There's a tried and true road formula in the NFL. It’s also a pretty good playoff formula. Pound the ball and play good defense. Some teams take the approach that they can
outscore anybody. See the 09 Saints, and
any team quarterbacked by Peyton Manning.
Sometimes it works, but you’ve got to be flawless. The Saints offense isn’t of that caliber
anymore.
Nevertheless there is one true believer that had to wake up
and realize what every other Saints fan could see, that the Saints offense,
particularly the passing game is good, but not great. A running game could help protect the
quarterback, control the clock, and help the defense. Plus, the Saints had the running backs. What’s not to like? The true believer was Sean Payton, and
suddenly on a Saturday, he constructed a straight ahead running game perfect
for the elements.
Sure, it took one final drive to kick the winning field goal
as time expired. I said when the game
began if we saw another 400 yard playoff passing game by Drew Brees, the Saints
would be in serious trouble. Instead he
balanced his 250 yards passing with 200 running, which was perfect. With Pierre Thomas sidelined, Mark Ingram had
his most meaningful game as a pro, almost proving he could play in the
NFL. Rookie free agent Khiry Robinson
stepped up, and Darren Sproles provided shifty change up. It was encouraging, and it is exactly what
the Saints will need as they embark on that longest of long shots – 3 straight
road games to reach the Super Bowl.
Next up is Seattle which trounced them not too long ago. If the Saints go to Seattle intending to
fling it all over the field, the results will be the same. If they pound and control, maybe there’s a
chance. The Saints secondary is
depleted, but the playoffs is a war of attrition. Shutting up that crowd with long grinding
drives sure would be nice. See you in
Seattle.
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