Last night’s game between the top-seeded Saints and the second-seeded Vikings lived up to its advance billing. With a relentlessness and passion not yet seen this season, the Saints underrated defense came alive against the formidable Vikings’ offensive line. Aging wonder Brett Favre was harassed for the entire game, and his play reflected it. Favre suffered bone-jarring hits on two different plays: one by defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, and the other a combination hit by defensive end Bobby McCray and defensive tackle Remi Ayodele. The first hit left Favre on the ground gasping for air, as if he cracked a rib. The second hit left Favre wincing in pain, and required the trainers to help him to the sidelines. Favre was not the same for the remainder of the game after those hits, constantly throwing off of his back foot and hurrying himself. The Saints defense never got a sack on Favre, but knocked him down almost every third time he dropped back to throw. The toll of the Saints’ defense was most evident on Minnesota’s last offensive play, when Favre threw across his body to Sidney Rice, instead of hobbling his battered body a few more yards downfield to give Vikings’ kicker Ryan Longwell a shot to win the game in regulation. Reminiscent of Favre’s last trip to the NFC Championship, his last throw was intercepted and his team lost in overtime.
Drew Brees successfully evaded the Vikings’ pass rush, only getting sacked once and without throwing an interception. Key to the Saints’ victory was the offense’s ability to protect the ball, turning the ball over only once compared to the Vikings’ five turnovers. Momentum of the game almost switched hands following Reggie Bush’s muffed punt return right before the half. The Saints caught a major break when Adrian Peterson fumbled on the ensuing possession. Bush rebounded well, finishing the game with a crucial touchdown catch on the edge of the pylon. This game marked the first time Bush has strung together back-to-back impressive performances as a pro.
The Saints now enjoy a well-deserved break before heading to Miami for Super Bowl XLIV to face hometown son Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.
