Hoping not to be a jinx, but Saints are on pace for ring #2

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As I sit here and write this column, I am hoping deep down inside that I am not premature in what I am about to say.
In other words, I hope my next words will not be the jinx that ruins the New Orleans Saints season.
But, here goes.
The New Orleans Saints are on pace to pick up their second Super Bowl championship and garner the title as the best team in all of professional football.
Now, I don’t say this just because I am a die hard fan. I have lived and breathed the disappointments and drama that has enveloped the organization for the past 44 years of my life. (I am not counting the first six years because I have blanked out their previous eight seasons).
Rather, I say this because of how much their first title season resembles this year.
First of all, in 2009 New Orleans started the year 13-0. Even though the Saints have one loss this year, they have reeled off eight wins in a row and if not for a poor defensive performance in week one, they would be 9-0 right now.
Secondly, at this point in 2009 New Orleans was averaging 33.7 points per game and had scored 40 or more points in four games. This season, the Saints are currently averaging 37.6 points per game and have posted 40 or more points in five of their games played, including putting up 51 in last week’s win over Cincinnati.
As far as individual stats are concerned, we can see that players like Drew Brees are out-performing themselves compared to that first championship seson.
Right now Brees has 2,601 yards passing, which is out-pacing his 4,388 yards accrued in 2009. Brees has also throw for 21 touchdowns this year. In 2009 he threw for 34 total touchdowns. And even more unbelievable is the fact that he has one interception to his name as of today; he had 11 total interceptions nine years ago.
In the rushing department, Pierre Thomas led all Saint running backs with 793 yards in 2009. He was closely followed by Mike Bell who collected 654 yards on the ground.
As of this past Sunday, Alvin Kamra has rushed for 546 yards, on pace for a 970 yard season. Mark Ingram, who missed the first four games of the regular season has 285 yards rushing. However, that total is sure to come up as he gets more and more carries.
If we compare the defensive efforts in both 2009 and 2018, similar numbers arise. Nine years ago at this point in the season, New Orleans was giving up 19.3 points per game. So far this year, the Saints are surrendering 24.8 points per game. Take away the 48 points put up by the Buccaneers in week one, and New Orleans is only allowing 15.9 points per game.
The Saints defense ranked No. 20 when they hauled in the biggest prize in professional football. Currently, New Orleans is ranked No. 21 in the league in total defense. And if you think about it, the Saint defense of 2009 is eerily similar to this seasons in terms of bending but not breaking and making big plays when necessary (Think NFC Championship game).
Still, it is not just the numbers that stand out to me at this moment. There is just something about this team that says they are motivated to prove that last year’s Divisional Round game was just a fluke.
Now I know that injuries play a key role in what happens over the next seven games and into the playoffs. But, so far (crossed fingers and a knock on the proverbial wood) those injuries will not happen.
For now, though, all is great.
Just my opinion!!!