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METAIRIE, La. — One of Sean Payton's offseason priorities was shoring up the Saints' run defense.

Two of the biggest moves designed to address that weakness were the acquisitions of defensive tackles Shaun Rogers and Aubrayo Franklin in free agency.

Now one of the biggest tests of the Saints' changes comes in a high-stakes showdown Saturday, when New Orleans (14-3) travels to San Francisco (13-3) for a second-round playoff game.

Led by Frank Gore, the 49ers averaged 128 yards rushing per game this season, which ranked eighth in the league. So Payton anticipates a heavy workload for Franklin and Rogers.

"Those guys will have a big role in the game," the coach said. "There are a number of things that (the 49ers) do offensively, but they've been very consistent at being physical up front and blocking with power and finding ways to create big plays in the running game, and then off of that play-action pass."

Franklin, who is 6-foot-1, 317 pounds, left what had been a losing 49ers team in hopes of landing with a winner in New Orleans. The 6-foot-4, 350-pound Rogers, who had never appeared in a playoff game before this season, had the same goal in mind when he left Cleveland to play in the Big Easy.

Because of the Niners' quick turnaround under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, Franklin finds himself needing to come through with a big performance on his old home field to help his new team advance to the NFC title game.

Franklin dismissed the notion that there was any special meaning to his return to San Francisco.

"It's the next team that we're playing and it happens to be my old team," Franklin said. "I came here to win a Super Bowl and these guys are the next team that we play on our route to the Super Bowl. That what makes it big to me."





Read more: Saints run defense to be tested by 49ers - NFL - Sporting News

Ashley

Yes they are damn good in that department, coming in 8th in the league with 127.8 per game. So its huge we shut them down.
Safety Roman Harper said. "We're really going to need Jon Vilma to show up and lead us this week and match Frank Gore. We're going to need our D-line to show up."
Couldn't agree more Roman

NOS2SB

Stop the run!!!!!!!!!!!

dizzle88

We always struggle to stop frank gore, we need to step up and shut him down. Vilma got beasted last year when we faced him so it's a great team effort that's needed

halloween 65

Our D vs. their O, this is going to be where we win. Shanle, yes surehand Shanle is going to have a monster game. Sound tackling, fundamental football is a key in taking down the 9'ers. Dunbar is going to thrive in this game also. Now bash all you want but Vilma is going to have a hard day, he's already nursing an injury, he has all year, and as the game gets longer he's going to be less effective. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel and his name is Martez Wilson, a heavier lb. with blazing speed.

AlaskaSaints

I promised to give him a pass...

...but...


ddddaaaaayyyyyyuuuuummmm!!!!!!!!

I had to read that three times to make sure I was getting it right.

LOL

I too hope he has a monster game. There may be some electricity getting to that bulb after all.

Alaska

SanDiego49er

We can definitely run on you. And I don't think you can run on us very effectively.

Budsdrinker

Actually in the last 4 games against Gore only has (1) 100 yd game which was last year. 2006-40 yds, 2007- 41 yds, 2008-82yds, and last year 112 yds. And in those 4 games only 1 TD. So actually we contain Gore pretty well.

AlaskaSaints

Meet Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas.

Your post are becoming juvenile.

Alaska

joker-saint

Lets add Sproles to mix as well.......One running back, sure....Two running backs, maybe......But three? Are you crazy? The Niners are going to be so confused when they play the package with Sproles, Graham, and Ivory or Thomas in it. Quit being so juvenile, and go post on you Niners site. LOL....Just joking I.E. Joker-Saint