NFL Playoff Preview – New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks

By Joe Pietaro
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Updated: January 6, 2011

The entire country has had something negative to say about the 7-9 Seattle Seahawks hosting a playoff game. That’s just the way it worked out. The NFC West was as weak a division as their ever was in the history of the league but that doesn’t make any difference. The ‘Hawks bested the St. Louis Rams in the regular season finale and “earned” their way into the second season.

Now they get to take on the defending Super Bowl champions.

NFC WILD CARD

New Orleans Saints (5) at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (4)

Qwest Field has what is called ‘the 12th man,’ but more importantly for Seattle is the return of starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The veteran missed the Ram game with a hip injury and his experience will at least give the Seahawks a fighter’s chance on Saturday afternoon. That’s not to say that they will win, but they will at least be within two scores before it’s too late. If Leon Washington can break a punt or kick return to the end zone, then things will actually become interesting.

The New Orleans Saints will have to win three road games in order to get back to the Super Bowl, something that they did not have to do a year ago. A huge hurdle will be in their backfield, where both Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory were placed on injured reserve. Reggie Bush and Julius Jones will have to pick up the slack in a big way.

Drew Brees will be the difference in this game. His experience and poise will pay dividends and the Saints will go marchin’ in for at least another week.