The New Orleans Saints have stormed out to an impressive 8-0 start and a three game lead in the NFC South. The team has a favorable schedule and has an excellent chance to get home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. On the offensive end Drew Brees has been outstanding and the passing game has been unstoppable during the first half of the season. The team’s three headed running attack of Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, and Mike Bell have given the Saints offense a balanced attack. The defense has improved under new defensive coordinator Greg Williams forcing turnovers and getting a good rush, but you have to be concerned with the amount of points they are giving up. This side of the ball has to be a major concern for the team heading into the playoffs especially when you consider the solid running game possessed by a Minnesota or Dallas, which could potentially keep the New Orleans offense of the field. Unfortunately for the Saints recent history has shown us that high octane offensive teams with questionable defenses with questionable defenses are no strangers to great starts but often burnout in the playoffs.
Historically, scoring a ton of points in the regular season has not always translated to post-season success. The 2005 Colts took the NFL by storm. They started the season with 13 straight wins and finished 14-2, heavily favored to go the Super Bowl. Their offense could not be stopped. However, they were upset in the first round by the #6 seed Steelers, who ended up going on to win the Super Bowl. The same is true for the '03 Chiefs. They started the year with a franchise best 9-0 start and finished 13-3. The tandem of Trent Green and Priest Holmes led the Chiefs to the AFC West championship and a first round bye. Holmes ended up breaking Marshall Faulk's single season rushing record. However, the post-season loomed and they ended up losing a shootout in the AFC Divisional Playoffs to the aforementioned Colts in which their defense could not come close to stopping the Colts. In 1998 the Minnesota Vikings tore through the NFL led by league MVP quarterback Randall Cunningham, and the electrifying rookie Randy Moss. This team also featured the legendary Chris Carter and Robert Smith who helped the Vikings offense set what was at that time the scoring record for points in a season and a 15-1 record. However, despite all the accolades Minnesota lost a heart breaking NFC Championship game to the Atlanta Falcons 30-27 in overtime bringing their record breaking season to a stunning end. Finally, lets look at the '07 Patriots. This may be the best example of all. Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker and company were a historic offensive force. Welker led the league in receptions while Moss set an NFL record with 23 touchdown grabs. It seemed like every week the Pats would put up 50 and not think twice. Even though some teams came close, the Pats went undefeated in the regular season and beat the Jaguars and Chargers to advance to the Super Bowl. Deemed by some to be the best team of all time, they were double digit favorites against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. However, once again Defense prevailed. The Giants put tremendous pressure on Tom Brady and the offensive juggernaut was held to only 14 points, in what some people call the biggest upset in football history. The Pats ended the season 18-1, leaving the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only undefeated champions in NFL History.
What will the future hold for the New Orleans Saints only time will tell.
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