Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints
The Saints are trying to become the first team ever to win a Super Bowl after losing their final three regular season games. The Cardinals are coming off an overtime victory that saw a combined 96 points fly up on the scoreboard.
What To Watch From The Saints
New Orleans last three games were so unimpressive, and they played so uninspired, running back Duece McAllister was recently signed. Though much cannot be expected from the Saints all-time leading rusher on the gridiron, he was brought in to show leadership and as a token of respect for a man who gave everything he is to the team.
Though the Saints have a reliable Pro Bowl quarterback in Drew Brees, it would behoove them to hand to ball off to their running backs. Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell need to be effective enough to be able to handle that ball over 25 times, and Reggie Bush should get a few carries as well. Though Bell has been the short yardage back all season, it will be interesting to see if McAllister gets a few touches.
New Orleans in hurting along their defensive line. They have lost both defensive end Charles Grant and defensive tackle Rodney Leisle for the season recently. Though Leisle was a deep reserve, Grant was a starter and was second on the team in sacks and also in tackles made by a defensive lineman. Veterans Bobby McCray and Paul Spicer need to step up their games to make Grant's absence seem less noticeable.
The kicking game has been mostly untested since Garrett Hartley returned from a suspension that began at the start of the season. He has attempted just one of his 11 attempts beyond 40 yards, which was missed. The question will be if the young kicker can handle a long distance attempt, or if the team will even have enough faith to let him try.
What To Watch From The Cardinals
Arizona is an exciting team to watch on offense, but their defense showed last week it is inconsistent. Kurt Warner is a quarterback who has a wide range of options at his dispense every time he calls for the ball to be hiked. New Orleans may have to blitz more because of their losing Grant. This could lead to big plays for the Cardinals, especially if star wide receiver Anquan Boldin is healthy enough to play effectively.
The play of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Darnell Dockett could hold the key to the game. The teams sack leader should be greeted often by the Saints Pro Bowl guard Jahari Evans. Calais Campbell, who shares the teams sack lead with Dockett, also needs to be effective. If they are slowed down, the Cardinals might be forced to blitz more. This will leave them with less pass defenders, which is something Brees would prefer.
The Cardinals defensive backs head into their second straight game against a high powered passing attack, but are dealing with more injuries in the unit. Cornerback Dominique Rogers-Cromartie played last week with a bad knee, now he is dealing with an injured toe as well. Bryant McFadden is the other starting cornerback, and he hurt his chest during last weeks game. Their main backup, rookie Greg Toler, came up with a career best six tackles filling in last week despite injuring his elbow. Factor in starting free safety Antrel Rolle's thigh injury, and it is evident to see that the focus will be on whether or not this unit can keep up with the Saints receivers the entire game. Considering the performances they turned in last week versus Green Bay, one cannot help but being skeptical.
Quarterback : Even
Running Back : Even
Receivers : Even
Offensive Line : Edge Saints
Defensive Line : Even
Linebacker : Slight Edge Saints
Secondary : Slight Edge Cardinals
Special Teams : Definite Edge Cardinals
Coaching : Slight Edge Cardinals
Though most will look at both teams excellent passing attacks as a primary focus, this is a game that should be won by the team with the better ground game. Expect both teams to feature multiple wide receiver sets often, even when they decide to run the ball. Both quarterbacks are excellent leaders who know how to carve up opposing defenses. The outcome could be decided by a field goal in the waning moments of the game.
Saints 37 Cardinals 35
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