D_it_up

Turnover ratio. The Saints were third in the NFL on the plus side of the turnover department at +14. The Vikings were tied for 11th in the NFL with a +4. That is a pretty big spread and has been completely overlooked. Plus, didn't Adrian Peterson tie for the lead league in fumbles lost?

Something else that has been noticeable for a while now is Adrian Peterson's lack of production. He had 26 carries against the Cowboys and averaged a measly 2.4 YPC. He has only averaged over 4 YPC TWICE in the last 11 games. I know he is a dangerous RB with the ability to break one open at any time, but I think he can be contained just like he was when the Vikings played the Saints last year. I see him putting the ball on the ground in this game, too. Just sayin'.

FireVenturi

Also, the crowd noise. If we can get crunk and the D can get pressure, Brett will make some turnover's as well.

MatthewT

Yes, the Saints have done good with the turnover ratio. Peterson is not that easy to bottle up, you have to remember teams are keying on him, and the Saints should try and do the same. As a result of teams keying on Peterson, Favre is throwing for some monster numbers. The thing about the Vikings is as long as they keep pumping the ball the Peterson, no matter if he is breaking lose or not, will continue to open the field for their passing game. Very scary team if you ask me. Their defense is pretty incredible too.

xan

One cannot depend on history as a proxy for the future. If that were the case, we'd be 1-15 again.

We better be relying on beating the Vikes straight up or even 1 or two down on t/o's if we anticipate advancing.

exile

Great point D. If the Saints don't turn the ball over in this game, no way on this green earth they lose. You heard it here first.

Armyofderek

...Good points but your also forgetting about your 3rd year, first year starter, LT against Jared Allen. Schockey is too crucial to this game (Both TE's are, IMO.) to double team so the Saints NEED him big.

SaintPauly

I agree on the screens on Allen's side. Someone brought that up earlier. That will back him off big time. Chip block him with Shockey as well. Stop the pass rush, Saints chances improve 150%.

strato

Yep ..thats how you attack that over agressive line...i like that wide reciever screen we ran to Devery in the cards game...i saw Dallas run that and score on it against the eggheads...That was the first time i had seen us do it and it picked up good yardage...I really think Reggie and Shockey can have big games ...

SmashMouth

That's always the key, of course, the t/o ratio ... if we win that battle, we win Sunday!