Saints vs. Jaguars: 8 Things To Watch for from Jacksonville Against New Orleans

Do you get the feeling the game against the New Orleans Saints could be ugly? I mean really ugly, where the Saints, who have the NFL's second-best offense, could put up a huge number on the Jacksonville Jaguars, sit back and just laugh?

It could happen.

This is one of those games that the Jaguars know can get out of hand quickly and honestly, it was better that Blaine Gabbert made his first career start against Carolina than do so this weekend at EverBank Field.

New Orleans has shown it has its own issues with defense, giving up 42 and 33 points in three weeks of play, but it is the offensive side of the ball that concerns me and others as the game fast approaches.

Drew Brees and his cast of receivers will look at a secondary that is improved but still getting it together and while the running game will probably have issues with Jacksonville's front seven, the passing game should be able to move the ball down the field.

I am not being mean; I am just being honest.

In a season where the Jaguars are scoring fewer than 10 points per contest, now is the time for them to stick to their guns and make something happen.

It is hard to say this could be the benchmark game of the year for the team, but as the league reaches the quarter point of the season, there needs to be improvement. Here are eight things to watch for that could help Jacksonville keep the game close and possibly win (but highly unlikely).

8. Look for the Team To Pass More

You drafted a kid with a golden arm. Last week, you played a ball-controlled game that did not work. Let the kid air it out.

New Orleans hasn't stopped anyone on defense and it may be that if you let Gabbert have a long leash, you may get better results.

Use Marcedes Lewis and your running backs more in the passing game. Spread it out more and of course, throw on 3rd-and-long instead of draw play after draw play.

7. Don't Second-Guess Your Offensive Coordinator

On Monday, Jack Del Rio said he was a little surprised with the play-calling by offensive coordinator, Dirk Koetter.

Last time I checked, Del Rio was the head coach and he had final say on what offense was run.

The two should be on the same page come game day.

When Del Rio got to Jacksonville, the first thing he said was he was going to open up the offense. We haven't seen a truly open offense since the days of Mark Brunell, Jimmy Smith and Fred Taylor.

6. Don't Give Up a Big Play on 1st Down

Or 2nd down or 3rd down. You get the idea.

Drew Brees just loves to air it out and his weapons are so vast. This will be the first really open offense to test the new and improved Jaguars defense.

Can the linebackers and secondary keep up with the speed of the game?

5. Apply Pressue to the Quarterback

Drew Brees is a little guy. Cam Newton was a big guy.

If the defensive line applies pressure like it did against Carolina, they should be able to get more sacks and disrupt the passing offense.

Newton carried Jaguars on his back and over the line for positive yards last week. Brees is not strong enough to do that this week.

4. Improve Special Teams

Matt Turk fumbled a snap last week and the special teams unit has looked dismal the past two weeks.

Montel Owens and Kassim Osgood are dinged up and this could be an issue for the Jaguars.

The Jaguars need good coverage teams this week and decent starting position on each drive to take some pressure of the quarterback.

3. Give the Ball to You-Know-Who

He has been the best player on your team this season and will continue to be.

Maurice Jones-Drew is the lone bright spot on offense.

He should be able to run for daylight against the Saints front seven and should get 100 yards again this week.

He is headed for 1,600 yards this season on a bad team, which says something for his ability and the line that seems to be coming together.

2. Control the Clock

While I said it was a game where the team needs to open up the offense, controlling the clock does two things.

First, it keeps our offense on the field and it allows us to use time and exploit their defensive weaknesses.

Second, it keeps Brees off the field. If Brees is on the field for more than 33 minutes on Sunday, the game is over by halftime.

Also, know what the down and distance are for each play and whether the officials have stopped play or resumed the time clock.

1. Fill the Stadium

This is a huge game for the Jaguars. If by some miracle they win, the team will be 2-2 with Cincinnati up next.

A 3-2 record is easier to swallow with Pittsburgh and Baltimore coming up next.

A loss is huge and a 1-3 record all but tanks the season.

This is Blaine Gabbert's first home start and there are just under 3,000 tickets to be sold. New Orleans travels well. This should be a game where fans want to get out and see if this kid is real or not.