The 2013 New Orleans Saints schedule is not exactly ground breaking news, but I haven’t really had the chance yet to analyze how it may affect the Saints and their fans, so that is what I will do here today. Note that all “Prime Time games” will be marked with an *asterisk.

XMike Wallace, Staff Saints Writer

Week 1 September 8th vs Falcons, Divisional Showdown

Starting with a divisional showdown is always a sure-fire way to get the fans excited, and it seems like it has been forever since the Saints have played a game that was against a divisional foe in week 1. The opening week Saints vs Falcons game looks sure to set the tone for the NFC South, with the winner having an early edge in what has become a two dog race in the last few years. Getting off to a good start will mean a lot for the new Defense, and could potentially set to rest any worries of being outclassed. Many analysts anticipate a shootout, and while I won’t go so far as to say that it will be a shutout, I would not be surprised if Coach Rob Ryan’s unit holds the explosive Falcons offense under 21 points.

Week 2 September 15th at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Traveling straight to South Florida in week two gives the defense another test against a very potent running attack and what could be a dangerous passing game as well. The NFC South offensive arms race heated up during the offseason, with most teams focusing on getting better at scoring points. That is a necessity when you play in a division that has fielded arguably the best offense in NFL history since 2006. Stopping the run game here will be key for both teams, and will make them one-dimensional, which lets Tampa rely on a revamped secondary and New Orleans focus on generating turnovers to get points.

Week 3 September 22nd vs Arizona Cardinals

The Honey Badger making his return to the Superdome will likely be a talking point in the week leading up to this game, and depending on the standings, this could give the Saints an early advantage in the NFC race for the 1 seed. Knowing that home field advantage is usually key for the Saints, the fans will be trying to cheer them on to victory too. Expect a lot of Cardinals support here though, thanks largely to the influx of LSU talent on the roster who no doubt have local supporters as well. This game could be a shootout, with Larry Fitzgerald having the chance to star in a revitalized passing attack led by Carson Palmer.

Week 4 *September 30th vs Miami Dolphins

This Monday Night game is the first of four Prime Time games for the Saints, and is also the first AFC opponent that they face. The match promises to be an intriguing one as well, with the Free Agent Champion Dolphins sporting an almost entirely new team to go with a new logo. Speedy local product Mike Wallace (no relation) will match up with long time teammate Keenan Lewis in what promises to be a match that the fans will look forward to all week-long. The Dolphins have become more of a passing team since the departure of Tony Sparano, but do not be surprised if the running game tries to throw a few wrinkles at the Saints defensive front. Drew Brees will have a familiar face in the secondary to pick on in Brent Grimes but no one else of any import, and could end up passing for close to 400 yards against the Dolphins questionable secondary unit. Many Saints fans will be paying particular attention to the rookie Dion Jordan in this game, hoping that he doesn’t make short work of the offensive tackles (whoever they may be).

Week 5 October 6th at Chicago Bears

The first of two road games leading up the bye week has the Saints traveling to Soldier Field to take on the Monsters of the Midway™ who will be without newly retired Brian Urlacher. The Bears defense could still be searching for an identity at this point of the season, but should be feared as a unit with high turnover potential, as they showcased last season. The rushing attack of Tulane alum Matt Forte will also be on display as the front seven hopes to contain him on both screen plays and traditional carries. The secondary will be tasked with stopping Brandon Marshall as well, who could have a solid day if Jay Cutler gets decent protection from his new blindside protector Jermon Bushrod. You can bet that Coach Sean Payton will have new wrinkles in the offense to keep Aaron Kromer from having the Bears defense ready as well.

Week 6 October 13th at New England Patriots

This week six match between elite QB’s Brees and Tom Brady has the chance to be a record-breaking affair. Brady could be chasing Brees’ record of consecutive games with a TD pass, and nothing would be sweeter than breaking it against the Saints. The defense, however, should have a vested interest in protecting the record, as it will not only keep Drew’s name in the record books, but will solidify the reputation of Ryan’s unit. There are lots of storylines here, with Ryan returning to Foxboro to face his old mentor Bill Belichick in Gillette Stadium, and the possibility of a revenge game for the last time the two teams met. Expect offensive fireworks to be on display all afternoon long in what should be a very entertaining game.

Week 7 BYE WEEK

Not much to see here, though there could be some intrigue depending on the state of the team at this point. Key injuries will likely be discussed, and Ryan will have a chance to install a few more wrinkles in his defense leading up to the Bills game. There will likely be some events in the New Orleans Metropolitan area that the Saints will participate in as well, so be on the lookout for chances to interact with the players during the mini-vacation week.

Week 8 October 27th vs Bills

The Buffalo Bills come to town in this game, and the Saints look to pressure the young QB in this inter-conference match. Former Saints coach Doug Marrone will bring his unit into town highly motivated to defeat his mentor and bring credibility to his first season campaign. Stevie Johnson will be a factor for the secondary to handle as well, and this could be a game reminiscent of the 2009 affair that took place in Buffalo. The Bills sport an impressive front seven on paper, and could be a very aggressive defense as well. Look for the running game to the highlight here, as Thomas, Sproles and Ingram all seek to make a lasting impression on the fan base and signal that they are, indeed, up to the level of the passing game. You could see some exotic new looks on defense from Coach Ryan, and quite possibly see the transition into the ‘second phase’ of the season come into fruition.

Week 9 November 3rd at New York Jets

The meeting of the Ryan brothers will be in full swing this week, as the Jets look to impose their will on the Saints. Rookie Geno Smith could get a look here depending on how Mark Sanchez performs up through this part of the season. Fan favorite Chris Ivory could be a factor as well, provided he is healthy, and may be motivated to show the Saints just what they gave up in going after a 3rd round pick. This game could come down to a field goal if it gets defensive, as the Ryan brothers will try to flex their defensive muscles in a sibling rivalry played out for a national audience.

Picture Credit: Pics courtesy of the New Orleans Saints and digitalcitizen.ca

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