Saints Offense vs. 49ers Defense: Irresistable Force vs. Immovable Object

It's one of the most intriguing matchups of this postseason, unless the Saints play the Ravens or Texans in the Super Bowl.

This week when the New Orleans offense takes the field, it will face one of the NFL's most dominant defenses in San Francisco. On the season the 49ers allowed only 308.1 total yards per game and ranked No. 1 against the rush.

Now, they did rank No. 16 against the pass and allowed 230.9 pass yards per game. That being said, it's still better than any other pass defense in the NFC playoff bracket. The Falcons were No. 20, Lions No. 22, Giants No. 29, Saints No. 30 and Green Bay No. 32.

Additionally, the 49ers had 579 passes attempted against them, which ranked No. 10 in the league. So it's safe to say they have a good idea of how to defend the pass.

As for this week's NFC Divisional game, let's look at each dimension and how they match up.

Saints Rush Offense vs. 49ers Rush Defense

Since they are a pass-oriented offense, the Saints rushing attack doesn't get a lot of credit. Despite their leading rushing Darren Sproles having gained only 603 yards on the ground, New Orleans ran for more than 2,100 rushing yards (rank No. 6).

Using an array of backs that included rookie Mark Ingram, Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas, the Saints  averaged more than five yards per carry.

As for this game, New Orleans will definitely try to come out blazing. But the Saints also need to  keep a balanced attack to throw off San Francisco, but that won't be easy.

What's great about the 49ers defense is that they don't need to blitz relentlessly to get quarterback pressure or to stop the run. The 3-4 defensive front is perfect for playing teams like New Orleans. You   match speed and quickness while still being able to control the trenches.

For New Orleans to have any success on the ground, they must simply hit the middle or run the toss outside. But the only way either will work is by quick development. No counters, traps, sweeps or draw plays will work as they take too long from the snap.

A dive, off tackle or quick toss are run plays that accelerate fast. They give the running back the option to use his vision to react mid-play.

Saints Pass Offense vs. 49ers Pass Defense

This is where it gets tricky. With San Francisco having the NFC's best pass defense in the postseason, slowing down Drew Brees is possible but highly unlikely. Still, San Francisco did rank No. 8 in allowing only a 57.5 completion percentage against them.

Fortunately for New Orleans, Brees is a quarterback who uses everything around him to its fullest potential, whether it's all his receivers, the time given in the pocket, his ability to scramble, or the field to manipulate defenders with his eyes.

Let's face it, you don't connect with six players 40-plus times (three were 80-plus) without taking what the defense gives.

It's Brees' quick release that's arguably his best attribute, mainly because he's able to generate excellent accuracy and speed on the release in such a short amount of time.

That will be San Francisco's challenge, because getting pressure on Brees isn't enough.

He must be sacked or hit on virtually every play to try to break down his confidence, which is damn near impossible.

As for those in coverage, getting as physical as possible with the Saints receivers is another key.

If there's one thing San Francisco can use to its advantage, it's hitting hard, gang tackling and having solid press coverage. In turn, that will also give the pass rushers that extra half-second to get the sack. 

All this being said, though, it's obviously easier said than done.

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