The New Orleans Saints just destroyed Shoddy Roddy White’s 16-0 dreams in the Superdome on Sunday with a 31-27 defeat of the Atlanta Falcons. Most of the team’s next seven opponents have playoff dreams as well.
Let’s grade the Saints next opponents and their chances of making the playoffs down the stretch into the postseason:
Raiders – D (Nothing is a simple game for the Saints. Must maintain focus and run the ball.)
49ers – A (The 9ers are slipping. Barely squeaked out a TIE against the Rams. Smith has a concussion.)
Falcons – A (Dirty Birds want revenge!)
Giants – B- (December in New York. Cold and facing Eli. Difficult game. Cowboys GMen only threat in NFC East.)
Bucs – C+ (Back home facing an improved Bucs offense. NFC South Battle will come down to the finish.)
Cowboys – C- (Cowgirls will be desperate. Saints should prevail.)
Panthers – F (Home to get into the playoffs against Cam Newton. Time to bring the HEAT!!!)
New Orleans will play 4 out 7 games on the road. However, the road games are against the Falcons, Giants, Cowboys and Sunday’s game with the Raiders. The only game the Saints have the luxury of losing is to the Raiders. Why? The Raiders are an AFC team. The NFC games are what matters for the Saints. Especially the NFC South match-ups.
Brees and the Saints needs to go 7-1 down the home stretch to have a legitimate shot of making the playoffs. If they lose twice, I figure the odds increase dramatically against the team. Why? Seattle, Bucs, Vikings and Cowboys are making their own runs. Right now, the Saints’ record is behind all of them.
Can we do it? Yes. But, it does not mean the Saints’ Mercedes-Benz they are driving won’t face some bumpy roads onto their playoffs pursuit. They better include running the brakes off of Chris Ivory and letting the Nitro burn with the healthy return of Darren Sproles to have a shot at history.
I believe. Do you? Geaux Saints!!!
Kyle T. Mosley – Saints News and Saints News Radio
