Saints vs. Vikings: 5 Ways to Attack Minnesota's Defense

The New Orleans Saints shouldn’t have a problem putting points on the board against the Minnesota Vikings defense Sunday.

The Vikings have done a pretty good job of stopping the run this year, but this is a Saints offense that is as versatile as they come.

The Saints’ stats prove that they can run and throw it, as they rank first in the league in passing yards per game and eighth in league in rushing yards per game.

With the Saints looking to grab the second spot in the playoffs from the San Francisco 49ers, this is how they need to attack the Vikings defense this Sunday.

Attack the Secondary

The Vikings' defensive backfield has been decimated with injuries and that doesn’t bode well for Minnesota when the Saints’ high-powered offense comes to town.

Asher Allen is listed as probable for the game, and the Vikings will certainly need him to try and lock down one of the Saints' weapons on the outside.

The Saints are a pass-first offense, and Drew Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Look for Brees to attack the secondary early and often, as they look to blow this game out of the water early.

Try and Get Darren Sproles to the Second Level

The Saints need to give the ball to the guy who's led the league in all-purpose yards for the entire season.

Darren Sproles is a speedy back that can gut defenses with the slightest of openings on the line.

Like I said in the intro slide, the Vikings defense has done a good job of stopping the run this year, so the Saints need to get them off balance with their passing game early.

Once they establish the deep threat, they need to try and get Sproles to the second level. Once Sproles gets passed the defensive line, I have no doubts that he can make some shifty moves and make the Vikings’ linebackers whiff.

Run Screens with Pierre Thomas

I look for the Vikings to come into this game trying to get pressure on Drew Brees, and this is where Pierre Thomas is at his best.

It’s no secret that the Saints want to throw the ball, and the Vikings know this. So what will they do?

The Vikings will try and implement just what the St. Louis Rams where able to do, and that’s make Brees uncomfortable in the pocket by rushing his throws and getting sacks.

Look for the Saints to throw a few screens in there with the best screen back in the league to stop the Vikings from doing that.

Thomas is a dangerous man in the open field with blockers in front of him, as he’s proved so many times before in the past.

Get the Ball to Jimmy Graham Down the Field

This ought to be in the game plan every week, and just because it’s obvious doesn’t mean I shouldn’t mention it.

Jimmy Graham is developing into one of the best tight ends, and I’ll say it once again—the guy is nearly impossible to cover.

Even with a bad back, Graham was able to catch five passes from Drew Brees for 55 yards and have an effect on the game.

Look for Brees to throw it to Graham often in this one and Graham to provide another mismatch for the Saints yet again.

Just Let Drew Brees Do His Thing

It’s worked for them all year, so why stop now?

I can’t sing the praises of Drew Brees enough, and he’s really having himself a remarkable year. He became the first player to throw for 4,000 yards in 12 games, and he’s on pace to breaking Dan Marino’s single season passing yard record.

Brees has done a better job of protecting the football this year than he did last year with only 11 this season.

The Saints should just let Brees take control of this game and will his team to victory like he does oh so very well.