Official website of the New England Patriots
Players to Watch: Patriots vs. Saints
Patriots Football Weekly's Andy Hart gives you 10 players to watch during Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
Until he actually shows up in pads and uniform ready to go on game day, Gronkowski's status will remain up in the air. Obviously the Patriots lackluster offense and 31st-ranked red zone attack could use his help.
New England's No. 1 corner has arguably been the team's MVP through five games. He's matched up with top receivers each week. This time around he might get a different challenge against Saints 6-7 tight end and top target Jimmy Graham.
The Patriots lead back returned to practice after missing last week with a knee injury. New England may look to run the ball and control the game a bit on the ground and getting Ridley into that mix early could be a boost to the offense.
New England's offensive line hasn't exactly dominated the competition this season. This is a week where the front should be a positive factor against the Saints resurgent defensive front. Mankins should be the lead force in that trench fight.
The second-year linebacker is supposed to be one of the Patriots most versatile defenders. He struggled a bit a couple weeks back against Falcons passing back Jacquizz Rodgers. This meeting with Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas and the unique Saints attack puts the former first-round pick in the spotlight.
Graham is the most athletic playmaking tight end in the game right now, the Saints top pass-catcher and second in the NFL in receptions. He's a matchup nightmare and how the Patriots scheme to defend Graham will be a major key in this matchup.
The New Orleans passing back is a unique weapon. He stretches the edge of the defense and can turn any play into a big one.
The last time Brees faced the Patriots in 2009, he notched a perfect 158.3 passer rating. He's the best the Patriots have faced this season and another challenge for the upstart New England defense.
The former first-round pick Jordan is coming into his own as a versatile pass/run defender for the Saints front. New Orleans has the No. 4 scoring defense in the NFL and is forcing turnovers. Dealing with Jordan is first key to attacking the Saints.
Ryan was New England's linebackers coach for a couple Super Bowls early in the 2000s. He has an intimate knowledge of the Patriots, has turned the Saints D around in impressive fashion and can be an aggressive game-plan coach to deal with.
