Mike and Ed breakdown the Wild Card matchup against the Saints

Offense

• Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook will play but not at 100% IMO
• Indoor game and not at primetime
• Run and Pass should both be possible on this leaky injured defense
• HAVE TO START FAST

Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Special Teams

• Dan Bailey is on fire
• Have all the confidence in the world in him for FGs
• Britton Colquitt will play a big role
• Field position is MASSIVE

Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Defense

• Have to play their best game of the year
• They are clicking right now but it has to be even better
• Eric Kendricks should play
• Will need him to cover Alvin Kamara and Jared Cook

Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

• Cook scares me the most because he’s extremely athletic and has been clicking with Drew Brees of late
• Maybe we’ll see the Xavier Rhodes of old. Michael Thomas should bring out the best in him for a 1on1 matchup
• Try to get pressure - get those hands up
• Tipping the quick passes could lead to TOs
• Make Brees uncomfortable

Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

• He’s old / not nimble / could get jumpy if we can hit him hard early

Coaching

• Stefanski needs to have his best game ever. The scheme needs to be right - cannot have the Chicago / GB bullshit.
• Zim needs to focus his defense and bring out all the stops. Unique blitzes and trick plays. Leave it all on the field.
• Be ready for anything from Payton. Always be ready for fake punts / kicks.

Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

NO Preview

• They’ve won 6 of their last 7 and are averaging over 36 ppg in those games
• Only loss was 46-48 in the game of the year to SF
• Ran for over 100 in 6 of 7 (95 in the other)
• Kamara having a down season - but gaining confidence at the right time
• Brees playing at elite level - only sacked 12 times
• 8 of those in ATL/LAR losses (0 sacks in SF game)
• Only 4 INTs
• Elite completion percentage at 74.3%
• Michael Thomas - 149 catches - 3rd shallowest catch depth in the NFL

Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Predictions

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