The day has finally arrived. Today's NFC Championship Game in New Orleans promises to be a thriller. Brett Favre came back to lead this team to a Superbowl and today he gets his chance. Here are the keys to the game:
When the Vikings have the ball:
1. Adrian Peterson vs. Saints front seven
Adrian has been sitting on a big game for awhile now. He needs to break out today for the Purple. Elite running backs have had huge games against the Saints defense. Brett Favre gets all the press, but Adrian Peterson may have the biggest day today.
2. Vikings offensive line vs. Saints defensive line
When Brett Favre has been protected well this year, he has been unstoppable. The Vikings O-Line must play well against a defense that loves to bring the blitz. They did a great job protecting Favre last week against a very good Cowboys pass rush.
3. Brett Favre vs. Saints secondary
The Vikings should see a lot of single coverage in the secondary considering that the Saints love to blitz. Favre has burned single coverage all year long. Last week, the Cowboys used single coverage on Sidney Rice and he scored three touchdowns. If the Saints make the same mistake, Rice may have another huge day. It will also be interesting to see Favre face off with his former teammate Darren Sharper. They each know each other so well. It will be a mind game all day.
When the Saints have the ball:
1. Vikings defensive line vs. Saints offensive line
This might be the biggest match up of the game. The Vikings sacked Tony Romo six times last week. If Jared Allen and co. can force Brees to get rid of the ball before he wants to, they might be able to slow down the dangerous aerial attack of New Orleans. Kevin Williams and Ray Edwards will play, but they may be less than 100%.
2. Saints running backs vs. Vikings front seven
Everything starts with the running game for New Orleans. Once they establish the run, they use play action and screens very effectively. The Vikings have the second ranked run defense in the NFL, led by Pat and Kevin Williams. They need to make the Saints one dimensional.
3. Drew Brees and Saints receivers vs. Vikings safeties
Safety play has been the weakest area of the Vikings defense all year long. Madieu Williams, Tyrell Johnson, and Jamarca Sanford need to tackle well and prevent big plays.
One other key point: Kickers
Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell is more experienced and trustworthy than Saints kicker Garrett Hartley. In a game where one field goal could make the difference, the Vikings have a big advantage in this department.
Prediction:
Vikings 34, Saints 28
Once the Vikings got Brett Favre, I said they were going to the Superbowl. I am not backing away from that now. Both offenses are excellent (#1 and #2 in the NFL), but the Vikings defense is ranked 6th, compared to 25th for the Saints. The Vikings have too many offensive weapons for the Saints to handle. Brett Favre will lead the Vikes to Miami.
SKOL.
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