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METAIRIE - Eight games do not make a season, but opponents appear to have the New Orleans Saints defense on the run.

The NFC South-leading Saints rank last in the NFL in rushing yards per attempt, yielding 5.5 yards per carry, strongly suggesting offseason efforts made by team officials to upgrade the defense are not producing the desired results.

That average per carry is even greater over the past five games - 5.8 yards - with running backs DeAngelo Williams (115) of Carolina, Earnest Graham (109) of Tampa Bay and Steven Jackson of St. Louis (159) each eclipsing the century mark in October.

That matches last season’s number of 100-yard rushing games against the Saints turned in by opposing running backs Frank Gore (112) of San Francisco, Michael Turner (114) of Atlanta and Ray Rice (153) of Baltimore.

In addition, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch joined the “Century Club” in the playoffs, rambling for 131 yards in a 41-36 wild-card victory against the Saints at Qwest Field.

That game featured Lynch’s epic 67-yard touchdown gallop in the fourth quarter and punctuated the Saints’ need to beef up their run defense during the offseason.

Full article below.
Foes rush past Saints

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.