We strive here at the EOSB to give you as much information as one man can possibly give you. So, with that in mind, we’ve added a five pack of questions from a source we trust most – ESPN.com and friend of the EOSB Pat Yasinskas.
Pat is a trusted source, having covered both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers for newspapers in the Southeast. He has been covering the NFC South for ESPN.com for the past two seasons and will be once again next season.
You can read his very good work at ESPN.com's NFC South Blog.
He’s good people. Let’s now give him our attention.
WWL-TV: We've heard the past two weeks about Peyton Manning and how much he'll be able to exploit the Saints. Can the Saints secondary of Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter, Darren Sharper and Roman Harper contain the Colts offense?
Pat Yasinskas: The New Orleans secondary was impressive in the two playoff games. But I'm not sure anyone can contain Manning and the Colts. What the Saints have to do is be opportunistic. They're going to give up some big plays, but the secondary also has to come up with a big play or two. I'm talking an interception or two -- that could be the difference in the game.
WWL-TV: Speaking of Manning, that's all we're hearing about. Should the Colts be equally as worried about Drew Brees and the Saints' stable of receivers?
Yasinskas: I think so. Maybe the rest of the world doesn't yet know how good Brees is and how good and deep his stable of receivers is. But I think people in New Orleans are well aware of it. Maybe the rest of the world finds out Sunday.
WWL-TV: You've watched the Saints all season. Are they not getting the respect they might reserve or is Indianapolis just that good?
Yasinskas: I think the word respect or the concept of a lack of it gets overplayed at times. It's a subjective call and what does it really matter? The Saints are good and they know it. The Colts, obviously, are good too. If the Saints go out and win, then they'll get all the respect in the world. I think respect actually means something then -- when you've gone out and actually earned it and don't have to ask for it.
WWL-TV: We saw last week how special teams was a huge part of the game - Pierre Thomas' big run back, Courtney Roby's big run back and Garrett Hartley's 40-yard game-winner. If the game comes down to special teams, do the Saints have the advantage?
Yasinskas: I think so. I really think the Saints are outstanding in the return game and I think Reggie Bush will be a big factor on punt returns. Hartley's kicked well and rookie punter Thomas Morstead has been phenomenal.
WWL-TV: Why will the Saints have an opportunity to win?
Yasinskas: I'm actually picking the Saints to win, 31-24. I know that goes against the masses and probably defies football logic. I'm not backing my prediction up with any Xs and Os. I'll just say I've watched this team all season and I just think it's time for the Saints, and their fans, to be on top of the world.
