Saints vs. Rams: 4 Halftime Adjustments New Orleans Must Make

Well, that was pretty ugly.

Show of hands: who thought the Saints would have zero points at the end of the first half? That's what I thought.

Brees has been flustered, the run-game has been inefficient, and it's looking like New Orleans may have overlooked the Rams a little bit. Obviously, being down at the half is not ideal, but this offense is more than capable of putting up points in a hurry. Here are four adjustments the Saints must make to get back in this one.

1. Shut Down Stephen Jackson: It’s no secret that Stephen Jackson is the key to the Rams’ success on offense. He was a monster in the first half, putting up 91 total yards and a score. No offense to A.J. Feeley, but the Rams go as Jackson goes. New Orleans must keep eight men in the box and make Feeley beat them downfield.

2. Better Protection for Brees: Shocker: The Rams’ pass-rush was incredible in the first half. Brees has been flustered in the pocket often, and has been forced to throw a lot of short dumps to his backs. New Orleans has to give Brees more time to operate, and the Saints have to call more quick-hitters (screens, quick posts) in the second half.

3. More Looks for Jimmy Graham: Yes, I know Brees has barely had any time in the pocket. But the Saints have got to find a way to get Graham involved. He’s got a huge size and speed advantage over the Rams’ linebackers. If Brees can find a way to get him the ball out of hands quickly, Graham will benefit, especially over the middle of the field.

4. Keep Up the Pressure on Feeley: Despite the pressure that New Orleans has been applying, Feeley has been making pretty good decisions. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to drop back into coverage. The Saints must continue to bring the blitzes. If Feeley’s flustered, it’s only a matter of time until he turns the ball over.