Advantage Saints!
 

Okay, so i figure we have two major advantages over the cardinals for next weeks game.

1. Cards have a short week. Not much rest in between games, our matchup is the first game next weekend and they just finished a late sunday game.

2. Cards just expounded a ton of energy. Just came off a huge emotional victory and may not have enough to keep it going next week.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

Agree with both points. The only positive they may have is Boldin may be coming back next week. Hopefully, that short week gets the best of them.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

Yeah definitly agree. We will be well rested and ready to roll come kickoff. As long as our defense can play half way better than green bay's did, we shouldn't have too much trouble putting points up on them either. Get some pressure on Warner and he'll show you his age!!!

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

porter and greer better come ready to play.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

An addition to those advantages is the health advantage. The Saints' secondary is finally healthy. They poured those numbers on a decimated Green Bay secondary.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

yes yes and yes. You are all right. No one is talking about how many inuries we had on our d the last 10 weeks

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

We can get pressure on Warner. Glad it's the Cardinals and not the Packers.

Now Williams has to earn his money, and the defense has to return to early season form.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

We match up well with The Cardinals, strong offense weak defense. Our advantage is that Drew will be rested and Kurt will come in on a short week.
The key for the game will be for Darren Sharper to come up big against Kurt
with at least one turnover.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

Our RBs and Rec. better be ready the Cards attack the ball to force turnovers.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

I am praying someone from the Cards runs their mouth- puhlease!!!

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

The cards put up51 points on the #2 rated Def....how the heck is our 20 something ranked D going to stop them? I think they only punted once? Its going to be hard for them to match us point for point if we are on our game, but if they are on like they were today, It may be tough for us to match them point for point...

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

ESPN Rank 'Em: NFL Playoff Teams

(Votes)
* 1 Colts (102)
* 2 Chargers (79)
* 3 Cowboys (25)
* 4 Vikings (28)
* 5 Saints (13)
* 6 Cardinals (41)
* 7 Ravens (4)
* 8 Jets (8)


Go vote . . . List Ranker - Rank 'Em: NFL Playoff Teams - ESPN

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

First of all, three of the touchdowns were direct results of turnovers. It was not totally the Cardinal offense. Secondly, the Packers defense was extremely overrated. They faced the Lions and Bears twice and the Rams, Browns, Bucs, Seahawks, and Arizona (when they rested all their starters in week 17). Green Bay gave up over 30 points five times this season. Six times counting today.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

By Pat Yasinskas
Quick Take: Cardinals-Saints - NFL Nation Blog - ESPN

Three things to know about Saturday’s divisional playoff game between the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints:

1. New Orleans coach Sean Payton has taken some heat for giving his team almost all of last week off. The critics say Payton should have had his team practicing more because the Saints have no momentum after losing their last three games of the regular season. So what? I think the break was a good idea. The Saints were banged up and probably mentally drained after a season in which there was lots of pressure as they were winning their first 13 games. They had some injured guys that needed rest. They’re healthy guys needed rest, too. The Saints are going to be refreshed for this game, which is more than you can say about the Cardinals after their shootout against the Packers and a short week.

2. Cornerbacks Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter are healthy after missing a lot of the second half of the season with injuries. That’s great news because the defense wasn’t nearly as good once Porter and Greer went down. But just having them back isn’t going to solve all of New Orleans’ defensive problems, especially with Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and company coming to town. It’s not easy to shut down Arizona’s passing game even when you have good cover guys. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is going to have to get back to his aggressive approach from early in the season and send a lot of blitzes at Warner. The Arizona quarterback isn’t very mobile and a strong pass rush could help the New Orleans secondary from being stuck too long in coverage.

3. Say all you want about the defensive problems New Orleans had over the last couple months. I’m more concerned about the offense. Forget the season finale against Carolina because the Saints weren’t playing quarterback Drew Brees and most of their starters. But the two games before that were losses to Tampa Bay and Dallas and the Saints were held to 17 points in each of those games. They won’t win in the playoffs unless the offense is a lot more prolific. This game with Arizona is shaping up as an offensive shootout and the Saints have to get back to playing the kind of offense that can outscore anybody.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

I get that, but im just not sold on the ability of our Def to pull it all back together, a week before the playoffs. The Bucs kicked our Ars for god sake. I just dont think we are as good as some may say or think. I know that sounds REAAALLLY messed up to say, and not to be a debbie downer, but HOW, someone please tell me how the Defense is going to look like they did 8 weeks ago. Its been two months, lots of injuries, and three deflating losses that has me very skeptical. I know those injured are back, and I hate even thinking like that or saying it, but there is alot of cheese being ate about our D and their is nothing that says is going to put it together when they havent in 8 weeks. It can be blamed on injuries, sure, but when a guy goes down, his backup should be able to step in. Ours didnt, that says something. or am i way off. I want to be convinced, tell me honestly if my logic is off, sell me, pleeaaaasee

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

We had no less than nine of 22 starters miss much of the last five games. All nine are back and will be starting. As with all NFL teams, there is a marked difference between starters and backups. Sure, you can replace one, but when you are missing five it is another story.

Relax!

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

By Mike Sando
NFL Nation Blog - ESPN


Three things to know about next Saturday's Cardinals-Saints divisional playoff game:

1. Kurt Warner can be the difference. Warner played about as good as a quarterback can play Sunday. The Cardinals might need more of the same to keep pace with Drew Brees and the Saints in New Orleans.

Sometimes the Arizona offense looks even better without Anquan Boldin. That makes little sense, but with Warner running the offense, even an unproven second-year pro such as Early Doucet can become a downfield threat.

The Cardinals had a 14-0 lead against the Packers before Larry Fitzgerald touched the football.

Give Warner much of the credit. He has repeatedly played his best in the postseason. His performance Sunday marked the sixth time Warner has passed for at least 300 yards in the postseason, tying the NFL record shared by Peyton Manning and Joe Montana.

2. Arizona should be able to pound the ball on the ground. The Saints were at their best when they jumped out to big leads and prevented opposing teams from running the ball.

The Cardinals can score enough points to keep the game close. That should help them lean on Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower and a ground game that has gained traction throughout the season.

The Saints allowed at least 131 yards rushing in eight games during the regular season. They allowed at least 161 yards four times.

3. The pressure is on the Saints in this one. The Saints were the best team in the league for parts of the regular season. They faltered late, raising doubts. A one-and-done showing in the playoffs would render their season a failure.

The Cardinals are playing with house money. They've won four playoff games since last season. Conventional wisdom seemed to suggest the Packers would beat them in the wild-card round. Green Bay almost pulled it off, but Arizona's offense could not be stopped.

The Cardinals have to like their chances.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

Im trying asylum...it sucks man!! the wait is killing me and the spankin at the hands of Romo is still eatin at me, the loss the yucs..ugghh.

I just want a superbowl so bad, Im trying to convince myself we arent good enough in case we lose I wont get crushed like 06, or the opening game of 07 against the Colts when they demolished us.

Im not going to watch any sports shows this week..

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

No mouth poopies to be had until after the game is over

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

Saints do have an advantage by having long rest to get players healthy, but I mean freaking Warner was on fire today, and there is no reason to expect him to cool down any. Especially with the rumor going around that this is his last season. Dude is very motivated to try and go out on top.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

I said before the game that I wished the Packers and Cardinals would go into overtime, although it was over so quickly.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

I think your logic is quite a bit off, actually. When Porter and Greer were healthy and starting, they were a very effective duo. It allowed Sharper to rove the field and be there for the big interceptions. Harper's number was called a lot on blitzes and run support. Turnovers were created, because the defensive schemes were a lot more aggressive.

When Porter and Greer were injured, that left the Saints starting an untested rookie who had his good moments, but should really be regulated to a nickel or dime role, at best. The third best corner on the team, Randall Gay, was battling injuries of his own (hamstring, concussion). Mike McKenzie played well in an inspired first game back against the Pats, but regressed in later games. The cornerback depth was exposed, so linebackers were having to aid against the pass more, and Sharper and Harper were having to play out of position to make up for the deficiencies at corner. Blitzing decreased and this allowed the Saints to be picked apart on the pass and bowled over on the run. As I posted in another thread, the return of both Porter and Greer in the secondary is going to be a major factor in the Saints' defense returning to their early season form.

I understand your concern, because the defense did look pretty horrendous in the last several games after the Patriots game. However, I think we may all be in for a pleasant surprise this Saturday. Look for Gregg Williams to unleash the hounds and put constant pressure on Kurt Warner the majority of the game.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

His possibility of retirement can also put a mental toll on Warner. Sure, he lit it up against the beleaguered Green Bay secondary, but he may have given his best effort for what could have possibly been his last game played at home in Arizona. Warner is a great QB, but he also can be hit or miss. Here's to hoping that he misses by a mile on Saturday.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

I hope your right D it up..Im just going to have to see it to believe it I guess

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

He's right. I agree to a T with everything he said.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

Im buying it. It sounds great. I guess my only other concern would be them not playing together for such a long time?? You guys dont think its a concern? You think they can pick up where they left off, and Sharper picks up where he left off? I like what you say, it makes me rethink where I stand as far as being confident.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

belair you needa relax!

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

I honestly think that the time off was needed....from an injury and a mental standpoint. Winning the first 13 games was huge, and they had to endure the pressure of a possible undefeated season from our own fans and the nation. The loss to the Cowboys could have been a blessing in disguise. The Bucs loss was uncalled for, but it looks like they put it on cruise control after the first quarter and it came back to haunt them. Not playing Brees and a lot of the starters against Carolina was a good call. They basically came out of the game injury-free. I know this may sound like a lot of excuses, but this is my logic and I stick to it. lol

Having said that, we probably won't see the same Saints as we saw in their three losses. This is the playoffs. It is a new season, a new mentality, and a new attitude. I think they all understand that 13 regular season wins is irrelevant. They HAVE to play up and be ready for this game, because they know the consequences if they don't. There is no practice the next day. There is no preparation for the next opponent. There is no tomorrow. Coach Payton will have every single player believing that.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

Actually, someone asked Greer that exact thing and he basically said that there will be no problem with all of them not having played as a unit since they all know their jobs and when they perform their jobs the whole defense will function just as it had.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

These are both very good points. I hope the SAINTS D is up for the challenge.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

No reason to think Warner will not continue to play well. He will, but our healthy secondary will be able to cover his receivers better than GB's depleted secondary. We had better hope our front 4 can get better pass rush than GB did today though, or Warner will pick them apart regardless of who is playing corner.

My money (figuratively) is on the Saints. I like the focus on fundamentals this week, and I like the time off they have had. They needed a chance to take a breath after the crazy ride of the "perfect season" hype. They needed to refocus on what got them there, and that refocus is happening this week. I think we will see the team that we saw against the Patriots.

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

I hate to say it but i think its gonna be a shootout

Re: Advantage Saints!
 

The Cards could be involved in the top two scoring games for post season.