QUOTE: “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” -- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
After watching the Saints play Monday night, I am convinced they’re the team to beat in the NFC this year. Their team speed on offense is hard to prepare for, but their offensive execution is even harder. They make throws that very few offenses can make, and the precision of each throw is difficult to simulate in practice. On paper, they run standard NFL plays that can beat the designated coverage, but on the field, the speed, the rhythm and the location of the football makes it very tough for the opponent’s scout team to give the defense the right look for the game. It’s hard to prepare to play well when practicing is 10 levels slower than the game. The Saints proved last night that it’s not new plays, or gadget plays, but rather the execution of the plays. They out-executed the Patriots.
The Saints handled the big game the right way — they used the Patriots as the standard of excellence they want to emulate. Sean Payton has a tough challenge every week in terms of keeping his team completely focused on the task at hand. Winning presents unique problems for a team, including making sure the players don’t get comfortable with their own success. The Patriots game gave Payton a cause to get his team to focus on details in practice. And the fact that the team responded so well is impressive.
On defense, the Saints used multiple looks and multiple fronts to change the pace of the game, getting the Patriots out of their rhythm. They doubled Wes Welker and made sure they tackled him after the catch, then made sure they had help on top to deal with Randy Moss down the field. The Patriots must find ways to counter teams that use this strategy against their offense. The good teams will force the Patriots to make them win the game without Welker and Moss having an impact. Tom Brady was not always comfortable in the pocket, and once again the Patriots were hurt by not having a big-time back who can make opponents defend the box. New England has to be creative with its offense, especially in big games, because this strategy will be repeated.
I asked Bill Belichick last week if the Saints reminded him of the Rams in 2000. He was very honest, saying they did remind him of that team but have a better tight end. They are very similar to the Rams in terms of their ability to score, but my feeling is they’re faster and more talented at wide receiver. The Saints wide receivers never seem to drop any passes, and two of them, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem, had reputations for being very inconsistent catching the ball. They run great routes, they run after the catch and they’ve earned Drew Brees’ trust. Last night, on just 44 plays, the Saints had eight plays of 20 or more yards, including three of their touchdowns. They lead the NFL with 59 plays of 20-plus yards. They continue to make a mockery of old NFL rules for success, like time of possession; they had the ball only 26 minutes yet gained 480 yards. They were low in passing completions and rushing attempts with just 44 (over 50 is a good number) yet they dominated the game. They force you to throw out conventional wisdom when dealing with their offensive execution.
And what’s most scary is that the Saints have every play in the book. Just look at Sean Payton’s call sheet -- it reminds me of the menu at Ponzio’s diner in Philadelphia. Having a multitude of plays is nice, but being able to precisely execute those plays is what matters most.
Who can beat the Saints? My sense after watching the game is that it will take a team that has played them before, a team that is aware of the speed of the game and knows what to expect in terms of their execution. It’s hard to prepare your team to play against the Saints in practice when only by actually playing them can you know what to expect. Sunday in Washington, the Saints will play a very good defense that beat them last year. It will give them problems in terms of their ability to cover and make plays, but can they keep up with the speed of the game? Possible, but not likely, but it will take a team like the ‘Skins, or any team in the NFC South that has dealt with this offense before, to break their winning streak.
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To read more about the unsung heroes of the Saints--the defense--check out this article from Bleacher Report.
Washington could have a chance since it is in DC and after a big game, but I doubt it. That leaves Atlanta and Carolina. Ryan could miss the game, so I doubt that one. Carolina is the last game of the year, so they might be mailing it in. That leaves Dallas and they will have played SD the week before. They also have to go to NO. There might be a loss in there, but wouldn't it be great to see an undefeated SB especially in Miami.
was good to see the pats get beat up on....they cant win on the road ..brady looks lost at times if u take moss out of the game...and their defense is terrible....bellicheck has definitely lost a step..doesnt seem to scare anyone any more...like sean payton said..the pats "mystique" is overrated...this is a total diff team then those championship teams
Seems to me that in order to beat the Saints it will take a heckuva game from a secondary and some additional pressure on the QB. We saw how New England failed and it was giving up the big play, getting to far behind, abandoning the run, and an inability to get to Drew Brees.
This team is GREAT and it will take a near perfect performance from any team to beat them. I agree with you Mike, they are the team to beat in the NFC. The only weakness I see is a lack of physicality on defense.
What can you say about the Pats? I think Belichick failed to take anything away from the Saints, in his defense, he doesn't have the talent or experience on defense anymore to match up with a balanced "we can beat you running or passing attack". It will take a couple of years for the pats to compete with the heavy hitters.
I'm hoping for the Bill Simmons dream scenario... to see a Vikings/Saints Champ game...it'll be one for the ages!!
Mike, when will you start giving us any in depth analysis on that MN squad?...You've had very little to say about them...What is it that bothers you most about them?
Outside of the Vikings, I don't think anyone in teh NFC can beat the Saints unless they play a subpar game. On a short week in washington with teh Skins fired up to unseat the undefeated Saints, this game could be close. But to beat teh Saints you must put a lot of pressure on Brees. Like any other QB, he becomes human when rushed. That's what Miami did without a good secondary and they still almost beat them.
The Pats do not have a very good defense. Belichick stuck a knife in the back of their collective confidence when he went for in on 4th down on his own 28. BB's defenses have historically overperformed, but now they are underperforming, and confidence has a lot to do with it. The Redskins and Vikings have a chance to beat the Saints, and the Colts and Chargers have a chance in the Super Bowl, if either of them gets there. But there is no team in the NFL as good as the Saints. The Vikings are the closest. Who's not salivating over the prospect of these teams meeting in the NFC title game?
Does the Saints have the experience and maturity to go undeafeated during the regular season and also, deep into the playoffs? My gut is telling me that they don't, even with Brees's leadership. They did get behind the Dolphins, who are not an elite AFC team. It is possible that the Patriots just didn't have it yesterday and could be more competitive if they played again.
I think that Saints defense is a little vulnerable to a run-oriented team like the Panthers or a short-pass/screen-pass team like the Cowboys and Redskins. But my hunch is that they will go 16-0. But their biggest obstacles would come in the playoffs against the Vikings or a re-match against the Eagles.
Firesalt, I think you have it wrong about Belichick sticking a knife in the defense's confidence......that's BS
He went for it in Indy because he KNEW the defense wasn't very good, and it showed last night.....confidence, my arse... you either have the horses or you don't....
Guys, I was in the dome last night and let me just tell you one thing - if the Saints get home field advantage throughout, bet them to go to the big dance. The crowd was as raucous when they were up 21 as they were on the first NE drive. The energy and passion these fans have is truly awesome.
How about getting them outdoors in December or January?
I agree the Saints look dominant from time to time, but we also need to remember this is the same team that almost lost to the lowly Rams, and barely escaped with wins vs the Panthers and Dolphins. Carolina and Miami were up big and got conservative. I give the Saints credit, but the way the media and society are, if they lose 2 close games in a row, people will say they have huge problems all the sudden. We should keep it as face value for now and be impressed with how they played Monday night, but not act like they are invincible since we have seen 3 bad teams nearly beat them.
Wow Mike - Chug that Kool-Aid!!! What will it take to beat the Saints? Statistically speaking, it's relatively obvious - the key is an effective running game and turnovers. In the three closest games they've played, their opponents ran the ball well but in two of the three, they lost the turnover battle. St Louis won the turnover battle, ran the ball very well, and remained competitive and had an opportunity to win the game - and that's not exactly a powerhouse of a team.
Consequently, Washington has absolutely no chance whatsoever. Atlanta in the rematch will depend on the health of Turner and Ryan - in the first match-up, the Falcons caused three fumbles and, along with Michael Turner, that was enough to keep things competitive on a day when Ryan completed only 45% of his throws and was picked off three times, including a pick 6. I'd say Dallas has a shot depending on which team shows up - the Saints weakness appears to be the inside running game, a Dallas specialty when Garrett isn't too busy being an idiot.
From a play-off perspective, Minny and GB both have shown what's necessary but are iffy. Peterson puts too many on the ground and GB has secondary issues against their receiver depth but neither would surprise me. Philly would be iffy - don't see enough inside running there to get it done. Anyone else I think would pretty much be toast though. Burnt toast - wouldn't even be competitive.
Yes, that was an impressive win, but we also shouldn't forget that this team HAS struggled against seemingly inferior opponents. Brees is susceptible to playing bad halves, the O-line is only average, and the defense needs to play with a lead and can be worn down without one. If an opponent can pressure with 4 and creatively blitz with 5, I think NO is definitely beatable. You have to think that they could find themselves in trouble if they had to play outdoors in a cold weather environment where the elements were in play, but the rest of their schedule doesn't seem to be setting up that way, and with the NFC road to the Superbowl almost certainly going through either NO or Minn, I don't see them having to play outside in the playoffs. All the cards seem to be falling into place for this team.
Hey, Mikey: I like your suggestion about getting them outdoors in December or January, but how do you suppose we do that?
This team won't have the leave the home cooking in N'awlins baby, cause they can't be stopped. They will most likely win out the rest of the regular season and will host the NFC Championship.
And, if by some chance they happen to get tripped up one week down the stretch, the worst that can happen is that they will play at the Vikings, who also play indoors.
I like Minny to beat them. Minny can do what the Pats couldn't: rush the passer with 4 guys. And the Saints running game which has helped them so much will be irrelevant vs the front four of the Vikings. If Jared Allen gets to 3rd and longs, he's a monster. Not to mention, the Saints struggle to stop the run and they haven't faced anything close to Adrian Peterson and that O-line.
I like the Saints, but I think beating the Pats says more about the Pats than the Saints. The Pats can't rush the passer at all and lack playmakers at CB right now. It could be youth or talent, time will tell. The O-line struggled as well, but I believe they are missing two starters. NE needs to get a full time back next year. Maroney isn't the guy and Fred Taylor is Fred Taylor: injured. That Cory Dillon team was tough to deal with and they didn't have Moss or Welker at the time. Getting a 25 carry back would make that O unstoppable again.
I'm not a Pats fan nor a Saints fan, but I think NE is a 2nd round loss waiting to happen with this D. I like Minny in the NFC, though. Too physical, too balanced and I'll take All Day any day.
It seems like to me if the Saints think your good they bring they're "A" game and noone can match that. The Giant came in the Dome 5-0 and got handled, 3-0 Jets got exposed, 2-0 Philly got murdered. Tom Terrific, Pathetic. This team just seems to rise to the occasion when they face teams making any type of noise whatsoever !!!!
It's difficult for me to understand how a team that is 11-0 can be said to have "struggled." I don't see it as a weakness at all that they've had to come from behind in some games. They're handling every singe thing that's thrown at them--and, unlike Minnesota, they've done it against a tough schedule. New Orleans is the best team in the league, hands down, and will cruise to the Super Bowl. I can't believe there's even any debate about this.
As a life-long Colts fan, I find it hard to believe no one has brought up the post season failures of the Colts in comparison to New Orleans. The Saints remind me of the Colts circa 2004 and 2005. A high powered offense based on passing, big plays, efficiency and execution backed by a moderate run game and team defense based on speed and getting after the QB with the lead. Unfortunately I know as a Colts fan, the way you beat a team like this is ball control via the run game, being physical with the WR's, forcing the offense to be efficient and keep the game close. The Saints have not really won a tight, physical game this year. Also, it remains to be seen whether they can grind out a game by winning with their run game and defense alone. I believe Minnesota if healthy and consistent, can easily knock off New Orleans. They have the physical offense and defense to beat the Saints and slow down their offense enough to win the game. As a biased Colts fan, I also think Indy could beat the Saints by not giving up the big plays and allowing Freeney and Mathis just pass rush Brees all day. Just my 2 cents.
In any case, I'm honored and privileged to see the New Orleans Saints quite frequently this season in Utah. Again, watching the game against the Pats was a special treat. Drew Brees is in such command of this offense that the moment something doesn't go perfectly makes you scratch your head. I realize my Broncos have exceeded most everybody's expectations this season but in all honesty, the Saints are the story of the season thus far. I love to see Brees do well. He is a class act and I wish him nothing but success. The Redskins' defense can create some challenges for New Orleans, but if I could project a loss at this juncture I'd say Atlanta especially since the Falcons are desperate and played them really well at the Monday night game in early November. Thanks again Lombardi. The Broncos need to win at Kansas City!
Everybody is quickly jumping unto the Vikes bandwagon and how they have this and that. What do they have. Last year we faced AP and held him under 100 with a terrible defense. Some point to the fact that we played the Rams tough and carolina tough but we were banged up. Big sed Ellis hadnt played in a month. he was back last night and we all saw what he could do.
Back to the Vikes they beat us with a long bomb at the end of the game last year. And look at the teams they struggled to beat this year. Matter of Fact who have they played. the worst team in our confernce T bay beat up there stiffest competition in Green bay. The reason no one get pressure on drew is because we have a great O line. Look at what J Allen did last year against us an average team with no run game. All of his sacks this year came against G Bay. T bay sacked him 6 times. Minnesota do not have great Db play and has never had. They are just liek the Pats been playing teams they are just better than. We force teams to play our style of football. Minn have Zona and Cincy coming up lets see how they fair against some above average teams.
This guy is not drinking no Kool Aid he is right. The saints are strong as hell. And who said teh Defense aint physical. Did you see Welker git 30 yards and tossed around all day by our 4th string corner. what about when Sharper ran threw Faulk. Or when he hit Moss with out the ball and allmost broke his leg. do yall really watch these games. The same people who swore the Pats would win.
The only team that will beat the Saints..are the Saints. The only way they lose is they self-destruct and Peyton is too good of a coach to let that happen. Please get over the Vikes defense. They feasted on a weak NFC north and when they did play GBay, they got to play them without their starting left tackle. I just look at who the Vikes beat and who the Saints beat and there is no comparison..and do you really think Childress could out coach Sean Peyton? That's a laugh if there ever was one.
Yes, New Orleans there is a Santa Claus. This is what every Saints fan has dreamed of ever since the first kick off return in Tulane Stadium. Yes, this franchinse has not had the success of other teams which is what makes this so fantastic. Sorry boys, but this team is legit.
For the first time we are seeing a quarterback who has accuracy and knows his fellow teammates strenths and weaknesses. He can lead a team and takes onwership in the game. I cringe at the thought of the past quaterbacks. What Saints fan can forget Arron Brooks laughing as he throws his 4 interception of the game! But I digress, Sean Payton's ability to utilize his players, ALL his players, not just one or two playmakers. Take a look at their scoring statistics, there are 19 different names on that list! This is a solid team. There is no 'perfect' team, defence wise I think we are alittle weak, or at least weaker than I would like to see. Yet every week they seem to get better.
Let's go back and look at the close games they have this year. Miami played us coming off a bye week. So did the Rams. Those were 2 close games but they had 2 weeks to get ready. That is a huge advantage for any team to have.
I am not worried about Sunday's game, yes I still have Sir Saint on my sholder saying, 'take it easy, we've never been here before, be cool...'. I am concerned that focus can be lost when you are 11-0. Exspecially in New Orleans. This team is the life blood that runs in the vains of New Orleanians. We are mesmorized and awed by this team. I'll just say this, Payton and this team will be legands in this city for years to come. Hell, we still worship the ground Archie Manning walks on.
Can we please take a moment to talk about the Vikings? Yes, they have Farve and Peterson so what. Compare the stats. Plus, Green Bay has been their only real competitor so far, and look who beat them,S teelers! Whatever, lets all take a break from the Brett Farve band wagon. His Wrangler's can only take so much ass kissing.
I hope we see 2 undefided teams,so we can bring back some life to a other wise sleeper Superbowl. Indy has my respect and I think a match up between Brees and Manning would be a great show!
The 2000 Rams are a good comparison. That team had four very good receivers and could score from almost anywhere on the field. (The difference, at least offensively, would be that the Rams had a better running game with Marshal Faulk.) As I posted earlier, the Bucs had a pretty good blueprint at slowing down that version of the Rams with their cover 2 formula that basically forced them to go on sustained drives and hope for Warner to throw an INT.
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Scott R.,
The Saints have a good running game. To me, the difference is that the Rams didn't have to substitute - Marshall Faulk could run AND catch. Bush can catch, but Bell and Thomas are the primary runners.
What's more is that the Saints won't abandon their running game and insist on winning the game through the air if it comes to it. The Rams' downfall against the Patriots was that they insisted on passing instead of handing the ball to Faulk all day.
Do I think New Orleans could beat the Colts RIGHT NOW? Yes.
In a couple months? We'll see. The Colts have been in the playoffs and the Super Bowl before. It's one thing to beat an underperforming Patriots team on Monday night in the regular season, and another thing altogether to face a stacked Vikings team or Colts team where both teams are lead by QB's who already own Super Bowl rings and can beat the New Orleans blitz (Favre QB rating against the blitz is well above 100).
Also, I do like the fact that Jared Allen and the Williams wall can collapse the pocket without extra rushers. Couple the pass rush with a healthy Antoine Winfield in coverage and the Saints will face a much stiffer test than they did against the Pats.
And if the Patriots can run the ball on New Orleans with Laurence Maroney, then the Vikings can definitely run the ball with Peterson and Chester Taylor, then beat the likes of McKenzie and Jenkins with double moves and play fakes because they were jumping routes all night (with impunity).
I just don't think the Saints will be able to dictate the pace and style of game played against the Vikings. They have everything New Orleans does.
Combined record of teams Minnesota has played so far this year, 36-63 (.363 winning %)
Combined record of teams Minnesota has yet to play, 29-26 (.527%)
Remaining games: 3 on the road - 1 in dome (AZ), 2 at home. 1 game is divisional.
New Orleans played, 47-73 (.391%)
New Orleans yet to play, 22-33 (.400%)
Remaining games: 3 on the road - 1 in dome (ATL), 2 at home. 3 games are divisional.
Both teams have a couple of tough games coming up. I give NO the edge if they meet Minnesota in the playoffs due to their coaching.
The Vikings have a great defense against rotten and injured teams...they also have the intangibles that the Vikings do not have and that is GREAT coaching. Vikings have Great talent and bad coaching, Saints have good talent and excellent coaching..it will more than slant the playing field for the Saints..the Vikings have yet to be challenged by a HEALTHY GOOD team..until that happens, the only way the Saints are stopped is by the Saints themselves.
Thank you I'm Just Sayin', the Saints haven't had that much harder schedule than the Vikings, there just happens to be a lot of very bad football teams this year.
The Viking if anybody can match up with the Saints, as we saw last year on MNF in New Orleans where a Gus Ferrotte lead Vikings beat the Saints and handled nearly the exact same offensive playmakers New Orleans still posses, in check.
It all depends on if the front four can get to Brees.
Another thing to consider with the Vikings vs. Saints is that the Vikings don't blitz much (which is what Brees wants you to do because he is so good at finding where it is coming from an exploiting it) where as blitzing is what the Saints D runs on, and like Brees, Favre wants to be blitzed, see the final TD to Berrian against the Packers at Lambeau.
What was most impressive about the Saints was the defense. The secondary, looking to be a liability, all of a sudden may be the strongest unit they have heading into the playoffs. They very well could have 4 shutdown cornerback types heading into the playoffs: Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter, Malcolm Jenkins, and Mike McKenzie. Jenkins is a rookie who's name was hardly mentioned last night. Why? Because he locked down Welker. McKenzie coming back is unbelievable. The number 4 cornerback on the Saints could cover most number 1 wr's in the league. They also have a pro bowl caliber SS in Roman Harper and a HOF'er in Darren Sharper.
Payton and Greg Williams pulled a fast one on the Patriots. They sat both starting cornerbacks after they got a good look at how McKenzie and Jenkins would play in practice last week. They saw that their would be no dropoff and could afford to sit their two starters. I've never seen a team that has the luxury of this many potential lock down corners on their team going into the playoffs. The secondary unit will never get tired in these games. The secondary will be as fresh in the fourth quarter as they are in the first. The Saints secondary, in terms of freshness, will be the same as the Dallas Defensive Line of the 90's. They rotate them in and out to where the corners can cover bombs all day long.
Scary for other teams.
If you want a blueprint for how to defend against the Saints. look at what the Jets did against them. NO offense scored only 10 points. Brees only threw for 190 yards and 0 TD's. The Saints ran for 153 yards and 1 TD. (the Saints ran the ball 32 times and passed it 32 times...) They only had 1 passing play over 20 yards and that was a screen to P. Thomas. The Saints were 4 of 13 on 3rd down and 0 for 2 on 4th diwn. You need great secondary play and enough pressure to force the ball out early against them. Minnesota can generate the pressure but is their secondary good enough?
Does the Saints have the experience and maturity to go undeafeated during the regular season and also, deep into the playoffs? My gut is telling me that they don't, even with Brees's leadership. They did get behind the Dolphins, who are not an elite AFC team. It is possible that the Patriots just didn't have it yesterday and could be more competitive if they played again.
I totally disagree.
Many on this team played against Chicago in the NFCCG.
Most of the players are battle hardened veterans ala Sharper/McKenzie/Brees
A couple of players have been to the Superbowl...Gay and Thomas.
They will beat any team in the NFL if they have two weeks to prepare for them.
They are the best coached team in the NFL.
They still sting from the loss in Chicago and will never forget that.
They are also the best team in the league after the half.
Cry all you want, the Saints are going to the Superbowl.
In response to "Prior Lake Penny Pincher" who writes, "the Saints Defense lacks physicality", did you watch the same Patriots / Saints MNF game that I did? The Saints Defense shut down the Pats Defense after the first half. Brady was running out of his sweet spot in the pocket that he loves to throw from. Was that Mike Mckenzie beating up on the Pats Defense after two knee surgeries last football season, and being brought back after sitting out ten games this year. The Denfense dominated the Pats from the second half wistle. GIVE ME A BREAK.
Then you have 'Scot' stating the Saints Defense needs to play with a lead, or they get shut down without one. Did you see the same Dolphins and Carolina games where the Saints were down at least 14-21 points in both games? It looks like the Defense SCORED in both games. Shut down means they are not able to make a play after they have a lead on them. The Defense is what won both of those games for them.
Then you have the others state that the Saints are lacking a run stopper up the gut. Did any of you see the first seven games when no Offense ran for over 100 yds.? Sedrick Ellis injured his knee 4-5 games back, and that's when the run became a slight issue. Sedrick Ellis was back in the lineup last night after being out for 5 games, and I don't think the Pats ran for over 100 yds. If Sedrick Ellis is healthy, the run up the gut has a lot harder time getting their yards then when he was injured. GIVE ME A BREAK.
I'm not about to say that the Saints have a lock on the Superbowl, nor will I say they are going to go 16-0, because I have seen the Saints have good teams (2006) and blow it in the playoffs. They have never been invited to the BIG DANCE, so if they do make it to the Superowl, they will have to be a party crasher. Nobody wants to give them any credit because they have never been there before, but no team has ever gone to the Superbowl before with an automatic Superbowl win under their belts. Once they go and actually win will they earn the respect of NFL fans, so if they make it to the Superbowl this year, and win, maybe people will actually believe that they played well enough to be worthy.
Can someone tell me why Tom Brady lacks sportsmamnship ? He a sore looser and defenitely not a first class quarterback when he can not shake hands with his opponent! SAD !
The Saints averaged 15.3 YPA (yards per pass attempt) and over 20 per completion. Crazy numbers which did make TOP a non-factor. However, it is not correct to say NO continues to make a mockery of that stat. On the season, they're at 31:50 per, top 10 in the Show. T
O-line average???? Brees has hardly been sacked, and our running game also speaks to the Oline's success...."almost losing" means nothing. W's count. Winning character and strength is coming from behind to win. Finishing. That's what the Saints are doing this year. Most of all, it is the most complete TEAM in the league. We have more starting players on IR than any other team. We have 19 different players so far who have scored a touchdown. Our defense has scored more touchdowns than some other teams' offense has. We have two defensive players who havent played football in a year, come in and have very solid game, one the same week he was signed! We have several RBs and multiple receivers who are all playing well at their positions. Our backups are given chances and everyone is so well coached on all sides of the ball that everyone is making good when able to play. We may make some errors, sometimes start slow, but I've been really impressed with the halftime adjustments the saints make on both sides of the ball--which is one of the reasons they keep winning. When we were winning early on by getting way ahead there was criticism--that the teams we played werent good enough---when we come from behind to win, then WE arent good enough---at 11-0 "It's NO attitude.....WE ARE THAT GOOD! The team from owners to support workers have all been working so strongly together, I really am rooting for them to go all the way to winning the SuperBowl---they epitomize what is so good about sports--that working together sometimes is so much better than just the great play of a few guys. Having said that, Drew Brees IS a great player and leader and deserves credit as MVP. Win or lose, though, this team has already given its fans and the city much more by their example than we would have ever hoped for...and I want THEM to win for THEM!
Vikes will be a tougher challenge for the Saints then people think...
Yes, the offense is quite good- second only to the S'Aints...ball control with Gen. Farve and AD/Chet will keep Brees off the field...
...but its the D that would/will make the difference- speed of the front 4 will present a lot of problems...forcing Brees
...and if Winfield gets back to form, the tackling will prevent big YAC plays....
overall- Offense/Defense/Special Teams....Vikes are a more balanced...dare I say...better team.
a passionate crowd eh? aren't they the same fans that used to wear paper bags over their heads? i hate fair weather fans.
Lisa,
Even after a hurricane displaced most of the city, there's an awful lot of fans that are in the Superdome on Sundays are the same fans that were there in the bag-head days, too. You can be upset with your team and still be a fan. Fanhood doesn't require blind trust in the team.
Fairweather fans are the ones that deny being fans once the bandwagon stops rolling.
That leaves Dallas and they will have played SD the week before. They also have to go to NO.
Thank you fleaven.
A list of thank yous and a final...
Even if you called me an idiot,...
Their success will depend on QB...
Titans coach wants Chris Johnson...
Now is the QB’s chance to show...
Dec 01, 2009
11:03 AM
The 2000 Rams are a good comparison. That team had four very good receivers and could score from almost anywhere on the field. (The difference, at least offensively, would be that the Rams had a better running game with Marshal Faulk.) As I posted earlier, the Bucs had a pretty good blueprint at slowing down that version of the Rams with their cover 2 formula that basically forced them to go on sustained drives and hope for Warner to throw an INT.
The Vikes look like the one NFC team that could give the Saints problems because of the way Favre is playing and, more importantly, they have Peterson. The Saints looked like they might be a little bit weak right up the gut.