Originally posted by Mr.Mcgibblets:
Originally posted by NCommand:
Now that is a game plan! You just about covered it all. Also, no injuries to CB's. We only have 5 total now.
I really wish we had a S that I felt comfortable with in man coverage.. coming up at the LOS when NOLA kicks an extra "WR" out wide. 
Going to have to read up on Jimmy Graham. I know he's been playing hurt.. really hope that he is far from being above 75%. We are going to need our ILBs to play at their best next Sunday... Graham out there plus one of Sproles or Thomas setting up for screens are scary business!
If Reid can't play, I may instantly chalk this one up as a L. That said, I'm under the assumption Reid is going to be primarly lined up against Graham. I like that matchup. But if either Dahl or Whitner are on him, Brees won't even break a sweat this game...simple quick passes (alleviating the pass rush completely) right down the middle of the field. Bowman and Willis can typically assist underneath in coverage but usually won't last on intermediate-deeper routes and we're a sift in this facet in the RZ/EZ plays (although we've been better this year). And the truth is, we haven't really been tested deep much this year and "deep" is a specialty for NO. I feel solid with Brock back there but I expect mostly P.I.'s on Brown and Rogers. I wonder with all the 4-WR sets, if we'll see some Wright/Morris on the field this game. And you are right, with Willis/Bowman being preoccupied with Graham and the WR's, Sproles usually has some big catch-and-run plays on us right down the middle.
We will absolutely have to establish the run, exploit the short passing game and chew up the clock and dominate the TOP while also finishing those drivs with TD's. On defense, the middle blitz works well on Brees and let's face it, the spread they run is going to force man-coverage so you might as well bring the heat and force them to beat you rather than sit back and hope they don't hit you over the top. IF our CB's can play aggressive and physical up at the LOS, I think they can blow up the routes and buy enough time for the pass rush to get there and put some big hits on Brees; rattle him. Disguise drops and add some exotic alignments for confusion (remember the pick-6 by Brooks from the NT-spot/DL dropping back in the zone).
