill players, but the Saints defense will turn up the heat on obvious passing downs and force some timely stops, while avoiding the back-breaking penalties that have plagued them for the majority of the season.  

Saints 30, Lions 20