Halo

"It's the playoffs," the fifth-year running back explained after the Saturday night massacre of the Lions propelled the Saints into the second round of the NFC tournament. "When the playoffs hit, you've got to be a totally different animal."

Maybe that explains it, because Pierre Thomas was some beast against Detroit with a determined, violent style of running that was the heart of New Orleans Saints 167 rushing yards in the 2012 NFL wildcard playoff game.

...the Saints have a complete offense with a sixth-ranked rushing attack often overshadowed by the aerial circus.


...A bigger test awaits with San Francisco 49ers, where the Saints will be greeted by the NFL's No. 1-ranked run defense. Yet it is evident that New Orleans has a dependable rushing attack — behind a massive offensive line, anchored by all-pro guards Karl Nicks and Jahri Evans— to avoid becoming one-dimensional and perhaps pick up the slack if Brees and the passing game get into a rut.

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