Fans of the National Football League expected the New Orleans Saints to bounce back from a 2012 campaign that saw the franchise endure the penalties handed down from the 'Bountygate' scandal and 7-9 overall record. Despite the fact that quarterback Drew Brees eclipsed the 300-yard passing mark in 10 games last season, the Saints defense struggled to keep opponents off the scoreboard. Add in the fact that head coach Sean Payton was serving a year-long suspension for his involvement in the bounty scandal and it's no wonder the Saints weren't able to achieve great levels of success.
With Payton back on the sideline in 2013 and a renewed focus, New Orleans is off to a perfect 3-0 start. Thanks to victories over the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona Cardinals, Brees and the entire team appear ready to compete from start to finish. Hitting the 300-plus mark in each game, Brees has the offense clicking while the formerly porous defense has given up a total of only 38 points, a much better number then the 83 points surrendered in the first 3 games last season.
While the early start is certainly a breath of fresh air for Saints fans everywhere, a tough test lies ahead in the form of the Miami Dolphins. Entering the game 3-0 as well, Miami has been one of the most enjoyable surprises of the 2013 NFL season.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is off to a comfortable start, throwing for over 800 total yards and 4 scores while keeping his turnovers to a minimum. With back-to-back wins over expected postseason contenders Indianapolis and Atlanta, Miami can really establish themselves as contenders if they take down the Saints in New Orleans to close out Week 4 of the current season.
"We have a special team," said Dolphins leading receiver Brian Hartline. "Expectations will continue to rise, and high expectations bring out the best in you. We welcome it."
New Orleans vs. Miami TV, DATE & LIVE STREAM INFO
DATE: Monday, September 30, 2013
TIME: 8:30pm, ET
TV COVERAGE: ESPN Network
LIVE STREAM: CLICK HERE
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