Sunday Showdown:
Saints Season On The Brink As They Head to Meadowlands
Saints Season On The Brink As They Head to Meadowlands
Here's my weekly take on the Keys to the Game for the Saints Sunday showdown!
So there’s not much else to really say here. Our backs are against the wall, and in two games, we have seen our defense improve, and our offense falls off the face of the Earth. We had hoped maybe we could have split the games between the Falcons & 49ers, and be in a different position going into tomorrow, however that is simply not the case.
The good news of playing 10 days ago, is the team's health. We have a huge list of probables, getting the services of Tom Johnson, David Thomas, Martez Wilson, Roman Harper, Courtney Roby, Junior Galette, Zach Strief, and Abdul-Quddus back. Corey White & Charles Brown have officially been ruled out.
Offense
I never thought this season that I’d say that the offense has to show up Sunday, but after two bad outings, they really HAVE to. The Giants CAN be scored on, and CAN be picked apart by Brees. The continuity is the biggest factor here. It doesn't look like we'll see Chris Ivory suit up this Sunday, with a late hamstring injury, as his status is doubtful. So, from a running perspective, you'll see the featured mix of Ingram-Sproles-PT. Thomas reminded everyone why he deserves to get the ball last week against Atlanta. There's little secret here, but the O-Line must contain. Brees hasn't had a ton of time to make decisions, and when he's rushed, he has made fairly poor choices (see Atlanta). I think in games like this, you need someone like Marques Colston to have a huge game. The opening drive will set the tone for the rest of the game, and yes, that is always the logic, but when your offense has struggled, it means everything. One side note, Kenny Phillips (Safety) is doubtful for the game, so look for some Jimmy Graham action. Expect to see a good bit of Giants blitz packages on the day. How they are picked up, will decide how the game goes.
I never thought this season that I’d say that the offense has to show up Sunday, but after two bad outings, they really HAVE to. The Giants CAN be scored on, and CAN be picked apart by Brees. The continuity is the biggest factor here. It doesn't look like we'll see Chris Ivory suit up this Sunday, with a late hamstring injury, as his status is doubtful. So, from a running perspective, you'll see the featured mix of Ingram-Sproles-PT. Thomas reminded everyone why he deserves to get the ball last week against Atlanta. There's little secret here, but the O-Line must contain. Brees hasn't had a ton of time to make decisions, and when he's rushed, he has made fairly poor choices (see Atlanta). I think in games like this, you need someone like Marques Colston to have a huge game. The opening drive will set the tone for the rest of the game, and yes, that is always the logic, but when your offense has struggled, it means everything. One side note, Kenny Phillips (Safety) is doubtful for the game, so look for some Jimmy Graham action. Expect to see a good bit of Giants blitz packages on the day. How they are picked up, will decide how the game goes.
Defense
Our defense hit an all time high last week. They were able to shut down Matt Ryan, and Roddy White, holding him to only one catch. Michael Turner failed to eclipse 100 yards, and for all fairness, we held our own. So, with the team getting the likes of a Junior Galette back, it can give you an extra shot in the arm for the game. Steve Spagnoulo is no stranger to the Meadowlands, as he spent a good bit of his time there putting together that great Giants defense. He has only gotten better, and now faces the task of shutting down Eli Manning. I don't truly believe he will be held in check like Matt Ryan did a week ago, and with Hakeem Nicks uncertain with his knee issues, it may mean we see a big focus for Victor Cruz on the day, and how they match up against him is going to be pivotal. I would love to see a few disguises that Spagnoulo can call up that may limit Eli is his ability to stretch plays, and find the open man. I also look at who matches up on Martellus Bennett, as the Saints have been fairly vulnerable to Tight End play in the past few games, but with Roman Harper banged up, it makes sense. Don't give the Giants anything on the ground, wrap up your guys, and don't let them get those extra yards.
Our defense hit an all time high last week. They were able to shut down Matt Ryan, and Roddy White, holding him to only one catch. Michael Turner failed to eclipse 100 yards, and for all fairness, we held our own. So, with the team getting the likes of a Junior Galette back, it can give you an extra shot in the arm for the game. Steve Spagnoulo is no stranger to the Meadowlands, as he spent a good bit of his time there putting together that great Giants defense. He has only gotten better, and now faces the task of shutting down Eli Manning. I don't truly believe he will be held in check like Matt Ryan did a week ago, and with Hakeem Nicks uncertain with his knee issues, it may mean we see a big focus for Victor Cruz on the day, and how they match up against him is going to be pivotal. I would love to see a few disguises that Spagnoulo can call up that may limit Eli is his ability to stretch plays, and find the open man. I also look at who matches up on Martellus Bennett, as the Saints have been fairly vulnerable to Tight End play in the past few games, but with Roman Harper banged up, it makes sense. Don't give the Giants anything on the ground, wrap up your guys, and don't let them get those extra yards.
Special Teams
We really can’t ask for much better from Morstead at this point, and Hartley has been doing fine when called upon. My big beef here is Cadet. He really needs to be smarter about bringing out kicks that are 5 yards deep in his end zone. I get that he has explosive speed, and can make things happen, but be smart young lad. I’m still waiting for a Sproles punt return as well. He nearly broke a couple last week against the Falcons.
We really can’t ask for much better from Morstead at this point, and Hartley has been doing fine when called upon. My big beef here is Cadet. He really needs to be smarter about bringing out kicks that are 5 yards deep in his end zone. I get that he has explosive speed, and can make things happen, but be smart young lad. I’m still waiting for a Sproles punt return as well. He nearly broke a couple last week against the Falcons.
X-Factor
No changes from my X-Factor from last week, and again, it has to be Drew Brees. He’s the sole commander when it comes to making things happen, and for him, a mistake free, nearly perfect game is needed from Drew. Our season lies in your hands Sir, don't let us down.
No changes from my X-Factor from last week, and again, it has to be Drew Brees. He’s the sole commander when it comes to making things happen, and for him, a mistake free, nearly perfect game is needed from Drew. Our season lies in your hands Sir, don't let us down.
Reality check….This is our season here, and despite what everyone else wants to say, there will likely be NO 8-8 teams to make the playoffs this season. The Saints are in a must win situation. We’re in hostile territory, and we face a Giants team who is coming off a tough loss to Washington, and Tom Coughlin was quoted as saying the Giants ‘must win these last four games’. Every single person is picking the Giants here, and maybe, just maybe that could mean something.
We get to put up with Aikman & Buck again, for whatever that’s worth. Must win games require our best, and I think we can give our best, and steal this one away from the Giants. This is it here folks. Get ready for a nail biter.
Final Prediction: Saints 27, Giants 23
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