| Nicole Haase. 22nd November, 2008 - 4:25 pm
 Despite their identical 5-5 records, when the Packers and Saints meet at the Superdome Monday night for the first time in over six years, their situations will be very different.
In a three-way tie for first place in the NFC North, the Packers look to build on the momentum of their decisive victory over division foes the Chicago Bears.
In last place in the NFC South, but having notched their first road win all season, the Saints hope last week’s win is a springboard into playoff contention.
Hard to imagine, but Monday night’s game looks to be, if not the easiest, then at least the most comfortable for the Saints. Once the Packers leave town, the Saints have six games against conference opponents, including three against their division rivals. The Packers are hoping to avoid a three-game road losing streak and could be vulnerable.
Despite finding a running game at Lambeau against the Bears, on the season, Green Bay has failed to mount a serious ground attack and while the Saints secondary has been less than stellar, the Packers will need to find a balance.
The Saints' offense has been one of the most potent in the league this season, averaging 416.9 yards and 29 touchdowns. And while those numbers are impressive, the Saints have reason to worry this week. Most of their offense has come through the air, with QB Drew Brees throwing for 3,251 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s also thrown 11 interceptions.
The Packers' defense may struggle stopping the run, and there’s a possibility of Reggie Bush sitting this game out, so it’s likely the Saints will take to the air. Their WR combination of Marques Colston and Lance Moore has caused fits for many teams, but the Green Bay secondary has caused just as many problems.
Key for the Packers' offense could be whether or not Donald Driver plays. In addition to a few nagging injuries that have kept him out of practice, Driver is also dealing with personal issues involving his dad being hospitalized in Houston this week.
Driver’s been the go-to-guy for big plays and impressive catches, and his very presence on the line causes defenses to change their formations. Without him, the rest of the receiving corps could see extra coverage and that may give the Saints an advantage.
Without Driver, and building on the success of last week, Green Bay could turn to RB Ryan Grant and, to a lesser degree, RB Brandon Jackson. The two combined for more than 200 yards against a notoriously stingy Bears' defense last week. If Driver is indeed out, the Saints will be looking for the run game, and it could be a long afternoon for Grant.
- Nicole Haase is a RealGM contributor, and her work can also be found on CuteSports.blogspot.com |
