Are the Saints the team to beat in the NFC? To answer that question quickly, yes they are, without a doubt. After blowing out the Falcons a few weeks ago, and dismantling the Lions Saturday night, who will argue, except a few cheeseheads, and couple of Giant egos.
Now that we’ve established the team to beat, is there anyone worthy of challenging the Saints? Absolutely, but it’s not Green Bay or New York, but the 49ers. Yep, I’m saying it.
Forgive me NFL nation, but I’m old school, and this 49ers team reminds me of those old school days.
One, they have a Quarterback who not many believe is ellite, Alex Smith, and a pretty good running back as well. Moreover, they have a young head coach, Jim Harbaugh, who is suppose to be an offensive genuis, who has transformed Alex Smith, a sure bust of a draft pick into at least a no mistake making manager of the game, who has finally figured out winning. The 49ers offense is ranked 11th in scoring at 23.8 pts/game, and 8th in rushing at 127.8 yds/game, thanks mostlly to Frank Gore.
Is this enough to beat the Saints? Not even close as the Saints rank 1st in passing yards and total yards, 2nd in points, and a measley 6th in rushing yards (only 132.9 yds/game). The Saints look invincable on offense but there not, they can be beat, and here’s why.
Again, I am old school, and still think teams win championships on defense, which the 49ers definely have, just like they used to when they one 5 Super Bowls (5-0).
The 49ers rank No. 1 in rushing defense at only 77.3 yds/game. The next best run stopping defense is the Ravens allowing 92.6 yds/game, over 15 yards more than the niners. The Saints are going to pass first anyway, so who cares right? The 49ers also are ranked 2nd in pts allowed/game, at 14.3. Still not enough right? Well, they also rank No. 2 in interception with 23 (one for a TD), and No. 2 in forced fumbles, and they are No. 7 in sacks. This is exactly how to beat the Saints.
Most know if Drew Brees is pressured, he will make mistakes. It’s getting pressure on him that is so difficult. The 49ers will do this, and what the Lions could not do, make big plays on defense. The Lions had plenty of opportunities Saturday night for turnovers, but they couldn’t convert. The 49ers will make those plays.
Playing outside on the road will slow the Saints down some (with the help of the home crowd), especially being a dome team.
The Saints pass defense is ranked No. 30 in the league, ahead of only New Enland, and yep, Green Bay. The Saint’s rank 12th against the run, allowing 108.6 yds/game.
Point blank, you can’t run on the niners, and they don’t allow many scoring opportunties, but most importantis that they will force you to make turnovers in every variety.
When was the last time a 49ers team came out of no where to be ranked 2nd or better in points allowed? Hmm…When a young minded offensive genius was coaching them with a quarterback that no one gave a chance to make it in the NFL.
To all the doubters, Bill and Joe are watching.