JKool

Ok. Here is some football related stuff (read "no agenda stuff").

So, you know how the ol' TV guys like to list their "Keys to Victory" - you know they're always too broad and sound totally obvious, but I think still a bit fun.

Here are the "keys to victory," as I see it, for this week:

1. Get Duece the ball. He needs to have a 100 yard game. This way we won't have to sling the ball around, and we can keep their offense of the field.

2. Run Blocking. In order to get Duece down the field, we'll need to execute here. Also, we'll need to minimize holding penalties and play with more disipline than we've seen.

3. Mike McKenzie. Undoubtedly, we'll have our hands full with Moss. Thomas couldn't cover him to save his life last time we met him. We need McKenzie to play that game and to have a BIG game (otherwise, we're going to see T-buck chasing WRs down field a lot).

Once again, these seem tremendously obvious. However the idea is to pick the three most important things. There are lots of other possibilities, like Brooks' QB Rating, controlling the run, etc.

What are your picks people of B&G.net?

LordOfEntropy

Correct the problems at the snap. The hesitation from the center to the qb, resulting in all those false starts. It\'s fixable. I can\'t think of a worse drive killer, especially in a loud Dome environment.

saintfan

I think Brooks and the WR\'s need to show up BIG time. Teams seem to be able to throw against Minny lately. I really don\'t think we\'ll have much luck stoppin\' \'em. Our only hope is to stay in the shootout.

BrooksMustGo

We have to force turnovers. If we can force Culpepper to fumble like he used to, we have a chance. We don\'t win a shootout.

JKool

SF,

Do you think we an win a shootout against the Vikes? That is why I thought a strong running game would be key here.

I do agree that they have been weak against the passing game, but our is so hit or miss.

If I had to game plan for this one, and I agree with LOE on this one, we need to start with what is our currently brutal running game (which we know from previous years CAN be dominant).

lumm0x

Find a way to keep Moss and Culpepper from making it on the plane to get to NO

Honestly- run the ball, control the clock, play aggressive D and force Daunte to throw before he\'s ready..other than that just sound, smart football.

JKool

LummOx,

You\'re alive!

themightyduck

This will probably be the hardest game for us to date. The Vikings\' offense is 3 times more powerful than the Seahawks, 49ers, Cardinals, Bucs, and Rams combined, and there\'s no doubt in my mind that Minn. will put up at least 40 points.

My five keys:

1) Stop the run early - If New Orleans has any hope in stopping the passing game, we HAVE to neutralize any RB that lines up in their backfield, and Culpepper can\'t have any success running either. If this goal is achieved, then we\'ve taken the first step towards a win...

2) Shut down Randy Moss by any means neccessary - This will be an incredibly tough task, but if we can shut him down and keep the ball away from him, we have a chance. But at the same time, we can\'t focus entirely on him. Minnesota has some respecatble receivers who must be accounted for.

3) No stupid mistakes/penalties - Achieving this goal requires only simple, smart football, which the Saints still haven\'t been able to figure out yet. No more dropped balls, no more penalties, and no more stupid turnovers.

4) Score early and often - The Vikings\' Achilles heel is their defense, especially their secondary. Aaron Brooks needs to put forth a career day to keep up with Culpepper and co. Also, we need to establish a strong running game up the middle to keep the LB\'s from going into coverage.

5) No more stupid playcalling - This lies entirely in the coordinators\' courts. Venturi must figure out how to run a defense because this will be his greatest challenge. He needs to blitz LB\'s and put at least two defenders on Moss at all times. Breakdowns will not be accepted. On offense, McCarthy has to shake up the playcalling and become more agressive. He must utilize and harbor this team\'s natural talents and exploit them against this defense.

Overall, we\'re fighting a losing battle. Anyone remember what happened the last time we played on national TV?

When it comes to discussing Saints losses, Jack Daniels can be a great listener.

lumm0x

Hey Jkool.... yeah barely after watching the last couple of games. Very tempted to kick out the chair.

This Sunday looks to be very painful. It could be quite the shootout though. I have been haunting but not posting much....too depressing.

WhoDat

Score more points than them.