A new order: Saints, Vikings, Giants separate from NFC pack
NEW ORLEANS — After six weeks, three NFC teams have separated themselves from the pack. The Saints and Vikings remain unbeaten, and the Giants are just a step behind after suffering their first defeat Sunday.
Here’s a look at the NFC’s Big Three:
1. New Orleans Saints
Reasons for optimism: They have become more balanced on offense—Drew Brees and the passing game is now complemented by a solid committee of running backs—and the defense has improved under new coordinator Gregg Williams.
Reason for concern: Special teams. After giving up big chunks of return yards to the Giants’ Domenik Hixon in a 48-27 win, that unit needs a tune-up.
Fullback Heath Evans says: “We’ve got a lot to prove. Games in this league really don’t count until November and December.”
2. Minnesota Vikings
Reasons for optimism: Brett Favre is playing like a younger version of himself—he threw three more TD passes without an interception Sunday in a 33-31 win over Baltimore—and Adrian Peterson still is the best running back in the league and the defense remains stout.
Reason for concern: They play back-to-back road games at Pittsburgh and Green Bay the next two weeks.
Brett Favre says: “All I know is we’re 6-0. I know it’s a long way to go, but it’s a good start.”
3. New York Giants
Reasons for optimism: Eli Manning won’t have many mediocre games like he did against New Orleans, and running back Brandon Jacobs is bound to break out soon.
Reasons for concern: The secondary is beat up, and the offensive line could be without right tackle Kareem McKenzie (groin) for a while.
Middle linebacker Antonio Pierce says: “Everyone looked at this game (at New Orleans) as the Super Bowl, but it’s only Week 6. There’s another 10 games to get ready for.”
SportingNews.com
10/19/9
