DOWN AND OUT ON THIRD DOWN

 THE last three meetings between the Saints and Ravens, were anything but favorable for WHO DAT NATION. The Saints found themselves on the losing end of each of those contests. The Saints even loss in preseason.  The Ravens (7-4), on the other hand, have always given NFC teams a fit; especially the NFC South. This season, Baltimore has trounced the rest of the South by double digits; beating the Panthers 38 to 10, trampling the Buccaneers 48 to 17 and whipping the Falcons 29 to 7.  Heading into this matchup, the Ravens are coming off a bye in week 11 after defeating the Tennessee Titans in week 10.

On another note, the Saints are digging themselves out of a pit at 4-6. The usually “dome-advantaged” team is finding that the home front hasn’t been that advantageous in the last couple of games. With losses to Cleveland and San Francisco, the Saints may find themselves on a weaker end of trying to vy for a wildcard spot, if they’re lucky enough. As of now, the inconsistency on both sides of the ball and injuries will most probably make for long, sh*tty fourth quarter of the season. The biggest problem, getting the defense off the field on third downs.  The Cincinnati Bengals converted on nine-3^rd and long attempts in week 10. If the Saints want to get back on track, they’ve got to stay alert and man up this Monday night. Other than their third down issues, Drew Brees has got to get back to being the consistent leader that headed this team to the postseason numerous times.  Will the real Saints stand up on the home front? Or will the same inconsistent but talented squad give Who Dat Nation a reason to be thankful this holiday season?  Depending on the team that shows up for a prime-time duel Monday Night in the Superdome, that’s the team they will be for the rest of the season. POINT BLANK!

 

Keys to the game:

Offense:

Remember the GENIE: Instead of wishes, you only get three time outs. Use them wisely. Sean Payton called a time out after a minute of regulation.

 

Defense:

Man up: you may not be able to shut down every drive, but stick to your assignment.

 SCORE PREDICTION: SAINTS 32 RAVENS 27 

                                                                                                                    Cheers,

                                                                                                                        SC

Injuries

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Cadet, Travaris probable

Ingram, Mark probable

Knox, Kyle Out

Lewis, Keenan probable

Lofton, Curtis probable

Meachem, Robert questionable

Robinson, Khiry Out

Strief, Zach probable

Thomas, Pierre probable

RAVENS

Campanaro, Michael WR Thigh DNP DNP DNP Out

Daniels, Owen TE NIR DNP FP FP probable

Juszczyk, Kyle FB Foot - LP FP probable

Ngata, Haloti DT NIR - DNP FP probable

Reid, Jah T Hand DNP DNP DNP Out

Smith, Daryl LB NIR DNP FP FP probable

Suggs, Terrell OLB NIR - DNP FP probable

Yanda, Marshal