Cardinals had a pretty mediocre run defense last year and got within a minute of winning the Super Bowl. And the Saints run defense, coming into today, was sixth in the NFL in rush yards/game - though 12th per carry. The Saints primary strategy to stop the run is simply build a lead and force the other team to play from behind.
Cardinals would of been exposed if it wasn't for Delhomme being bought off by a wealthy Cardinals fan.
The Saints are not a great run stopping team, but like you said the Cardinals came within a few seconds.... and to not forget short term history, the 2006 Colts won and dominated the Super Bowl game, while having the worst run defense in yardage and yards per carry. And being 30th ranked team in rushing touchdowns allowed. Even, one game where they allowed over 375 yards rushing.
and then they made the playoffs and played out of their minds. they were like an entirely different team come playoff time.
New Orleans schedule is kind of a joke IMO. They face 3 winning teams the rest of the way. They face NE, Atlanta (again), and the Cowboys. They faced Philly and NY before that that were worth a darn. The rest of those teams left are either .500 or below. So, assuming they can take care of the three winning teams they have left, they could very well go undefeated having played five good teams all season. It is no guarantee but I'm sure there are plenty of teams out there who wish they had their schedule.
The Texans have played 2 teams that currently have winning records, and they have the Colts twice, and Patriots left against teams that currently have winning records.
I say we get into the playoffs for sure as long as we split with the Colts. We need 11 wins to secure a wild-card spot. I don't want to rely on tie-breakers. Hopefully, the Pats have nothing to play for in week 17, which should lead to an easy victory.
Heck the Pats missed out with 11 wins last year. The Texans look to be in a great position to make the playoffs.
I seriously doubt they be coming into that final game with nothing to play for. With 2 losses already (one to the Broncos) they'll be fighting for homefield the rest of the way.
