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Jaguars at Saints
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS ), Louisiana Superdome


War Room scouts break down every NFL game. Here is a excerpt of their Jaguars-Saints matchup:

Jaguars Keys For Success


1. Pressure Drew Brees. Though Brees is getting all the praise for the drastic turnaround, the offensive line deserves much of the credit. In the three-game winning streak, the Saints' line has not allowed a sack -- as a result, Brees has eight touchdowns and just one interception. The Jaguars' front four must pressure Brees and not allow him get comfortable in the pocket. Look to see middle linebacker Mike Peterson also get involved as an interior blitzer in the center/guard gaps.

2. Open up the offense. The Jaguars want to play conservative and emphasize the run, but the Saints know that and will crowd the box with eight and nine defenders to stuff Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Quarterback Quinn Gray should some shots downfield off play-action fakes to loosen up the Saints' defense. Look for Gray to try to freeze the secondary with a play-action fake, long enough for wide receivers Dennis Northcutt and Reggie Williams to sneak past the safeties for a big play or two.

3. Use multiple-receiver sets. The Saints' pass defense is poor, surrendering 234.4 yards per game. The unit lacks much of a pass rush and lacks a consistent playmaker in the secondary to complement cornerback Mike McKenzie. Expect the Jaguars to use three- and four-receiver sets to force the Saints to use nickel and dime personnel. Even if the Jaguars don't throw, Taylor and Jones-Drew will find it easier to run.


Saints Keys For Success


1. Align Marques Colston in the slot. Colston had struggled for much of the season but had a great game last week (eight catches, three touchdowns). Most of his success against San Francisco, including two of the three scores, came from playing in the slot rather than out wide. Using Colston in the slot allows him to release inside or outside, and it gives him favorable matchups against nickel backs and linebackers instead of cornerbacks. Look to see Colston working out of the slot more Sunday with Devery Henderson and Lance Moore aligned outside.

2. Rattle Gray. Once the Saints put the Jaguars in obvious passing situations, expect them to throw the kitchen sink at Gray and test his ability to dissect coverage and test his poise in the pocket. The Saints will disguise coverage and use a variety of blitzes. Strong safety Roman Harper will align all over the field and be part of the blitz package, so Gray must be sure to locate him on every snap.

3. Use the pass to set up the run. Reggie Bush still is searching for consistency, as evidenced by an unimpressive 3.8-yard average. With the passing game finally back at full throttle, expect the Saints to utilize it as a tool to set up the run. Look to see the Saints run out of three- and four-receiver sets, spreading out the defense. This would give Bush an opportunity to run against the Jaguars' nickel personnel.

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