The Saints are definitely capable of playing well in Philly, and winning like they are supposed to do. Recent history proves that they won't, but the Saints have one of the best coaches in the NFL in Sean Payton, and they also have a future hall of famer at quarterback in Drew Brees who has won in the playoffs before, so again, anything can happen.
The Saints have already played in Seattle and Carolina, so if they get by the Eagles (a huge 'if'), they will have the experience of playing there before on their side, even though both experiences were negative. But a well coached team with a great qb, can learn from their mistakes in a game where the stakes aren't as high, and be better prepared for a game when it's 'do or die.' Hopefully, that will be the case with the Saints.
I desperately want to see the Saints in the Super Bowl in New York, because if we get there, I like how we match up against the Broncos, who, on paper, should be the team to advance there.
Again, words can't express how fired up I am about the Saints being in the playoffs. It's a clean slate. What happened in the regular season no longer matters, and the Saints simply have to take care of business, and win. Here is what needs to happen:
1. Drew Brees cannot throw interceptions. Period. When Brees throws interceptions, the Saints lose.
On the flip-side, we must have big plays in the passing game. When that happens, the Saints win.
On the flip-side, we must have big plays in the passing game. When that happens, the Saints win.
Robert Meachem and Kenny Stills must step up, and make plays. In the playoffs, defenses will be game planning to stop Jimmy Graham, Marques Colton, Darren Sproles and Lance Moore. Kenny Stills must play like a veteran, and establish himself as a star in this league. Robert Meachem must catch everything that is catchable.
Drew Brees must not force passes, and take less gambles. If a play isn't there, he must throw it away, or even take a sack.
2. The offensive line must open holes for the running game. The Saints don't have to necessarily be committed to it, but it must be enough of a threat, so defenses will have to take it into account. In cold weather games, the running game is so important.
At this point, although they haven't, Ben Grubbs and Jahri Evans must play like the Pro Bowlers that they were chosen to be. They must man up, and win their individual battles against the respective defenders that they will be assigned to.
At this point, although they haven't, Ben Grubbs and Jahri Evans must play like the Pro Bowlers that they were chosen to be. They must man up, and win their individual battles against the respective defenders that they will be assigned to.
The offensive line must protect Drew Brees, and give him time to throw. When that happens, forced passes are minimized, and thus interceptions will be minimized.
The offensive line MUST step up.
3. Roman Harper, Corey White, and Malcolm Jenkins must not allow big plays, and stay healthy. We cannot afford any more injuries in our already depleted secondary. We cannot afford blown coverages. We cannot afford to give up any big plays.
Luckily, Roman Harper and Malcolm Jenkins have been there before, so there will be no fear from them. Corey White, on the other hand, must play the games of his life. The secondary must get interceptions. It will be a lot more difficult to win when they are not doing that. The secondary must step up big time.
The Saints have their work cut out for them to make it to New York. At least their first two games will be on the road, and at least one of them will be in a cold-weather environment, and every possible destination will be outdoors. That will not be in the Saints favor.
Historically, the Saints have been a good road team, but for some reason, that has not been the case this season. The Saints must find out exactly what it is that is causing them to play less than their best away from the Dome, and fix it. If anybody can, it's Sean Payton and Drew Brees.
I really hope the Saints show some heart, and know that Whodat Nation is behind them. They must put the past behind them, play focused football, and bring the Lombardi back to New Orleans where it belongs. Anything can happen.
WHO DAT???!!!
WHO DAT???!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment