From another board, used with the author's permission. I like it.
(Very nice job SINATRA)
Copied and Pasted:
Reggie Bush tore his medial meniscus in his left knee October 19, and underwent arthroscopic surgery the following day. He's been out ever since and is listed as questionable for this week's game. Prior to going out, Bush was averaging 3.4 yards per carry for 42 yards per game. But that figure doesn't really explain what Bush brings to their offense. He was also averaging 8.7 yards per reception, for an average of 52 receiving yards per game. He had 5 TDs on the year. Deuce McAllister has been up and down with injuries himself, averaging 3.7 yards per carry - he's not featured in the passing game much at all. Pierre Thomas is the third RB they've featured this year, and has put up the best numbers on the ground, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. In case it wasn't clear so far, tailback has been a revolving door for the Saints this year due to injuries and Bush's inability to pound it up the middle. I'm torn on whether I want Bush to play or not - it bodes well for us since he's weak at pounding between the tackles, but he's great running outside...and our guys have been vulnerable to that. He's also an excellent receiver, and the Packers have been a bit vulnerable to RBs in the passing game. Thomas and McAllister are the guys they'll go to if they want to take it up the middle, but McAllister has been inconsistent all year and Thomas is nothing spectacular.
As a team, the Saints are ranked 28th in the league on the ground, averaging 91.8 yards per game (3.7 YPC). By comparison, the Packers are ranked 19th with 108.3 yards per game (4.0 YPC).
The passing game is the real strength of the Saints offense. They're number one in the league in that category, averaging 320 yards per game. Aside from Colston, who is very talented, their receivers are simply solid - nothing too spectaular. Colston hasn't been too much of a factor due to injuries - he's only got 252 receiving yards so far this year, with no TDs. Because of Colston's injuries, Brees has spread the ball ground a bit: David Patten has 162 yards (1 TD), Devery Henderson has 554 (3 TDs), Robert Meachem has 244 yards (2 TDs), and Lance Moore has 609 (5 TDs). The Tight Ends are also viable targets: Shockey has 262 yards (0 TDs), Mark Campbell has 121 yards (2 TDs), and Billy Miller has 388 yards (0 TDs). Basically, it's a lot like the Packers offense. Rodgers and Brees both have their favorites, but they've got viable targets at almost all the skill positions.
New Orleans has a pretty solid O-line. The ground game is unremarkable, but Brees has great protection - he's been sacked 8 times all year (compared to Rodgers' 21 sacks). That said, Brees is known to throw some picks. He's got 11 on the year (compared to Rodgers' 6) and has three games with two or more INTs. Our ballhawking secondary should definitely be able to generate some turnovers.
The New Orleans defense is, in a word, underwhelming. They rank 26th against the pass, surrendering 235.2 yards per game (compared to the Packs' 176.3), 16 TDs (Pack: 11) and opposing QBs are averaging an 86.5 rating (Packers: 59.5). They're a little better against the run, but still lousy - ranked 19th (Packers: 27th) overall allowing 1110 yards this season (Packers 1474), for 111 per game (Packers 147.4) and 4.3 YPC (Packers 4.9).
In general, the Saints defense has very little bite. They don't do much very well. Their offense has been fairly one dimensional so far, but there is a possibility that both McAllister and Bush will be healthy this week. In general, our secondary will have its hands full - almost everyone on that offense is a possible target. Our man to man coverage should allow us to match up well, and we should be able to frustrate Brees and generate some turnovers. Pressure from our front four would be nice, but isn't necessary - Brees will give you some gifts anyway.
The big thing going for NO is that they're playing at home. They're better at home (5-5, 4-1 at home) and Brees is more dangerous. Only 4 of his 11 INTs came at home, and 13 of his 18 TDs came at home.
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MY NOTE/UPDATE--- Bush looks good to go---unfortunately.