Know Your Enemy: Buccaneers vs. Saints

The Saints aren’t out of the playoff hunt quite yet, but they need a lot of help. Do you think they can potentially run the table – which includes two games against the Buccaneers and one against the Falcons – and make that late season push?

Well, possibly, yes. I do believe this team is capable of winning out. But it’s a line that you could say about most teams: on a good day, they can play with anyone. And I actually think most fans would agree that the potential is there. The problem is that all too often this team has failed to play up to that potential.

The Saints often play well in at least one phase of the game. But whether it’s the offense, the defense, or, frustratingly, the special teams, they have consistently blown up on one side of the ball. The offense may not be quite as culpable as the defense, but it’s certainly cost the team games. Last week against Detroit was a prime example. And for all it’s troubles, the defense has really smothered teams at times. Generally, this defense has been trending up.

So, is it possible that the team wins four games? Yes, it’s possible. Is it likely? Well, I’m an optimist. But after twelve games, we’ve yet to see the team play complete, complementary football. The talent is there. But they’ve yet to put it all together.