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Pierre Thomas (23) has become the Saints' premier rusher, but the team has no shortage of offensive weapons. |
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.
"The way we've been able to [get turnovers] and score is a big reason we're where we're at right now," Saints head coach Sean Payton told reporters early yesterday morning.
New Orleans' remaining schedule contains games against only three opponents with winning records: New England (Nov. 30), a rematch with Atlanta (Dec. 13) and Dallas (Nov. 20). All three of those games will be held indoors, which favors the Saints.
The rest of the schedule includes two games against winless Tampa Bay and one each against the St. Louis Rams (1-7) and Redskins (2-5), who may have abandoned ship by the time the Saints arrive at FedEx Field on Dec. 6.
(No, we haven't forgotten the 7-0 Indianapolis Colts. But with two games against the surging Houston Texans and one each with the Baltimore Ravens and Patriots in the next month, their hopes of staying unbeaten are much slimmer.)
A year after finishing last in the NFC South at 8-8, the Saints pretty much wrapped up the division on Monday. The only real suspense between now and January will be whether anyone can knock them off.
UPSET PICK
Picking the Redskins--especially on the road-- rarely makes much sense. But they're coming off a bye week, and the Falcons will have to deal with a short workweek and the disappointment of Monday's tough loss. So the Pick (4-3) will take Washington (a 10-point underdog) to defy the odds Sunday in Atlanta.
Steve DeShazo: 540/374-5443
Email: sdeshazo@freelancestar.com
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1. Saints (7-0) 3. Vikings (7-1) 5. Eagles (5-2) 12. Falcons (4-3) |
