If week 6 was when the NFL found out that the New Orleans Saints were for real following a last second victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, will week 8 define the Saints place as one of the NFC’s elite? Sure, the Chicago Bears are the best team in the conference at 6-0 and I believe that they are the best team in football, but could a win over the Baltimore Ravens’ 3^rd ranked scoring defense have us all begging to differ?

Saints Quarterback vs. Ravens Defense: This should be Drew Brees’ biggest challenge to date so far as the Saints starting QB. He needs to stay aware of Ray Lewis’ whereabouts at all times and stay in the pocket where he is the most effective in the passing game. The Ravens’ team defense swarms to the ball on every play and is more than capable of putting points on the board so if Brees doesn’t turn the ball over. Advantage: Saints

Saints Running Backs vs. Ravens Linebackers: This is a toss up because a year ago both teams looked totally different. Ray Lewis still anchors Baltimore’s linebacking corps and will have 8+ tackles in the game. However, New Orleans drafted a running back named Reggie Bush to add to their running threat. Reggie Bush will be to stretch those linebackers to the sidelines in the short passing game and when he is in the backfield, Sean Payton will not hesitate to throw in a couple of sweeps to tire out Mr. Lewis throughout the game. This will give Deuce McAllister the opportunity to pound the inside and grab a few extra yards. Advantage: Push

Saints Wide Receivers vs. Ravens Secondary: No doubt about it “Hollywood” Joe Horn will be ready to play alongside Marques Colston on Sunday but Drew Brees will have to take what the Ravens’ defense gives him. The Ravens Secondary is by far the second best in football with 2 shutdown cornerbacks Samari Rolle and Chris McAllister and the best ball hawking safety in the league Ed Reed. The Saints must effectively use the running game to have any type of deep threat via the playaction pass. Advantage: Ravens

Saints Offensive Line vs. Ravens Defensive Line: With Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, Trevor Pryce, and Kelly Gregg coming after you all day, the Saints will have no room to breathe and even less time for Drew Brees in the pocket. Sean Payton will have to keep extra guys in to block on passing plays and lead block on running plays or else Brees will be on his back the entire game. Advantage: Ravens

Saints Defense vs. Ravens Quarterback: Steve McNair will get the nod after a 1^st quarter concussion in week 6 versus Carolina. He will be a little shaken up and his timing will be a bit off but this wily veteran will find ways to complete passes to his receivers. Blitzing early and often will be the key to keeping McNair out of a rhythm. Advantage: Saints

Saints Linebackers vs. Ravens Running Backs: Jamal Lewis is the Ravens’ feature back but he isn’t the former league leading running he used to be. The Saints’ biggest fear should be Mike Anderson coming off of the bench averaging a shade less than 5 yards per carry. Together they should form a bit of a struggle in the running game. Advantage: Ravens

Saints Secondary vs. Ravens Wide Receivers: Baltimore has a lot of speed at the wide receiver position and the Saints are average outside of Mike McKenzie and Josh Bullocks. The biggest question in the whole game is who will defend Baltimore tight end Todd Heap. If the Saints can shut him down, which I doubt, Baltimore will not have a passing game. Advantage: Ravens

Saints Defensive Line vs. Ravens Offensive Line: The backbone of the Saints entire defense has been the defensive line. Speed, power, and discipline are the 3 things you need to be successful down in the trenches and that is New Orleans’ strength. Advantage: Saints

Saints Special Teams vs. Ravens Special Teams: The kicking game will be a huge factor and John Carney and Matt Stover are proven clutch kickers. Given any chance they will kick a game winning field goal. Advantage: Push

X-Factor: Two words, Reggie Bush! Need I say more? He will be the one player on the field that can blow the game open this Sunday. Whether in the running game, passing game, or most likely the return game, Reggie Bush could be the deciding factor in all of this. Reggie Bush will also be the reason that the New Orleans Saints win this game, final score 23-16.