The New Orleans Saints go to Minneapolis to face a struggling Minnesota Vikings squad this afternoon. Defensively, New Orleans has a tall task ahead of them, as they face explosive playmakers in both the backfield and at wide receiver. Stopping these players will be key if the Saints want to get closer to clinching the NFC South and a possible first round bye.
Pass Defense
To call the New Orleans Saints’ pass defense woefully inadequate would be an understatement. Once considered a strong point, the Saints’ secondary has been torched to the tune of an average of 268 yards per game, 30th in the NFL. Not good. The secondary continues to get exposes on a weekly basis, much to the chagrin of many a Saints fan. The focus on pressuring the quarterback isn’t really working, as the Saints simply aren’t creating the turnovers that are needed for Gregg Williams’ defense to be successful.
Luckily for the Saints, the Vikings haven’t exactly lit up opposing teams through the air this season. Minnesota averages 191.2 yards per game (26th league-wide). In a head scratching move this offseason, the Vikings decided to let stud WR Sidney Rice leave via free agency to Seattle. Their top target this season has been WR Percy Harvin, who has really had great games the last two weeks (8 catches, 156 yards, 2 touchdowns against Denver in Week 13; 10 catches, 69 yards, 1 touchdown against Detroit last week). Rookie QB Christian Ponder, who missed some time with a hip injury, is listed as probable and is expected to start. If he can’t go, Saints fans will be treated to the Joe Webb show at Mall of America Field.
Even with the leaky Saints pass defense going on the road, the advantage has to go to New Orleans. It all starts with the quarterback play. If the Saints get an early lead on Minnesota, the Vikings will need to pass the ball more often than they would like to. Although Christian Ponder has looked good at times this season (his 39 yard strike to Harvin against Atlanta was pin-point), he has been mostly average for a majority of the time. Gregg Williams‘ strategy of rushing the quarterback might actually work this week, given that he is facing not the most experienced quarterback in the world. Containing Harvin and limiting his YAC (yards after catch/contact) will also be huge if the Saints want to leave with a win. Even with a rookie QB most of the year, Harvin has been pretty effective, and Saints defenders have a history of trouble trying to cover speedy receivers.
Run Defense
If there is any bright spot in the Saints’ defense, it has to be in stopping the run. New Orleans gives up an average of 110.3 rushing yards per game (15th in the NFL). Even though that ranks right in the middle of the league in rush defense, the Saints give up the fourth most yards per attempt to opponents (4.9 yards). Yeesh. That statistic is not very promising, especially this week, where the Saints will be facing perhaps one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Even in a down year, the Vikings still know how to run the ball effectively. Minnesota averages 145.6 yards per game (6th in the NFL). Its easy to have such success in the running game when you have a player like RB Adrian Peterson, who, in my opinion, is the best all-around back in the league. His combination of speed and physicality is unmatched. Backup RB Toby Gerhart has provided a solid effort in spelling Peterson; he currently averages 4.2 yards per attempt. Add a speedy Percy Harvin as a threat on reverses, and the Vikings can run the ball in a multitude of ways.
Adrian Peterson, who is coming off of an injury, will try to establish himself early in this one. His success will make Ponder’s job much easier, and will allow for the Viking defense to get rest. An effective Peterson will also control the clock for Minnesota, keeping Brees and the Saints offense off of the field. I, however, have some faith in the run defense. New Orleans faced another elite running back last week against Tennessee in Chris Johnson, and limited him to an embarrassing 23 yards on 11 carries. I understand Johnson has been off all year (just ask any one of his fantasy owners), but that still has to count for something, right? If New Orleans can fill running lanes like they did last week, they have a chance to at least slow the explosive Peterson.
Matchup to Watch
Vikings WR Percy Harvin vs. Saints secondary. RB Adrian Peterson might be Minnesota’s most valuable offensive piece, but WR Percy Harvin has developed into a true difference maker. During the past few weeks, Harvin has started to emerge as the player Minnesota thought they were getting when they drafted him 22nd overall in 2009. Watch for Harvin to move around to multiple positions on offense for the Vikings – he is a threat in the slot, outside the hashmarks, and even as running option. He also returns kicks for the Vikings, and has a touchdown return this season.
If the Saints can take away Peterson, Harvin will be called upon to carry the offensive load. Using different coverages, jamming him at the line of scrimmage, and keeping him in front of the secondary will be key in stopping Minnesota’s speed threat. Stopping Harvin will go a long way in helping the Saints to victory.
