All eyes are on the NFC this week as the NFL makes its way to the last week of the regular season. This season has been the most competitive season for the NFC in a while. The New Orleans Saints stretched their record to 12-3 as they chase their way to the top of the NFC. Many will look at this game and say that it didn’t matter since the team already clinched a playoff spot, but each game matters. Each game is a statement. For the Saints, each game means trying to win a bye week in the playoffs.
New Orleans Saints Chase Their Way to the Top of the NFC
A Walk to Remember
No win is ever a nice win. Fans would rather watch a game that is one-sided and equates to victory instead of a battle to the end. With the Saints, sometimes you never know what you’re going to get. This game was a prime example when the Saints ended the first quarter trailing 14-0. The Tennessee Titans with their quick plays and speed seemed unstoppable against the defense. The offense struggled with momentum and double worked themselves with penalties. If the Saints hadn’t sent a message out to the league when they managed a winning streak without their star quarterback, they definitely sent one with him there and injuries hitting the team left and right. This team means business.
NFC Playoffs
The NFC looks rather competitive. This year, it is possible a 12-3 team will play in the wild-card round. When we hear wild-card round, initially, one thinks of teams with a less than stellar record making it into the playoffs. You don’t usually think of a team that has had a fairly good season playing in this round. Yet, here we are, staring down what could be a long road to the Super Bowl.
Right now, the Saints need to win their last game. It has always been required since their loss to the 49ers that they win out their remaining games. They will also need to be rooting for the Seattle Seahawks while they battle against the San Francisco 49ers and hope the Detroit Lions beat the 49ers. While Seahawks vs 49ers can go either way, the Lions defeating the Green Bay Packers seems far-fetched. Then again, the Arizona Cardinals defeated the Seahawks in Week 16, and those teams not qualifying for playoff rounds are at a point in spoiling their opponent’s chances.
Taking Losses
Injuries are constantly an issue with the Saints this season. Most of their injuries seem to be on the defense lately. Vonn Bell is still ruled out. The team lost Marcus Williams to a groin injury. The latest injury they suffered is Eli Apple with an ankle injury.
There is no doubt the Saints have struggled with the secondary. Again, you never know what you are going to get. The defense has gone from powerhouse to hit or miss. It looks like the Saints are aware of this as they have already signed Janoris Jenkins, Deshawn Shead, and DJ Swearinger. Hopefully, adding more talent to the roster will give the Saints an added advantage to combat the injuries and help increase stability in the defense.
