What the Saints need to do to beat the Vikings

What the New Orleans Saints need to do to defeat the Minnesota Vikings in Sunday’s NFC championship game (3:30 p.m. PST, Ch. 11):

Help on the edges

For the most part the Saints did a good job of protecting Drew Brees this season, and he gets rid of the ball quickly, which always helps.

But now they’re facing a team that led the NFL with 48 sacks this season, and that’s not counting the six times they got to Dallas’ Tony Romo last Sunday.

The Saints have done a better job in protection against a 4-3 defense than a 3-4, and the Vikings run a 4-3, so that’s good news for New Orleans. But their tackles, and in particular Jermon Bushrod on the left, will need some blocking help (which he didn’t get in the Dec. 19 loss to the Cowboys). That might come in the form of a running back or tight end briefly blocking -- or “chipping” -- and then releasing to run a delayed pass route.

One of their maximum-protection formations is three receivers with a tight end and a back in the backfield looking to pick up a blitz if one comes.

Also key for the Saints will be containing the up-the-middle push of the “Williams Wall” -- defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams -- to allow Brees to buy time by stepping up in the pocket and find his receivers.

Go north-south, young man

Reggie Bush might not be an every-down back, but he’s a terrific luxury for the Saints. He’s coming off a game when he ran as decisively as he ever has, torching Arizona for 84 yards in five carries with a touchdown, and scoring another on an 83-yard punt return. When Bush runs forward with purpose, as opposed to bouncing laterally to try to find holes, he plays like the back everyone expected him to be coming out of USC.

Sharper image

Free safety Darren Sharper, formerly of the Vikings, sees the field on defense the way Brees sees it on offense. Sharper has remarkable range and is almost like a center fielder on the back end, using his instincts and playmaking ability to create turnovers. He has had three interception returns for touchdowns this season and 11 in his career, second only to Hall of Famer Rod Woodson (12) in league history.

If Brett Favre makes a mistake, Sharper -- who also spent eight seasons with him in Green Bay -- is the kind of player who can make him pay for it.

Deep thoughts

Brees has a wealth of good receivers, and he knows how to find the open man as well as anyone. The Saints want to stretch the field. A big play to speedster Devery Henderson would sure help. The knock on him over the years has been his hands, but he made a beautiful adjustment to make a touchdown catch on a flea-flicker against the Cardinals.

Get loud

Playing in the Superdome is a big advantage for the Saints because the place can get so loud. The Vikings have been far more effective this season at home (9-0, including playoffs) than on the road (4-4), in part because of the noise their fans create. Keeping the packed house engaged will be key for New Orleans.

sam.farmer@latimes.com

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