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Saints to follow Texans Blueprint over Ravens (SI.com)

The Ravens may have beaten the Texans in a thrilling Monday night affair last week, but Gary Kubiak's offense certainly set the template on how to slay the mighty Ravens defense. Can the red-hot Saints follow suit and mount a late-season charge to the top of the NFC? With back-to-back 99- and 95-yard drives, the Texans showed that the Ravens defense is slower and more flawed than anyone could have imagined. This one has huge implications in the collective mindset and confidence factor for both squads. Read more of John Lopez: SI.com The problem the Ravens will have is the second half. They have allowed good offensive teams to dominate in the second half this season. Look for Payton and Brees to pressure the secondary and linebackers early. Bush and Thomas will get an opportunity to expose the Ravens' pass rushing with draws and screens. If the Saints get an early lead, the Ravens will have a difficult time getting back in the game on the Saints defensive unit that is ranked #5 against the pass. Flacco cannot make any mistakes. The same for Brees.