The New Orleans Saints are marching to the tune of a 6-1 record, one of the best in the NFL, and just one team stands between them and their bye week: the Arizona Cardinals, who are visiting the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday. This time, however, the Saints might get their franchise quarterback under center again — Drew Brees is close to returning from thumb surgery, and hopes to take the field against Arizona. Teddy Bridgewater has managed games well in Brees’ absence, but there’s no mistaking the backup for the starter. Here’s five players to watch in Week 8.
Latavius Murray, running back
Murray had his best game since joining New Orleans last week against the Chicago Bears, running with power and helping out his quarterback by catching a few passes. Alvin Kamara is still on the mend with a high-ankle injury, though Saints coach Sean Payton said his status is day-to-day and wouldn’t rule him out against the Cardinals. However, between Murray’s effectiveness and the proximity of the bye week (and more rest that comes with it), the Saints would be wise to lean on Murray again and keep Kamara on the sidelines.
Marcus Davenport, defensive end
It’s been an impressive second season for Davenport, who’s already matched or beaten the numbers he put up in his rookie year with three sacks and a dozen quarterback hits. The Cardinals are fielding one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines, and Davenport is one of several Saints players who should take full advantage of that mismatch. There’s an opportunity here for Davenport to send the Saints into the bye week with some big plays behind him.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, safety
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald must be immortal, because he’s still making an impact in his sixteenth NFL season. Part of his sustained success has been something of a position switch, having moved to the slot in recent years after spending most of his career outside. That means Gardner-Johnson should expect to see most of his snaps against Fitzgerald, pitting the rookie against one of the most widely-respected receivers in the NFL.
Ted Ginn Jr., wide receiver
Ginn hasn’t been as effective with Bridgewater throwing to him as he was with Brees. Despite only appearing in less than one-and-a-half games with Brees, Ginn caught nearly as many passes (all seven of his targets) in that time as he has in the rest of the season with Bridgewater (going 11-for-23). If Brees is back in the lineup, look for him to give Ginn more opportunities in more situations that benefit his skills set. If not, well, hopefully Ginn is able to catch the ball when Bridgewater sends it his way.
Drew Brees, quarterback
Well, yeah, of course Brees is going to make this list. Bridgewater has proven to be a fine backup, avoiding mistakes and navigating the Saints through a tough situation. But Brees is the real deal, the unquestioned starter, the established veteran with Hall of Fame credentials. There’s a good chance he plays this week to get his bearings before going into the bye week with a better idea of where he is, and how his surgically-repaired throwing hand is responding to live action in an NFL game. Brees is the single player fans and analysts will be looking out for more than any other.
