NFL Playoffs 2012: Saints March over Lions, Head West to San Francisco

The New Orleans Saints will march into San Francisco to the rhythm of a 45-28 win over Detroit in the NFC Wild Card game.

The San Francisco 49ers will have their work cut out for them.  

The Saints have put up 40-plus points in their last four games and are poised to attack the stout San Francisco defense that ranks No.1 in the NFC.

The biggest task for the 49ers will be keeping the ball away from Drew Brees, who can score on anyone at-will on grass, turf or tanbark.  

These two teams faced each other last year and the Saints ate the 49ers alive with angle routes from the running backs, breaking in front of Patrick Willis and company.

Granted, this is a different and much more disciplined and explosive 49ers defense, but the personnel matchups remain similar.  

The Saints will essentially do what they do to everyone:

1. Run between the tackles

2. Attack deep with play action

3. Utilize packages and mismatches

4. Keep the defense guessing

What the 49ers must do is control the ball on offense and play quick and fast on defense.  

The 49ers must create turnovers on defense and hold onto the ball on offense.

The 49ers must tackle well and hit Drew Brees often and early.  

Look for Aldon Smith to see action early.  The Saints will counter with double teams, leaving other opportunities for 49ers to blitz open gaps.

All in all, the 49ers must play flawless, aggressive football next Saturday.

A little rain wouldn't help either.