Let’s face it: I’m a young fool. I’ve been a theoretical adult for barely two years. I have yet to file my own taxes, and I’m perpetually ignorant of how much money I have in my checking account. I would rather read J.K. Rowling than Dostoevsky. Heck, I still can’t even grow a good ‘stache.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre reacting after fumbling the ball, which was recovered by the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of the NFC Championship NFL football game in New Orleans. (Photo: Associated Press)
With that being said, I’m sure of one thing about this world: things will get a little better Thursday night. The crap that we live through daily will soon seem just a tad less…well, crappy. Why do I know this?
(Your cue, Hank Williams Jr…)
That’s right, sports fans. Welcome to NFL 2010. Hope you’re ready for it. Let’s get the ball on the tee, take three steps back and two to the side, wind up and kick off the season with BWD’s first ever Mammoth Match of the Weekend.
The Saints are fresh off their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history. Sean Peyton and Drew Brees return with nearly the same supporting cast as last year’s magical run. Their confidence is palpable, thick like good jambalaya. (Wait, is jambalaya supposed to be thick? Now that sounds heinous. I told you, I’m young and ignorant.)
The Vikings, however, enter 2010 with the steely glint of a jilted lover. Like the Saints, 2009 was their year to seize their first championship in franchise history; yet Brees and co. with their “who-dey” mantra stole the Vikings’ glory in the NFC Championship game. (Well, more like Brett Favre threw their glory at Tracey Porter. But I digress.) Now that Favre is cemented for yet another season, the Vikings are ready to avenge their chance at immortality Thursday night in the Superdome.
A breakdown of each position group:
Quarterback
Brett Favre has a tweaked ankle to support his forty-year-old frame. Will he be able to take a hit, if not multiple hits? Dubious. Drew Brees is a stud with all his weapons still at his disposal. Although he has disheveled hair and an obtrusive birthmark, he’ll pick up right where he left off last year, when he was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy above his head in triumph.
Edge : Saints
Running Back
The Saints boast their multi-headed rushing attack with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. That’s a formidable duo, and Peyton knows how to use them most effectively. Adrian Peterson begins 2010 without Chester Taylor for the first time in his career. He’ll be expected to take on more carries, starting with this game. I think he’ll take to the challenge quite well. Though both units are powerful, there’s one with the clear advantage.
Edge: Vikings
Wide Receivers/Tight End
The Vikings were forced to say bye-bye to Sidney Rice’s former hip this offseason. He was Favre’s most consistent target last year, with 83 receptions and eight touchdowns. Without him, the triturative of Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian and TE Visanthe Shiancoe will have to cover his production. (Harvin is reportedly taking fourteen Excedrin pills a day to quell his debilitating migraines.) The Saints bring back the force of Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachum and Lance Moore. Brees knows each of his receivers very well, and uses their strengths effectively. But the Saints also have Jeremy Shockey. Yikes.
Edge: Vikings
Offensive Line
According to Football Outsiders, there were only two teams that ranked in the top 10 of both run and pass-blocking efficiency in 2010: the New Orleans Saints. That same unit is back this year, led by stud big man, Jahri Evans. They’ll probably be pretty good again.
Edge: Saints
Defensive Line
Only one man can strike fear into the hearts of left guard, quarterbacks and huntable animals alike: Jared Allen. He has the ability to change the outcome of an entire game himself. Paired with the busty Williams brothers (no relation, of course; purely camaraderie), the Vikings boast a formidable front on D.
Edge: Vikings
Linebackers
The Vikings will start three respectable names at linebacker with Chad Greenway, E.J. Henderson and Ben Leber. All three know the 4-3 very well and rarely get caught out of position, as evidenced by the diminutive 87.1 yards they allowed in 2009. The Saints, meanwhile, roll out Jonathon Vilma, Marvin Mitchell and Anthony Waters. The last two names had a combined 29 tackles last season, with no sacks. This could be interesting.
Edge: Vikings
Secondary
I’ll say this now: huge man crush on Jabari Greer. This guy will make the Pro Bowl this season. He compliments FS Ron Harper on the weak side. The loss of Darren Sharper hurts in the short-term, but when he does return, the Saints’ secondary should get back to their ballhawking ways.
Edge: Saints
Special Teams
Both teams have reliable kickers, two punters on largely the same level, and each has an electric returner with Bush and Harvin. For now, there’s not too much separation. Check back with me week two.
Edge: Wash
Brees is now immortal; Favre's ankle is the exact opposite. Peterson will rush for 100 yards, but that won't be enough to quell the furious offensive attack Sean Peyton has planned. Expect a shootout. Just the Saints' style.
Irrefutable Bottom Line: Saints 31, Vikings 24
This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING TWTC CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.
