NFL Czar: Saints Giants tilt could go a long way to deciding NFC champs
It seems as though Eli Manning is actually evolving into an NFL quarterback. Go figure. A $100-million contract would do that to a guy. Going into week six, he and his New York Giant teammates take on Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. This matchup will certainly have a playoff feel to it, as it could be a preview of the NFC Championship game.
Each of these teams boast great offences, and the defences have stepped up this year as well. Giant fans may have to be a bit worried about this game, as they have played very mediocre teams to start the year (Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
From the Saints perspective, they have played some of the NFL's best, and have adapted each week to the demands of the opponents. They put on a passing clinic against Detroit, but they showed great running and defence against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.
Matchups to Watch
1) Eli Manning vs. Drew Brees: I spoke about Manning stepping up already, but Brees has really dominated to start the year. Both have average receiving corps, and both also have outstanding running games. Both defences have done well against the pass this year, so it may be hard to move the ball through the air.
2) Brandon Jacobs/Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Pierre Thomas/Reggie Bush: Both RB tandems have a lot of talent, and each are built the same way. Jacobs and Thomas are the typical bull horse backs who plow over people, while Bradshaw and Bush have the speed to break out the long runs.
3) Giants D-Line vs. Saints O-Line: Both teams have dominant fronts, but this matchup will be a key to each team getting a win. The Giants will have to be able to get pressure on Brees, while stopping the run. The Saints will have to protect their star QB.
The Rundown
This game will likely have huge playoff implications when it comes to home field advantage in the NFC, so both teams will be fired up. Seeing as it is in the Superdome in New Orleans, I would say they have the slight edge in this one. I think the defences will have a hard time stopping the high powered offensive attacks, so I'll say the Saints take this one 31-28.
Week seven brings us an ageless quarterback taking on the defending champs.
Each of these teams boast great offences, and the defences have stepped up this year as well. Giant fans may have to be a bit worried about this game, as they have played very mediocre teams to start the year (Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
From the Saints perspective, they have played some of the NFL's best, and have adapted each week to the demands of the opponents. They put on a passing clinic against Detroit, but they showed great running and defence against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.
Matchups to Watch
1) Eli Manning vs. Drew Brees: I spoke about Manning stepping up already, but Brees has really dominated to start the year. Both have average receiving corps, and both also have outstanding running games. Both defences have done well against the pass this year, so it may be hard to move the ball through the air.
2) Brandon Jacobs/Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Pierre Thomas/Reggie Bush: Both RB tandems have a lot of talent, and each are built the same way. Jacobs and Thomas are the typical bull horse backs who plow over people, while Bradshaw and Bush have the speed to break out the long runs.
3) Giants D-Line vs. Saints O-Line: Both teams have dominant fronts, but this matchup will be a key to each team getting a win. The Giants will have to be able to get pressure on Brees, while stopping the run. The Saints will have to protect their star QB.
The Rundown
This game will likely have huge playoff implications when it comes to home field advantage in the NFC, so both teams will be fired up. Seeing as it is in the Superdome in New Orleans, I would say they have the slight edge in this one. I think the defences will have a hard time stopping the high powered offensive attacks, so I'll say the Saints take this one 31-28.
Week seven brings us an ageless quarterback taking on the defending champs.
