In big-time moments, the NFL presents some of the best opportunities for lesser-known plays to make major plays. That's exactly what occurred for the New Orleans Saints in Week 17 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The pivotal NFC South matchup was defined by the strong play of the Saints defense that limited Tampa to 57 rushing yards on 15 attempts and forced four turnovers.
Safety Johnathan Abram has been a depth player for the Saints, but he had arguably the best game of his career on Sunday. After the game, he gave the team a passionate speech about their playoff vision.
In the win against the Bucs, Abram totaled one interception, one forced fumble, one pass deflection, and five tackles.
He made meaningful plays on multiple occasions. His role could increase in Week 18, and Abram may get more defensive snaps if the Saints do grab a playoff spot, too.
Abram noticed that the team is built to be a 'tough out' in the postseason. That can certainly be debated, but on paper, they have the talent to make a team sweat in the playoffs, surely.
The Saints defense is what will give them a shot if they do sneak in the postseason. We saw a blueprint of their upside in Week 17. The run defense looked like it has in past seasons, a credit to Dennis Allen and his staff. Allen's run defenses in the final couple of years alongside Sean Payton were among the NFL's best. They must control the ground game and the clock to beat good teams.
Additionally, the offensive line gave Derek Carr time to be efficient. He had one of his best games of his Saints tenure in Week 17, and he distributed the football to many different pass catchers.
That being said, New Orleans has to find more success on the ground with Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, and Taysom Hill. They have been one-dimensional in some of their victories this year, but that will not fly in the playoffs - most likely.
No matter what - Abram and the Saints are clearly confident in what they have going for them right now. They believe in themselves, but we will see if they decided to fully wake up a tad bit too late or not in Week 18.
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