The New Orleans Saints are ready to play in their biggest home game ever. The NCF Chamionship in New Orleans has been building for 18 weeks and now it’s here. The Superdome is going to be rocking. But what do the saints have to do to beat the Vikings?
The thing that stands out in my mind is the way the Vikings manhandled Tony Romo. The thought of Drew Brees undergoing that kind of punishment scares me. Minnessota’s defensive line is awesome and they’re going to ne hard to stop. Two things will work in the Saints favor. First of all I think Sean Payton will devise a scheme to keep the pressure off of Drew Brees. That means extra help against Jared Allen and a healthy dose of a running game. Even if running the ball isn’t paying off you’ve got to do it. Secondly, I don’t expect a lot of long pass plays downfield. That takes time and keeping Brees in the game is a priority. Do these things and the offense should put up points, especially if the running game kicks into high gear.
Reggie Bush is also a big factor. If he’s been held back for the playoffs and is ready to break out he’ll be a big plus. Fromn the way he looked against the Cardinals I think Bush is ready to deliver another solid if not spectacular game. One big play plus steady production could change the game.
Defensively we’ve got to stop Brett Favre with a huge pass rush. I know Adrain Peterson is there but he hasn’t been that great of late. The Vikings have moved to making Favre the centerpiece of the offense. Hit him and he’ll toss some picks. That was eveident in the Dallas game, the Cowboys just couldn’t take advantage of it.
Finally, a rocking Superdome will make Vikings vs Saints one of the most memorable games ever. Home field advantage is huge and in the Superdome it’s going to be hard for Minnessota to communicate. Fans need to be LOUD and they need to be smart.
