The Weekly Dish: New Orleans Saints vs San Francisco 49ers

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The Weekly Dish is a quick look at the week that was in Saints football, and thoughts on the week yet to come.

Wildcard Round

The New Orleans Saints proved yet again why they’re the #1 offense in the NFL by defeating the Detroit Lions 45-28 in the Wildcard Round Saturday night at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

With 626 yards of total offense (breaking a 49-year old NFL postseason record), Drew Brees and company showed that very few teams can keep up with the high powered Saints.

The Lions came out swinging hard and fast in their opening drive going 80 yds in 8 plays. QB Matthew Stafford connected with WR Calvin Johnson twice in what would be become a record setting day for the 5th year wideout from Georgia Tech.

The Lions’ game plan was evident from the start. Hit Johnson early and often. He finished the day with 12 receptions for 211 yds and 2 TDs, a WR yardage record for a playoff debut.

Detroit’s offense had little trouble in the first half on third downs with 4of 6 conversion en route to 10 first downs and a halftime lead of 14-10.

The Saints offense started very slow points wise because of a few miscues and 2 fumbles, one each by Colston and Brees. Fortunately the defense was able to prevent either turnover from turning into points.

The second half was a different story for both teams. While the Stafford and Johnson continually carved the Saints secondary with huge gains, two fourth quarter interceptions by Jabari Greer kept the Lions from mounting any serious comeback.