Pass rush
The Saints’ front four came into its own in the NFC Championship against the Vikings. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams crafted a scheme to disrupt Brett Favre’s timing, and it worked. The Saints will need a repeat performance from its pass rushers against the usual unflappable Peyton Manning. If the Saints defenders can win the matchup with the Colts’ offensive line, it will cause Manning to hurry his throws and lose his rhythm. This will be no easy task, as the Colts’ offensive line is very experienced and center Jeff Saturday has done an excellent job of making line calls to protect Manning.

Avoid turnovers
New Orleans protected the ball well against Minnesota, with only one turnover. However, that turnover nearly broke the Saints’ back. Had it not been for one of Adrian Peterson’s fumbles, Minnesota likely would have scored a touchdown before halftime, sending New Orleans into a hole coming out in the second half. Manning and company are excellent at capitalizing on opponent’s turnovers, so Brees and company need to protect the ball as much as possible.

Control the ball before halftime
Like a well-oiled machine, the Colts’ offense capitalizes on getting the ball back with less than two minutes to go in the opening half. With such a wide array of weapons, the Colts offense can move the ball quickly. Scoring right before the half not only puts the opponent behind on the scoreboard, but has a psychological factor as well. In the AFC Championship, the Colts scored a touchdown just before the half, which swung the momentum of the game. The Saints need to get the ball before the half and run the clock out

Capitalize on turnovers
The Saints failed to capitalize on the Vikings’ five turnovers and let them stick around too long. If the Colts turn the ball over, the Saints have to convert those turnovers into points.

Run the ball at Dwight Freeney
It has been well published that Freeney has a high sprain on his right ankle. If Freeney plays, as it appears, the Saints need to run Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush directly at Freeney. Freeney is an exceptional athlete, but could be forced out of the game early if his body cannot keep up with the pace. To add variety, expect to see the Saints throw screen passes to Jeremy Shockey and Reggie Bush to keep Freeney at bay.

Use Reggie Bush
Bush had the game-changing punt return against the Cardinals, and a heads-up touchdown against the Vikings to help lead the Saints to the Super Bowl. Bush is in the middle of a post-season redemption ala Alex Rodriguez. Although he fumbled the punt right before halftime against the Vikings, he showed tremendous mental resiliency by staying in the game and protecting the ball. Reggie needs to get involved early and often in both the return and receiving games. The Colts’ special teams coverage units ranked 16th in punt return coverage and 31st in kickoff return average.

The Saints are hitting on all cylinders. Riding the emotional wave and playing inspired football, I predict the Saints will emerge victorious 42-35. Geuax Saints!

Before conquering the plethora of intriguing subplots, I think it is time we resolve a more pressing question. Who is the hotter Ms. Super Bowl: Kendra Wilkinson, or Kim Kardashian? According to People Magazine’s website, both Kendra and Kim were talking trash before the game: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20342033,00.html There’s nothing like a good trash talk between reality starlets who have made their living overinflating their self-importance to the world through your TV. If only Hef were in Miami to decide.

There is no contest between Hank Baskett and Reggie Bush as to who will have a greater impact on the game, since Baskett’s contributions were limited to five catches for a whopping 34 yards, the Ms. Super Bowl title is much more interesting. Saints fans, who should win the Ms. Super Bowl Title: Kendra or Kim (and why)?

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.

For the Saints, last week’s victory over the Cardinals was impressive because of the defense’s ability to shut down the Cardinals’ potent offense and a break-out performance from Reggie Bush. The Saints have more than a fair chance to win this game and make the franchise’s first trip to the Super Bowl. Without question, this game will be a tough contest. The keys to victory lie in the following matchups.
1. Jared Allen vs. Jermon Bushrod
In week 15’s game against the Cowboys, defensive end DeMarcus Ware wreaked havoc against Jermon Bushrod, the third year pro who is in his first year of starting full-time. Ware picked up two sacks and caused quarterback Drew Brees’ game-ending fumble on the Saints’ final possession. First-Team All-Pro Jared Allen will pose as much of, if not more of a challenge for Bushrod. Brees is adept at using his feet to make plays and has a quick delivery, but he would not be as effective as he needs to be if he’s constantly harassed. Look for the Saints to run Reggie Bush to the outside towards Allen to slow him down. In obvious passing situations, expect the Saints to line tight-end Jeremy Shockey up across from Allen to chip-block, in addition to throwing the occasional tight-end or running back screen in Allen’s direction.
2. Brett Favre and Sidney Rice vs. Saints’ Secondary
Brett Favre has made many defensive backs lose sleep and look for others jobs after facing him. Such will not be the case with Darren Sharper. This game is personal for Sharper, mainly because the Vikings let him go in the off-season. Sharper tied for the league lead in interceptions with nine, and returned a league-leading three for interceptions. With Percy Harvin expected to miss the game with a migraine, Favre will focus on Rice, who torched the Cowboys’ secondary last week for three touchdowns. There is little doubt New Orleans’ defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has been watching from last week to invent ways to neutralize Rice. Expect Sharper to provide help over the top, but Greer has to deliver a stellar performance if the Saints hope to win this battle. Greer is overmatched with Rice, so Sharper’s play will be crucial to containing Rice.
3. Saints’ Offensive Line vs. Vikings Defensive Line
With the exception of the Cowboys game, the Saints’ offensive line has done a good job protecting Brees and establishing the run. However, the Vikings’ defensive line is more talented than any the Saints have faced this year, particularly with Jared Allen (discussed earlier) and First-Team All-Pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams. To win this battle, the Saints’ front-five must neutralize the Vikings’ front-four. If the Saints win this matchup, Brees would have time to pick apart a Vikings’ secondary that may not have Second-Team All-Pro Antoine Winfield, who has been slowed by a foot injury. The Saints need to keep Brett Favre and the offense off the field, so the offensive line needs to open holes for Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. If Thomas and Bush can consistently get to the Vikings’ linebackers, a vulnerability in the defense, the Saints will have the ball control necessary to contain the Vikings’ explosiveness.
4. Jonathan Vilma vs. Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson has been relatively quiet over the last several games. Peterson’s last game rushing over 100 yards came against the lowly Detroit Lions in week 10, which means he is due for a break-out game. The Saints are vulnerable on the defensive line, as Beanie Wells showed on his first run from scrimmage last week. To contain Peterson, Vilma will have to be stout against the run. Vilma has great speed, but Peterson is in a class all by himself. If Vilma can contain Peterson, this will force the Vikings to rely on Favre and the passing game, where Sharper can assist with Rice, and Vilma can help cover Visanthe Shiancoe. However, if Peterson gets loose early, it will be a long day in New Orleans.

X Factors:
Reggie Bush
Last week Bush showed why the Saints made him the number 2 overall pick in the 2006 draft. The biggest knock against Bush to date has been his maddening inconsistency. Bush has yet to string together two consecutive, impressive performances. There is no way to predict which Bush will show up, but it should be obvious by the second quarter. A reappearance of the Bush of last week will guarantee a Saints victory, but the “other” Bush puts victory more in question.

Brett Favre
There’s little doubt Favre’s performance this year has justified his comeback. Favre has only thrown multiple interceptions in one game this season. Favre still has the 2007 NFC Championship loss to the Giants in his mind, particularly his interception in overtime that cost the Packers the game. Favre is surrounded by arguably his best supporting cast during his NFL tenure, and this week he faces a weaker pass rush than the Cowboys’. If the Favre of this year shows up and protects the ball, the Vikings have the edge. However, if Favre turns the ball over early, the Saints will capitalize.

This game will most likely be a shoot-out, and come down to the last drive. The Saint’s offense has found its rhythm, and the defensive is showing signs of life with last week’s dominance of the high-powered Cardinals. I see the Saints marching to Miami, 31-28 over the Vikings.

The Saints established the run early on, highlighted by Reggie Bush’s 46-yard change of direction run to end the first quarter. The Cardinals responded to make the score 21-14 early in the second quarter, but the Saints took over from that point. New Orleans turned the tide with a 44 yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Devery Henderson midway through the fourth quarter. The Saints sealed the victory with Reggie Bush’s electric 83 yard punt return for a touchdown, the third longest punt return for a touchdown in NFL playoff history.

The Saints’ defense turned in a dominating performance. With Kurt Warner nursing a chest injury from a hard hit on an interception, the Cardinals’ offense struggled throughout the game. Excluding Hightower’s long touchdown run, Arizona managed just 31 yards rushing. Warner and backup Matt Lienart combined for 258 yards passing, but were unable to guide Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston and the rest of the Cardinals’ vaunted receiving core into the end zone. Consistent with forcing the most turnovers in the NFC during the regular season, the Saints’ defense forced Warner’s interception and Jerheme Urban’s fumble.

Drew Brees turned in a great performance, completing 23 of 32 pass attempts for 247 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Marques Colston (six receptions, 83 yards, one touchdown) and Jeremy Shockey (three catches, 36 yards, one touchdown) were solid contributors, but the offensive star was Reggie Bush, with the punt return for a touchdown and the 46-yard touchdown run.

With a complete win against the high-scoring Cardinals and the three-game losing streak snapped, the Saints moved one step closer to the franchise’s first Super Bowl trip and await the winner of tomorrow afternoon’s Vikings/Cowboys game.

When they said that this game was one of the most highly anticipated games this weekend, they were right on so many levels. This is by far going into the record books. This is exactly what I expected to happen. Right after taking a little break, the team returned fresh, and proved that they are bringing their A-game.

The team didn’t disappoint me at all. I was a little shocked when the Cardinals scored the first touchdown. But the team came back, and came back hard.

Before I get to the offense, I was highly impressed by the Saint’s impressive defense. With Charles Grant out for the remainder of the season, I had a question above my head about the defense. Don’t get me wrong. Defensive players are good, but Grant stood out to me. Good thing I don’t have to worry about it anymore. Interceptions, recoveries, and nonstop downs, the defense team is impressive.

The team did a great job knocking down the Cardinal’s quarterback. Every time the Cardinals are on the offense, Kurt Warner was being knocked down almost every throw. It looked like the only solution was to run.

I loved Drew Brees’ strategies. Normally, I see him looking around carefully, but it takes too much time. There was no rush. He knew what to do, and most of his throws were caught. I was admiring the impressive teamwork he had with Jeremy Shockey, Reggie Bush, and Pierre Thomas.

The one player that really stood out tonight was Reggie Bush. My favorite player in the entire team has done an amazing job this game. Three touchdowns, including the 83-yard run he did after his pickup. He was by far the best player tonight.

The Saints by far had done an amazing job against the Cardinals. 5 touchdowns, countless interceptions, impressive defense, and intense focus. The right chemistry to have a winning game.

The Cardinals defense was porous last week, giving up 422 yards passing to the Packers. Look for Brees and Company to follow the Packers’ game plan, and post big numbers in the passing game. New Orleans must focus on pressuring Kurt Warner early and often, which will lead to turnovers, and establishing the run. If the Saints do not establish the pass rush early, Warner will have ample time to pick apart the Saints’ secondary. The Saints need a big game from defensive end Will Smith, who lead the team with 13 sacks. By getting pressure on Warner early, New Orleans can force Warner into hurrying his throws and making mistakes. The Saints also need a big game from playmaking linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who will be most valuable shutting down the run and covering the underneath routes to Fitzgerald. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin is likely on the sidelines again for this game, taking an important weapon in Kurt Warner’s arsenal. Last week Steve Breaston proved to be an adequate replacement, so the Saints’ defense needs to focus on limiting his touches.

New Orleans needs to establish the inside run early with Pierre Thomas, while mixing in a few outside runs with Reggie Bush, and a few short passes to Bush in open space. This will set up play action, where Brees can exploit the matchup of a healthy Marques Colston against an injured Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Once Brees and the offense find a rhythm, it will be hard for Arizona to win.

Warner and the Cardinals will not go away quietly, but Brees and the Saints will put up a W and retire the Cardinals for the winter, 35-24.

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