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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

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

All little common sense goes a long way.