Time to game plan for Taints big TE and WR....what's our strategy?

[!stUp]

Do this to the mole...

 

[d-dave]

The Saints are the toughest opponent we face year to year, and we do it twice.  They are a great offensive team, led by a Great QB (sorry, not just good), tough RBs (Pierre Thomas, wow), and a freak of nature in TE (Graham).  Oh, and their head coach is also an excellent game planner.  These guys are tough, but like every other team in the NFL, they have weaknesses.

 

1.  It starts up front.  Our DL versus their OL.  If Star, KK and the rest of the DTs can control and push the GCG (Guard, Center, Guard), that will go a LONG way to helping us out.  Brees can't step up, they can't get their power running and play action passing game going, that's going to limit what they do.

 

2.  DE party in the backfield.  Just for good measure.

 

3.  Don't turn the ball over.  All NFL games are about emotion, rhythm, and momentum.  The best way to give those away is to turn it over.  Make them do so instead.

 

4.  BUMP the heck out of their receivers.  Don't EVER give them a free release!  Seriously!

 

5.  Keep it all in front of you.  This has been said repeatedly, and I'm pretty sure that's the plan.

 

On offense, they can be beaten.  You have to run the ball.  You don't have to do 5 YPC, but you do have to stay committed for no other reason except to keep them honest, and keep the ball out of Brees' hand.  You can slow down a pass rush with smart screens and draws (gasp! not a draw!).  Hopefully Shula and Co have a smart game plan.

 

Regardless, I see this gaming coming down to the last possession.  Heck, I see any game we play with a good team like the Saints coming down to the final possession!  It's easy to thump our chests and do our Super-Cams, but we are both playing for SUPER HIGH STAKES!  We're playing for the division, and possible number 2 (or even 1 if the Saints beat the Hawks and they lose another one).  Talk about excitement!

 

This will hopefully be a good game, with the Panthers coming out of top.  It won't be easy, but I believe in the Panthers!