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METAIRIE — New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton knew that being physical in running the ball and defending against the run would be a big key in Sunday’s game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After the Bucs out-rushed his team by 47 yards in an Oct. 16 meeting in Raymond James Stadium, Payton made sure his team knew the importance of the rematch at home.

So after Payton stressed it in practice all last week and in Saturday night’s team meeting, the Saints went out and pounded the Bucs with 195 rushing yards while his defense allowed just 84 yards — producing a 111-yard advantage — in their 27-16 victory in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Even though the Saints (6-3) are better known as being a pass-first team, they’re 6-0 this season when they rush for 100-plus yards.

Payton said that a strong ground game, where the running back is constantly gaining 5 or 6 yards per carry, can be demoralizing to an opponent — as it was in the win over the Bucs (4-4).

“There’s no question,” he said. “Having done this long enough, when teams are having success running the football against you and it’s second-and-2 or second-and-4, that has an effect on your team.

“When you’re the team that’s having success and are able to run the football, that’s important.”

And it will still be important heading into another big NFC South game against the Atlanta Falcons (5-3) on the road this Sunday.

Full article below.
Successful ground game key to Saints

darstep

You mean to tell me that Payton is talking about a physical running game?
You think he started reading my emails? 6-0 when we rush for +100.
We are like 3-7 over the years when Brees throws for near or above 400.
Doesn't change at all this week against Atlanta.
They will unleash Turner, AGAIN, and see if our front 7 came to play ball.
If Turner goes for +100, it will be a long day. The D will be on the field too long.
If PT+Ivory+Sproles combine for +100 on the ground, Brees will be excellent,
and our chances go way up for getting out of there with a road win.

**SaintSince67**

BIGEASY504

I agree darstep our D will get a heavy dose of Turner and our boyz will need to be on their game - possibly another wood game!!

WhoDat!656

The falcAints are fairly stupid and may try to throw on us Sunday!

SAINTstunna

They will read too much into Porter being out, but even if Torrence gets the nod he's a good backup

halloween 65

Ivory may have a breakout game this week if Payton unleashed him early,P.T. needs to be unleashed also he's been running like a mad man, let Sproles do the rest, he and P.T. should get a lot of screens if the falcons blitz alot. My player to do the most damage is Moore I just have a feeling he is going to have a really good game. Graham will make his presence known and our receivers will keep their secondary very honest. The defense is going to have a great game.

Cruize

I'll believe when I see it.

halloween 65

All you have to do is watch it.

dizzle88

We were saying it all week, all those pro bowl running backs that weren't being used and those pro bowl O lineman.
Coach Payton finally trusted them to lead us and put the run before the past, 195 yards rushing is damn good.
I can remember ivory hitting a 30 yard run, then PT getting a 40 yard run the very next play

Notice how much time drew had as opposed to other weeks

strato

Amen!