Saints know challenge they face against undefeated Rams
The New Orleans Saints have made a habit of defeating fellow NFL division leaders in recent weeks.
Three weeks ago they beat Washington (NFC East) on Monday Night Football. Two weeks later after a bye they went to Baltimore and beat the Ravens (AFC North). Then last week they went to Minnesota and beat the Vikings (NFC North) on Sunday Night Football.
Now comes the biggest test yet as they meet the undefeated and NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
“We’ve got a good strong run of teams right now that feel like they can be playing in late December and January,” tackle Terron Armstead said.
The Saints and the Rams have emerged as the top teams in the NFC and the outcome Sunday could have a significant impact on seedings in the playoffs.
But the Rams (8-0) are just beginning the second half of their season and the Saints (6-1) are just concluding their first half.
“I used this term the other day with our team, we’re focused on one pothole at a time,” head coach Sean Payton said. “And so we’ve got to find a way to navigate the road. Then when that week’s over with you get on to the next roadblock and the next challenge in front of you. Fortunately, we have been able to do that.
“This week’s game will be different. It’ll be a different type team, how they play. Much different than Minnesota in regards to their defensive structure, their offensive structure. So you dive in and you get consumed with the week and the challenge in front of you.”
Part of the challenge presented by Los Angeles is the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL, led by leading rusher Todd Gurley II but New Orleans has the No. 1 rush defense.
Payton said the Rams have gotten his attention each week when he has reviewed highlights from around the NFL.
“Every week when we finish our game, we’ll have all the touchdowns from the week before,” he said. “We’ll study not just the opponent, but we’ll look at what’s going on in the league.
“It’s a reminder every week when you put that tape on you know here’s Gurley from 28 yards, here is Gurley from 30 yards, here’s Gurley catching a screen for a touchdown. He’s an outstanding player both in the running game and passing game and I think the design, along with his skillset, has been a great fit.”
The Rams also have one of the strongest defensive fronts in the NFL.
“(The defensive line) presents a ton of problems,” Payton said. “First off, the talent when you’re talking about some of the top tackles and ends in the business, that that in itself is difficult. And then when you put it with an outstanding scheme, then you really have a challenge.”
SERIES HISTORY: 74th regular-season meeting. Rams lead series, 41-32. The Saints have faced only two teams – the Falcons (98) and the 49ers (75) – more times than they have faced the Rams, who were a divisional foe in the NFC West before the NFL realigned in 2002. The Rams have won three of the last four, including the last meeting, 26-20, in L.A. last season. The Saints’ only win in that stretch was the last meeting in the Superdome, a 49-21 triumph two years ago. The Saints won the only playoff meeting, a 31-28 wild-card victory in the Superdome after the 2000 season, New Orleans’ first post-season victory.