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It's not as if the Saints don't have the weapons or the will to get things done on the ground. They have three Pro Bowl offensive linemen (Nicks, guard Jahri Evans and left tackle Jermon Bushrod), three runners who gained more than 470 rushing yards this season and a rushing attack that ranked sixth in the league. Even with rookie Mark Ingram on injured reserve, they have the potential to stay versatile in the backfield. Thomas does the dirty work; Sproles does the dancing; and Ivory does a little bit of both when his number is called.

The question is whether the Saints will be committed enough to the ground game to get the win. Coach Sean Payton too often resembles a man who wants both to be victorious and to prove how much smarter he is than his opponent with his play calling. Such hubris is easy to come by when you have an offense that generated six games of 40 or more points this season. It will be a huge detriment when facing a team as rugged as the 49ers.

New Orleans Saints need to run against San Francisco 49ers - ESPN

Danno

The only thing we need to do is take what they give us. If they cheat up, pass, if they drop back, run.

We have all the poisons we need. Let them pick one.

ScottF

Coach Sean Payton too often resembles a man who wants both to be victorious and to prove how much smarter he is than his opponent with his play calling. Such hubris is easy to come by when you have an offense that generated six games of 40 or more points this season. It will be a huge detriment when facing a team as rugged as the 49ers.

This was true 2-3 years ago, but in my book he has dropped the 'mad' from the mad genius label. I think he has called great games this year.

And as far as having to run the ball, I guess I would take 450 yards passing any day of the week. I think this a$$-hat just wanted to find a way to work 'hubris' into an article. Which actually shows, well, hubris.

halloween 65

I think either way pass or run we will be fine, ball security is a big key, no INT,s and no fumbles. If we play Saints ball were good. Now what no one is talking about is our D vs. their O, to me that is going to be the key match- up of the entire game. If we hold them, they can't generate points. I want our D to put on their best showing of the season, wonder what the talking heads would say about that!!!

homerj07

Still "hubris" is a cool word to use. I wonder how many people looked it up??

I feel like I am in some great Greek Tragedy!!

halloween 65

I looked it up, it is a cool word, kind of hard to use in a sentence.

WHO_DAT_CAT

Total agreement here!!! Who is talking about our D in this game?

Maybe, we should be quiet.

WHO_DAT_CAT

Was this article written by Skip Bayless?

Sweet Jesus, when will he go away?

SAINTstunna

I'm not afraid of running against SAN FRANSISSY!!! especially with the running back corp we have...............I would love to go in that CRAPPY ASS STADIUM and break their spirits with about 215 yards of GROUND AND POUND for that ASSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!! WHO DATT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SanDiego49er

Running against us will be tough. You guys can pass against anybody. And you will be tough to beat. But knowing the 49ers I think you will find running to be tough. I'm not sure I would force that if I was the Saints.