Sunday Showdown:
Saints Visit Broncos for first time since 2008, Manning vs. Brees Showdown
Saints Visit Broncos for first time since 2008, Manning vs. Brees Showdown
Here's my weekly take on the Keys to the Game for the Saints on Sunday!
It’s that time again Who Dat Nation! We have a whopper of a matchup on Sunday Night against the Broncos. We enter the game winning the last two, the Broncos are coming fresh off a bye week, and all they did before that was rally from a 24 point deficit against the Chargers. Fun fact & history: The last time we played at Denver was 2008, and the Saints lost 34-32. The game was without Marques Colston, Reggie Bush lead the way with over 150+ yards of total offense, after recovering from an early fumble, and Martin Gramaticamissed a go-ahead Field Goal with less than 2 minutes to go. the Jay Cutler/Brandon Marshall duo helped light up the Saints. Those days have come and gone.
Offense
Drew Brees is winless against the Broncos on their home turf. Last outing, he threw for only one TD. He was missing a few weapons compared to what he has these days. Our offense has solely relied on Brees finding whichever target he seems fits. Early indications point to the Saints getting Jimmy Graham back in the lineup, after he missed the Tampa Bay game with that troublesome ankle injury. All Brees has done in the first six games is throw for over 2,000 yards. I would love to say we will see a change in pace, establishing more of a run game in this, but it just doesn’t seem as likely. Again, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If you recall what Antonio Gates was able to do against the Broncos the other week, then salivate at what Graham potentially could do here. It was noted that Chris Ivory is very frustrated that he is sitting on the bench, and would love to bring value to the team in the running game. To be honest, given our history, I think resting him, and not using the hell out of our RBs are a good thing (see previous playoff years). All in all, the key matchup to watch here is our O-Line matching up against the Broncos front seven. Denver’s D has allowed an average of 278 Passing Yards/Game, good for 9th in the league, and 109 Rushing Yards/Game, good for 14th in the league. It seems as though it will be a really good battle to say the least, and it should come down to what type of pressure we fend off from the Broncos to allow Brees to spot the open man. I wouldn’t think we’ll see much from the run game, but take notes of some of the offense they have faced (aside from Oakland), and look at the points they have been able to put up. Surely our Top 5 offense could find some success? Let’s also note that Tracy Porter is on the other side, and assuming he plays (has had problems with Vertigo) don’t think he doesn’t know Drew Brees just a tiny bit.
Drew Brees is winless against the Broncos on their home turf. Last outing, he threw for only one TD. He was missing a few weapons compared to what he has these days. Our offense has solely relied on Brees finding whichever target he seems fits. Early indications point to the Saints getting Jimmy Graham back in the lineup, after he missed the Tampa Bay game with that troublesome ankle injury. All Brees has done in the first six games is throw for over 2,000 yards. I would love to say we will see a change in pace, establishing more of a run game in this, but it just doesn’t seem as likely. Again, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If you recall what Antonio Gates was able to do against the Broncos the other week, then salivate at what Graham potentially could do here. It was noted that Chris Ivory is very frustrated that he is sitting on the bench, and would love to bring value to the team in the running game. To be honest, given our history, I think resting him, and not using the hell out of our RBs are a good thing (see previous playoff years). All in all, the key matchup to watch here is our O-Line matching up against the Broncos front seven. Denver’s D has allowed an average of 278 Passing Yards/Game, good for 9th in the league, and 109 Rushing Yards/Game, good for 14th in the league. It seems as though it will be a really good battle to say the least, and it should come down to what type of pressure we fend off from the Broncos to allow Brees to spot the open man. I wouldn’t think we’ll see much from the run game, but take notes of some of the offense they have faced (aside from Oakland), and look at the points they have been able to put up. Surely our Top 5 offense could find some success? Let’s also note that Tracy Porter is on the other side, and assuming he plays (has had problems with Vertigo) don’t think he doesn’t know Drew Brees just a tiny bit.
Defense
I’m not sure if people caught Rodney Harrison’s analysis, but he laughed at our defense. He mentioned that he wouldn’t even give us one sack on Manning this Sunday. The Saints come in tied for 18th in the league in Sacks, and with Vilma back, and the packages they are slowly working into the scheme, it is hard to believe we can’t succeed here. I mentioned that Vilma’s presence makes for guys like Cam Jordan & Martez Wilson to get to the QB, and is has been happening. There’s no question that a Manning lead offense is scary, and like ours, he has numerous weapons. The big difference in their offense is the run game threat actually is in place. For this matchup, it’s comes down to two things – secondary play, and reaction to the no huddle. Manning is all about commanding his offense, so from a read perspective, here’s where Vilma & Lofton come in to match him. We may get David Hawthorne back, which is a great sign to have three very healthy & capable LBs (and add Casillias in the mix). Patrick Robinson & Corey White have been severely picked on this season, which may be the understatement of the season. Just remember, yards don’t win games. One play can completely change the complexion of the entire game as we saw with Jenkins touchdown saving tackle against Vincent Jackson. My only wish for our defense is that we can force some turnovers, and come up big on 3rd downs to take Manning off of the field.
I’m not sure if people caught Rodney Harrison’s analysis, but he laughed at our defense. He mentioned that he wouldn’t even give us one sack on Manning this Sunday. The Saints come in tied for 18th in the league in Sacks, and with Vilma back, and the packages they are slowly working into the scheme, it is hard to believe we can’t succeed here. I mentioned that Vilma’s presence makes for guys like Cam Jordan & Martez Wilson to get to the QB, and is has been happening. There’s no question that a Manning lead offense is scary, and like ours, he has numerous weapons. The big difference in their offense is the run game threat actually is in place. For this matchup, it’s comes down to two things – secondary play, and reaction to the no huddle. Manning is all about commanding his offense, so from a read perspective, here’s where Vilma & Lofton come in to match him. We may get David Hawthorne back, which is a great sign to have three very healthy & capable LBs (and add Casillias in the mix). Patrick Robinson & Corey White have been severely picked on this season, which may be the understatement of the season. Just remember, yards don’t win games. One play can completely change the complexion of the entire game as we saw with Jenkins touchdown saving tackle against Vincent Jackson. My only wish for our defense is that we can force some turnovers, and come up big on 3rd downs to take Manning off of the field.
Special Teams
It’s Mile High Country, take advantage Mr. Morstead. It’s crazy to say, but Hartley hasn’t been a huge factor in kicking many Field Goals. I expect Denver to tighten up in the Red Zone, and we could call upon him several times. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see a 50+ yarder attempted either, and we will need him to be spot on (like we always hope for).
It’s Mile High Country, take advantage Mr. Morstead. It’s crazy to say, but Hartley hasn’t been a huge factor in kicking many Field Goals. I expect Denver to tighten up in the Red Zone, and we could call upon him several times. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see a 50+ yarder attempted either, and we will need him to be spot on (like we always hope for).
X-Factor
Halftime Adjustments. The Broncos make some great adjustments at the half, and the Saints have done so accordingly. In the past three games, we have seen the Saints yield only 7 points in the second half. The Broncos have completely obliterated their opponents in the second half. Joe Vitt, in my opinion, is the key part/owner of this scheme, and will be your X-Factor on how they solve for things after halftime.
Halftime Adjustments. The Broncos make some great adjustments at the half, and the Saints have done so accordingly. In the past three games, we have seen the Saints yield only 7 points in the second half. The Broncos have completely obliterated their opponents in the second half. Joe Vitt, in my opinion, is the key part/owner of this scheme, and will be your X-Factor on how they solve for things after halftime.
The games haven’t hit a critical stage just yet, but this is one the Saints still need. The NFC teams are starting to set themselves apart with the Top 8 spots sitting at 4-3 or greater. Again, it’s one game at a time here. We can’t overlook any game, and get ahead of ourselves. Get ready for a good shootout. I can’t wait to see Brees vs. Manning. I think we might have to go to Overtime to solve this one too.
Final Prediction: Saints 34, Broncos 31 (F-OT)
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