The New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders are ready to battle preseason style. But as far as preseason goes, this is the cream of the crop. It is the third game of the preseason, which is by far the game on the preseason schedule that most resembles a regular season game. Needless to say, we will all be looking for a little improvement out of the Raiders—especially the run defense.
Last week, the Raiders stuffed disgustingly few run plays. If they repeat that performance against the Saints, I think it is safe to say we can consider it an ominous sign. The Saints are much more proficient in the pass game than they are on the ground. Although the Raiders should get a healthy dose of runs headed their way as the Saints try to get their new two-headed running back attack on track.
The Saints now boast a talented backfield of Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram. Last week, against the Texans, Ingram carried seven times for 25 yards and Thoma carried six times for 33 yards. On the other side of that coin, the Saints struggled mightily trying to stop the run themselves.
The Texans rushed 34 times for 208 yards. Arian Foster carried five times for 48 yards.
Game Time
Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PDT at the O.co coliseum
TV
This game will be nationally broadcast on NBC