More proof that Vilma is a BAMF

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“Why would you be concerned?’’ the Saints’ middle linebacker said Sunday after New Orleans defeated Atlanta 26-23.

Yes, the Saints had another one of those games where an inferior team stayed close for way too long. Just like in Washington last week, the Saints didn’t have the game won until the very end. That’s all that really matters. When it has mattered most, the Saints have always had the answers.

On Sunday, that was because Vilma had a cheat sheet. He made two of the biggest plays of the season in the final few minutes because he knew exactly what was coming.

That pass Vilma intercepted with 3:53 left in the game? The Falcons ran the play earlier and as soon as Vilma saw the formation, he knew Chris Redman would be throwing to Roddy White. When he saw Atlanta’s receivers all bunched on one side and Jason Snelling coming in motion, Vilma dropped into coverage on White.

That tackle Vilma made to end Atlanta’s last drive with 1:12 remaining? Same thing. Vilma knew exactly what play was coming. The Falcons needed two yards to get a first down and they threw a short pass to Snelling. It was the same play that went for 38 yards on the game’s opening drive. This time, Vilma made sure it went for only one yard and the game was over.

“We all knew it was coming because of the formation,’’ cornerback Randall Gay said. “Jon stepped up and made the play. If Jon’s not there, [Snelling] doesn’t go any further because I came off my man and was right there and other guys did the same thing.’’

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