The 16-0 New Orleans Saints?

The Saints have been on a blaze this season; they have climbed the rungs of the NFL standing ladder to a more than impressive 9-0. A weak schedule and division helped the Saints to this record, but they have also pulled off some inspiring victories @ The Eagles, vs. The Jets, vs. The Giants, @ The Dolphins, and vs. The Falcons. The Saints are clearly the team to beat in the NFC this year so who will deal them the illustrious first blow? Or are we looking at the second 16-0 squad in NFL history?

The Offense is the heart and soul of this team; with an average of 36.78 points per game, the Saints are driving dangerously close to tying the New England Patriots single season scoring record of 589 points (2007) in which they averaged 36.8 points per game. If the offense is the heart and soul of this team, then the defense must be the brain and lungs, because this is a fully functioning unit who is leading the league in turnovers with 25, 17 of which are interceptions and 8 of which are recovered fumbles.

As a result of their current success, it seems more and more that the Saints are unbeatable and could possibly push for that 16-0. However I believe there is one team in the league that has something to say about it, the only 16-0 team in NFL history: The New England Patriots. Two weeks from now, on November 30th the Pats will take on the Saints in New Orleans, and you can bet both of these teams have this game circled with an extremely substantial writing implement.

The Pats bring into this game an explosive offense which is only 2nd in the league to the Saints. This means that this game is going to have some fireworks so strap in, sit down, and enjoy the show. The defenses on both sides of the ball are more than capable units, the Patriots are ranked 8th in the league in yards allowed per game and are only giving up 16.7 points each outing. The Saints and their 25 turnovers have already been addressed so no need to rehash that, the point is these teams are fantastic in every facet of the game.

I’m quite sure statistics don’t do the actual talent of these teams justice. Therefore what will decide this game is the ability to coach, and prior experience in big games such as these. One might be tempted to think that as of today the balance of the coaching battle lies in the hands of New Orleans head coach Sean Peyton, due to his opposition’s decisions of late (Belichick’s infamous call against the Colts last week). But don’t fret Foxboro, Belichick is going to pull his head out of his… the sand and prove he’s got the bigger brain in this one. The experience edge in big games like these weighs too heavily in the favor of the Patriots; New England will walk out of the Superdome proving that they are still a force to be reckoned with. Sorry Saints fans.

Other possible losses: @ Falcons, vs. Cowboys