Three observations from watching the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals open the 2012 NFL exhibition season in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio on Sunday night:
Kevin Kolb can't catch a break in the Cardinals quarterback competition. It was a opening nightmare for Kolb in his battle to hold off John Skelton for Arizona's starting job. The old concerns about his decision-making under pressure were raised after his first pass attempt was intercepted by the Saints' Malcolm Jenkins. Then came the durability issue, when after an end zone hit from the Saints' Sedrick Ellis, Kolb (1-4, 4 yards, interception) suffered a game-ending rib contusion.
Enter Skelton to take advantage of the extended opportunity to work with the Cardinals' first-team offense against the Saints' first-team defense. Although Skelton looked iffy with his first couple of decisions, the 6-6, strong-armed passer quickly found his groove in directing a touchdown drive in his first full series. Not only did Skelton show off his arm in making tough throws while on the move, he was efficient (4-6, 32 yards) and looked in control of the offense. He also made smart passes to convert third downs and continued to prove he can consistently get the ball to the Cards' most important wide receiver – go-to guy Larry Fitzgerald.
The Cardinals want Kolb to win the job, but it didn't take long for the scales to be tipped in Skelton's favor. If Skelton keeps it up, it will be clear to Arizona's coaches he gives the team to best chance to win games – which it did best with Skelton a season ago.
The Saints' marching orders will include plenty of power running. How do the Saints keep their offense moving steadily and consistently without Sean Payton at the helm? You can bet much of their plans will involve staying solid on the ground. Drew Brees and their passing game remains the headliner, but the Saints are just as comfortable smashing teams between the tackles with their deep backfield. When the rushing attack is humming along, New Orleans' offense is at its most dangerous because the balance leads to an unstoppable play-action package.
As it was hinted on Sunday, look for second-year back Mark Ingram to become more heavily involved finishing drives after a rookie season marred by a heel injury. The Saints' also didn't lose much from their interior blocking with Ben Grubbs replacing Carl Nicks at guard.
Brees stayed in the game for only one drive, and didn't really need to fire the ball much. The Saints will have no problems seeing the passing stats drop if it means they have a dominant, ball-control running game.
Jonathan Vilma's replacement will help keep the Saints' defense together well. Just as Payton's knowledge and leadership will be missed on the other side of the ball during his year-long suspension, the same can be said of Vilma on the defense. Luckily, the Saints protected themselves well at linebacker by signing former Atlanta Falcons tackling machine Curtis Lofton for the middle. While Lofton develops on-field rapport with the returning members of the New Orleans' front seven, he will clean up by filling hard against the run. Lofton had a spirited debut in chasing down Cardinals ball-carriers, and former Seattle Seahawk David Hawthorne will also be a busy second-level playmaker.
There are few teams with the talent and depth to overcome the kind of rough offseason the Saints had, but it's no surprise they qualify as one of them.
source: aol.sportingnews.com
