Saints continue streak heading into another divisional opponent

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By Jonathan Bellah

The Saints remain unbeaten this season, despite an unexpectedly close game with St. Louis last weekend, and with that win have already eclipsed last seasons' win total.

The New Orleans offense kept them alive last weekend, while the Saints' defense allowed over 120 yards to Steven Jackson. Coach Sean Payton made some questionable calls in the game that almost handed the Saints their first loss of the season.

The Saints had the ball 2:30 left to play in the fourth quarter, the Saints held a four point lead, Payton opted to throw the ball instead of run it down to the two-minute-warning.

The Rams got the ball with no timeouts and drove down the field to the Saints' 37-yard-line, leading to a Marc Bulger heave towards the end zone that missed its target as time expired.

Reggie Bush had his best performance of the season with only six carries for 83 yards and a touchdown, an average of 13.8 yards per carry. Bush added a receiving touchdown, as well.

After narrowly avoiding the upset the Saints set their sights on their next opponent, division rival Tampa Bay.

The Bucs were heartbroken in the last 70 seconds last weekend against Miami, when Chad Henne drove the Dolphins down for the game-winning field goal.

To say that the Buccaneers have struggled this season is a massive understatement. The Bucs are averaging only 16 points-per-game on offense, while allowing 28 points-per-game on defense.

Tampa Bay has a lot of questions on their offense that have yet to be answered. Josh Freeman has been mediocre since stepping in for Josh Johnson, and the Bucs have only managed to squeak out one victory so far this season.

This season, Cadillac Williams hasn't been the running back that he was once was. Williams is yet to have a 100-yard rushing game this season and has managed only two rushing touchdowns.

The New Orleans offense matches up extremely well against the Tampa Bay defense. Drew Brees should have a good day through the air against the Bucs porous secondary, if he can avoid Aqib Talib who has five interceptions already this season.

The Saints will be looking to make a statement this weekend, after the close call against St. Louis last weekend. If New Orleans can minimize their turnovers, namely Drew Brees' interceptions, then the Saints should win the game convincingly.

The Saints currently have a four game lead over the second place Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South and, with only three teams remaining with winning records, are in firm control of the division.

Originally Published: Issue 824 - November 18, 2009

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