Tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET the New Orleans Saints (9-2) will do battle with the Seattle Seahawks (10-1) in a Monday Night Football clash on ESPN that will go a long way toward determining the NFC's playoff seeding. Live stream the game free here; Saints fans can tune in to the radio broadcast on WWL 105.3 FM, while Seahawks fans may do the same on KIRO-FM 97.3.
The Seattle Seahawks are very difficult to beat at home, and have an identity as a ferocious defense, but that D will be tested against Drew Brees tonight with a depleted secondary. Two members of the defensive backfield, Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond, have been lost due to performance-enhancing drug suspensions.
"We're still trying to work through it. I'll say it again, I've always found myself looking for guys that maybe other people don't see something special in and we take a chance on a guy here or there that needs some extra consideration and care," coach Pete Carroll said.
"And sometimes guys they have issues and things pop up but I've always been kind of hopeful and make guys find the best in them and bring it out. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't."
Even without their defensive backs, New Orleans doesn't face an easy road away from their home building. Saints coach Sean Payton is out to prove that New Orleans' troubles in away games are mere hyperbole. "I think it's a typical stereotype with a dome team," Payton said. "I don't know what else to tell someone than to do some research and bring back some numbers and I'll answer a question."
This game will be the first meeting between the two teams since Marshawn Lynch's "Beast Mode" run in the playoffs that helped eliminate a heavily favored Saints team in Seattle.
Many eyes will be focused on the quarterback battle as well, between Seattle's Russell Wilson and Brees. Due to his diminuitive height and ample success, Wilson has been compared to Brees.
"I know everyone compares our heights and everything, but the thing that I admire about him is his leadership, attention to detail, his competitive nature," Wilson said. "He is very clutch. He is very poised in big situations."
Saints Injury Report:
|
DE |
Knee |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
Questionable |
|
|
|
RB |
Ankle |
Full Participation in Practice |
Probable |
|
G |
Ankle |
Full Participation in Practice |
Probable |
|
|
CB |
Hip |
Full Participation in Practice |
Probable |
|
|
|
DE |
Calf |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
Questionable |
Seahawks Injury Report:
|
|
WR |
Concussion |
Full Participation in Practice |
Probable |
|
CB |
Groin |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
Out |
|
|
WR |
Hip |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
Doubtful |
|
|
RB |
Knee |
Full Participation in Practice |
Probable |
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