Today the Saints will have a chance to clinch the NFC South title with a win over the the Falcons in the Superdome. Here are 5 things I’ll be looking for:
1. Can the Saints run the ball effectively on the Falcons’ solid defense?
The Saints managed just 41 yards on 16 carries last time these two teams faced off and the Falcons rank 4th in the NFL against the run. The Saints know they can pass on the Falcons, but they’ll want to get some yardage on the ground to keep some semblance of balance. If the Saints can break the 80 yard barrier rushing that would be a major accomplishment in this one.
2. Can Drew Brees continue his pace and break Marino’s record?
Brees needs 305 yards in this game to break the all time passing yards record held by Dan Marino. He could easily top that total in this game. At the rate of success he’s had lately I expect him to eclipse Marino’s record early in the 4th quarter on his way to yet another memorable Monday Night performance.
3. Will the difference be 3 points?
The last four times these teams have faced off the winner has been victorious by just 3 points. Not only is this a big time rilvary between two recently good teams, they always seem to play their hardest when they face off against each other. The result is some of the more dramatic football we get to see all season. I expect this game to be no different, with a winner being decided in the late stages of the 4th quarter.
4. Can Jimmy Graham break Kellen Winslow Sr.’s record?
Graham is going after his own record, most receiving yards by a tight end in one season in NFL history. He trails Kellen Winslow Sr.’s by 120 yards. While it’s technically possible he could amass enough to catch him in this game, it’s more likely he’ll get yardage to chip away at it and get closer… which his shot at breaking the record possibly coming in week 17 against the Panthers. Nonetheless, a huge 120+ yard performance against the Falcons can’t be ruled out and he’ll be looking for a monster performance.
5. Any hope for a 2nd seed?
The Saints need a win to keep their slim hopes alive for a first round bye. Then, they’ll need a shocking Rams win over the 49ers and another win over the Panthers next week. It’s far from a given, but I’ve always subscribed to the theory that has long as there is a chance, no matter how slim, you root for it. Crazier things have happened and I’ve been watching football long enough that I’m a firm believe that anything can happen in any given week.
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