blacksaint

Saints at Seahawks
Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET (NBC), Qwest Field




Saints Keys For Success


1. Don't settle for field goals. The Saints learned the hard way last week that they cannot count on their kicking unit as Olindo Mare missed two field-goal attempts in the second half -- including a 20-yarder that was blocked -- that could have won the game. Mare has made only 3-of-7 attempts with a long of just 34 yards. Saints coaches are bringing in other kickers this week for workouts, so a change might be made. Still, Drew Brees and the offense must do better at converting on third down and finish drives.

2. Generate a pass rush. Opposing quarterbacks average a passer rating of 114.7 against the Saints, by far the highest in the NFL. All the blame shouldn't be placed on the secondary -- quarterbacks have had all day to throw. The Saints have generated no pass rush (one total sack) despite having two Pro Bowl defensive ends, Will Smith and Charles Grant. Saints coaches must be more aggressive Sunday with blitzes and line stunts to generate more pressure on Matt Hasselbeck and take some heat off of the secondary.

3. Throw downfield. Brees is averaging just 5.2 yards per completion, and there are 48 other passers with a higher number. Forty eight! His average was 8.0 yards in 2006. Though Brees has taken some shots downfield to Marques Colston and Devery Henderson, most deep balls have resulted in dropped passes or interceptions. Especially with the loss of bruising running back Deuce McAllister, the Saints need the downfield passing game to soften up the defense and create some space for Reggie Bush.


Seahawks Keys For Success


1. Use a safety to cover Bush. Though Bush has been unsuccessful running the ball (2.9-yard average), he is a favorite target in the passing game with 25 receptions. He is dangerous in the open field and can do damage if not tackled immediately after the catch. Seahawks defensive coordinator John Marshall should not use a linebacker to cover Bush. Instead, Marshall should have a safety, Deon Grant or Brian Russell, widen out and cover Bush if he motions into the slot. Most opponents have used this plan successfully, holding Bush to just 4.9 yards per catch.

2. Throw away from Mike McKenzie. McKenzie is a solid cornerback, so Saints opponents have picked on the opposite corner. Earlier in the year, teams took shots at Jason David until he broke his forearm. Since, the targets have been Jason Craft and Fred Thomas. Both have struggled, and Hasselbeck is sure to challenge them often Sunday. Look for Hasselbeck to attempt to get Nate Burleson, working out of the slot, against Thomas in a favorable matchup.

3. Don't give up on the run. The Seahawks' offense has been one of the NFL's most consistent units over the years because its run-pass balance kept opponents off-balance. In last week's loss to Pittsburgh, however, coach Mike Holmgren called only 13 running plays despite the game remaining relatively close until the fourth quarter. The lack of a running game allowed Seattle to hold the ball for only 19 minutes, 15 second, placing far too much strain on their defense. Holmgren must give Shaun Alexander at least 25 carries Sunday.

SportingNews.com - NFL - Week 6 Matchup: Saints vs. Seahawks

saint4life
(504)

Saintsfan4ever

Holmgren has been nawed on all week by fans and local press for not establishing a running game in their shut out last week. I expect Seattle will test the run game against the Saints.
I also look for Bush to have an outstanding game. I can`t explain it, but I just feel good about a Saints win this sunday.

CheramieIII

Keys to Victory:

1. Play mean.
2. Kill the other team.
3. See rule 1 and 2.

darstep

Jason David was our scape-goat...McKenzie is the goat that escaped. He has been laying low and keeping quiet while we rip Daivid's head off. Mike Mc hasn't shown me anything this year. He bites on the pump and gets burned just like Jason and Fred, and he also doesn't have recovery speed once the receiver gets a step. He has just been lucky this year that the wolves found easier prey on the other side. If staying away from McKenzie is one of Seattle's keys to victory, man we are in high cotton. Chalk up win number 1.

**SaintSince67**

Euphoria

I don't know about this... Saints have never played mean or Kill the other team. Its not our style football.

I will not be surprised if we get shut out this week.

Euphoria

Ok I was with you about David and loved the "MACK is the GOAT THAT ESCAPED" quote thats good. But you might want to tune into some Saints games once in awhile. He's actually had some good games and showed he can still cover a WR unlike other Saints players.

LongTimeFan

I don't think they need to play mean but play smart and hard as they did against the Panthers, only allowing 13 points, if not for the missed FG's there's a good chance we would have won that game...
Last season we scored 30 plus points a game several time, would have been nice to score 14 this game..
I can't wait for Sunday night, I'm pumped for that game.

WhoDat205

Saints:
1. Stop Shaun Alexander.
2. Protect the QB
3. Spread the ball around on offense.
Peehawks:
1. No more than 7 in the box (take away the deep ball)
2. Get after the QB
3. 7-step drop and go deep

hagan714

Well that is true for recent history but the Saints in the past have always been known to play mean. If your going to loose at least put a hurting on them. Old school stuff. Today most of the players look after each other no matter if they are on the team or not. Why would you help a player up that is not on your team. You use his head to get ourself up. To do this correctly you must push down hard with a slight twisting motion, putting the bulk of your weight on the head. Thats how it is done. If you can get the turf into the helmet you have done it right. No flag.

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins