SmashMouth

The New Orleans Saints have overcome an 0-4 start and the distractions from the bounty scandal to fight their way right back into position for a possible late-season playoff run.
First they have to get their record back to .500.
All that stands between the high-powered Saints and that modest goal is a struggling Oakland Raiders team that has allowed 97 points the past two weeks and matched a franchise-worst for points allowed in last week's 55-20 loss at Baltimore.
"Man, if Baltimore can put up 55, you don't even want to see what New Orleans can do," Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly said.
The Saints (4-5) have done quite a bit since the 0-4 start under a cloud from the bounty allegations that led to a season-long suspension for coach Sean Payton and other punishments that have been a distraction all year. With four wins in the past five games, including a 31-27 victory last week over previously unbeaten Atlanta, New Orleans has worked its way back into contention.
But there is little margin for error. The schedule gets much tougher after Sunday's game in Oakland (3-6) with the following three games against division leaders, meaning the Saints can ill-afford a slipup against the struggling Raiders.
"When you dig yourself a hole like we have, every game you play is going to be critical," interim coach Joe Vitt said. "Anything other than our best effort and we're going to have a long Sunday."
The Saints have been close to their best in recent weeks. After uncharacteristically throwing five interceptions the first three games, Drew Brees has completed 71 percent of his passes the last two weeks with five TDs and only one interception. The running game, energized by Chris Ivory, has produced 288 yards on the ground the past two weeks.
And even the porous defense has stepped up of late, holding Philadelphia to 13 points two weeks ago and coming up with the late goal-line stand that sealed the win against the Falcons.
"They're back in the groove," Raiders cornerback Ron Bartell said. "They're doing what they normally do. ... He's putting up huge numbers. They're doing a better job of protecting him. He's getting the ball out of his hands. His receivers are making plays. Basically the normal New Orleans Saints offense."
Which is what's so scary for the Raiders.


Read more: Saints look to put 0-4 start in past and get back to .500 with win vs. Raiders | Fox News

Rugby Saint II

Get 'er done!

Marlboro Man

Poise, attention to detail and never back down. Do those 3 things and we'll do just fine the rest of the way.

MatthewT

I really hate all this media talk about the Saints being back. Yes, it is a good thing the Saints are up to 4-5, considering how bad the season started, but still not a legitimate playoff contender. Oakland really has everything in their favor to spank the Saints, just hoping the Saints win and that they don't have a major let up game.