AN UNBEATEN SEASON WITHIN SAINTS' REACH

BY STEVE DeSHAZO

Until two years ago, it seemed ludicrous. Winning all 16 regular-season games was simply too difficult in the NFL's salary-cap era.

The odds were so stacked against it that members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins used to open a bottle of champagne every year when the last undefeated team finally lost.

But the 2007 New England Patriots went 18-0 before losing to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. Ironically, the Patriots now look like one of the few teams that can prevent the New Orleans Saints from matching their unbeaten regular season.

The Saints' marathon 34-27 victory over the Atlanta Falcons Monday night didn't get much national attention because it was on opposite Game 5 of the World Series. That's a shame, because New Orleans' explosive offense is worth watching.

These Saints are very reminiscent of the St. Louis Rams of a decade ago, with Drew Brees impeccably playing the role of Kurt Warner. He distributes the ball to a bevy of fast receivers (six players have at least 10 catches this year).

And while former No. 1 pick Reggie Bush isn't Marshall Faulk, he's a dangerous target out of the backfield--and has become a better blocker in his fourth NFL season.

Making the Saints' surge even more remarkable is the fact that they're 7-0 without Pro Bowl left tackle Jamaal Brown, who's on injured reserve and out for the season. King George County native Jermon Bushrod has done an admirable job protecting Brees' blind side in relief--and stands to cash in royally in what could be an uncapped 2010 season, either with the Saints or another team that needs a good young blocker.

Still, what gives the Saints a legitimate shot at 16-0 is their aggressive defense. In its first year under former Washington Redskins coordinator Gregg Williams, New Orleans has tied a club record by returning five interceptions for touchdowns. Not even halfway through the season, their 16 picks are one more than they had in all of 2008.

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1. Saints (7-0) Five defensive TDs already

2. Colts (7-0) They rank 30th in rushing

3. Vikings (7-1) Favre can use a bye week

4. Broncos (6-1) No rest: Steelers next

5. Eagles (5-2) Can seize NFC East lead

6. Cowboys (5-2) Can seize NFC East lead 7. Steelers (5-2) Rested for title defense 8. Patriots (5-2) Schedule gets much tougher 9. Bengals (5-2) Ravens, Steelers are next 10. Texans (5-3) Ready to challenge Colts 11. Ravens (4-3) Rolling into Bengals rematch

12. Falcons (4-3) First 2-game skid for Ryan

13. Packers (4-3) Rodgers is taking pounding 14. Chargers (4-3) Merriman: 1st sacks since '07 15. Giants (5-3) Eli's slump is a big concern 16. Bears (4-3) Must protect Cutler better 17. Dolphins (3-4) Ginn becoming a weapon 18. Panthers (3-4) Ground game fuels surge 19. Cardinals (4-3) Turnovers plague Warner 20. Jets (4-4) Stumbling into bye week 21. 49ers (3-4) Smith, Davis a potent duo 22. Seahawks (2-5) Mora threatens changes 23. Jaguars (3-4) Defense remains porous 24. Bills (3-5) Offense is anemic lately 25. Titans (1-6) QB switch provided spark 26. Redskins (2-5) Will rest pay off in Atlanta? 27. Raiders (2-6) Cable's in trouble again 28. Chiefs (1-6) 3 of next 4 on the road 29. Rams (1-7) Two weeks to savor first win 30. Lions (1-6) WR Johnson sorely missed 31. Buccaneers (0-7) 0-11 start looks inevitable 32. Browns (1-7) GM may not be last to go

Date published: 11/4/2009

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