If we’ve learned anything about Sean Payton and Mike Smith this season, it’s that neither coach likes to use the brakes.
Whether it’s Payton leaving Drew Brees in during a blowout win against the Falcons on Monday night or Smith going for it on fourth-and-inches in overtime against the Saints earlier in the season, both coaches have demonstrated aggressive styles.
That’s why it shouldn’t come as a big surprise that Payton said the Saints will play their starters in Sunday’s season finale against the Carolina Panthers and Smith said the Falcons will do the same against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Being aggressive is a big part of the reason the Saints and Falcons already have clinched playoff berths. But maybe it’s time for Payton and Smith to take their feet off the accelerator, just for a bit.
There’s a very real chance the Saints and Falcons already have done all they can do to max out where they’re seeded in the NFC playoffs. The Saints likely are headed for the No. 3 seed and the Falcons will be either No. 5 or 6.
“We’re playing some of our best football here the last few weeks,’’ Payton said. “There’s some value to that.’’
That’s true. The Saints (12-3) have won seven straight games and carrying momentum into the playoffs is important. The Falcons (9-6) had some momentum going, but they lost it Monday night when they were trounced by the Saints. Regaining some positive momentum could be one reason Smith is planning to play his starters.
“We know there are some things that are set in concrete,’’ Smith said. “We know we'll be playing the following week. We don't know who or where or when, and we've just got to go through our normal preparation and prepare to beat Tampa Bay.’’
But the reality is Payton and Smith are playing a dangerous game with their starters. They’re running the risk of injuries that could be very costly in the playoffs.
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Falcons, Saints should use caution - NFC South Blog - ESPN
The great outdoors: There has been a lot of talk about how New Orleans’ offense is built for a dome and doesn’t play as well outdoors. But some numbers dispute that. According to ESPN Stats & Information, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees completed 61.9 percent of his throws of 21 yards or more down field during the regular season when playing outdoors. In indoor games, Brees completed only 50 percent of his passes of 21 yards or more.
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