2. Josh Dobbs will have plenty of time to throw
Keeping the spotlight on Josh Dobbs, there’s also a good chance that he’ll be working with a clean pocket for most of the game.
According to Pro Football Reference, the Saints have been conservative under Allen, blitzing 23.4 percent of the time. While the key is to generate pressure with the front four, they haven’t done their job with a 19.7 percent pressure rate that ranks 24th.
This is key for Dobbs who performs better with a clean pocket. According to Pro Football Focus, Dobbs’ 87.9 passer rating with a clean pocket is 31st among qualifying passers, but it's better than his 72.4 passer rating when pressures, which ranks 15th this season.
The offensive line has done its best to prevent even the best defenses from getting after the quarterback, as Kirk Cousins was pressured on 32.6 percent of his dropbacks. Although that number jumped to 39.5 percent last week, it was also without left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who missed last week’s win with a groin injury.
After practicing in a limited fashion last week, Darrisaw could make his return against the Saints. If he does, it will provide a boost to an already good offensive line and give Dobbs plenty of time to throw on Sunday.