Week 12 Preview: Patriots (7-3) at Saints (10-0)
In what is sure to be one of the most compelling regular season games in recent memory, tonight, the 7-3 New England Patriots will take on the undefeated New Orleans Saints. On the line? Sole possession of the first seed for New Orleans, and staying in the hunt for the second seed for the Patriots.
For the Patriots, the game will be a chance to get revenge following their devastating 35-34 loss to the Colts, who were 8-0 at the time. But revenge will be no easy task. The New Orleans Saints, at 10-0, have been the most dominating team in football up to this point in the season. They are first in the league in points scored and total yards and also have a very opportunistic defense that ranks first in the league in takeaways.
On offense, the Saints have been nearly unstoppable so far in 2009. They are lead at quarterback by veteran Drew Brees, who by showcasing accuracy, poise, and touch, has led the Saints to a 10-0 record, while establishing himself in the upper-upper echelant of quarterbacks with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. And while their passing game, led by receivers Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem and Lance Moore, as well as tight end Jeremy Shockey and running back Reggie Bush, whom coach Bill Belichick has taken a keen interest in defending. However, as potent as the Saints passing attack is, their running game is that much more. They are lead by a three headed attack of Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas, and Reggie Bush that ranks fourth in the league. Bottom line is, it will be extremely tough to make this Saints team one dimensional.
On defense, the Saints are a little bit banged up in the defensive backfield with Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter, and former Patriot Randall Gay all banged up. So there will be opportunities for the Patriots. While the Saints have a lot of talent defensively, you can move the ball on them. They are ranked 16th against the pass and 20th against the run. The thing with them is that they create a lot of turnovers, so protecting the ball will be key for the Patriots. Leaders on their defense include defensive end Will Smith, safety Darren Sharper, defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis who is returning from a sprained MCL, and linebacker Jonathan Vilma who is listed as questionable.
Keys to the Game – Patriots
1. Pressure Drew Brees – He will pick defense apart if he isn’t pressured consistently.
2. Win the Turnover Battle – Saints are not a team to easily give up turnovers, they just take them. Winning the turnover battle will be key.
3. Attack the Injured Saints Secondary - Make them hurt quick, especially if they are without Greer and/or Gay.
Players to Watch – Saints
Darren Sharper, S, #42 – Veteran safety leads an opportunistic Saints defense with seven interceptions, three of which he has brought back to the house.
Reggie Bush, RB, #25 – Coach Bill Belichick has been talking up Bush all week. While he is no Gale Sayers, he still brings a unique versatility to the run and pass game, and is a dangerous weapon.
Players to Watch – Patriots
Tully Banta-Cain, OLB, #95 – Has been the most disruptive pass rusher for the Pats this season, and the key to slowing Brees will be applying pressure.
Ben Watson, TE, #84 – Watson has been quiet the last couple of weeks, but with his athletic ability, could burst onto the scene at any moment, and could be an x-factor for tonight’s game.
Greg’s Prediction: Patriots 30 Saints 27
This game could easily go either way. However, since the Saints are beat up in the secondary, and the Pats already lost a tough one against the Colts, I think the Pats will squeak this one out in a semi-shootout.
