Saints vs 49ers: New Orleans Passing Game the Key Now More Than Ever

Coming from a team that led the NFL in passing yardage, it seems obvious that the New Orleans Saints often ride their pass-catchers to victory. 

However, many have pointed to Drew Brees playing outside as why the Saints will struggle through the air against the defensive-minded San Francisco 49ers. 

Actually, looking at this matchup and ignoring the weather (forecast calls for a 55 degree afternoon—not exactly Lambeau), I realized how incredibly vital the Saints pass-catchers will be in this one, with their varying size, speed and skill sets.

While we've become enamored with Brees and all the epic numbers he seemingly is capable of accumulating any time he steps on the field, New Orleans' running game has led to a great deal of his aerial success. 

Defenses were not able to simply send eight men backpedaling in coverage to clog throwing lanes for Brees, because of their sixth-best running offense in the NFL. 

New Orleans ran for 167 yards at 4.6 yards per carry with three touchdowns in their opening-round win over the Detroit Lions. 

In the season finale win over the Carolina Panthers, the Saints ran for 208 at 5.9 yards per carry. The week before, facing the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night, they totaled a ridiculous 164 yards on 7.1 yards per rush. 

In the team's three losses—all on the road—they averaged a pedestrian 69 rushing yards.

Aside from their Week 10 overtime victory over the Falcons, the Saints totaled at least 100 yards on the ground in every win this season. 

Now, it'd be easy to make the prediction that New Orleans' ground attack will be the X-factor in this one. It always is, especially because it is continually overshadowed by the team's passing prowess. 

I'm taking it a step further.

The NFC South champs are on the road and are facing the league-best run defense in the 49ers, who allowed a mere 77.3 ground yards per game this year.  

I'd be shocked if New Orleans has their typical success running the football. 

Remember, San Fran only allowed one 100-yard rusher all season, Marshawn Lynch.

How will Brees respond if his high-powered, but usually balanced, offense is rendered one-dimensional?

It's something he hasn't had to face in quite some time. 

Answer that question, and you've got the winner of the Saints and 49ers matchup. 

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