The Saints are subtly different 鈥?for better and worse 鈥?since that December blowout. They are more committed to running the football over the last three games and capped with 185 yards rushing last week against the Eagles,China Jerseys. That commitment will be severely tested by Seattle's No. 1 ranked defense that gave up 13 yards rushing to St. Louis the last time it was on the field. They are also better on the offensive line with the decision to replace Charles Brown at left tackle with Terron Armstead.
But New Orleans is littered with injuries, the latest being linebacker Parys Haralson being lost for the season with a torn pectoral last week. Running back Pierre Thomas is also an unknown with a chest injury.