NFC Divisional Weekend: New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers

[Feared]

Quote: Originally Posted by GeorgiaSports

This. I'm not sure ANYONE can beat the Saints right now.

If there's one team I think it's the 49ers, they are built to beat the Saints. Let me explain.

They have a strong Running attack that can control the clock and keep the Saints Offense on the sidelines, they have a very good Defensive Front 7 that can get pressure on Brees, and their secondary is very solid and makes very few mistakes.

Plus while the Saints are a good road team they aren't near as Dynamic on the Road, as they are at Home. I think as long as the 49ers control the ball, and can get a few turnovers they have a great shot.

[Brandwin]

Don't be surprised if San Francisco doesn't come out passing to open up the running game.

I think the 49ers defense can slow down the Saints offense, just not sure if the Niners offense can score enough.

If the 49ers can control the clock and play turnover free while causing turnovers like they have all year, they have a great shot. They won't be able to just settle for field goals though.

[Feared]

Quote: Originally Posted by BlueNGold

Drew Brees vs Alex Smith. I wonder who'll win that one.....

I always get a chuckle when people use this logic to pick games. The QBs don't go up against each other.

I remember in the '06 NFC Championship people said Brees facing Grossman was such a huge disadvantage for the Bears.. but the better Defense, and Running team won that game.

Also remember a Mark Sanchez led team beat a Peyton Manning led team in the playoffs last year.

[ProfessaPackMan]

I don't think he was saying it in the sense that those 2 would be going H2H with each other but moreso which QB will commit the fewest amount of mistakes, especially in a game where one QB is moreso THE heart of the team(x100 since it's a playoff game) than the other QB is to his team.

[BlueNGold]

Quote: Originally Posted by ProfessaPackMan

I don't think he was saying it in the sense that those 2 would be going H2H with each other but moreso which QB will commit the fewest amount of mistakes, especially in a game where one QB is moreso THE heart of the team(x100 since it's a playoff game) than the other QB is to his team.

Thank you. Ya'll need to stay the hell off me.

All I'm saying is, do we really trust Alex Smith to outplay Drew Brees if needed? I'm not saying it isn't possible, especially since we've seen crazier things (last night). I just don't think if this game is a shootout that the Niners will be able to hang. On the other hand if it's a hard-nosed, defensive battle then obviously that favors San Francisco and their chances of winning.

[Feared]

Quote: Originally Posted by ProfessaPackMan

I don't think he was saying it in the sense that those 2 would be going H2H with each other but moreso which QB will commit the fewest amount of mistakes, especially in a game where one QB is moreso THE heart of the team(x100 since it's a playoff game) than the other QB is to his team.

Yes I see where he's coming from regarding a talent level standpoint.

The truth is though Alex Smith doesn't have to do near as much to win this game as Drew Brees does, Alex Smith will mainly be responsible for handing the ball off, Running their set Offensive plays, not turning the ball over, and he might be relied upon to convert a few Third downs.

Where as Brees is going to be relied upon to do nearly everything, make the protection calls, make audibles if he doesn't like the D' looks, run the Two minute, and basically carry the team with his arm.

There is much more responsibility on Brees, with much greater margin for error against an Elite Defense. Smith just needs to do what he's been asked to do all season be the caretaker of the Offense, if they start asking Alex Smith to start getting into Shotgun, 4 wides.. every play and match scores with the Saints then yes that will be a big disadvantage, I don't think the game will play out like that though.

[fsquid]

Alex Smith doesn't have to outplay Brees for the Niners to win. His job is to not make turnovers.

[Chrisksaint]

What I find interesting is Alex Smith is the most sacked QB in the NFL on only 445 pass attempts in the regular season, with the aggressive style of Gregg Williams he's going to bring it and try to force Smith into mistakes. Say what you want, but Alex Smith is going to have to make some big plays to win a playoff game against the Saints.

The teams with an offense as close to the Saints the 49ers have faced they lost to the Cowboys and barely pulled out a 1 pt win against the Eagles, not to mention they looked more vulnerable toward the end of the season.