Sunday, December 27, 2009

Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints Overtime

Welcome to the most unwelcome and unexpected overtime in Saints history with the Saints desperately trying to throw this game away.

1st down Bucs at their own 23.
Williams out right and runs an easy 7.  2nd and 3.
Williams right up the middle and makes our D look absolutely useless by running an easy 12.

1st down Bucs at the 42.
Williams again out right but finally some Saints defenders decide tackling is what they're kind of paid for a wrap him up for 0 gain.  2nd and 10.
Williams again in the same area picks up 3.  3rd and 7.
Freeman can't find anyone downfield so he takes off and runs his way for the 1st down.

1st down Bucs at the Saints 45.
Williams makes a cut and picks up 7 up the middle again and we've got no answer.  I'm going to push my grandma the Saints way as she's better at tackling than this lot.  2nd and 3.
Williams again and guess what he picks up?  Go on guess, I dare you.

1st down Bucs at the Saints 35.
This is the game.  We can not allow another 1st.
Williams up the middle for 2.  2nd and 8.
Williams again but this time out left for 2 more.  3rd and 6.
Williams out left again for 1 more.
So in comes the Bucs kicker who will no doubt make this 47 yard field goal the way this game has gone and... does!  What a surprise.  I am fucking angry and going to drink beer and shoot up my TV.

Keep playing like this boys and we might as well not bother turning up for the playoffs.  That was embarrassing.  We played one quarter of football and assumed we would win.

Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 4th Quarter

It's the 4th Quarter and the Saints continue to lead the Bucs 17 to 3 after a scoreless 3rd Quarter.  The Saints offensive machine has ground to a halt and the Bucs are moving the ball at will so this is not the sealed deal you would have hoped for after the big 1st Quarter demo.

The Bucs are driving but facing 3rd and 7.
Freeman to Winslow over the middle and he takes it 35 yards all the way down to the Saints 33.  Not the best start to a 4th quarter I've ever seen.

1st down Bucs.
False start penalty tacks on 5.  1st and 15.
Cadillac Williams bounces out left and speeds his way to the end zone for a touchdown.  That was a 99 yard drive!  That is pretty poor going by the Saints D.  We've gone totally flat after a great start to the game.  Let's see if we can throw this away.

Bucs 10 Saints 17

1st down Saints at their 21.

Reggie Bush takes the hand off and runs right for 3.  2nd and 7.
Brees drops back, buys some time and hits Marques Colston for a gain of 11.

1st down Saints.
Brees to David Thomas for 5.  2nd and 5.
Brees rolls right and hits Colston again for a gain of 4 to bring up 3rd and a much needed 1.
Lynell Hamilton takes the hand off and drives up the middle for a few and a 1st.

1st down Saints at the 47.
Brees to Hamilton on the screen but nothing there as Hamilton is taken down for a two yard loss.  2nd and 12.
Brees drops back and connects with Colston over the middle who takes it a few before coughing up the ball and... the Bucs recover.  Oh no.  This is not what the doctor ordered.  The Bucs will have the ball somewhere close to midfield and only a 7 point margin to chase.

1st down Bucs at their own 39.
Williams up the middle and picks up an easy 8.  2nd and 2.
Williams again bursts through the middle for a few more into Saints territory.

1st down Bucs.
Williams again with the carry picks up 2.  2nd and 8.
Freeman connects with Winslow for 28 yards on a great grab.

1st down Bucs at the Saints 28.
Freeman to Stevens who makes a Saint miss and then tacks on 8 more.  2nd and 1.
Freeman goes for the end zone but over throws.  3rd and 1.
Williams takes the hand off again and he is gang tackled.  It's going to be very close.  They will measure this...  They are half a yard short and will go for it on 4th down.
Williams with the hand off and... Jonathan Vilma absolutely nails him for a loss... but the Bucs sideline called a timeout just before the play so they'll get another shot at this.  Could that be one of the most painful timeouts the Saints will face this season?  We'll find out once the ad break is over.
Freeman on a play action and... Charles Grant batters it down!!  Great play by Grant and the Saints D to hold them there.  That was a much needed stand after the Bucs moved the ball at will through the 2nd half.

1st down Saints at their 19 with 5 mins left on the clock.
Mike Bell with the hand off for a couple.  2nd and 8.
Brees completes to Devery Henderson out wide right and bursts up field for a 1st.

1st down Saints at the 31.
Lynell Hamilton takes it nowhere on 1st down.  2nd and 10.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas for a gain of 3.  Tampa timeout stops the clock.  3rd and 7.
Brees pump fake and completes to Robert Meachem at the 41 but he may be just short here,  The chains will measure and... yes he's short.  So Thomas Morstead comes in to punt and it goes to Spurlock at his 20 who dodges a tackle, and another... and another... breaks in field... crosses the field and has open space all the way for a touchdown!  Oh man, that is shocking.  I can't look.  This is aweful.

Bucs 17 Saints 17

1st down Saints at their own 25.

Brees under big pressure escapes a sack and connects with Devery Henderson who makes a heck of a catch.  That's great to see after some of his problems of recent.  That brings up the 2 minute warning.  2nd and 7.
Holding call against the Saints.  2nd and 17.
Brees to Bush who takes it 14 yards.  3rd and 3.
Brees to Marques Colston in the slot for 6.

1st down Saints at the 39.
Brees to David Thomas on the crossing pattern. 2nd and 4.
Brees to Reggie Bush who breaks 2 tackles and then leaps his way to the sidelines to stop the clock and pick up the 1st.

1st down Saints with 29 left on the clock at the Bucs 45.
Brees over the middle to Thomas and it falls incomplete.  2nd and 10.  24 secs to go.
Brees out wide left to Devery Henderson 7 but he can't get out of bounds so the Saints will have to burn a timeout.  3rd and 3.
Brees to Robert Meachem who breaks a tackle and races 19 yards.
Garrett Hartley will come in for a 37 yard field goal attempt to win it and...  It goes wide left.  F*ck me this is distressing.  I can't believe we're going to over time.  

Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 3rd Quarter

Welcome back to the second half in the Saints Bucs game live from the Super Dome.  I'm hoping you're suitably fed and refreshed in order to enjoy more of the festive cheer as the Saints look to extend their 17 to 3 lead and secure that home field advantage through the playoffs.

1st down Saints at their 24.
Mike Bell takes the hand off and batters through for 3.  2nd and 7.
Drew Brees aims for Marques Colston over the middle but good coverage forces it out of Colstons hands.  3rd and 7.
Brees unloads as he is hit but finds Marques Colston for a pick up of 13.  Great throw there.

1st down Saints at their 40.
Brees over the middle to Reggie Bush for a pick up of 7.  2nd and 3.
Lynell Hamilton is stopped for a loss of 2.  3rd and 5.
Brees is sacked a the Bucs linebacker comes clean through the middle.  4th and 13.  A bit of a reminder of the Cowboys game there.

1st down Bucs at their own 30.
Williams bounces out wide for a big gain of 15.

1st down Bucs.
Freeman to Bryant down the sidelines for 22.  Good throw and catch over Tracy Porter.

1st down Bucs at the Saints 33.
Cadillac Williams bursts through for another 6.  2nd and 4.  We've taken our foot off thr gas here.
Freeman to Bryant out wide right for a gain of 3.  3rd and 1.
Williams runs right, breaks the first point of contact and then picks up 5.

1st down Bucs at the Saints 19.
Freeman to Graham on the sidelines for a gain of 7.  2nd and 3.
Freeman to Bryant in the end zone and...  Tracy Porter intercepts!!  Great play on the ball by Porter and just at the right time.  We'd let the Bucs back into the game there but Porter snuffed it out and wins my presitgious 'Player of the last play' award.

1st down Saints at their own 20.

Mike Bell up the middle for 1.  2nd and 9.
Brees throws incomplete but a penalty marker is out for pass interference to move the chains.  That was blatant interference by the dirty Buc.

1st down Saints.
Brees to Lynell Hamilton over the middle who runs 4 after the catch for another 1st.

1st down Saints.
Brees to David Thomas out wide right for a pick up of 9.  2nd and 1. 
Hamilton up the middle for what could be a first... they're going to measure and it's about 2 inches short.  3rd and inches.
Lynell Hamilton over right tackle and he turns the corner and takes it 19 yards.

1st down Saints at the Bucs 37.
Hamilton again but this time is cut down for a loss of 2.  2nd and 12.
Brees to Robert Meachem for 2.  3rd and 10.
Brees to Reggie Bush on the screen but it fools no one and he's dropped for a big loss.  4th and 20 so the Saints will punt again.  Courtney Roby downs it at the 2 to set up a big long field for Freeman.  Nice play by Mr Special Teams.

1st down Bucs.
Williams with the hand off and Darren Sharper stops him for a loss of 1.  2nd and 11.
Freeman to Graham who picks up 10.  3rd and 1.
Freeman to Clark over the middle for a gain of 15.

1st down Bucs.
Freeman under pressure is unable to find his man.  2nd and 10.
Williams between left tackle and guard for a few to end the 3rd Quarter.

Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 2nd Quarter

You join us in the 2n Quarter with the Saints leading the Bucs by 14 to 0. The Bucs are driving and into Saints territory at the 44.


1st down Bucs
Freeman to someone or other and that goes incomeplete. 2nd and 10.
Derrick Ward over left tackle and goes 16 yards untouched to the 27.

1st down Bucs
False start pen moves that back 5. 1st and 15.
Freeman under pressure throws it away and another penalty marker is out... and it goes against Tampa Bay. 1st and 20. I like this.
Ward takes it a couple up the middle until Sedrick Ellis eats him for breakfast. 2nd and 17.
Freeman under pressure from Charles Grant who strips the ball and Freeman falls on it. That's Grants 5th and a half sack of the season. Great hustle by the big vet. 3rd and 20.
Freeman has to take another timeout as the noise built and he wasn't able to get the play off.
Freeman drops back and is instantly under pressure with Anthony Hargrove bringing the Buc QB down.
The Bucs will punt.

1st down Saints at their own 7.
Brees on a slant to Devery Henderson who a) doesn't drop it and b) picks up a nice few yards to bring up 2nd and 4.
Brees to Colston on the other sideline out near the 20 to move the chains.

1st down Saints
Mike Bell up the middle tries to pop it outside and is dropped for a loss. 2nd and 12.
Reggie Bush with the hand off weaves nicely through a couple of holes for a good 13 yard pick up.

1st down Saints
Kill kill kill by Brees opens the play and then connects with drop-a-lot Henderson who pulls it in for a gain of 9. 2nd and 1.
Pierre Thomas hits the hole hard and pumps those legs to carry people for 22 yards. Unbelievable run and then 15 yards are tacked on for a facemask during the tackle. This is so more like it. Dream football.

1st down Saints at the Bucs 19.
Brees throws incomplete. 2nd and 10.
Pierre Thomas takes the hand off and picks up a neat 5. 3rd and 5.
Brees to Marques Colston who is stopped at the 10, just shy of the marker. 4th and 1.
Garrett Hartley will try from the 28 for a field goal and... converts.

Bucs 0 Saints 17

1st down Bucs at their 22
Inside run for 5. 2nd and 5.
Freeman pass to Bryant picks up about 7 for a 1st.

1st down Bucs
False start by number 65 tacks on 5. 1st and 15.
Freeman to Graham over the middle for 12 before Jonathan Casillas wraps him up. 2nd and 3.
Derrick Ward runs into the whole Saints line for no gain. 3rd and 3.
Freeman to Winslow in good coverage picks up 12.

1st down Bucs at the Saints 48.
Derrick Ward up the middle for 2, Roman Harper with his first ever tackle (I'm being sarcastic but you know what I mean). 2nd and 8.
Freeman under pressure tries to throw another pick but somehow escapes it. 3rd and 8.
Freeman under big pressure escapes but is tracked down by the lone wolfman Will Smith for the sack. That is great aggression by Gregg Williams. 4th down and the Bucs punt to the end zone.

1st down Saints at their 20 with just over 2 minutes to go in the half.
Brees to Devery Henderson but it goes incomplete. 2nd and 10.
Brees looks deep for Henderson but he's well covered and not near enough to the ball. 3rd and 10 as the 2 minute warning comes up.
Drew Brees connects with Robert Meachem on the right sideline and he's just shy of the 1st. 4th and inches so the Saints will punt.

1st down Bucs at their 32.
Freeman to Williams for 5. 2nd and 5. Freeman was under pressure again there.
Freeman to Williams again picks up 6.

1st down Bucs at the 44.
Freeman to Winslow on the sidelines for 11 more and gets out of bounds.

1st down Bucs at the Saints 44.
Freeman to Michael Clayton over the middle for 11.

1st down Bucs at the 34.
Freeman to Bryant for another 10 pick up.

1st down Bucs at the 24 with 18 on the clock.
Freeman shoots for the end zone but good coverage by Mike McKenzie ensures nothing comes of it. 2nd and 10.
Freeman to Williams who takes it to the 15.
So the Bucs will attempt a 34 yard field goal and... It's good.

So the 1st half ends with the Saints leading the Bucs 17 to 3.

Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 1st Quarter

Welcome to a Christmas flavored Super Dome where the visiting Bucs are looking to record an upset against a recently wounded and vunerable New Orleans Saints.  I'll give you two reasons why that's not going to happen.  Firstly the saints are out for revenge after last weeks perfect season ending loss to the Cowboys and secondly because it's the only thing I asked Santa for this year.  Convincing proof if ever it was needed.

Once the Drew Brees chant is done with and the Saints players are suitably inspired it's down to the field for what could well be a mauling.  Here's hoping.

The Saints kick it off and after a decent return the Bucs will start out at their own 34.

1st down Bucs.
Cadillac Williams inside for 4 against the Saints 22nd ranked Defence (jeez).  2nd and 6.
Williams up the middle picks up 5 before the big man Sedrick Ellis makes the stop.  3rd and 1.
The crowd in the Dome make such a noise that the Bucs are forced to take a timeout.  Well done Who Dat Nation.
Toss to Cadillac Williams out left and he easily picks up the 1st.

1st down Bucs at the 48.
Freeman passes to Bryant on the sidelines and moves the chains again.

1st down Bucs at the Saints 42.
Williams runs right and straight into a Will Smith shaped mountain.  No gain.  2nd and 10.
Freeman to Bryant but he drops it.  3rd and 10, the Dome is loud!
Freeman completes to Winslow who is stopped just shy of the marker by Jonathan Vilma.  It's not going to count as there's a flag against Bucs forces them to replay 3rd down.  3rd and 15.
Freeman pressured out the pocket and it's almost picked by Darren 'I've already got 8 for the season' Sharper.  4th and 15.
Bucs punt it away and Reggie Bush returns it for about 10.

1st down Saints at their 25.
End around to Robert Meachem who picks up 7.  2nd and 3.
Pierre Thomas takes the hand off inside and weaves his way for 5.

1st down Saints.
Brees to Marques Colston on a slant then spins to the sidelines to pick up the 1st and pass the 1,000 yard mark for the season.

1st down Saints.
Mike Bell now on a hand off and gains 8 on a good hole.  2nd and 2.
Mike Bell again and he spinds his way out of a tackle on his way to the 1st.

1st down Saints at the Bucs 39.
Brees over the middle to Bush who puts the after burners on to get to the edge for another 1st.

1st down Saints at the 23.
Brees to Bush on the sidelines who avoids the tackle after a gain of 1 and then picks up 5 more.  2nd and 4.
Pierre Thomas takes the hand off and barrels his way inside the 10.

1st down and goal Saints at 8.
Pierre Thomas takes the hand off finds the hole between Bushrod and Evans and... Walks it in for a TOUCHDOWN!!  That is more like it.  That is the start we have been missing for some 5 weeks now, namely an opening drive touchdown.  Great work.  That was all about getting back to business, 9 plays, 75 yards and no 3rd downs.

Bucs 0 Saints 7


1st down Bucs at their own 25.

Freeman to Graham who runs straight into Roman Harper and Scott Fujita and bounces out of the tackles for a couple more.

1st down Bucs
Williams up the middle for 5.  2nd and 5.
Williams again out wide and finds a big hole before he's dragged down by Sedrick Ellis.

1st down Bucs.
Freeman drops back and... hits Darren Sharper who returns it to the 48.  With that pick Sharper moves into 6th place in the all time NFL interceptions list.  In the process he also sets a new NFL record for return yards in a single season with 700 and something.. Sorry didn't pick up the number.

1st down Saints
Thomas up the middle picks up 6.  2nd and 4.
Mike Bell over left tackle for 3 more.  3rd and 1.
Lynell Hamilton with the call he just manages to pick up the 1st.

1st down Saints.
Brees out wide to Saints legend David Thomas for a gain of 2.  2nd and 8.
Play action to Kyle Eckel who makes a great burst and dive on the edge for a 1st.

1st down at the Bucs 30.
Drew Brees drops back and looks deep and unloads to... Robert Meachem for a TOUCHDOWN!!  Wide open and executed perfectly.  This is more like it.  Big early lead, making plays on both sides of the ball... I wish we could play the Bucs every game! 

Bucs 0 Saints 14

1st down Bucs at their 22.
A Buc (probably Williams) runs for 3.  2nd and 7.
Derrick Ward puts his head down and runs into Scott Fujita for a gain of 1.  3rd and 4.
Freeman completes to number 85 Maurice Stovall who breaks a Mike McKenzie attempted tackle and spins it down to midfield to end the 1st Quarter.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Saints Injury Report for Tampa Bay game

Happy Christmas my fellow Saints fans.  I hope y'all had a good day yesterday and are stuffed to the haunches with Turkey and gravy.

With the visit of the Bucs on Sunday it seems Santa has sprinkled some fairy dust on our banged up players and delivered a good batch of health to the team.  There are less players definitely ruled out and questionable than has been the case of recent.  So long as we can make it through unscathed against Tampa Bay with a win we can then rest up the majority for the final clash against Carolina and get all the niggles properly fixed in the treatment room ahead of the playoffs.

Here's the complete list for the Week 16 clash: 

Lance Moore Saints WR: Ankle injury, game status out. He did not participate in practice this week.

Usama Young Saints S: Hip injury, game status out.

Scott Shanle Saints LB: Concussion injury, game status questionable. He did not participate in practice this week.

Sedrick Ellis Saints DT: Knee injury, game status questionable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Randall Gay Saints CB: Concussion injury, game status questionable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Jabari Greer Saints CB: Groin injury, game status questionable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Darren Sharper Saints S: Knee injury, game status questionable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Jeremy Shockey Saints TE: Toe injury, game status questionable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Reggie Bush Saints RB: Hamstring injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Jermon Bushrod Saints T: Thumb injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Darnell Dinkins Saints TE: Foot injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Jahri Evans Saints G: Toe injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Scott Fujita Saints LB: Knee injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Jonathan Goodwin Saints C: Ankle injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Bobby McCray Saints DE: Back injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Jon Stinchcomb Saints T: Knee injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice this week.

Jonathan Vilma Saints LB: Knee injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice this week.



For the latest Saints injury news week in week out please visit the Saints Injury Report page.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Saints Vs Cowboys Game Summary

I was going to write my usual quarter by quarter report but two things happened:

1. It was Saturday night and I needed a break after a long hard week and,
2. We went to a rib shack pre game and I could barely move as game time approached (burnt ends, pulled pork and cream corn for those that are interested... My night definitely peeked at that point but more on that later).

So the Cowboys came to the Dome and the air of anticipation was thick with excitement.  Could we remain unbeaten?  Could we pretty much secure that home field advantage that we all hanker for?  Could our D start making tackles again at the point of contact?  The answer to all 3 was a big resounding NO.

It's the Super Bowl or nothing

Now I'm not worried about the undefeated record.  Sure it would be nice for the record books but if I could trade the perfect season for a Super Bowl title no question which way I'm leaning.  Hell I'd take the Giants record of a couple of years back in return for that nice silver trophy they named Vince.

So now that Albatross is removed from around our necks.  How we respond will be key.  My hope is that it re-energises the whole roster because, make no mistake, we've had this loss coming for a while now.

You can only ride your luck for so long and finally it has run out despite a great attempt by the Cowboys kicker to hand us an extra dose just for old time’s sake.

Back to basics for the Saints

What's important is the team gets back to basics and does it fast.  They need to remember how to execute on offence in the first quarter again.  Not since the Giants game back in week 6 have we really come out and dominated that period.  Why not?

It is key to the way our team plays when it is at its best.  If we can jump out to the early lead it gives the D every chance of making the big play as the opposition look to chase the game.  It’s what they are built for afterall.  They are no all consuming stop em and hurt em D.  They are a big play ‘do just enough to get the ball back in the O’s hands’ type unit.  But they’ve not been given that chance of recent and so we’ve not seen the best of them for some time now.

It's easier said than done of course.  It's not like the Saints O goes out there and intentionally self destructs in the early rounds... but they do.  They've got to get back to running the ball, building drives, mixing it up more.  We seem to have the horn for going for it all on the 1st play from scrimmage.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it don't.  But when it don't the pressure on the D increases and frankly we ain't good enough on that side of the ball to hold most potent attacks.

Saints D needs license to practise

Which brings me to another point.  It's time to start practising full body contact tackling in practise.  Put the D up against the practise squad and let them go all out on making a tackle at the point of contact because patently we've forgotten how to do it.  Yes we risk injuries to an already fragile unit but frankly if these guys don't get this side of their game fixed and fixed up sharp it doesn't matter how banged up the D is come the playoffs as we won't have a hope in hells chance of stopping the likes of Adrian Peterson.

Man I'm ranting.  OK get perspective.  It wasn't all bad, far from it, but this has been coming for a while and needed saying.  Coach Payton and the boys know all this shit anyway so it's not like it's news to them.  Bar for Devery Henderson dropping a certain touchdown (after putting 3 passes on the floor last week - bad time to pick up a bad habit) this would have been a tie and another over time game which could have gone either way.  As it was we lost because we didn't get into the game until the second half.

Finally some good news

Now onto the good news.  The Carolina Panthers did us a hell of a favor last night to run over the Minnesota Vikings and hand us back pole position for home field advantage.  Knock over the Tampa Bay Bucs next Sunday and we should be there which then means we can rest up some starters for the closing Panthers game.

Some people are against that but for me the perfect record has gone, we've got too many banged up to risk them in such a meaningless game and it gives them the best part of 3 weeks to retrain and refocus.  Also I would pull Drew Brees for that final game because the way Julius Peppers got to Favre last night does not bode well for Drews health given the way DeMarcus Ware was all over Jermon Bushrod Saturday night.  It's not worth risking the health of our ace in the pack for such a potentially meaningless game.

Ahhh, that's good.  Feel's like I've got some off my chest.  What d'yall think?  Am I being too hard on the boys?  Like telling your kid not to play with matches it's only cause I care. 

Right, so anyway, back to them Ribs... F*ck me if they weren't the best thing I've eaten since birth... Oh right I forgot, only my inner monolgue is interested in talking about BBQ ribs!

Til next time, big love to the Who Dats.

P.S. Vilma is excused from the Saints D tackling rant...  He's the only one that showed up again in that area of the team.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Saints Injury Report for Cowboys game

Ahead of the Saturday night showdown with the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Dome the Saints are fighting to get a number of walking wounded fit and ready.  The following is the latest injury news about the roster ahead of the game.  

Here's the complete list for the Week 15 clash:

Bobby McCray Saints DE: Back injury, game status questionable.  Did not participate in practice.

Garrett Hartley Saints K: Right Hip injury, game status probable.  Did not participate in practice.

Jabari Greer Saints CB: Groin injury, game status out.  Did not participate in practice.

Jeremy Shockey Saints TE: Toe injury, game status questionable.  Did not participate in practice.

Jon Stinchcomb Saints T: Knee injury, game status probable.  Did not participate in practice.

Sedrick Ellis Saints DT: Knee injury, game status questionable.  Did not participate in practice.

Lance Moore Saints WR: Ankle injury, game status probable.  Full participation in practice.

Mike Bell Saints RB: Wrist injury, game status probable.  Full participation in practice.

Carl Nicks Saints G: Back injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice.

Jahri Evans Saints G: Foot injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice.

Jermon Bushrod Saints T: Thumb injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice.

Jonathan Goodwin Saints C: Ankle injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice.

Jonathan Vilma Saints LB:
Knee injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice.

Marvin Mitchell Saints LB: Hamstring injury, game status questionable. Limited participation in practice.

Pierre Thomas Saints RB: Hip injury, game status probable. Limited participation in practice.

Scott Fujita Saints LB: Knee injury, game status questionable. Limited participation in practice.

Tracy Porter Saints CB: Knee injury, game status questionable. Limited participation in practice.

Usama Young Saints S:
Hip injury, game status questionable. Limited participation in practice.



For the latest Saints injury news week in week out please visit the Saints Injury Report page.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Drew Breeze Saints MVP Vs Falcons

What was shaping up to be a comfortable victory for the Saints once again ended up being closer than was hoped to leave fans gripped to the very end.  Fortunately for the Who Dat Nation enough of the Saints A team showed up at the right times to see through another win in this incredible season.  Leading the charge was Captain Fantastic himself Drew Breeze, the Air Freshener man.
Drew Breeze Saints MVP
Drew Breeze Saints Very Own Air Freshener

Drew Breeze Saints MVP - Mr Saints himself brought enough class to the game to keep the Saints in pole position in the NFC heading into the playoffs.  His calm direction of the Saints offence is one of those things that always keeps me relatively at ease...  I mean I'm still hopping in and out of my chair, pounding away at the keyboard and in constant meltdown but at least with Cool Breeze I can keep some semblance of normality somewhere deep inside.  You always know he'll figure it out and serve up something good in a matter of plays.

Drew Brees MVP
Mr Breeze - Too Hot To Handle


And so it proved as Cool Hand Drew (anymore nicknames for this piece?) carved up the Falcons ending the day with a more than respectable 31 of 40 for for 296 yards and 3 big ones.


Honourable mention to...


Reggie Bush Speed Man - Great to see Sir Reginald Bush back to approaching his best with some impressive running and receiving out of the back field.  He picked up 33 on the ground, including a sweet 19 yard breaker, 46 in the air and a pair of scores.

Will Reggie Bush be traded come the end of the season?  Frankly who gives a damn.  Let's live in the NOW people!  And what a NOW!!

Jonathan Vilma 51 Mean Machine - Good Ol Jonny Boy showed once again why he is the Saints D captain with some impressive tackling, not least on his game ending tackle on 4th and short.  Throw in a nice pic and all round great energy and you've got a bundle of muscle that the Saints can ill afford to loose come playoff time.


The Saints O Line - Sometimes it's only when you watch other teams in action that you realise just what an incredible job these guys continue to do week in week out.  Watching Big Ben on the floor every other play against the Cleveland Browns (the Cleveland Browns people!) put me in mind of the unflashy cornerstone job these boys do.  I hope Drew takes them out for Steaks every Sunday, it's the least he could do for his Coxis.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Saints Vs Falcons 4th Quarter

Welcome to the 4th Quarter with the Saints leading 23 to 16 but with the big birds driving in Saints territory.

Saints Falcons
Must Stop The Falcons Comeback!

3rd and 1 Falcons.  Big play coming up.
Hand off to Snelling who breaks the line easily and picks up 4.

1st down Falcons at the Saints 22.
Toos to Norwood who picks up 1 before Charles Grant eats him up.  2nd and 9.  We need to hold this as the Vikings are going to beat the Bengals as off now.
Redman to Gonzalez who breaks a tackle and takes it to the 4.  Great tackle by Will Smith.

1st and goal Falcons.
Snelling powers his way up the middle for a touchdown.  Bounced off attempted tackles and makes this tight all over again.

Saints 23 Falcons 23

1st down Saints at their 17 as Courtney Roby was stuffed on the return.
Brees rolls right and hits Devery Henderson... who drops it.  That’s 2 on the day for DH.  2nd and 10.
Brees to an open Marques Colston over the middle and he runs a few to pick up the 1st.

1st and 10 at the Saints 29.
Hand off to Pierre Thomas who goes wide left and picks up a nice 9.  2nd and 1.
Pierre Thomas again who does a mini leap to pick up 5.

1st down Saints.
Brees under pressure dumps it off to David Thomas who picks up 4.  2nd and 6.
Brees to Colston who's forward progress picks up the 1st before he ends up a few yards back.

1st down Saints at the Falcons 47.
Reggie Bush takes it for a quick 2.  2nd and 8.
Brees to Devery Henderson who actually catches the ball, spins and picks up the 1st.  Ah I'm being harsh on DH there.  He's a great guy.

1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas on a catch picks up 1.  We see Lance Moore on the sidelines suited up which is great to see.  Come back soon buddy.  2nd and 9.
Reggie Bush up the middle for 5 before he's nailed.  3rd and 4.
Brees throws into a crowd of Falcons but completes to Reggie Bush for a 1st.  Perfect throw.

1st down Saints at the Falcons 22.  6.20 on the clock.
Pierre Thomas takes it up the middle for 2.  2nd and 8.
Penalty flags come out on the next play... Which way is this going?  Both against Atlanta.  We take the pass interference one.

1st down Saints at the Falcons 10, 5.35 on the clock.
Brees in trouble has to throw it away.  2nd and 10.  Flag is out.  Intentional grounding.  Bullshit.  2nd and goal at the 20.
Brees incomplete to Meachem.  3rd and goal.  Huge play coming up.
Brees to Thomas in the flat who goes nowhere.  Balls.
In comes Garrett Hartley and this is going to be a pressure 38 yard kick...  And he makes it!!  Wow I had no confidence in him making that so well done.

Saints 26 Falcons 23

1st down Falcons at the 37 after Weems pulls out a big return.  Did we not need that.
Weems takes a reverse and looses a beautiful 12.  Great tackle Randall Gay.  2nd and 22.
Redman drops back and... Throws straight to Jonathan Vilma!!  The Saints interception leaves us in great field possession.

1st down Saints at the Falcons 32.
Pierre Thomas takes it up the middle for 5.  2nd and 5.
Brees one step drop unloads to Devery Henderson who spins to pick up the 1st.

1st down Saints at the 19.
Pierre Thomas takes the ball up the middle for 4.  He moved the pile nicely there.  2nd and 6.  2.23 on the clock.
Brees under pressure flips it forward to Thomas who can't pull it in.  3rd and 6.  2.18 on the clock.  This is a huge play.
Brees goes down the middle for David Thomas but it falls incomplete.  Damn.  Please God don't let the Hartley extra point miss come back to end the perfect season.
Hartley comes in for the field goal and it's a fake... Brunell goes to Dinkins but it goes incomplete.  Fuck me what was that about?  Kick the 3!

1st down Falcons at their own 15.
Redman to Snelling who is wide open and picks up a whole giant load.  That brings up the 2 minute warning and pains me unbelievably.

1st down Falcons at their 33.
Redman to Booker for 9.  2nd and 1.
Redman floats it to Roddy White but it goes incomplete.  3rd and 1.
Snelling bounces through missed tackles and picks up 3.

1st down Falcons.  1.32 on the clock.
Redman to Gonzalez incomplete.  2nd and 10.
Redman to Roddy White and... It’s incomplete.  Thank the heavens as that would have been a big gain.  3rd and 10.
Redman to Gonzalez completes but he's tackled short of the marker by Scott Shanle.  4th and 2.  Come on Dddddddd!!
Redman to Snelling but he is knocked back by Vilma from converting.  He made the grab but he was tackled a yard short.  Jonathan Vilma you are a legend!!

1st down Saints.
Brees takes a knee and the clock ticks down as the Saints win a close one to go 13 and 0!!  Wow.  A franchise record of wins in one season and starts.  That was tighter than I hoped but we came out with the win and that's what's important.  Some of the same old D problems were there but again we make big plays when needed to just about see things out.  Now beer beckons.


Saints 26 Falcons 23

Saints Vs Falcons 3rd Quarter

Welcome to the 2nd half of this division battle with the Saints leading the sucky McSucksucks 16 to 9.

The Saints start with the ball at their own 20.
Pierre Thomas takes a hand off and picks up a nice opening 4. 2nd and 6.
Brees completes his 20th pass off the day to Marques Colston for 5 (that's from 22 attempts btw... how do you like that for accuracy?). 3rd and 1.
Hand off to Reggie Bush who looks like he is going to be stopped but breaks out and takes it all the way down the sidelines to the Saints 48. Nice play by Mr Kardashian.

1st down Saints.
Hamilton takes the ball and stuffs up a neat 9 yards. 2nd and 1.
Hamilton does a nice impression of Battering Ram Bell and picks up 2.

1st down Saints.
Hamilton picks up a yard right to the Falcons 39. 2nd and 9.
Reggie Bush up the middle picks up 8 and takes a hard hit. 3rd and inches.
Hamilton goes wide and picks up a nice 5 yards but there's a flag on the field... and guess who it's against? I'll just say holding so you know it's now 3rd and 11.
The Falcons bring everyone so Brees throws down the sidelines to Robert Meachem and... it's picked... But a lovely little yellow flag flutters to the ground and the word is 'Pass interference'. Mike Smith throws a hissy fit which makes me laugh.

1st and 10 Saints at the Falcons 12.
Brees to Henderson in the end zone and Devery drops it after a heavy hit. 2nd and 10.
Reggie Bush takes the carry and fumbles but he recovers... luckily for him if he wants more game time today. 3rd and 19.
Brees on a screen to Reggie Bush and... TOUCHDOWN!! So Sean Payton gives Reggie a chance to work off his misdemeanour and Bush duly obliges by taking it to the house.

Saints 23 Falcons 9

1st down Falcons at their 20.
Norwood carries the ball for 5. 2nd and 5.
Redman to Tony Gonzalez at the marker and completes.

1st down Falcons.
Redman completes to Jenkins at the Saints 45. The Saints brought pressure but not enough.

1st down Falcons.
Norwood goes right and then cuts back across the whole team and picks up a big big gain... and then a lovely yellow flag comes out to give Mr Smith a red angry complexion. 1st and 20.
Redman to Gonzalez who is wrapped up by Scott Shanley after a gain of 5. 2nd and 15.
Redman drops back and finds Jenkins up the middle... for a touchdown. Randall Gay came on a blitz again and got no where. 50 yard touchdown catch and run.

Saints 23 Falcons 16

1st down Saints at the 20.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas on the sidelines for 5. 2nd and 5.
Brees to Robert Meachem over the middle for 10.

1st down Saints.
Reggie Bush on a hand off looks like he is going to loose some yards then throws a Reggie move and slips the noose for 7 top yards. Great move by the Bushster. 2nd and 3.
Pierre Thomas up the middle for 2. 3rd and 1.
Brees has an hour in the pocket but can't find anyone open so he throws only his 4th incompletion all day and the Saints will have to punt.
In comes a confused looking Thomas Morstead who wonders what he's meant to do here as he never has to punt.

1st down Falcons at their 20.
Norwood takes a toss to pick up 5. 2nd and 5.
Play action Redman to Roddy White who picks up 14. So the 2nd stringer continues to hurt us and make this increasingly uncomfortable.

1st down Falcons.
Norwood inside before Sedrick Ellis sits on him. 2nd and 5.
Redman shuffle pass to Snelling goes incomplete. Vilma hit Snelling as the ball got there. Nice work captain. 3rd and 5.
Redman threads a needle under pressure and completes down the sidelines to the Saints 36. Good coverage by Randall Gay but that was a great pass.

1st down Falcons.
Snelling takes a toss and runs into Jonathan Vilma. 2nd and 9.
Redman to Booked for 8 to end the 3rd Quarter.

Saints Vs Falcons 2nd Quarter

Welcome the 2nd Quarter of the Saints Falcons game with the Falcons leading by 3.  The Saints have the ball at their own 21.

2nd and 10 Saints
False start against Jermon Bushrod.  2nd and 15.
Brees steps up to avoid the rush and hits Shockey for a few.  3rd and 8.  Oh dear Stinchcomb is on the rug not looking likely to get up.  Not another injury!!
Brees has lots of time and finds Jeremy Shockey down at the 41.  Nice conversion.

1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas tries to turn the corner but only gets a yard after good run pursuit.  Penalty against Jeremy Shockey for a hold will bring this back.  1st and 20.
Brees to Pierre Thomas out the backfield and number 23 picks his way to the 37.  2nd and 14.
Brees again to Pierre Thomas who breaks a tackle and picks up 9.  3rd and 4.
Brees down the middle to Robert Meachem for 43 yards.  Beautiful throw and catch.

1st down Saints at the Falcons 11.
Pierre Thomas turns the corner and picks up 2.  2nd and 8.
Brees to Reggie Bush on the screen picks up 3.  Flag on the play... and it's not a penalty, the ref just wanted to get on TV.  3rd and 5.
Brees has all kinds of time and looks right to Reggie Bush and... TOUCHDOWN!!  Bush makes it look easy.

Saints 10 Falcons 6

1st down Falcons at the 20.
Snelling takes the hand off and battles his way for 6.  Who is this fucking guy?  Where did he come from?  2nd and 4.
Snelling spins and breaks tackles for a gain of 5 and a first down.  Can any old mo fo run on us or what?

1st down Falcons.
Chris Redman stands in the pocket for about 5 minutes and unloads deep to Michael Jenkins who is wide open at the Saints 20 and... He lets it go through his finger tips.  I owe Jenkins a paper bag full of money.  2nd and 10.
Norwood up the middle for 2.  3rd and 8.
The Saints pass rush no one but still Redman throws it to the water boy on the sidelines so the Falcons will punt... And Reggie Bush turns the corner and takes it 24 yards to the Saints 34.

1st down Saints.
Drew Brees unloads to Marques Colston for 8.  2nd and 2.
Pierre Thomas runs into a wall and picks up half a yard.  3rd and 2.
End around to Robert Meachem who gets it out to the 46 for a Saints 1st.

1st down Saints.
Brees throws to Bush in the flat for a gain of 4.  2nd and 6.
Bees to Meachem in the flat who picks up 4.  A flag is out though for holding against Devery Henderson so this is coming back.  2nd and 17.
Brees is flushed out the pocket and he manages to unload to Shockey before anyone gets there.  3rd and 5.  Great move by Brees to beat the pressure.
Brees goes to Meachem but it falls incomplete as the Falcon mugged Meachem drawing a penalty. 

1st down Saints.
Brees rolls right and finds Devery Henderson at the Falcons 28.

1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas over left tackle picks up a nice 6.  2nd and 4.
Brees one step drop throws to Meachem on the sidelines and moves the chains.

1st down Saints at the big birds 19 to bring up the 2 minute warning.
Brees to Pierre Thomas over the middle picks up 12.

1st and goal.
Pierre Thomas up the middle to the Falcons 3.  2nd and goal.
Brees play action and throws incomplete to Marques Colston.  3rd and goal.
Brees to Colston at the post and... TOUCHDOWN!!  He came underneath uncovered and takes an easy 6.
The extra point is missed by Hartley though!  Someone may not be with us in a couple of weeks.

Saints 16 Falcons 6

1st down Falcons at their 20.  Jeremy Shockey trots off the field to get a toe looked at apparently.  Hope that's not serious.
Redman for 27 yards to White but there's a flag out there.  But it's against Malcolm Jenkins so it's declined.

1st down Falcons at their 47, 43 ticks on the clock.
Redman to Gonzalez for 6.  2nd and 4.
Redman incomplete to Booker.  3rd and 4.
Redman to Jenkins on a slant for a 1st.  The Saints came with pressure and almost got Redman.

1st down Falcons at the Saints 37, 28 ticks left.
Redman to Booker for 6 and he gets out of bounds.  23 ticks, 2nd and 4.
Redman to Weems for 3.  Penalty on the play...  And it goes against Charles Grant for a personal foul.  Ouch.  Half the distance to the goal line and a lecture for Grant from Payton.

1st down at the Saints 15.
Randall Gay does a nice job of breaking up the pass.  2nd and 10.  15 secs left.
Redman to no name 86 for a few.  3rd and 4.  8 ticks.
Redman airs it out to the end zone and hits someone in the stands.
So the Falcons will settle for a 27 yard field goal attempt and... Make it.

Saints 16 Falcons 9 to end the 1st half.

Saints Vs Falcons 1st Quarter

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Saints Injury Report for Falcons game

The New Orleans Saints injury list grows larger every week.  As we fly into the Georgia Dome for the Week 14 match up with the Atlanta Falcons we see the likes of Scott Fujita and Jabari Greer definitely ruled out again with Mike Bell, Lance Moore, Tracy Porter and Marvin Mitchell all listed as either doubtful or questionable.

It would be nice to start seeing some of the long term casualties making faster recoveries but we'll just have to wait and hope they are ready to go at some point in the playoffs.

Here's the complete list:

Scott Fujita Saints LB - Knee injury, game status Out

Jabari Greer Saints CB - Groin injury, game status Out

Marvin Mitchell Saints LB - Hamstring injury, game status Doubtful

Tracy Porter Saints CB - Knee injury, game status Doubtful

Mike Bell Saints RB - Knee injury, game status Questionable

Lance Moore Saints WR - Ankle injury, game statusQuestionable

Reggie Bush Saints RB - Knee injury, game status Probable

Jermon Bushrod Saints T - Thumb injury, game status Probable

Darnell Dinkins Saints TE - Foot injury, game status Probable

Sedrick Ellis Saints DT - Knee injury, game status Probable

Jahri Evans Saints G - Toe injury, game status Probable

Randall Gay Saints CB - Hamstring injury, game status Probable

Jonathan Goodwin Saints C - Ankle injury, game status Probable

Lynell Hamilton Saints RB - Shoulder injury, game status Probable

Bobby McCray Saints DE - Back injury, game status Probable

Jeremy Shockey Saints TE - Hamstring injury, game status Probable

Pierre Thomas Saints RB - Quadricep injury, game status Probable

Jonathan Vilma Saints LB - Knee injury, game status Probable

Usama Young Saints S - Hip injury, game status Probable


For the latest Saints injury news week in week out please visit the Saints Injury Report page.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Famous Saints Fans of the Who Dat Nation

This post is going out to the greatest fans on Earth... The Who Dat Nation!

You make the Saints what they are.  The passion and noise generated in all home games is second to none and helps make New Orleans such an attractive place for a player to want to spend his career.

Darren Sharper went so far as to say this about the Patriots game in the "deafening" Super Dome:

"A guy could be pressing face masks with you and you're yelling and he still can't hear you."

As such I'm going to post up my favorite Saints fan pics on this post.  As you'll see we have quite a few famous Saints fans who turn up wearing disguises at games in the Super Dome.

Big love to the Saints Nation.

Famous Saints fans
Dan Aykroyd And All Coneheads Are Saints Fans

 Famous NO Saints fans
 Russell Crowe And Co. Are Saints Fans Too

 Famous New Orleans fans
Is That Michael J Fox Making A Teenwolf Comeback?

Loyal Saints fans
The Man With The Golden Gun Got These Two

Crazy Saints fans
The Famous Saints Fans Defense Rule!!

If you have any that you want to display just let me know by leaving a comment on this message and I'll be sure to include.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Robert Meachem Saints MVP Vs Redskins

Now that my heart is back in its rightful place and not beating faster than a Humming bird flaps its wings its time to name this weeks Saints MVP. 

The competition is a little thin on the ground following an abject performance in some areas of the field (cups hand to your ear and whispers Defense) but there were two contenders who stood out and one of them won it last week so it can't go to him for ethical reasons... 

So without further ado I hereby give it to the Saints number 17 ace in the pack himself R. Meachem... for two game changing moments in the tighter than newly washed underpants game that was the Saints Vs Redskins.

Robert Meachem Saints

Robert Meachem Saints MVP - To witness the Saints struggling to get back in the game before half time was hard enough.  To then watch Drew Brees throw a pick under pressure made it worse still.  But to suddenly realise that the Saints team were following Robert Meachem down the sidelines was something beyond unexpected.

My brain took a few seconds to process what was going on and before I could say 'Er, like what's going on' the Saints were dancing in the end zone and the World seemed that bit brighter for a good few minutes thanks to Mr Never Quit himself, Robert 'You Beautiful SOB' Meachem.

Talk about hustle play.  The guy had no right to make that happen and yet he did and it helped keep the Saints in with a fighting chance for the second half.  Without Meachems intervention the Redskins could very well have got a few more points on the board and made things that extra touch more difficult than they already were... Which is to say very difficult indeed.

To add excitement to ecstasy he then elected to throw the double fake of his life on his way to the post on the 52 yard game tying touchdown with just 1.27 on the clock.  Talk about hero making.  Cometh the hour, cometh the Meachem.  He ended the day with 142 yards off 8 receptions and 2 touchdowns... and my undying debt.

Honourable mentions to...

Drew Brees Saints

Drew Brees Saints Legend - Not quite at his pinnacle best of the Patriots game (but then how do you better perfection) yet still a more than decent game by the Don of the Saints O.  What I love about the guy is you always have faith that he will either find a way to pull it out the bag or die trying.  And he certainly never gave up on his way to 419 passing yards off an incredible 49 attempts (that tells you the story of how effective the running game was) and 2 TDs.

Garrett Hartley Saints Kicker - How can you not pay thanks to the man who kept his cool in overtime to seal an incredible come back victory?  Yes it was only 18 yards away, yes my Granny could have kicked it but still it takes some guts to step up having watched one of your kicking brethren looking desperately for a hole to hide in having shanked his game ending field goal down the other end not long before.

Never the Worlds safest or appreciated profession but I for one thank you Mr Hartley for letting my heart beat normally again after, oh I don't know, 3 hours of nerve shredding tension.

Darren Sharper Saints Safety - Now some may wonder how a Saints Defender gets in the list this week after some of the worst tackling since I last chased a chicken round a coop but I tell you if it wasn't for number 42 the game would have been over long before.

Cast your mind back to the start of the 4th Quarter and the Redskins are driving deep in Saints territory.  Their running backs are breaking point of contact hits and getting 4/5/6 yards every carry and the goal line is beckoning.  Up steps Darren Sharper on 3rd and 1 to cut down Mason in the back field to stop a key conversion.  The Redskins duly kicked a field goal instead of putting an extra 4 on the board.

For that play alone Sharpy McSharp Sharp makes it onto this weeks winners board (although the less said about him tackling Mike McKenzie just as Old McKee boy was about to stop a touchdown by the Redskins Thomas the better).

Please, please, please will the Gods of injury smile on our stricken Defense and get some more starters back in time for the playoffs.  I'll eat my greens for a whole month or something.

Saints Vs Redskins Overtime

You join us in overtime in one of the most incredible endings to a game in quite some time.  The Saints have never really been firing well today but somehow they have pulled this out and forced their way back into the game.

Saints nail biting
Nail Biting Finish Here For The Saints

The normally average Jason Campbell picked a hell of a day for a career best Sunday with 358 yards. 

The Redskins win the coin toss and will receive the overtime kick off so its all to do again for the Saints.  We need another huge play from today’s porous D.

1st down Redskins
at their 20.
Campbell to Santana Moss for 10.

1st down Redskins.
Ganther up the middle for 5.  2nd and 5.  I'm shaking as I type this.
Campbell to Sellers who is stopped short of the 1st by McCallister who made a great open field tackle.  It looks like he fumbled that on the way down but the refs rule he was down before the ball came out.  3rd and 1.  Payton calls a timeout to hint massively to the review booth to look at this again...  Which they are now doing...  And they've ruled it a FUMBLE that was recovered by the Saints!!  Unbelievable.  What a game.  Great time out call by Payton.

1st down Saints at the Redskins 37.
Drew Brees rolls out right and completes to Devery Henderson at the 25.

1st down Saints.
Saints sweep with Mike Bell carrying and he does another flip on his way to 1 yard.  Talk about a day of hard running for no gains.  He's been tossed in the air more than a Dolphin at Sea World.  2nd and 9.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas for a pick up of 4.  3rd and 5.
Brees to Colston on the right sidelines and he picks up the 1st.

1st down Saints at the Redskins 15 and they're calling out Garrett Hartley to punch this from 32.  But no Sean Payton has a think about this and sends the Saints O back out there.  That goes to show the faith he has in the O to get this done.

Still 1st down Saints.
Mike Bell bursts right and runs for 9.  His biggest run of the day and it couldn't come at a better time.  2nd and 1.
Mike Bell falls through the hole for a 1st down at the 2.

1st and goal.
Mike Bell dives and...  He is inches short.  The stadium is silent.  2nd and goal...  But the booth are going to review this...  And rule the call on the field should stand.  So it's still 2nd and goal.
And out comes Garrett Hartley for an 18 yard field goal attempt...  He makes it but the Redskins called a timeout so we're going to have to do this again...  And he MAKES IT!!!!  Oh my Lord.  WHAT A WIN, I CANNOT BELIEVE IT.  HOW DID WE EVER DO THAT?

This has got to be one of the most bizarre games in memory.  We played pretty average in long spells, scored a touchdown by mugging an intercepting Redskin and clung in there when the Redskins missed a 2 score field goal.  How we came out with the win I will never know but it was incredible and we are now 12 and 0.  That is the work of champions.  To play that 'average' and still win.

Saints Vs Redskins 4th Quarter

You join us here in the 4th Quarter with the Saints teetering close to their first loss of the seasonThe Redskins are driving and have the ball at the Saints 12 along with a 7 point lead.  What happens in the next couple of plays could be decisive.

Saints cliff edge
Saints Teetering on the Brink of Their First Loss

1st down Redskins.
Campbell to Mason for 6.  2nd and 4.
Mason up the middle and AGAIN is able to pick up yards after the first contact.  We're just not able to stop people at the point of contact today.  3rd and 1.
Mason sweeps to the left and Darren Sharper cuts him down in the back field.  Heck of a play by Sharper which saves a potential 4 points as the Redskins kick a field goal.

Saints 20 Redskins 30

1st down Saints at their own 21.
Brees to Robert Meachem for 9.  2nd and 1.  Great effort by Meachem to try for the 1st there.
Pierre Thomas carries to the right and just picks up the 1st.

1st down Saints.
Brees to Pierre Thomas on a screen and he manages to scramble for 10 more out to the 42.

1st down Saints
Brees short to Thomas.  2nd and 5.
Brees to Jeremy Shockey over the middle at the Redskins 40.

1st down Saints.
Brees to Devery Henderson who... drops it.  Oh man that was another 1st.  Totally in and out of his hands.  2nd and 10.
Mike Bell runs into a wall, tries to cut it back but there's nothing there.   It hasn't been all day and I don't think it ever will be.  3rd and 10.
Brees under a lot of pressure avoids the sack, steps up and unloads to Robert Meachem down the right sideline and completes for 28.

1st down Saints at the 11.
Mike Bell up the middle but yet again there is nothing there.  It's about time we give up on that.  We do not have the beating of this Redskins D line.  2nd and 11.
Brees to Pierre Thomas on another screen for 3.  He lost his footing just as he made the cut.  3rd and 8.
Brees to the end zone...  But it's battered away. 
So the Saints will have to settle for a 27 yard field goal.

Saints 23 Redskins 30

6.52 left on the clock and we're staring down the barrel.  Got to hope for a big play by the D.  Look for the Redskins to start pounding this out to Cartwright.

1st down Redskins at their 41.
Campbell rolls out and fires to Sellers to the Saints 42.

1st down Redskins
Cartwright up the middle, obviously breaks a couple of tackles on the way to 7.  2nd and 3.
Campbell to Kelly who, surprise, surprise, breaks a tackle when he's shy of the marker and then picks up a few more.

1st down Redskins at the Saints 29.  4.30 on the clock.
Campbell to Thomas who is taken down for a loss... but McCallister is called for a facemask on the tackle which sums up the Saints day.


McCallister Facemask

1st down Redskins at the Saints 16.
A Redskin back takes it a couple up the middle.  2nd and 8.
Ganther breaks through tackles AGAIIIIIINNNNNN and picks up 7.  3rd and 1. 
Ganther over left tackle and picks up the 1st.  I know the Saints D is banged up but I thought even second stringers practised tackling during the week don’t they?

1st and goal Redskins with 3 mins on the clock and ticking.
Cartwright adds a couple more on the run.  2nd and goal.
Cartwright is stopped for a loss of 1 but the clock continues to tick.  3rd and goal.
Cartwright again and picks up 0 to bring up 4th and goal as we hit the 2 minute warning.
So the Redskins will settle for a 23 yard field goal attempt and...  He MISSES!!!  I don't believe it.  Unbelievable.  We have a chance, a small chance but it's better than what we were facing a second ago.

1st down Saints at their own 20.
Brees to Pierre Thomas for 4.  2nd and 6.
Brees under pressure throws to Devery Henderson on the sidelines for a 1st at the 35.

1st down Saints.
Brees incomplete to Colston.  2nd and 10.
Brees to Robert Meachem on the sidelines at the Saints 47 and he gets out of bounds.

1st down Saints, 1.27 on the clock.
Drew Brees looks deep and unloads...  TOUCHDOWN!!!  ROBERT MEACHEM I LOVE YOU MAN!!  52 yard TD pass.  80 yards in a manner of seconds and we are tied with 1.19 left on the clock.

Saints 30 Redskins 30

Now it's all back on the D.  Hold in there guys.  My nerves, no doubt like every Saints fan, do not like this tension but at least we're back in it.

1st down Redskins at their own 25.
Screen pass to Cartwright for a pick up of 14.

1st down Redskins with 50 ticks left.
Campbell to Davis for 5 and the Redskins call a timeout.  Will Smith landed on Campbells ankle at the end of the play and Campbell is limping.  A penalty is called on the Redskins calling it back 10.
1st and 20 Redskins.
Campbell to someone for a gain but the Saints are called for a face mask so a 1st down for the Redskins.

1st and 10 Redskins.
Campbell drops back and... it's intercepted by Jonathan Vilma. 

1st down Saints with 28 seconds at their own 46.
Brees throws incomplete.  Flag comes out against Bushrod for holding.  1st and 20.
Brees throws incomplete to Meachem.  2nd and 20 with 18 ticks left.
Brees to Robert Meachem who gets out of bounds at the Redskins 48.  3rd and 5 with 12 seconds left.
Brees to Reggie Bush at the 40 for a 1st down with 7 seconds left.

1st down Saints.
Brees tries one more pass attempt which falls incomplete.
So in comes Garrett Hartley for a 58 yard field goal attempt and...  It falls short.  It was on target but didn't have the leg.  So we head to over time with the scores tied at 30 a piece and I need a new heart.

Saints Vs Redskins 3rd Quarter

Welcome to the 2nd half of this tight game between the Saints and Redskins.  The Redskins are getting to Drew Brees more than is healthy and the Saints secondary is being exposed by Jason 'I'm not very good' Campbell.  Fingers crossed for some much needed improvements in the 3rd. 

Saints 17 Redskins 17

1st down Redskins at their own 25.
Cartwright picks up 5 on a right sweep.  2nd and 5.
Campbell throws towards Kelly but it goes out of bounds.  Good coverage by McKenzie.  3rd and 5.
Campbell to Randle El for 12.  Campbell was under pressure and stepped up to avoid the rush.

Mike McKenzie Jersey
The Mike McKenzie Jersey - Not As Tight As That Coverage

1st down Redskins at the 43.
Campbell down the left sidelines completes to Thomas over Malcolm Jenkins.  Great throw into tight coverage.

1st down Redskins at the Saints 28.
Campbell to Thomas who beats McKenzie with a step and picks up 6.  2nd and 4.
Cartwright runs through a BIG hole before Hargrove brings him down.

1st down at the Saints 16.
Campbell to Moss but he can't hold on.  2nd and 10.
Campbell under pressure gets it out to Cartwright in the flat and picks up 6.  3rd and 4.
Campbell pressured by Darren Sharper and unloads incomplete.  4th and 4.
So the Redskins have to settle for a field goal.

Saints 17 Redskins 20

Courtney Roby continues his excellent day with a big return out to the Saints 48.

Courtney Roby Kick Returner


1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas up the middle for 2.  2nd and 8.
Mike Bell up the middle for a good 7 yards.  He hit that hole hard.  3rd and 1.
Mike Bell again and he bounces on a second effort close to the marker.  The chains will come into measure and...  The Saints are short by half a yard.  So it brings up 4th down and the Saints are going for it.
Mike Bell again but he's stopped well short.
  That looked far too complicated for a short yardage pick up with Nicks pulling around right.

1st down Redskins at their own 44.
Campbell goes deep down the right sidelines to Thomas all the way to the Saints 16.  A 40 yard pass play.

1st down Redskins.
Cartwright carries for 3.  2nd and 7.
Campbell under pressure and...  It goes in and out of Malcolm Jenkins hands.  Oh man he had the whole field ahead.  He would have gone untouched for 6.  Good pressure by Will Smith.  3rd and 7.
Campbell to Thomas who breaks two tackles and tip toes down the sideline for a Touchdown.  Oh man that was poor.  It looks like Darren Sharper knocked Mike McKenzie over just as he was about to make the tackle.

Saints 17 Redskins 27

1st down Saints at their own 27.
Mike Bell cuts back and picks up 7 after the inside was closed off.  2nd and 3.
Drew Brees completes to Jeremy Shockey at the 46 for a pick of 12.

1st down Saints.
Brees to Shockey on a slant for 8 more.  2nd and 2.
Mike Bell out left and he's up ended spectacularly for no gain.  3rd and 2.
Brees play fakes and finds David Thomas all the way down at the 26.  Great pass in good coverage.

1st down Saints.
Brees drops back and finds Devery Henderson at the 12.  This is more like it.

1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas up the middle for 3 good yards.  2nd and 7.
Brees to Colston in the end zone... but it's broken up.  3rd and 7.
Brees to Henderson on a screen but no gain.  4th and 7.
So Garrett Hartley comes in for a 27 yard field goal attempt and...  It's good.

Saints 20 Redskins 27

We need a good stand by the D now to pull this back level as the longer this goes on the more it feels this is not going to be our day.  The Redskins have an answer to most things we are doing today.

1st down Redskins at their own 35.
Cartwright carries for 5.  Again we has him closed for no gain and he was able to make a cut and pick up 5.  That epitomizes our day so far.  2nd and 5.
Campbell to Randle El for 5.

1st down Redskins.
Cartwright is stopped by Bobby McCray in the back field for a loss of 1.  Finally some penetration to stop the run.  2nd and 11.
Campbell to Randle El again but it goes incomplete.  3rd and 11.  Come on D, we need a stop here.  Big play coming up.
Campbell steps up and completes to Randle El all the way down to the 14 yard line.  He was wide open.  This is not good as we end the 3rd Quarter.

Saints Vs Redskins 2nd Quarter

We open the 2nd Quarter with the Redskins looking good here and leading the Saints 10 to 0.  It's Saints ball at the Redskins 40 yard line.

Saints Redskins
The Redskins Are This Much Better Right Now

3rd and 7.
Drew Brees drops back and finds Devery Henderson for a 1st.  Henderson was hit hard but hung on to the ball.  He's now getting some attention on the field.  Respect to Henderson there.

1st down Saints at the Redskins 29.
Brees goes downfield to a wide open Jeremy Shockey inside the Redskins 10 but he's called back for pass interference so it will come straight back.  1st and 20 at the 39.
Brees to Pierre Thomas on another screen to pick up 5.  2nd and 15.
Brees to Jeremy Shockey at the 19 to continue his streak of 107 straight games with a reception and more importantly picks up a 1st.  Well done big man.

1st down Saints.
Brees throws short to Robert Meachem for 3.  2nd and 7.
Brees throws but it's battered down by big ole Philip Daniels to bring up 3rd and 7.
Brees buys some time but comes under pressure again and throws incomplete.  So the Saints will have to settle for a Garrett Hartley 34 yard field goal.

Saints 3 Redskins 10

1st down Redskins at their own 23.
Ganther carries for a couple before a mass team tackle.  2nd and 7.
Ganther again gets the call and picks up 4.  3rd and 2.
Mason takes the ball and runs into a Saints wall led by Remi Ayodele.  Great front there by the Saints.
The Redskins punt to Reggie Bush who tries to make some moves and ends up loosing about 7 or so.

1st down Saints at their own 13.
Pierre Thomas hits the hole and makes his first positive run to pick up 5.  2nd and 5.
Mike Bell lowers his head and powers out to the 23 to bring up 3rd and 1.  Great to see a couple of positive runs after the negative running yards in the 1st Quarter.
Battering Ram Bell powers behind Carl Nicks to pick up 1 for the 1st.

1st down Saints at their 24.
Brees has another ball batted down.  2nd and 10.
Brees finds Devery Henderson on the left sideline who picks up the 1st.  Brees had to check down 3 receivers to find one open.  The Redskins are doing a good job on coverage today.

1st down Saints at their 39.
Brees goes deep to Henderson but its well covered and knocked down.  Just under thrown slightly.  2nd and 10.
Drew Brees steps up and completes to Robert Meachem at the 49 for another 1st.

1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas carries over left tackle, makes a move and picks up a 1st.  Nice play Frenchy.

1st down Saints.
Brees has hours of time looks deep and... TOUCHDOWN!!  Marques Colston found some space and was waiting for the ball in the end zone after a nice slant and go move.  That was a more positive drive, come on Saints.

Marques Colston Saints Touchdown
Marques Colston Runs A Perfect Post Pattern

Saints 10 Redskins 10

1st down Redskins at their 21 with 5.28 left in the half.
Campbell to Mr 'impossible to bring down' David for 9.  2nd and 1.
Campbell to Santana Moss for 4 before he's wrapped up by Malcolm Jenkins.

1st down Redskins at the 36.
Campbell to Santana Moss again on the sidelines for 8.  2nd and 2.
Campbell is pressured by Scott Shanle and Troy Evans and throws incomplete.  3rd and 2.
Campbell goes deep to Santana Moss and completes all the way down to the 17.  He burnt Malcolm Jenkins on that 34 yard pickup.

1st down Redskins.
Campbell to someone for 6.  2nd and 4.
Campbell to Moss this time on the left side and picks up the 1st.

1st and goal at the Saints 5.
Campbell throws and it's batted down by Fresh Prince Will Smith.  2nd and goal.
Campbell to Devin Thomas who takes it at the 3, turns the corner and dives for a... Touchdown.
The secondary got picked apart their by Mr Average QB himself Jason Campbell.  He looked very comfortable and always seems to save his best for the Saints.

Saints 10 Redskins 17

1st down Saints at their own 21.
Brees to Reggie Bush on the left, cuts back and picks up 9 before running out of bounds to bring up the 2 minute warning.  2nd and 1.
Brees throws incomplete after loosing his footing.  3rd and 1.
Reggie Bush carries and dives but is stopped short.  4th and 1.
Thomas Morstead punts away and... it hits a Redskin down field and Usama Young recovers.

1st down Saints at the Redskins 41.
A Redskin jumps offside.  1st and 5.
Brees to Reggie Bush down to the 28.

1st down Saints.
Brees to Jeremy Shockey and can't hold on.  2nd and 10.
Brees has to throw it away under pressure.  3rd and 10.  The Saints are called for Jahri Evans being down field and so ineligible being a massive hulking lineman.  2nd and 15.
Brees drops back and is sacked big time by the Redskins safety.  He came late and unblocked.  3rd and 26.
Brees is under big pressure again manages to get away and throws deep... and it's picked by Moore who gets up and returns it... and is then mugged by Robert Meachem who returns it for a TOUCHDOWN!!  That was a huge play by Meachem.  But it's all going to be reviewed to ensure it was a pick and to check whether Moore was down by contact...  And the Refs decide...  The ruling on the field stands so it's a Saints TOUCHDOWN!!  Excellent.

So we can all pay homage to Robert Meachem for an incredible play there.  Officially a 44 yard fumble return by Robert Meachem, about the most unexpected thing you could have expected when Brees was picked.

Saints 17 Redskins 17

OK so we end the half with Brees being rushed far too much, the running game not firing all to well and the Saints secondary under attack.  Let's hope for some half time fixes as this is uncomfortable to say the least.

Saints Vs Redskins 1st Quarter

Well here we are people. It's week 13 and we enter the nation’s capital looking to extend our perfect record to 12 and 0. Let's hope we can jump out to an early lead to keep politician central quiet. I fancy a hog roast for dinner and would like one on the field of play please Mr Payton, Brees, Vilma and Co.

Lance Moore, Scott Fujita, Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter, Randall Gay, John Carney are all confirmed as out of today's game by the way.

And the Redskins kick off to pineapple hair who returns it out to the 33.  Nice return their by Courtney Roby.

Courtney Roby
Courtney Roby Return Ace

1st down Saints.
Screen to Pierre Thomas who takes it 12 yards down the left sideline before being tackled.

1st down Saints 47.
Toss to Pierre Thomas out left and he's tied up quickly for a loss of 3. That play never got going.
Brees pump fakes twice, rolls out the pocket under pressure and then almost gets picked. Damn that was close. Brees is lucky not to have been picked there. 3rd and 13.
Brees to Pierre Thomas again on a screen to the left and he picks up 7 but not enough for a 1st. So in comes Iron Leg himself Thomas Morstead who drops it inside the 5 to give the Saints D a nice field position to defend.

1st down Redskins.
Jason Campbell drops back and unloads to Davis who carries two Saint DB's (Jenkins and someone who I couldn't see) for a couple. 2nd and 1.
Draw play picks up the first. Facemask penalty on Will Smith adds 15 more.

1st down Redskins at the 34.
Campbell drops back and launches down the left which would have been caught except for Malcolm Jenkins blatantly mugging the Redskins receiver.

1st down Redsking at Saints 34.
Scott Shanle makes a great tackle on the ensuing run. 2nd and 9.
Another short run brings up a quick 3rd and 7.
Campbell to Thomas over the middle and he gets jacked up by Darren Sharper. What a hit.

1st down Redskins at the 21.
Cartwright cuts back and goes untouched to the 5 before Sharper brings him down.

1st down Redskins.
Redskins run again but Remi Ayodele raps the runner up for a loss of 2.
Campbell throws like the Campbell I was expecting and misses a wide open man. 3rd and goal.
Campbell to Fred Davis over the middle and... Touchdown. Hmm, not the greatest run of defensive plays I've seen by the Saints on that drive.

Saints 0 Redskins 7

Saints legend Jo-Lonn Dunbar is pictured being worked by the physio on the sidelines... Not a good omen given how banged up we are in that department.

1st down Saints at their own 30.
Drew Brees to David Thomas out left for a pick up of 6. 2nd and 4.
End around to Devery Henderson who tries to turn the corner and manages 3 before going out of bounds. 3rd and 1. Come on Saints.
Mike Bell is upended before he can go anywhere. Damn. Bam Bam Bell didn't even get a chance to get set there. Iron Leg is back in to punt away.

Mike Bell RB
Battering Ram Bell Denied

1st down Redskins at the 30.
Campbell to Fred Davis to the 43.

1st down Redskins.
Ganther looks like he's about to be dropped for no gain and then breaks a Roman Harper tackle for 10.

1st down Redskins at the Saints 44.
Campbell under pressure from Troy Evans throws it incomplete deep. 2nd and 10.
Campbell under pressure again but unloads to a wide open 82 who takes it for 10.

1st down Redskins at the Saints 34.
Campbell to Fred Davis who breaks 2 tackles on the way to a pick up of 15. The Saints are not able to tackle today.

1st down Redskins at the 19.
Campbell to someone or other for 6. 2nd and 4.
Campbell throws it away after good Saints coverage for the first time today. 3rd and 4.
Campbell throws too high for Fred Davis this time after he was pressured. That was better. 4th and 4 so the Redskins kick a field goal to make this more uncomfortable than was wished for... It's still early though, keep the faith.

Saints 0 Redskins 10

Courtney Roby with his third good return of the year and takes it out to the Saints 34.

Brees to Robert Meachem on the left sideline and he breaks a tackle to pick up 11.

1st down Saints.
Draw play to Mike Bell who gets rapped up for a loss of 1. 2nd and 11.
Brees to Pierre Thomas on the screen and the Saints ace makes some cuts to pick up the 1st.

1st down Saints at the Redskins 42.
Pierre Thomas tries to break it outside as the inside holes were closed. Pick up of 1. 2nd and 9.
Brees to Reggie Bush in the flat and he picks up a couple before getting up ended which neatly ends a bum 1st Quarter for the Saints.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Saints Injury Report for Redskins game

The Saints have a pretty considerable injury list this week ahead of the Redskins game on Sunday.  Lance Moore and Tracy Porter are the only two definitely ruled out at this time although they are likely to be joined by a host of New Orleans players come kick off.

Let's hope we can get these injuries cleared up for the run in.


Lance Moore Injury


Lance Moore WR - Ankle injury, game status out

Tracy Porter CB - Knee injury, game status out

Randall Gay CB - Hamstring injury, game status doubtful

Marvin Mitchell LB - Hamstring injury, game status doubtful

Jermon Bushrod T - Thumb injury, game status doubtful

Jahri Evans G - Toe injury, game status doubtful

Reggie Bush injury report - Knee injury, game status questionable

Jabari Greer CB - Groin injury, game status questionable

Bobby McCray DE - Back injury, game status questionable

Mike Bell RB - Knee injury, game status probable

Mike Bell Injury
Let's hope Battering Ram Bell is in the game

Jo-Lonn Dunbar LB - Wrist injury, game status probable

Scott Fujita LB - Knee injury, game status probable

Jonathan Goodwin C - Ankle injury, game status probable

Lynell Hamilton RB - Shoulder injury, game status probable

Chris McAlister CB - Knee injury, game status probable

Jeremy Shockey TE - Elbow injury, game status probable

Pierre Thomas RB - Wrist injury, game status probable

Jonathan Vilma LB - Knee injury, game status probable


For the latest Saints injury news week in week out please visit the Saints Injury Report page.
Top NFL Fan Sites Talking about the New Orleans Saints and the NFL in general. Blog Directory Sports & Recreation Directory