Saints 3rd Down Conversions: 56.7%
 

Attempts 208
Conversions 118

That is another NFL record set by the Saints this season. Lights out.
As an example, against the Lions the Saints were 7 of 11 on third down.

wow. amazing.

They're good on any down. The downs don't matter.
The Saints don't care what down it is. They have the
players to get yards when and where ever they need to.
It is simply another down.

Brees QB rating on third down: 127.4

wow

Just let them start using 4th downs every drive too. What the heck!

Statistics are on their side. Ambush the downs!

Can you throw this amazing stat at the Whiners?

I've often thought that we should utilize 4th down more often. Of course risk/reward has to be balanced with our confidence, but we so rarely come up short!

Alaska

4th down utilization when between the opponent 50 and 30 yard lines.

I know a man that can....

http://www.famouswhy.com/pictures/people/drew_brees.jpg

I think in a game like this one coming up, that will likely be low scoring and tight, and with an offense like the other team's, you might see some of the Saints offensive 3rd down work ethic and playbook, being applied to 4th downs as well, strategically in this game.



Also, think on this scenario: 4th down and new overtime rules. Let's say it ends in a tie, and the Niners get the toss. Let's say the Niners do what their offense has done best all year, dink and dunk, and let's say that just like they've done all year long, their drive stalls out in, or nearing, the red zone (and remember, our defense is also pretty good at stopping teams there, hold 'em to field goals, bend don't break blah blah blah). So "Captain Field Goal" trots out for the 49ers, and dutifully boots it through the uprights. Yay Niners. Under old rules that game is over. But now guess what happens?

Drew still gets the ball.

AND NOW EVERYTHING FROM OUR OWN 35 TO THE FAR GOAL LINE IS "4 DOWN TERRITORY." Including deep shots down the field at almost any down and distance.