Pierre Thomas: Big Role in NFC Title Game -  1/26/2010 12:46:47 PM

Update:
Thomas's excellent play was critical in helping the Saints advance to the Super Bowl with the win over the Vikings in Sunday's NFC Championship game. Thomas rushed 14 times for 61 yards and caught two passes for 38 yards. He scored in the first quarter on a 38-yard screen pass and again in the third on a nine-yard run.

Recommendation:
Thomas averaged a healthy 4.4 yards per carry against a Minnesota defense that is very tough against the run. However, it was his one-yard leap on fourth down in overtime that might have been the play of the game. The run kept the Saints' drive alive, which eventually led to Garrett Hartley's game-winning field goal. Thomas' regular season owners may feel a twinge of bitterness, however. After owners screamed all year that Thomas was the best true running back on the Saints' roster, coach Sean Payton finally handed Thomas the vast majority of the carries and Thomas did not disappoint. Considering how effective he was against the Vikings, owners can expect Thomas to again receive the majority of the carries in two weeks on Super Bowl Sunday.