Throughout the NFL the guys protecting the quarterback typically go unnoticed, unless their field general is on his back the entire game. Here in New Orleans the Saints offense usually grabs most of the headlines, but the offensive line is left off the front page. All they've done is limit the opposition's defense to just 4 sacks this season, and work hard to keep #9 safe.
Quarterback Drew Brees says, "The offensive line's been awesome. You look at what they've done protecting me over the last few years. We've been tops in the league in sacks allowed for four years running now. Now you throw in the balance and the run game and what they've been able to accomplish there. I don't know exactly what the stats are, but I think we're top three--top three in rushing, tops in total yards. There's a direct correlation to how that front five is playing for us. They're just doing a heck of a job. I can't say enough about them."
Brees went on to praise his line that has been without starting Pro Bowl tackle Jammal Brown.
"Obviously with Jammal Brown being out and put on IR, he's missed the entire season. He's been a mainstay the last three years. Jermon Bushrod has stepped in. He's done a great job, when he's been called upon as a first-year starter... and when he's gone down, Zach Strief has stepped in and done a fantastic job. Strief's one of these guys who's played some left tackle, played some right tackle the last few years, played some tight end, played some goal line. He's played a little bit of everything...done a great job. Jamar Nesbit, the same thing, stepped in and played guard, both guard positions, saw some goal line action the other night. You have some guys that are ready and willing to step in at any other moment and not only contribute, but it's as if they've been in there a while."
The other guys in the trenches keeping Brees' jersey clean are Guards Carl Nicks, Jahri Evans and Jamar Nesbit; Tackle Jon Stinchcomb; and Centers Jonathan Goodwin and Nick Leckey.
This week the team travels to Miami; hopefully not the last time, as the city hosts the Super Bowl this year. The Dolphins dropped their first 3 games, but have won their last 2 and are coming off a bye week.
Unlike the Saints O-line, the Dolphins have been victimized by13 sacks this season. Defensive Ends Will Smith and Charles Grant will look to feast on Miami's young quarterback Chad Henne, who has taken over for the injured Chad Pennington.
The Dolphins do run the ball well, though...leading the NFL with 177 yards per game with the Wildcat offense. New Orleans matches up well; the Saints defense is ranked 5th in the league against the run.
Even though Miami is 3-0 at home versus the Saints, I just can't pick against 'em. I see Drew Brees shredding the Dolphins rookie cornerbacks just as easily as he did against the Giants.
PREDICTION: Saints 41 Dolphins 27
Remember Who Dats, you need to listen to WWL's coverage Sunday, if you want the most in depth coverage of your team. Game-day starts at noon with Steve Korte and Mark Chific on First Take. Then the mic gets handed off to Bobby Hebert and Deke Bellavia for Countdown to Kickoff at 1 o'clock. At 3pm, its time to turn down the sound on your TV and turn up SAINTS Radio. As always, Jim Henderson, Hokie Gajan & sideline reporter Kristian Garic call the game like nobody from the national networks can. After the game, stick around for the Locker Room show & Coach Sean Payton's post game interview... followed by the Point After with the Cajun Cannon & Big Chief live from Deanie's Seafood in the French Quarter. If you bleed Black & Gold you have to listen to WWL on 870am or 105.3fm.
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