Sean Payton

s so efficient that the Saints didn't even need a running game, only rushing 18 times for 51 yards. Sean Payton's team didn't make any mistakes and capitalized on the only turnover of the night. Now Brees can finally be recognized as a championship-level quarterback, even if we already knew he was.

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That won't work and I think Sean Payton knows it. Manning will take advantage of every possession he gets, so the Saints must as well. Putting up touchdowns and not field goals is paramount in this match-up of two solid red zone defenses. 

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e I take a look at the NFC representative in SB XLIV, the New Orleans Saints.

 

Head Coach Sean Payton has taken this team from the bowels of the NFL to a legitimate contender. His offense put up a league-high 32 points a game during the regular season, making it one of the most prolific in history. But we all knew the Saints had a great offense. It was Payton's decision to bring in Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator (and give up part of his own salary to do so, as has been widely publicized) that propelled his Saints to the Super Bowl. While it wasn't dominating, Williams' pressure-filled defense created 39 takeaways during the regular season, second only to the Green Bay Packers. Who needs to stop the run when you'll simply force a turnover on the next the play? On the way to the big game, the Saints absolutely punished Kurt Warner and Brett Favre in their two victories. They want to repeat that result against Peyton Manning.

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Not exactly a legendary effort, but a win is a win is a win. That city needed it and Sean Payton delivered. 

Someone must have contaminated the Vikings' Gatorade with a sample of Fumblitis, because no one on that team wanted to hang into the ball. They were credited with five fumbles (Favre, Peterson and Percy Harvin), three of which were lost. Adrian Peterson did rush for 122 yards and two scores but also fumbled twice, not including an early mishandled snap. It was amazing they were able to force overtime. With the loss, Brad Childress and the Vikes will be subject to the Brett Favre retirement drama and will dwell in quarterback limbo.

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k-out game against the Cardinals must repeat itself this week against an aggressive Viking defense. Sean Payton's offensive line won't have to protect Brees for long with his quick release, but if they want to hit plays down field they'll need to keep defensive end Jared Allen occupied. With ball-hawking ex-Viking and Packer safety Darren Sharper in the Saint secondary, he'll be well aware of Favre's tendencies and ball placement. If they can manage just one turnover and give their offense an extra possession somewhere, the Saints will win.

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Simply put, Sean Payton's offense was unstoppable. They will be a scary match-up for whoever wins tomorrow's Dallas/Minnesota contest.

Kurt Warner got beat up all day for Arizona. On an interception in the second quarter, Warner was planted trying to go for the Saint ball-carrier and needed to be taken to the locker-room. Matt Leinart came out and led the Cardinals on a quick drive to set up Neil Rackers with a 51-yard field goal. Rackers actually missed it twice, thanks to a last-second Saints time-out. The Cardinal defense gave up 90 points in their two playoff games, eventually putting too much pressure on Warner and the offense. While Warner returned to the field to start the second half, you could tell he was unable to throw the ball deep due to his chest injury. It will be interesting to see if this sour note causes Warner to retire or to come back for one last run. 

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They can’t afford to fall another game behind the streaking Saints. If Sean Payton’s team can make it to 7-0, they have to be the clear favorites to win the NFC. With a remaining schedule that includes Tampa twice, Carolina twice, Washington and St. Louis, they have a great shot at 12-14 wins. Look out everyone else. 

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