Despite a couple of three & outs to begin last week’s game against the Panthers, the Saints actually did a great job of jumping out on top, 14-3 about 21 minutes in to the game. In fact, once the Saints had more than a touchdown lead, the Panthers had the ball all of two times with a chance to go ahead. The Saints will need more of that this weekend against the host Minnesota Vikings to advance to the NFC Championship Game.
While Case Keenum won’t scare anyone, the newest version of the ‘Purple People Eaters’ should. The Vikings defense was 2nd vs the run and pass this season. They allow less than 16 pts a game overall and just 12 points a game at home. As a side note, the Saints 19 pts vs Minnesota were the most scored by an opponent in the US Bank dome this year.
Let’s see if Keenum can handle the pressure of the playing a home playoff game his team is expected to win. More importantly, correct or not, the Saints defense always seems to play better when the offense gives them a lead.