Copper has a career game tonight against the Brokeback Boys. God it is gonna feel great walking around here in my Saints gear after this game.
Copper is definitely one interesting angle to this game. Can he have his best game of the year when we need him most (i.e., no drops, no fumbles, key receptions)? Look for the exact same sets we used against the 49ers. Deuce in the backfield more times than not, and Bush set out wide or in the slot. The 49ers game worked out nicely as a dress rehearsal for this game. The tight end and fullback will be crucial as well, as they have to come thru on those small 5-8 yard pass plays. This may be one of those games were 11 different receivers end up with a reception (5 WRs, 3 TEs, Karney(FB), Bush, McCallister).
Thats where the game will be won in those short gain plays. I really dont think we can win a shoot out
The key is to somehow manufacture some sort of running game with Deuce (easier said than done) to go along with the short passing game. I think Devery has to get open deep on 1 or 2 plays as well to keep the defense honest. If he doesn't the field will shrink on the Saints offense making it difficult to be successful. Saints -6 in turnovers. Cowboys +7 in turnovers. That stat worries me the most in this matchup. You can tell the past 2 weeks how hard the Saints have worked on protecting the ball. Payton is hammering this into their heads every chance he gets I am sure. Can the Saints get that key turnover? Can the Saints avoid giving up the big turnover? I don't see the Saints winning the game if they lose the turnover battle.
Not many teams can. The problem with the turnovers is that the defense doesnt seem to know how to create them. But your right Devey is gonna have to get some deep balls or this game will get ugly for the Saints real quick
Saints 0-3 with 12 turnovers vs. Ravens, Steelers, Bengals -10 turnover ratio Saints 8-1 with 8 turnovers +4 turnover ratio vs. rest of the league
Seattle loses. Game becomes that much more important for the winner. Driver's seat for the bye. Saints magic number for the bye would be only 2 with Seattle and Dallas should we beat Dallas tonite. Dallas's magic number would be 3 (I think they lose the tie-breaker to Seattle due to division record).
