Saints Alive

Who would have thought a month ago that the most compelling game of Week 4 would be the 3--0 Jets at the 3--0 Saints? Or that New York's rookie quarterback, Mark Sanchez, would be nearly as indispensable to his team as Drew Brees is to his? The key to this game will be the Saints' ability to handle the Jets' blitz. Because New York coach Rex Ryan's risk-taking packages, in which he concentrates two or more blitzers over the same lineman or gap, are so overwhelming, Saints coach Sean Payton may decide to keep tight end Jeremy Shockey (below) and fullback Heath Evans in to max-protect Brees. With fewer passing options, New Orleans will turn to the running game to win this one.

Saints 23, Jets 20

PHOTO

AL TIELEMANS (SHOCKEY)