New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - Saints hardly ideal matchup for Lions

New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com (https://blackandgold.com/community/)

- Saints (https://blackandgold.com/saints/)

- - Saints hardly ideal matchup for Lions (https://blackandgold.com/saints/39720-saints-hardly-ideal-matchup-lions.html)

Saints hardly ideal matchup for Lions

Quote:

If Lions coach Jim Schwartz thought he was angry after his defense gave up 550 yards to the Packers, then he could end up uncontrollably irate after Saturday's playoff matchup against the Saints in New Orleans.

A rematch of a Dec. 4 nationally televised meltdown for the Lions — it ended in a 31-17 loss — could once again force Schwartz's ailing defense into costly penalties and coverage breakdowns for big chunks of yards.

This is not the matchup Schwartz and his players probably hoped for, at least in the first round, based on the uncertain health status of its defensive and results from Sunday's 45-41 loss at Lambeau field.

Here's a look at what to watch for from the Saints in the matchup, marking the Lions' first playoff appearance since 1999:
Brees' record-setting accuracy

Saints quarterback Drew Brees not only leads the league in touchdown passes (46), completion percentage (71.2), passing yards (5,476) and completions (468), but he is protected well, too. He's been sacked just 24 times, one sack shy of a league-low.
Graham's dominance

Tight end Jimmy Graham is a 6-foot-6, 260-pound former college basketball player who created matchup nightmares every time he steps foot on the filed. He's already set franchise record for receptions in a season (99) and tied another mark for TD receptions (11).
Offensive depth, versatility

Darren Sproles , a running back, headlines a diverse attack that spreads the wealth with nine players that have caught at least 11 passes and five players that have at least 20 rushing attempts.

Sproles has 2,696 net offensive yards, an NFL single-season record.

New Orleans ranks No. 12 against the run and has an ability to get timely turnovers. Cornerback Patrick Robinson has a team-leading four interceptions and is the seventh different Saints defender to lead or co-lead the team in interceptions since 2007.

The Saints' troubles against the pass (259.8) are misleading because five of their wins were blowouts.
Explosive home-dome edge

For the first time in Saints history, the teams was 8-0 at the Superdome. They also set an NFL record, scoring 329 points at home. The previous high was 292 by the St. Louis Rams in 2000.

Looking ahead: Saints hardly an ideal matchup for Lions | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com

This game is going to be on our D, no 2 ways about it. Our O will be fine. Our D needs to keep points off the board and give our O plenty of chances to put points up. The D has picked up their play over the last 5 weeks and now they have started to get in sync. I think if the D keeps rollin' come Feb. some AFC team is going to get a big ole' can of whoop-a$$. I know one game at a time Lions first.

Jam Calvin Johnson off the line and play zone coverage and confuse Stafford but we will really need great play by the D line.

We are not really a good match up for any team - are we!!

:bng:

Detroit in the dome? Phffft. Next.

Detroit has not been in the playoffs in this century. They'll be playing like they have nothing to lose because they've already over-achieved expectations. I would expect them to gamble alot on both sides of the ball,... and I expect it to turn horribly wrong for them.
I don't think the Saints will be over confident, or any of the other "didn't see it comin'" cliches you can think of. I think the Saints will be playing with a huge chip on their shoulder with a bad taste in their mouth from the results in Seattle last year. The Lion's Cinderella season is about to get their pumkin smashed to smithereens.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saintsfan4ever (Post 363149)

Yeah.....how'd that work out for them on Sunday? Against a second string QB.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHO_DAT_CAT (Post 363160)

Yeah.....how'd that work out for them on Sunday? Against a second string QB.

Exactly...Brees is going to carve em up like a Thanksgiving Turkey!

I like white meat!!