In an interesting article on SNY.tv, Michael Salfino looks at the Saints and Giants through his very own “Stat Power Index.”

Salfino looks at four distinct team statistic categories to analyze the overall quality fo the team. These categories include red zone possesssions, net yards per play, net interception rate, and net third down percentage.

With these calculations, both the Giants and Saints tied for first in the league with 8 (the lower the number the better)

in three of the four categories, the Giants rank first in the league, with the Saints coming in 2nd for two of those four categories.

The Giants worst showing was in the net interception rate, in which they ranked 5th. (The Saints rank 1)

Gramted the Gmen are without Aaron Ross and Kenny Phillips, an ailing secondary for sure. The Saints on the other hand, gained one of the best ball-hawkers in Darren Sharper, who has been nothing but outstanding for them this season. The addition of Gregg Williams at D-coordinator definitely did not hurt either.

I agree with Salfino when he says the Giants are “a tick better.” Using these calculations, as well as my own sensibility, I think the Gmen have a slight advantage over the Saints in terms of overall team ability.

I just can’t wait ’til Sunday already.