BREAKING EVEN

One thing for sure will be on the agenda for the Saints this Sunday, breaking even.  The team sits atop the NFC South at .500.  And if the Saints want to sniff the post season, this game will be the biggest test thus far. Not just any test. For the much improved Saints, who have stomped their competition in the past two weeks against the Panthers and Packers. This test comes in the form of another hungry conference opponent, the San Francisco 49ers.

San Francisco (4-4) will be desperate for a victory. The tone around the NFL is that the 49ers are a struggling team. The problem surrounds the offense.  And looking at the stat chart, something definitely is eating away at the West Coast elite. Just look at the touchdown total from Super Studs like Anquan Bolden (2), Vernon Davis (2), and Michael Crabtree (3), Steve Johnson(3) Brandon Lloyd (1), and Frank Gore (2). Even the 49ers defense is struggling, with the exception of Perrish Cox. They’re allowing teams nearly 400 yards per game, most on the pass. That’s a regular day for Drew Brees. Final word on Glenn Dorsey is that he may see some action in tomorrow’s game.  Anyhoo, for a woman with writer’s block I will get straight to the point.

 

Keys to the game

Offense-

Balance the aggression- Use the rushing game to punch down the throats of the 49ers with Mark Ingram. It won’t be easy especially when you have guys like Justin Smith. The Saints are so much better on third down than the 49ers. 

Hold on tight- Receivers beware of Perrish Cox. San Francisco has recorded four interceptions on the season. All of them by Cox. #catch#secure#run.

Defense

Zip the pocket and Limit Kap- Giving Kaepernick time to make intelligent decisions will limit his options. But then again, forcing him to run is even worse.  Make sure he stays in the pocket.

 Shut down the pass- Forty-niner receivers will be looking to increase their touchdown total. This will be a test for Keenan Lewis. If he’s not on his A- game, Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree will difficult to cover.  With the support of Corey White and Raphael Bush, that should seal the deal. Look for #Kill‘em Kenny Vaccaro to have a big game as well. The 49ers are only converting a little less than half of their third down conversions.

Use the crowd to your advantage- The Saints are already unstoppable at home. Keep the crowd in the game.

 

Score Prediction- Saints 34 - San Francisco 16