By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The New Orleans Saints are venturing into unknown territory for their franchise.
For the first time since the franchise was founded in 1967, the Saints are the clear favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. For a franchise that has only won two playoff games in its history, this is uncharted waters indeed.
Make no mistake, the Saints perfect 6-0 start is not a fluke. The Saints offense deserves most of the credit for the turnaround. The Saints have scored 45 or more points in more than half of their games this season. The Saints are starting to look like the 2007 Patriots in some ways.
If there were any questions about the toughness and character of this team, last week's game against the Dolphins answered that question loud and clear. After having not trailed at the half of any game this season, New Orleans found itself on the wrong end of a 24-10 game at the half. Drew Brees and company did not panic, and put up 29 second half points. Even more impressive is that the defense chipped in, adding a late int return for a touchdown to seal the 46-34 win. That is what make the Saints dangerous. It is not just the offense, but the defense that can contribute as well. Add in a solid special teams unit with Reggie Bush (if he does not fumble) and the Saints are a complete team. These are not your fathers "Aints" anymore.
Looking ahead the Saints have the Bucs twice, Panthers twice, and other has beens such as the Rams and Redskins on its schedule. Could the Saints be 16-0? Not likely, as the Falcons and Patriots will be tough to beat, but it is not totally out of the question.
Speaking of the Falcons, if they are going to have any chance in this game, it will be with the legs of Michael Turner. Turner has struggled at times this season, but the Falcons will need him to control the clock and keep Drew Brees on the bench. The Falcons have the offensive weapons to put points on the board, with Roddy White, Matt Ryan, and Tony Gonzalez, but they do not have quite the same fire power that the Saints have. The offense will have to stay on the field, and keep the Saints offense off the field.
The Falcons defense has also been suspect at times, and were beaten badly by the Cowboys one week ago. For those reasons, it is critical that Turner gets going if Atlanta expects to keep pace in the NFC South.
Can the Falcons do enough to slow the Saints offense down? The feeling here is no. Look for the Saints to remain perfect. With the way this season has gone for New Orleans, the Saints my come marching in to the Super Bowl in February.
Prediction: Saints 38 Falcons 24
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