Observations from the Saints Clutch Win vs Steelers

SmashMouth · 12-23-2018, 07:00 PM

The New Orleans Saints have earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.

With a 31-28 come-from-behind victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the Saints improved to 13-2 and clinched the top seed in the NFC, earning a first-round bye, home-field advantage and a chance to rest their starters in Week 17.

The Saints trailed for most of the fourth quarter before a 2-yard touchdown catch by Michael Thomas gave them a lead with 1:25 remaining.

The Saints defense made a huge stop after that touchdown. The Steelers drove to the New Orleans 42 with 41 seconds left, but Sheldon Rankins forced a fumble by wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. When Demario Davis recovered for the Saints, he sealed the victory.

What went right: Things went well for the Saints for most of the first half as they overcame an early deficit to jump ahead 14-6 in the second quarter.

Alvin Kamara had a phenomenal game with 105 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on just 11 touches. Thomas had a big game with 11 catches for 109 yards.

Defensively, the Saints made timely plays and did well to limit the run, as usual. Vonn Bell led the Saints with 10 tackles, and linebackers Alex Anzalone and Demario Davis both had sacks.

The Saints also stopped a fake punt by the Steelers to force a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter.

What went wrong: The Saints could not cover Antonio Brown in the second half as he scored two touchdowns and created several big plays after the break. He finished with 14 catches for 185 yards.

Wil Lutz had a 50-yard field goal blocked in the fourth quarter, which would’ve cut the Saints’ deficit to 28-27 with 6:13 remaining.

Taysom Hill threw a duck in the first quarter when he tried connecting with Ted Ginn Jr. on a deep pass in the first quarter, and Steelers safety Sean Davis picked it off easily, ending what looked like a promising opening drive for the Saints.

Injuries played a role, but Saints offensive line had some rare struggles as the team averaged 3.2 yards per carry and gave up two sacks and more pressures.

Player of the game: Kamara, but Brown would’ve been an easy pick had the Steelers won.

In case you missed it: Multiple Saints players etched their names in the franchise record books on Sunday. Running back Mark Ingram broke Deuce McAllister’s record for career rushing touchdowns with his 50th on Sunday.

Lutz made his 26th consecutive field goal, breaking Morten Andersen’s record of 25 from 1992-93.

NOLA

12-23-2018, 07:00 PM	#1
SmashMouth I donated, did you? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 38,477 Blog Entries: 29	Observations from the Saints Clutch Win vs Steelers The New Orleans Saints have earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. With a 31-28 come-from-behind victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the Saints improved to 13-2 and clinched the top seed in the NFC, earning a first-round bye, home-field advantage and a chance to rest their starters in Week 17. The Saints trailed for most of the fourth quarter before a 2-yard touchdown catch by Michael Thomas gave them a lead with 1:25 remaining. The Saints defense made a huge stop after that touchdown. The Steelers drove to the New Orleans 42 with 41 seconds left, but Sheldon Rankins forced a fumble by wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. When Demario Davis recovered for the Saints, he sealed the victory. What went right: Things went well for the Saints for most of the first half as they overcame an early deficit to jump ahead 14-6 in the second quarter. Alvin Kamara had a phenomenal game with 105 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on just 11 touches. Thomas had a big game with 11 catches for 109 yards. Defensively, the Saints made timely plays and did well to limit the run, as usual. Vonn Bell led the Saints with 10 tackles, and linebackers Alex Anzalone and Demario Davis both had sacks. The Saints also stopped a fake punt by the Steelers to force a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter. What went wrong: The Saints could not cover Antonio Brown in the second half as he scored two touchdowns and created several big plays after the break. He finished with 14 catches for 185 yards. Wil Lutz had a 50-yard field goal blocked in the fourth quarter, which would’ve cut the Saints’ deficit to 28-27 with 6:13 remaining. Taysom Hill threw a duck in the first quarter when he tried connecting with Ted Ginn Jr. on a deep pass in the first quarter, and Steelers safety Sean Davis picked it off easily, ending what looked like a promising opening drive for the Saints. Injuries played a role, but Saints offensive line had some rare struggles as the team averaged 3.2 yards per carry and gave up two sacks and more pressures. Player of the game: Kamara, but Brown would’ve been an easy pick had the Steelers won. In case you missed it: Multiple Saints players etched their names in the franchise record books on Sunday. Running back Mark Ingram broke Deuce McAllister’s record for career rushing touchdowns with his 50th on Sunday. Lutz made his 26th consecutive field goal, breaking Morten Andersen’s record of 25 from 1992-93. NOLA Attached Thumbnails