Billick: Saints will cruise over ‘Hawks through air
Published: January 7th, 2011 | Tags: Playoffs, Brian Billick, Drew Brees, Leon Washington, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks
NFL Network analyst Brian Billick answered questions in an NFL.com chat regarding Saturday’s Saints-Seahawks matchup, and even with the black-and-gold’s two top running backs in Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas out for the postseason, he doesn’t believe Seattle will be much of a match for the defending Super Bowl champions.
“Normally if a team were to lose its top backs it would be devastating,” said Billick. “But [having] Brees and talented receivers allows them to be one-dimensional if they have to be, and still move the ball.”
And although Brees has had a problem with picks this year, Billick doesn’t believe it will be a factor on Sunday.
“I think in playoff mode and with a lack of a run, Brees is apt to be at the top of his game and minimize turnovers.”
And Billick doesn’t even think the notorious “12th man” Seattle crowd will be a factor for New Orleans since Brees doesn’t call many audibles, although the one area where he believes they might have a shot is on special teams.
“The one equalizer for Seattle might be Leon Washington in the return game,” said Billick. “That would be one way Seattle could steal a cheap score.”
