Sunday Showdown:
Saints Look for Different Outcome Against the 49ers
Saints Look for Different Outcome Against the 49ers
Here's my weekly take on the Keys to the Game for the Saints on Sunday!
For starters, I hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoyed time with your families, friends, significant others, and loved ones!
So here we are, 5-5. Hardly anyone, especially the analysts on TV, thought we would be in this position when we were at an 0-4 hole. We have a unique opportunity Sunday, as we battle it out with those pesky 49ers, who we all are aware ended our season last year. That was in the past, and we won't forget it. Entering this game, it's two different ball clubs going at it. Yes, the faces may be the same, and there are some new ones. However, it's still the high powered offense vs. high powered defense matchup that everyone looks forward to.
Offense
The 49ers are no slouches when it comes to defense, ask Jason Campbell. They are 1st in the league in Points Allowed, with 13.4/game. They rank 2nd in yards allowed/game (277), 2nd in pass yards allowed/game (182), and 7th in rushing yards allowed/game (94.3). We have seen in the past few weeks a different Saints offense, one that has been extremely balanced, and effective. It wasn't so long ago that the Saints rushing attacked was dead last. Now? They're 26th. While this isn't jaw-dropping, it's encouraging. It keeps getting better. We have a few concerns on the O-Line, in which we're sure to be without Charles Brown & Zac Strief (who is questionable). That leaves Rookie Bryce Harris up to the task of guarding the likes of Aldon Smith, Justin Smith. This will be a difference maker ultimately. You know the 49ers will look to key on the run, and I still believe that the Saints will create some looks that will get our backs some yards. We get Darren Sproles back, after being without his services for 3 games. In such a crowded backfield, one would believe that they might put Sproles in slot formation, or try to create mismatches in where he will be covered by a Linebacker or Lineman, especially if the focus will be on Jimmy Graham. Despite what people say about the 49ers Defense, it's still Drew Brees. Last outing, he threw for 462 Yards, 4TD, 2INT - so what I'm trying to say, the 49ers will have to respect the passing game & running game. Graham - Colston - Sproles all had over 100 yards in the last outing, so look for guys like Lance Moore to become an appetizing target of Brees on the day. Confuse the 49ers, go with some hurry up, and catch it when it counts.
Defense49ers have the #1 ranked rushing attack in the NFL at 165 yards/game. We don't know which QB we will face, and even if Alex Smith is named the starter, don't think for a second that we won't see Colin Kaepernick. We will be without Junior Gallette for a third straight game, and only have 3 healthy Cornerbacks (Greer-Robinson-Patrick), as Mack & White will be out for this game. This is my biggest concern, as we know who Smith/Kaepernick have to throw to. The outstanding play of Jenkins/Harper last week will be need to be called upon once again. The other part of this? Pressure to the QB. It always seems like a given, but the ability to get off the ball, and get to the Quarterback will negate them from finding receivers like Moss, Davis, & Manningham for those deep plays, and force them to at least check down to a different receiver. As far as the rushing attack, Mr. Bunkley, you're up. I believe Spagnoulo has studied & dissected in & out of what to call against the offensive attack. He may/should use a similar formula that the Giants were able to do against the 49ers earlier this season. Not much else to say on the Defense, we have to continue showing up, and perform.
Special Teams
It was very nice to see Mr. Cadet break off some Kick Returns last week, including that 75 yarder to open the 3rd quarter, which helped the Saints go ahead 21-7. I'm sure he may retain this duty, or even if Sproles joins him, it makes for an appetizing combo. We were happy to see Hartley make his 47 Yard Field Goal he was called upon to kick last week, and we only ask that he keeps going in the RIGHT direction. Bringing up Morstead is almost a moot point. He continues to deliver week after week, just keep it up LEG.
X-Factor
Roman Harper. He has his hands full, and has the task of shutting down Vernon Davis. The spotlight will be on you, and this time, I think he will get the last laugh.
Suddenly, this has become 'America's Game of the Week'. Get ready for your dose of Joe Buck & Troy Aikman. Get ready for them to mention the NFC Divisional Game 1,000 times. Get ready for them to show replays of Vernon Davis. If you recall last year's game, we got down early because of mental mistakes, and turnovers. I don't see us doing that again. While this game isn't vital, it is still important. We have to hope the Bucs can maybe defeat the Falcons, but should the Falcons win, and we win, then we move up ahead of the Bucs for the Wild Card race. It's our home turf, and that changes things up as opposed to the last meeting. If you're so fortunate to be at the Dome, don't come back with a voice. Hold on to your butts, this one is gonna be close.
Final Prediction: Saints 30, 49ers 27
The 49ers are no slouches when it comes to defense, ask Jason Campbell. They are 1st in the league in Points Allowed, with 13.4/game. They rank 2nd in yards allowed/game (277), 2nd in pass yards allowed/game (182), and 7th in rushing yards allowed/game (94.3). We have seen in the past few weeks a different Saints offense, one that has been extremely balanced, and effective. It wasn't so long ago that the Saints rushing attacked was dead last. Now? They're 26th. While this isn't jaw-dropping, it's encouraging. It keeps getting better. We have a few concerns on the O-Line, in which we're sure to be without Charles Brown & Zac Strief (who is questionable). That leaves Rookie Bryce Harris up to the task of guarding the likes of Aldon Smith, Justin Smith. This will be a difference maker ultimately. You know the 49ers will look to key on the run, and I still believe that the Saints will create some looks that will get our backs some yards. We get Darren Sproles back, after being without his services for 3 games. In such a crowded backfield, one would believe that they might put Sproles in slot formation, or try to create mismatches in where he will be covered by a Linebacker or Lineman, especially if the focus will be on Jimmy Graham. Despite what people say about the 49ers Defense, it's still Drew Brees. Last outing, he threw for 462 Yards, 4TD, 2INT - so what I'm trying to say, the 49ers will have to respect the passing game & running game. Graham - Colston - Sproles all had over 100 yards in the last outing, so look for guys like Lance Moore to become an appetizing target of Brees on the day. Confuse the 49ers, go with some hurry up, and catch it when it counts.
Defense49ers have the #1 ranked rushing attack in the NFL at 165 yards/game. We don't know which QB we will face, and even if Alex Smith is named the starter, don't think for a second that we won't see Colin Kaepernick. We will be without Junior Gallette for a third straight game, and only have 3 healthy Cornerbacks (Greer-Robinson-Patrick), as Mack & White will be out for this game. This is my biggest concern, as we know who Smith/Kaepernick have to throw to. The outstanding play of Jenkins/Harper last week will be need to be called upon once again. The other part of this? Pressure to the QB. It always seems like a given, but the ability to get off the ball, and get to the Quarterback will negate them from finding receivers like Moss, Davis, & Manningham for those deep plays, and force them to at least check down to a different receiver. As far as the rushing attack, Mr. Bunkley, you're up. I believe Spagnoulo has studied & dissected in & out of what to call against the offensive attack. He may/should use a similar formula that the Giants were able to do against the 49ers earlier this season. Not much else to say on the Defense, we have to continue showing up, and perform.
Special Teams
It was very nice to see Mr. Cadet break off some Kick Returns last week, including that 75 yarder to open the 3rd quarter, which helped the Saints go ahead 21-7. I'm sure he may retain this duty, or even if Sproles joins him, it makes for an appetizing combo. We were happy to see Hartley make his 47 Yard Field Goal he was called upon to kick last week, and we only ask that he keeps going in the RIGHT direction. Bringing up Morstead is almost a moot point. He continues to deliver week after week, just keep it up LEG.
X-Factor
Roman Harper. He has his hands full, and has the task of shutting down Vernon Davis. The spotlight will be on you, and this time, I think he will get the last laugh.
Suddenly, this has become 'America's Game of the Week'. Get ready for your dose of Joe Buck & Troy Aikman. Get ready for them to mention the NFC Divisional Game 1,000 times. Get ready for them to show replays of Vernon Davis. If you recall last year's game, we got down early because of mental mistakes, and turnovers. I don't see us doing that again. While this game isn't vital, it is still important. We have to hope the Bucs can maybe defeat the Falcons, but should the Falcons win, and we win, then we move up ahead of the Bucs for the Wild Card race. It's our home turf, and that changes things up as opposed to the last meeting. If you're so fortunate to be at the Dome, don't come back with a voice. Hold on to your butts, this one is gonna be close.
Final Prediction: Saints 30, 49ers 27
No comments:
Post a Comment