The Saints got to do some self-scouting this week and work on themselves since they own the #1 seed in the NFC. Having a bye in the first round of the NFL playoffs has the Black & Gold playing the waiting game this weekend. Just like you and I, they’ll get to kick back and watch the Wild Card round unfold. We know it will be either Philadelphia, Dallas or Seattle coming to the Superdome for the Divisional round on January 13th.
10-6 Dallas Cowboys vs 10-6 Seattle 7:15pm Saturday
Many Who Dats are itching to take on the Cowboys again after they halted the Saints 10 game win streak back on Thursday night football in week 13. Dallas’ defense was the star of the 13-10 victory as they held the explosive offense of New Orleans to just 176 total yards. The officials were awful that night and blew calls on both teams. There was no flag on Jaylon Smith on the play below and it is unexplainable since the ref is RIGHT THERE, but somehow misses a head shot on Alvin Kamara.
#DallasCowboys Jaylon Smith just turned Alvin Kamara's brains into scrambled eggs on a hit that didn't get flagged. Kamara to the blue tent with obvious possible concussion problems. Saints have unreal matchup vs the #Bucs next week, it could be Ingram SZN. #GoSaints #NOvsDAL pic.twitter.com/lnRXWxkj9d
— Roto Street Journal (@RotoStJournal)
November 30, 2018 Besides the Dallas defense being a problem, they have the NFL’s leading rusher in Ezekiel Elliot who gets help from one of the best offensive lines in the league. Former 1st round pick Amari Cooper is also an issue at wide receiver. He made 8 catches for 76 yards against the Saints and has grown more comfortable with QB Dak Prescott and the offense.
10-6 Seattle Seahawks at 10-6 Dallas 7:15pm Saturday
This is the team I least want to see the Saints face. Seattle has knocked New Orleans out of the playoffs twice (2010, 2013) and have a danger-Russ QB. Russell Wilson is playing his best ball ever having thrown a career-high 35 touchdowns this season with just seven interceptions. Coach Pete Carroll’s rebuilding of the defense has been impressive. Big names like Richard Sherman, Michael Bennett and Kam Chancellor are gone and stud safety Earl Thomas is on IR with a broken leg. Many felt the Seahawks would go from the “Legion of Boom” to gloom but closed the year winning 6 of their last 7 games.
Playoff time baby!!!---- @Seahawks pic.twitter.com/q27naTO9oF
— the12thpost (@The12thpost)
January 2, 2019 Maybe the scariest thing about Seattle is their rushing attack. They are #1 in the NFL averaging 160 yards on the ground a game. The mobile Wilson is a part of that, but Chris Carson, Mike Davis and Rashaad Penny all average 4.6 yards per carry or more.
9-7 Philadelphia Eagles at 12-4 Chicago 3:25pm Sunday
The reigning Super Bowl champs ended up with a shot at defending their crown by winning 5 of their last 6 games and got some help from the Vikings ship sinking to sneak in as the 6 seed. The Saints smacked the Eagles around the Superdome in week 11 torching Philly 48-7. But, that was with Carson Wentz under center, now S.B. LII MVP Nick Foles is trying to quarterback this team on another magical run.
"Nobody wanted us in, but guess what? They've gotta deal with us now."#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/UjtDTZRwux
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles)
December 31, 2018 The offensive line for Philly is strong and looked really good down the stretch against the Rams and Texas surrendering just one sack in those games. Alshon Jeffery also has been able to turn things up a notch with Foles running the offense. The WR has made 16 catches on 18 targets for 301 yards and a score in the final 3 games of the regular season. On the other side of the ball, the Eagles defense suffered a number of injuries in the secondary, but are still strong up front. They can still bring plenty of pressure with Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham and Jordan Hicks who have made big plays for the birds. It hasn’t always been sunny in Philadelphia this year but they are still a very dangerous ball club that knows how to get the job done in the postseason.
