Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images

The struggles of Drew Brees (9), Deuce McAllister and the New Orleans Saints is among the NFL's biggest surprises after Week 2.

The Saints are worried about him. They hope defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant can prevent Young from scrambling outside, where he’s a threat to run or pass, somewhat like suspended Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick, who the Saints saw twice last season and beat both times.

“They’re different players, though,” Payton said. “This guy is strong and powerful — not that Michael isn’t — but they’re a little different in their body types. I don’t see them the same way, but (Young) is explosive and certainly a big part of what they do offensively, and more importantly, he’s a real good leader and a winner.”

Long passing plays have not been the Titans’ forte, although maybe all they need is a game against the Saints, who have given up a slew of them.

New Orleans can only hope new defensive backs Jason David and Kevin Kaesviharn, who were both on the field for Joey Galloway’s 69-yard touchdown last Sunday, continue to show progress in their adjustment to the Saints’ defensive schemes.

David, who won a Super Bowl with the Colts last season, was confident the pass defense will improve.

“I’m getting better and feeling a little more comfortable out there and being able to play a little bit faster,” David said. “Morale’s up in the locker room. Everybody’s kind of excited to be at home and play such a big game.”

Even though neither team has a winning record, there is a big-game vibe emerging in New Orleans. Perhaps because it’s a rematch of sorts between Young and Bush, who faced one another in the 2006 Rose Bowl, when Texas beat USC for the national championship in a thrilling game.

Slideshow   The Week in Sports Pictures A kayaker flips out, a racehorse eyes the Triple Crown and more. more photos

Or perhaps it’s simply because it’s a home opener on a Monday night, a year since the Louisiana Superdome, damaged badly by Hurricane Katrina, reopened for the first time — also for a Saints home game on “Monday Night Football.”

Of course, a year ago, the Saints were 2-0 heading into their home opener, which they won handily over Atlanta on an emotionally charged night.

“With the opening of the dome last year, obviously there was a lot behind that. We needed that win last year, and I think more so because we wanted to give it to the fans, we wanted to give it to the city, after everything that everyone had been through,” Brees recalled. “I think this year, we need it for ourselves. We need it for our team. I think the fans understand how much we need it for our team. Obviously, they’re a huge part of our success.”

More news

NBC Sports

What's up with Alex and Cam?

  SportsTalk: 49ers quarterback Alex Smith rips on Panthers' second-year QB Cam Newton.

NBC Sports

Sanchez looking over his shoulder at Tebow?

  SportsTalk: Is Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez concerned about being benched for Tim Tebow? It's possible.

Headlines

• Label

PFT: Williams tape may hinder 'Hard Knocks'

PFT Live: Cardinals' DB Campbell is excited

PFT: Polamalu thinks kids should play football

PFT: Vanderjagt attacks kid for 'wide left' taunt?

PFT: Charlie Sheen says he didn't buy LT's ring

PFT Live: Is Cowboys' title window closing?

How does Nicks' injury affect Giants' offense?

SportsTalk: Which teams are under pressure?