Week 14 officially marks the last quarter of the NFL season, and this week’s matchup features two teams looking to either solidify their spot in the playoffs or keep pace just to try to get in. The New Orleans Saints will be on the road this afternoon against the surprisingly 7-5 Tennessee Titans. The Saints’ offense, which has been as good as ever, will need to continue its success against a stingy Titans’ defense, which only 19.1 points per game, 6th best in the league.
Pass Offense
New Orleans possesses the top passing offense league-wide, averaging an eye-popping 448.7 yards per contest. QB Drew Brees is having an amazing year, even by his lofty standards. Much of Brees’ success this year can be linked to emerging star TE Jimmy Graham, who leads the team in receiving yardage. Pair Brees and Graham with a deep and varied receiving corps, a solid running game, and an improving line, and the Saints possess an offense that is humming along just at the right time.
The Titans rank near the bottom in yardage allowed, surrendering 355.9 yards per game (18th in the NFL). Much of Tennessee’s troubles can be linked to a lack of a good pass rush. Titans’ defenders have only been able to register 22 sacks all year long, which ranks near the bottom of the league. If the Titans want to be able to try to stop Brees, applying pressure will be essential.
The advantage in this matchup has to go to the Saints. The Titans are running into Drew Brees as the wrong time of the season, and the Saints as a whole are just too good right now. If the offensive line plays like it has been and Brees can avoid turnovers, New Orleans should be able to move the ball through the air with relative ease.
Run Offense
The Saints running attack has gained steam the past few weeks, and that has reflected statistically. New Orleans averages 123.3 yards per game (8th in the NFL), thanks to a deep rotation of running backs. That depth will be challenged today, as rookie sensation Mark Ingram is out with a toe injury. Look for Sproles and Thomas to carry the load, and a sprinkling of Chris Ivory as a change of pace threat.
Tennessee gives up a ton of yardage on the ground, letting opponents average 122.4 yards per game (21st). The job of stopping the run will be much tougher against the Saints, as LB Barrett Ruud will be out.
Even without Ingram, the Saints have more than enough at running back to remain relevant in the running game. Not only will a good running attack help Brees and the passing game, but will loom important in neutralizing the opposing crowd.
Matchup to Watch
Saints RB Pierre Thomas vs. Titans LBs. Thomas, who has been overshadowed this year by newcomers Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram, will have to have a good game against Tennessee for the Saints to win. He provides enough power to run the ball up the middle, but also proves to be extremely valuable in the screen game. If Thomas can get it going early, look for the Saints to pull away.
