After another outstanding offensive season for the New Orleans Saints, they are back in the playoffs. Looking to avenge their heartbreaking exit from last season, the Saints have been waiting for this time of the year. Drew Brees is one of the toughest quarterbacks to play against. With his ability to give rid of the ball in record time and impeccable accuracy, the Vikings defense is in for a long day if they cannot contain him.
Drew Brees and Michael Thomas
The best quarterback and wide receiver duo in the league, period. There is no doubt that both Brees and Thomas are excited to face a decimated Vikings’ secondary. At age 40, Brees is still playing MVP-level football. He finished the last month of the season throwing fifteen touchdowns and zero interceptions. Thomas led the league in both yards and receptions.
The Saints’ offense is one to always be feared. The air game combined with Alvin Kamara’s elusiveness and Jared Cook’s ability to be a factor is easily one of the best offenses. This team is ready to pull of its own miracle.
Run Defense
All the talk is about the Saints offense firepower, but they also boast the best run defense.
The Vikings are in the playoffs mostly off the legs of Dalvin Cook. Cook did not play in Minnesota’s final two games due to multiple injuries and rest before this game. In the fourteen games that he did play, he rushed for 1,335 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. The Saints’ run defense will be prepared.
The run defense is important to keep the Saints in control of time of possession. Not allowing Cook to establish himself forces the game into Kirk Cousins’ hands. While both receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen have done well against the Saints, Cousins has struggled in big games. Forcing him to match New Orleans’ firepower favors the Saints.
