Despite the fact that the New Orleans Saints have already earned their spot in the playoffs, via their NFC South title, they are still fighting for their post-season lives.
Let’s clarify that statement with a few facts.
First, New Orleans is a paltry 1-7 on the road in the playoffs (2-7 if you count the neutral sight of the Super Bowl).
Second, in those seven losses, the Saints have beaten only one “northern” team (Philadelphia) on the road. Included in those losses are teams like Seattle and Minnesota, two teams that will almost certainly be in the mix.
Grant it, the Vikings play in a dome just like New Orleans, however, the Saints have yet to beat Minnesota on their turf.
So, to say that home field advantage is a must for the “Who Dats” may just be a tad understating things. Remember, it took a non-call to stop New Orleans from heading to their second world championship game the last time they held home field advantage.
But, here is the rub. New Orleans is not just reliant upon just themselves to make home field advantage throughout the playoffs a reality. Instead, the Saints must not only win out in the next two games, but they are also praying for some divine intervention.
The way it stands as today, New Orleans is a No. 3 seed in the post-season, with Green Bay sitting at No. 1 and Seattle right behind at No. 2. In order for the Saints to haul in the No. 1 seed and the rewards that come with that seeding things must fall in place perfectly.
What New Orleans is hoping for is that the Seattle Seahawks win their remaining two games and the Green Bay Packers lose to the Minnesota Vikings tomorrow night. That would put the Saints get their first round bye and the home field advantage they most desperately want.
If both Seattle and Green Bay win out, New Orleans would be the No. 2 seed behind Green Bay. The Saints would also be the No. 2 seed if the Packers lose and the San Francisco 49’ers win out (including beating Seattle).
Remember, all of these scenarios are contingent on New Orleans winning their remaining two games; today against Tennessee and next week against Carolina. Both of those games are on the road.
In order for them to do that, one undeniable fact must come to light, the defense must show up to play.
In their previous three games prior to destroying Indianapolis 34-7 last week, the Saints surrendered a whopping 97 points. That is an average of 32.3 points per game!!!
One of the biggest reasons for the not so hot defensive performances this season has been the inability to get off the field on third down. New Orleans’ opponents are converting 35 percent of their third downs.
Another major reason why the defense has not performed its best at time is the lack of consistency in stopping opponent’s passing game. The Saints have surrendered 3,332 yards through the air this year, an average of 238 yards per game. By the way, they are the 16th ranked defense against the pass so far this season.
On the positive side, New Orleans is ranked fourth in the NFL with 44 sacks and they are in the top five when it comes to run defense.
Today, the Saints face a Tennessee offense that is 20th in the league in passing offense, averaging 222 yards per game. The Titans are No. 8 overall in terms of rushing offense, which plays into the hands of the New Orleans defense. Also, Tennessee has give up 55 sacks on the year.
So, it all boils down to one thing, New Orleans must go out and handle their business the next two games if they have any plans to host the NFC championship.
But, some luck and a little gris-gris wouldn’t hurt either.
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Tracey Jagneaux
Sports Editor