Opinion: Saints' schedule sets up beautifully for big run

papz · 04-20-2011, 07:02 PM

Bradley Handwerger / WWLTV.com Sports Writer

-- Analysis --

So, it has been more than 12 hours since the release of the NFL schedules and I’ve had a little time to chew on the Saints’ schedule (along with a shrimp po-boy).

First, the interesting quirks in the schedule.

The Saints don’t leave the continental U.S’. eastern portion, going no farther West than Green Bay, Wisconsin. Indeed, all 16 games are in either the Eastern time zone or Central time zone. You may remember the last time this happened – 2009, the Saints’ Super Bowl-winning season.

Nine of the final 10 games will played in domed stadiums, including six in the Superdome. The Saints also go to St. Louis, Minnesota and Atlanta in this stretch. The only outdoor game is at Tennessee on Dec. 11 and Nashville in early December isn’t exactly the frozen tundra.

The Saints close out the final six games after the bye week with four at home. If New Orleans is in prime position to win the division or attain home-field advantage, that sets up perfectly.

Of the road games outside of the division, the toughest one, at least on paper, comes in the opener when the Saints travel to reigning Super Bowl champions. The Rams, Jags, Titans and Vikings don’t strike the fear in people that the Packers do, especially considering that Thursday night game at Green Bay is a banner-hanging night.

Indeed, the Saints schedule is set up nicely for New Orleans to do big things.

Full game breakdowns below
Opinion: Saints' schedule sets up beautifully for big run | New Orleans News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather | wwltv.com | Eye on Black and Gold

04-20-2011, 07:02 PM	#1
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,793	Opinion: Saints' schedule sets up beautifully for big run Bradley Handwerger / WWLTV.com Sports Writer -- Analysis -- So, it has been more than 12 hours since the release of the NFL schedules and I’ve had a little time to chew on the Saints’ schedule (along with a shrimp po-boy). First, the interesting quirks in the schedule. The Saints don’t leave the continental U.S’. eastern portion, going no farther West than Green Bay, Wisconsin. Indeed, all 16 games are in either the Eastern time zone or Central time zone. You may remember the last time this happened – 2009, the Saints’ Super Bowl-winning season. Nine of the final 10 games will played in domed stadiums, including six in the Superdome. The Saints also go to St. Louis, Minnesota and Atlanta in this stretch. The only outdoor game is at Tennessee on Dec. 11 and Nashville in early December isn’t exactly the frozen tundra. The Saints close out the final six games after the bye week with four at home. If New Orleans is in prime position to win the division or attain home-field advantage, that sets up perfectly. Of the road games outside of the division, the toughest one, at least on paper, comes in the opener when the Saints travel to reigning Super Bowl champions. The Rams, Jags, Titans and Vikings don’t strike the fear in people that the Packers do, especially considering that Thursday night game at Green Bay is a banner-hanging night. Indeed, the Saints schedule is set up nicely for New Orleans to do big things. Full game breakdowns below Opinion: Saints' schedule sets up beautifully for big run \| New Orleans News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather \| wwltv.com \| Eye on Black and Gold
	Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege. All little common sense goes a long way. Last edited by papz; 12-24-2011 at 06:46 PM..