Reflections on Saints Packers Game

Hmm. Some good, some bad on Thursday. Some great O, some poor D. What else is new?

I was heartened by the running game. I thought all 3 backs made important contributions.

was back to his 2009 standard after last years ankle problems. He looked sharp and full of running. I always feel so much better if he's getting a lot of the ball. Mr reliable.

also did a good job with some inside running. Whilst he was denied near the goalline he didn't really stand a chance. Payton should have gone with him again on 4th.

But the break out performance was obviously by

What an addition to the team. Reggie who? North to South running when taking a hand off, unbelievable break away speed on his returns and a go to receiver in clutch situations. Love him. What a player!

Real bad news that we've lost

for at least 4 weeks with a broken collarbone. He is key to our O. With

also struggling with a groin injury (something that only rest heals and something that's liable to recur if he's rushed back) we're going to be short for the Bears game.

That leaves us with Mr 'I can only catch 2 in 3 thrown my way'

and

Not something that leaves me full of confidence.

I'll follow up on my in depth analysis of the D later as its almost college football time and I need to find my wallet.

Garrett Hartley not to blame

It appears some people I know have very short memories. Yes Garrett Hartley missed a field goal in over time but why were we even in that position in the first place?

Could it be that we couldn't run the ball yet again?
Could it be that we couldn't stop ANY third downs?
Could it be that we couldn't stop the run AGAIN?

There are all sorts of reasons why we lost. Chief amongst them is that we faced a real up and coming Falcons team led by a quality QB. Matt Ryan was poised and accurate throughout. Obviously it didn't help that on every 3rd down conversion it appeared that no one wanted to be anywhere near Tony Gonzalez and there's a story in itself.

You'd think that having all feasted off the NFL films eulogy to the Saints Super Bowl victory that someone on the D staff would have noted Coach Paytons' imploring rants of his D not to let their best player, Dallas Clark, win the game single handedly.

Well that's exactly what the Saints were facing against the Falcons and yet nobody seemed capable of getting close to the guy. Yes he's a future Hall of Famer but come on. Just cover him once and that's one possession handed back to Bree's.

Now let's also not forget the Falcons running game that once again showed the fact we cannot stop the run. It's an old story but one that we just don't seem capable of sorting.

All that said, and that looks like a rant against the Saints but... I also thought we played some good football!

The fact is we played tough throughout and almost pulled out a win against the odds. I like the way we are hanging in there throughout and showing spirit.

The Falcons never once looked to be running away with it (well apart from on the ground but we'll come back to that). Neither team could get absolute momentum and as such it was a real gritty old fashioned football match. And I for loved it for that. Hard hard football play.

The Saints clearly need to sort some issues out this week.

1. Find a way to open running holes for the backs. For the best O line in football you'd expect some holes could be opened but so far this season it's been pretty sparse.

2. Stop the run. Anyway any how. Just stop it. Shut it down in the middle.

3. Stop 3rd down conversions. Pressure would be good and coverage of the oppositions best receiver would help.

4. Don't get down on Garrett Hartley. Yes he shanked his kick but he converted one in normal time, took us to the Super Bowl, is young and looks mentally strong. Give him the benefit of the doubt and show him some support. If the first 3 issues were resolved we wouldn't even be mentioning his name.

5. Find some backup for the running backs. Pierre Thomas has too much of a load to carry. Chris Ivory is inexperienced and should not have been in on 4th down when he fumbled.

6. Make Devery Henderson do a thousand push ups anytime he drops the ball in practise (hell it worked for Wesley Snipes in the film Major League).

And finally.


7. Keep the faith. After all the years of dissappointment some parts of the Who Dat nation are showing clear signs of having it too good for too long. Remember the lean years and realise it ain't all bad.

Yes we've got to fix the above things but the team know that. We lost a tight game against a good good team so keep the faith. Drew Brees and co. will be working over time this week to sort things out so keep cheering, keep that dome noise up and believe in Coach Payton for there is no one, NO ONE, I would rather have calling the plays.

In Sean we trust.

Saints Cardinals Preview

With the big game fast approaching my nerves have steadily grown through the week so to keep my mind at rest I'm going to be positive and give you my top 10 reasons why the Saints are going to beat the Cardinals on Saturday.

Saints Cardinals Preview Picks

1.  Drew Brees is the best Quarterback in the NFL.  I don't care where the official MVP award went because here's a fact for you, there is no Quarterback in this league that I would rather have under center than the Saints QB.  The MVP award is just a popularity contest anyway.

2.  The Saints will jump out to an early lead and stay there.

3.  The Saints will maintain that early lead because the Defense will be able to play their natural aggressive game.

4.  The aggressive natural game will be dialled up because most of the Saints DBs are back to full fitness which has not been the case since the Dolphins game way back in week 7.

5.  Kurt Warner will become a Will Smith and Anthony Hargrove breakfast on 3 occasions as Gregg Williams goes for an all out blitz package.

6.  Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Jeremy Shockey, David Thomas and Devery Henderson will find all kinds of holes in the Cardinals zone D.

7.  Reggie Bush will break two big runs and one big punt return.

8.  The Drew Brees chant will inspire the Saints to such a degree that many Cardinals players will feign injury rather than dare run out on to the field.

9.  The Saints crowd will make so much noise that the Super Dome roof will fly off into the night sky.

And finally,

10.  Peace on Earth will be declared and all man kind will rejoice by getting together at Baskin Robbins for a double chocolate fudge Sunday and to watch reruns of Mash.

OK I'm clearly too nervous to make accurate predictions and have resorted to wishful thinking.  Either way I am looking forward to Saturday with the same nervous energy I normally reserve for dentists visits and back operations.  And that's my really great/good/rubbish (delete as appropriate) Saints Cardinals Preview.

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.

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.

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.

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 Redskins 4th Quarter

You join us here in the 4th Quarter with the Saints teetering close to their first loss of the season.  The 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Drew Brees Highlights Reel

The Drew Brees highlights reel grows larger every week thanks to his 2009 MVP season to remember. So I thought I'd post up some Drew Brees videos so we can all enjoy Captain Marvel himself in action. 

Drew Brees Highlights Reel

Below are a couple of videos from the 2008 season in which Brees threw for that astounding total of 5,069 yards, just 15 short of Dan Marinos single season record and only the second Quarterback ever to go past the 5,000 mark in a single season.  I just wish he'd been able to find Devery Henderson open one more time as he would have been guaranteed the record given Hendersons average.

Drew Brees Saints Highlights 2008

More From The 2008 Drew Brees Highlights Reel

Here he is way back in the NFC Championship campaign of 2006 when the Saints brought much needed joy to the people of New Orleans.

Drew Brees Saints Highlights 2006

Finally check out this video for an in depth looks into how accurate our great Drew Brees is.

Drew Brees Sports Science Video

Be sure to check out the Drew Brees chant video for the awesome Saints team pre game ritual.

These videos were all posted available for embed on YouTube so to those who posted them up a big thank you.

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Drew Brees Saints MVP Vs. Patriots

The Saints team put in a performance to remember against the Patriots on Monday night.  They dominated New England on so many levels that I ended up wondering why I had been so tense during the Saints pre game chant.

As a result there are MVP candidates throughout the roster.  However there was one man who raised his game to such a plateau that it's hard to think of anything more he could have done.  I am of course talking about the Saintsational Drew Brees my MVP for Week 11.

Drew Brees Saints MVP - Words fail me when it comes to describing our Quarterback and leader.  He played out of his skin from the get go completing down the left sidelines to Devery Henderson and never let up thereafter.

All Hail Drew Brees 

He inspired his team pre kick off with the now famous Drew Brees chant and then proceeded to maul the Pats secondary into submission.  His passing was accurate beyond belief, he read the Pats D making adjustments on the fly and he had the mastering of everything Bill Belichick could throw at him.

Some of his connections to the back shoulders of his receivers were simply the work of genius and it must have totally demoralised the Pats at times because the coverage was often pretty good.  He simply had the tenacity and ability to exploit any small hole and so proved to the nation what an incredible Quarterback he is.

Drew Brees Saints MVP

Mr Drew Bees take a bow before the Who Dat Nation because you have once again displayed that you are a genius and a Saints legend in the making.  The numbers don't lie and to end the day 18 of 23 for 371 yards and 5, repeat that, 5 Touchdowns against the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football is some feat!  Incredible.

Honourable mention must go to...

Just about everybody else on the roster!  From the offensive line to the coaching staff, from the backup secondary personal to the return team, everyone showed up with their A game and deserve all the plaudits they get.

Fronting the cue for special mention however must be the returning hero Mike McKenzie.  To be out for so long and then be thrust into the action against the likes of Welker, Moss and Aitken is hard enough but to have the beating of them?  Well that takes a special kind of competitor and a special kind of heart and I hereby salute you my man.  You kept the jam in the doughnut, the burger in the bun and the beer in the bottle so to speak.  The shootout was kept for one team only thanks to some veteran reading of the game and a classic break on a Brady ball for a decisive interception.   

Before I go just one final shout out... to you, the Who Dat Nation.  Those of you in the Super Dome on Monday played your part with non stop ear splitting sound.  I love the fact we have the best fans in the World and just hope we secure home field advantage all the way through the post season because then we can continue to play our part in supporting the team in the only way we can.  Big love.

Who Dat Nation Raising the Roof

Saints Vs. Patriots 2nd Quarter

Welcome to the 2nd Quarter of the Patriots Saints game with the Pats leading by 7 to 3 and New Orleans driving. 

1st down Saints at the Pats 30.
Mike Bell hammers through the middle for 1.  Oh no… Mike Bell is on the floor after that.  He hits so hard he knocked himself out.
Drew Brees to Robert Meachem on the right sideline for a pick up of 6.  3rd and 3.
Pierre Thomas takes it 2 over left tackle.  4th and 1 and... We’re going for it.  Come on Saints!!!
Pierre Thomas goes through a Jermon Bushrod hole and... Picks up the 1st.

1st down Saints at the Pats 20.
Brees drops back checks off and sees Pierre Thomas in the flat and... Thomas breaks tackles all the way for a Saints TOUCHDOWN!!  Great run by Thomas.  Genius!!

The Pierre Thomas jersey moonwalks into the end zone

Patriots 7 Saints 10

1st down Pats at the Saints 25, 12.49 on the clock.
Wes Welker on a reverse for 3.  2nd and 7 and a Pat goes out injured... excellent... sorry but we need every edge we can get.
Brady to Welker (wonder how often I'll write that tonight) and he takes it to the Pats 40.

1st down Pats.
Maroney for 4.  2nd and 6.
The Super Dome is LOUD... and the Pats will take a timeout.
Brady to Morris and the doof drops it.  Perfect drop, love it.  3rd and 6.
Brady to Aitken and Mike Mckenzie hits him before he can turn so he is short by 3.  Great play McKenzie!! 
Pats punt.

1st down Saints at their own 25.
Drew Brees to Devery Henderson and... TOUCHDOWN!!!  OH MY GOOD GOD!!  Henderson was wide open and took it at the 50 and went totally untouched all the way.  It must have been a busted play for him to be that open.  LEGENDS!!!

Drew Brees to Devery Henderson Touchdown - Henderson feels lonely

Patriots 7 Saints 17

1st down Patriots at their own 24, 9.48 on the clock.
Maroney runs over Harper and co. for 10.  He should have been wrapped up at the line but beat Vilma with a cut and then knocked Harper over.

1st down Pats.
2 yard run by someone or other.
Tom Brady drops back and... Will Smith sacks him with Bobby McCray!!  3rd and 12.
Brady to Aitken and... he connects big all the way to the Saints 35.

1st down Pats.
Maroney runs left for 3. 2nd and 7.
Brady to Welker and... It’s dropped!!  Malcolm Jenkins got away with blatant pass interference there.  Fantastic.  3rd and 7,
Brady looks but can't find anyone so steps up to run and... Scott Fujita comes in and wraps him up but... oh no Roman Harper is called for illegal contact.  So the Pats have a 1st down at the Saints 25 and karma has come and bit us in the ass for the Malcolm Jenkins pass interference that wasn't called.

1st down Pats at the Saints 25.
Hand off to Maroney who takes it for 4.  2nd and 6.
Maroney up the middle but Scott Shanley wraps him up for just 1.  3rd and 5.  Come on Saints.  Deeeeeeee FENCE.
Brady to Welker but he's hit short by Roman Harper and it brings up 4th and 3.  Huge play by Harper.
Patriots go for a field goal and get it.

Patriots 10 Saints 17

1st down Saints at their own 23, 4.07 on the clock.
Brees to Pierre Thomas who weaves his way for 3.  Great effort.  2nd and 7.
Brees to Devery Henderson on the sidelines who takes it short but makes a move and moves the chains.  Great play Devery.

1st down Saints at their 35.
Pierre Thomas up the middle for 2.  2nd and 8.
Drew Brees pumps two fakes and stops the D and... Finds Saints legend in the making David Thomas for 25!!

1st down Saints at the Pats 38.
Drew Brees drops back and looks deep... and hits Robert Meachem for a Saints TOUCHDOWN!!  Awesome, absolutely awesome.  Now Drew Brees should get the recognition he deserves.  That was just sensational.

Robert Meachem Touchdown - 'Hey 24, watch this catch'

Patriots 13 Saints 24

Come on Defence.  Let's stop them scoring before the half.

1st down Patriots at their own 20.
Brady to Maroney on the screen for pick up of 9 and gets out of bounds.  2nd 1.
Brady hit by Anthony Hargrove as he throws and it falls incomplete.  Great pressure Hargroves you legend!!
Brady to Aitken and they convert.

1st down Pats at their 35, 1.07 on the clock.
Brady hit by Bobby McCray as he releases and falls incomplete.   But Malcolm Jenkins is called for holding in the secondary so the Pats get a 1st down at their 40.

1st down Pats.
Brady to Welker on the sidelines for 8.  2nd and 3.
Brady to Moss at the Saints 42.

1st down Pats with 46 ticks left on the clock.
Brady to Faulk who gets jacked up by Darren Sharper.  That was HARDDDDDD!!  Faulk is being checked on the sidelines.

1st down Pats at the 32.
Brady down the middle and... it's broken up.
Brady to the end zone and... it sails over the receiver.  3rd and 10.  Come on D.
Brady down the middle and... it sails incomplete again.  Beautiful.  The Saints secondary are doing an outstanding job on coverage.
So they go for a 50 yard field goal and... It goes wide left!!

Still Patriots 10 Saints 24 to end the 1st half.  Everyone has played just great so far.

Saints Vs. Patriots 1st Quarter

Welcome to the first quarter of the showdown of nerves between the New England Patriots and the famous New Orleans Saints.  The Saints come into the game 10 and 0 but with a secondary ravaged by injuries.  Let's hope Will Smith and co. can get to Tom Brady enough times or this could be a tense shoot out.

And the Pats will kick us off...  Courtney Roby takes it at the 7 and runs it straight up the middle to the 35.  Great start my man.

Saints Courtney Roby - Redefining the 1000 yard stare

1st down Saints.
Brees to Devery Henderson down the left sideline and... Connects for 33 yards.  Outstanding throw by Drew Brees.

1st down Saints at the New England 32.
Drew Brees to Marques Colston to the right sideline this time for a pick up of 6.
2nd 4.  Brees to Pierre Thomas for a further 2.
3rd and 2.  Pierre Thomas over left guard and the pile drives them through for a first down.  Great start.

1st down Saints at the NE 21.
Mike Bell takes it for 6 off a great cut back.  Hammer Bell hit hard yet again.
2nd and 4.  Brees to Henderson but it's broken up on the goal line.  3rd and 4.
Pierre Thomas reverse picks up 3 so caught just shy.
So the Saints will bring in John Carney for a 31 yard field goal attempt... and after hitting the upright it goes through.

Patriots 0 Saints 3

1st down Pats at their own 20.
Brady 1st pass goes incomplete.  Excellent, more like that please Tom.  2nd and 10.
Maroney cuts back and breaks one for 22. Darren Sharper with the tackle.

1st down Pats.
Brady to Maroney for 9.
Maroney again up the middle and converts.

1st down at Saints 45.
Brady to Welker for 5.
Maroney up the middle for 4 more.  3rd and 1.  Big, big play.
Brady low to Moss and... Incomplete.  Excellent.  Darren Sharper takes Moss out after the drop.
The Pats go for it on 4th and... Convert up the middle.  Damn.

1st down Pats at the Saints 33.
Maroney to the left runs into Area 51 and wraps him up for only 1.  2nd and 9.
Brady to Faulk who beats Scott Shanley to turn the corner and breaks it to the Saints 14.

1st down Pats.
Run to the right picks up 5. 2nd and 5.
Maroney breaks through (again) and takes it for 4 more.  Big 3rd and 1 now.  Come on Saints.
Maroney goes over left guard and... It’s close, they're going to measure... and they are a yard short!!  4th and 1.  And the Pats will go for it again.
Maroney bursts over right tackle and... Runs in from 4 yards out for a touchdown.  Damn it.

Patriots 7 Saints 3

Courtney Roby takes it to the 25.

1st down Saints.
Brees to Jeremy Shockey who takes a shot but holds on for a first down at the Saints 40.

Pierre Thomas takes the ball and runs hard up the middle for 6.  The pile moved hard there.  2nd and 4.
Devery Henderson comes on a reverse but is stopped for 0 gain.  3rd and 4.
Brees throws to Robert Meachem and... Just misses him.  Damn he was wide open.  Just a yard over thrown.  It would have gone to the house.
Saints will punt and...  Wes Welker takes it all the way back to the Saints 45.

1st down Pats.
Brady looks to Moss and Mike McKenzie steps in front to pick off chisel boy and returns it to the Saints 41.  Great play McKenzie and welcome relief as the Pats had good field possession there and could have jumped out to a big early lead.

Mike McKenzie stares down Tom Brady

1st down Saints.
Bell takes it and runs into every one for a gain of 4.  2nd and 6.
Pierre Thomas over left tackle and... Bursts through into open field all the way to the Pats 30.  Great hole and run to end the first Quarter with the Patriots leading the Saints 7 to 3.

Usama Young Saints Player of Week 10 Vs Rams

The award was a tough call this week following some indifferent displays all round.  There were a number of Saints who could have walked off with this as a result of so many earning 7 out of 10 ratings but I've forsaken the Reggie Bush vote (he's won enough accolades in his short career) so as usual the Falconer is going for the underdog namely Usama Young and here's why:

Usama Young Saints Cornerback - The 3rd year man from Kent State came into the banged up Saints secondary and did a great job of nullifying passes on his side of the field.  He made an important interception in the Saints end zone snuffing out a potential scoring drive and managed to return it 24 yards.  He ended the day with 4 tackles and 1 pass deflection but more importantly ensured the banged up unit were not left embarrassed andproved we can rely on him for future games this season.

Usama Young Saints MVP Week 10 Vs Rams

And the runners-up are:

Reggie Bush Saints Running Back - He was due a big game and Rocket Reggie duly delivered with a season best 83 yards off just 6 carries and 2 2nd Quarter touchdowns, 1 on a pass from Drew Brees the other on a 3 yard draw play.  The Reggie Bush mph speed-o-meter looked to easily hit +22 on the crossing pattern as the former USC man beat his man to the corner for the go ahead score.  Later in the game Bush exploded out of the backfield for a 55 yard pick up, his longest carry of the season. 

Devery Henderson Saints Wide Receiver - With Marques Colston and Robert Meachem conspicuous by their absence it was left to the former LSU man to represent the Saints wide men with an impressive 4 for 72. 

David Thomas Saints Tight End - The back up man with just 7 receptions all year coming into this game ended it with 5 more.  He made a number of important grabs in the 1st half to help maintain drives and provided an important outlet to Brees with many of his marquee receivers well covered.  Perhaps his most telling contribution was throwing a vital block for Robert Meachem en route to a 41 yard run in the 2nd.  A sound performance all round by the former Longhorn. 

Courtney Roby Saints Kick Return Specialist - Roby took the 2nd half kick off and flew down the sideline to score the first such touchdown by a Saints player since Michael Lewis in the 2004 season.  This was a vital score for the black and gold coming so early in the second half and Roby must be congratulated for his turn of speed in breaking clear on the play.

Jonathan Stinchcomb Saints Tackle - Along with the other unheralded Saints Offensive Linemen he kept the Rams pass rush at bay affording Drew Brees ample time to pick his targets from the pocket.  His run blocking was also a major factor particularly in opening up the hole that Reggie Bush was able to exploit on his 55 yard gain in the 3rd.

Saints Vs Rams 3rd Quarter report

Trent Green and Chris Rose are eulogising about Steven Jackson.  It really has been a game of 1 Vs 22.  I've not seen such a one man team since Barry Sanders used to have to do it alone for the Lions... but what an athlete Jackson is.  I guess if that's your main weapon then use it, especially if the Saints can't find a way to stop him.

Courtney Roby takes the second half kick off and... Returns it all the way for a 97 yard TOUCHDOWN!!  That's the 1st kick off return for a TD in nearly 5 years (since Michael Lewis in 2004 according to Green and Rose) for the Saints.  That will do.  The Saints Special Teams now get marked up to a straight C from my New Orleans Saints mid term paper report.

Courtney Roby TOUCHDOWN!!

The Rams will start the second half at their own 23.
Bulger to Gibson, breaks 2 tackles and takes it to the Rams 48.  He beat Tracy Porter and Usama Young with fine moves.  Youngs leg collided with Porters and the Saints 2nd year man is down as we go to commercials.

That's all we need, another member of the secondary out with and injury.  Oh no, I spoke to soon, the Direct TV commercial is all I need after that bad news.  Some rubbish about something or other, blah, blah. 

We return and Tracy Porter is only just getting to his feet now.  Our first round pick in the 09 draft, Malcolm Jenkins, is coming in to take his place.  I hope the rookie has stretched his legs as he could be in for the long haul here.

So back to the game and it's a 1st down for St. Louis at their own 48. 
Steven Jackson hands off to himself (being a 1 man team them's the breaks that come your way) and takes it for 1 after every Saints lineman jumps on his turtle back.

Next up a screen to Jackson but he can't hold on so it's 3rd and 9.  Good break for the Saints as we don't want Jackson getting into the banged up secondary with the ball in his hands.

3rd and 9 and... Mark Bulger overthrows Jenkins who was worryingly wide open. Rams will punt and Reggie Bush fair catches at Saints 17.

1st down New Orleans.
Pierre Thomas bursts through the hole between centre and right guard for a big 11 yard pick up. 

The Saints Pierre Thomas Jersey getting it done!

1st down Saints.
Brees to Henderson on a crossing pattern for a 26 yard pick up into Rams territory.  1st down at Rams 47.

Next up Thomas stopped for 0.  Oooh man Tracy Porter is being carted off with head in hands.  Not looking good.  Let's hope that's not as serious as his demeanour tells it.

Brees tries to thread the needle to Shockey but over throws and... It’s picked off.  That's a double 'not looking good' moment in a few brief seconds.  We could have really built up a healthy lead there but alas no.  We're making this look hard work against a team of 1. 

TV cuts to Saints sideline as Drew Brews yells at Jeremy Shockey - nice blame shift.  Actually maybe that was on Shockey... only those guys know as I don't have the play book in front of me.  Drew Brees Jeremy Shockey fight coming soon anyone?

1st down Rams at their own 40.
Jackson now for 1.  Next play… pass incomplete, 3rd and 9.
A pass completion for 10 sees the Rams move the chains.

1st down.
Steven Jackson cuts back and picks up 8.  2nd and 2.  Guess who the ball will go to next?
Nope I'm wrong as Mark Bulger is caught in the backfield but somehow manages to wriggle free and completes for 20 over the middle.

1st down St. Louis.
Bulger throws incomplete before Jackson runs up the middle for 7.  3rd and 3.  Fox announce Steven Jackson has just hit 6,193 career yards to move into 3rd place in franchise history behind Marshall Faulk and Eric Dickerson.  Not bad going.  Neither of them carried a whole team on his back.

Bulger throws back across the field and Roman Harper does just enough to break up the pass.  4th and 3 so the Rams will attempt a field goal and... Get it.

Saints 21 Rams 17.

Saints will take over at their own 20 after Courtney Roby takes a knee in the end zone with 7.08 on the 3rd Quarter clock.

1st down Saints. 
Bell over left tackle for a pick up of 2.
Reggie Bush breaks through the big right tackle hole and takes it 55 to the Rams 22.  Great hole by Stinchcomb and Evans and a great run by Mr. Bush.  Rocket man Reggie was due a big one and today he's looking good.

1st down New Orleans. 
Thomas runs for 2.
Colston end around for gain of 6.  First touch of the ball for Colston today.  3rd and 2.
Thomas takes pitch over right tackle and gets the first down.  Good job guys.

1st and goal at 9.  Brees to Colston who leaps the pile at the 1... But looses the ball and it trickles out the end zone for a touch back.  Oh man, Colston can not catch a break at the moment (although at least he's back to catching passes after last weeks debacle).  It will be the Rams ball at their own 20. 

1st down Rams with 3.33 on the clock.
Rams penalty so 1st and 15.
Jackson takes pitch and is wrapped up for a loss of 2... FINALLY.
Pass to Jackson in the flat but Roman Harper makes a great tackle for a loss of 1.  3rd and 17.

Pass completion but the Ram (who cares what his name is as I need some beer) is short of the first down marker. 

Rams punt to Bush who makes some moves and gets it 20 odd yards before the gain is called back against Leigh Torrence for holding so we continue killing ourselves and start at our own 23.

1st down Saints. 
Thomas over right guard for 5.
Slant pass to Henderson for a first down.  Great pick up by Devery to the Saints 41.  It's between Usama Young and Devery Henderson for Saint of the Week at the moment as we close out the 3rd Quarter.

Saints Falcons 4th Quarter Analysis

So we open the 4th Quarter with the Falcons driving to the Saint 29 and my heart's in my mouth.  The ESPN Analyst doesn't help by pointing out Falcons coach Roddy White has never lost back to back games with the Falcons.  Heck of a time to bring that up guys, thanks a lot.  My heart has gone to Defcon 4.

Big 3rd and 5 coming up after incompletion and Turner run.  DEEEEFENCE, DEEEEFENCE, DEEEEFENCE.  Come on crowd, be the 12th man...  GET THE FUNK IN, they force the run wide and only pick up 1.  But the Falcons go for it on 4th and 4 and... connect to Gonzalez for a 1st down and I'm going to hide behind my giant hands for a while.

Falcons at the 9, false start penalty though and they are 2nd and 12.  Did the crowd entice their first big penalty of the game?

Ryan to ex Saint Stecker (Judas) and they're down to the 7.  3rd and 4.  Ryan to Roddy White for a touchdown and we are tied... NOOOO, the call is being challenged and with good reason as that ball was not caught.  And the ruling is overturned!!  4th down and 4.  This time the Falcons are settling for the field goal and Elam converts.  Heck of a job holding them to 3.

Falcons 24 Saints 28.

Saints take the field with the ball at the Saints 25.  Time for a big time drive.

Brees to Henderson for 8.  Bell runs right and picks up 1 and a half so we're facing 3rd and a squiral.  Oh jeez, Thomas spills the ball to the carpet and the Falcons recover.  Payton is challenging the call as it looks like Thomas may have been down before he was mugged at the bottom of the pile.  And...

They loose the challenge and are out of challenge attempts.  DAMN.  The Falcons have the ball at the 35 with momentum.  Time for a Championship defence.

But no Michael Turner runs for 20 after being stuffed at the line.  This is the guy I most feared and he is putting up big numbers.  Heck of a play.

But... Tracy Porter intercepts the next Ryan pass at the 2 and returns it to the Saints 20.  Jonathan Vilma tipped that ball which pushed it Porters way.  Heck of a momentum shift back the Saints way and hell of a play by messers Vilma and Porter.  Man this game is killing my ticker.

Quickly to 3rd and 5.  A yellow flag rescues the Saints as the ball sails past Reggie Bush.  I think we caught a break as that was not pass interference.

Bell picks up 2.  Brees long down field to Colston who makes an outstanding catch at the Falcon 41.  Colston is upended but holds on and wins my undying love.

Bell runs right for 4.  Here we go, finally a decent 2nd half drive.  Thomas in the back field floors John Abraham giving Brees time to complete an uncatchable ball to Shockey... who catches it being the legend he is.  1st down!

Thomas inside picks up 4 and the clock is ticking down to 4 minutes.  Brees to Colston for the 1st down and the clock runs as the Falcons throw a hissy fit because they are big birds and can't take the pace.

Thomas for a couple and Atlanta call a timeout with the ball at their own 7, 3.12 on the clock.  Brees to Henderson who is stopped at the 1.  Great catch (more because it eases my blood pressure than a hall of fame catch or anything).  3rd and goal.  Come on the black and gold, this is the game.

Brees to Thomas in the flat who leaps and... TOUCHDOWN!!  That Pierre Thomas Jersey goes to the top of my Christmas list and perhaps many others.

Falcons 24 Saints 35 with 3.03 on the clock.

Falcons ball at the 34 and the commentators are goofing.  Goof away boys as I am happy... for now.  Ryan will be heading to the air as the Dome picks up the noise.  Here we go...

Oh my, tipped pass and Sharper almost snares another interception but drops it, damn.  Roman Harper makes a heck of an open field tackle on Gonzalez on the next play to bring up 3rd and 2.  Ryan converts by sneaking out the pocket and takes it to the 48.

Will Smith of Hollywood fame forces a fumble and the Saints recover.  Smith is definitely among the Super Saints of the week with 4 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble.

However the Falons have just challenged the call and won it.  Incomplete pass my ass.  Stupid Falcons.  Brings up the 2 minute warning.  So chalk off the forced fumble from Will Smiths numbers and he's relegated to Super boy status for now.

Ryan to White down the sidelines but Sharper gets over there to force White out before he gets the second foot down so incomplete.  Hell of a play Eagle Eyes.  Another incomplete and it's 4th and 10.  This is it...

And the ball sails incomplete and the Saints will WIN!!!!  Saints go 7 and 0 and steal a march on the division crown.

Except I've spoken too soon because, as the Saints were running the clock out, Bell inexplicably fumbles the ball.  Put two arms on that thing man, for F@*ks sake!!

Now my heart is pumping 20 to the dozen.  It's quickly 4th down though so Elam is in to kick a 40 yard field goal to narrow the score to 35 to 27.  All eyes on the on side kick and the 'not so great' Saints kick return team.  28 seconds on the clock...

And it's...  a hell of a scrum of 20 guys and... the Falcons have the ball, unbelievable!!  26 seconds left.

Ryan to Jenkins and the Falcons are at midfield with 11 seconds to go.  Here comes the Hail Mary.  Come on Porter, Sharper, Greer, Gay, et al...

DARREN SHARPER intercepts!!!!  My man.  And the heart can return to normal and I can stop almost crying like the big girl I clearly am.

Saints Falcons First Half Analysis

You join this weeks Saints helmet analysis near the start of the 2nd Quarter as, like the complete amateur I am, I was still eating when the game kicked off. The Saints are trailing the Falcons 14 to 7 following an 8 play opening drive Michael Turner touchdown for the Falcons, a stupendous Pierre Thomas 24 yard touchdown run in answer and a Falcon fumble recovery for 7 more.

We pick up the game in the 2nd Quarter with 10.38 on the clock and... The Beast Colston pulls in a touchdown catch with a great leap just as the fingers hit the keyboard.

Atlanta 14 Saints 14.

ESPN analyst states - Tracy Porter 45 attempts against him this season, only 24 completions just as Ryan connects to White over his head. The Falcons are driving.

Michael Turner breaks to the outside for a 37 yard gain (85 yards to date in game). The Saints need to stuff him up quick or this game will go to the wire (and I don't mean the HBO series based in Baltimore).

The Saints stop the Falcons at the 16 after a dropped pass on 3rd and 7. Jason Elam comes in and hits the post from 34 and family Falconer high 5 one another.

7.28 - Saints ball.

Brees to Shockey for 6. Pierre Thomas on 2nd and 4 breaks to the outside for a gain of 29. Great burst of speed. ESPN crew are talking about Pierre Thomas - More 15 yard gains than any back in football (16% of runs for 15 or more - highest in NFL). Nice stat guys, I did not know that despite my dedicated post 'Pierre Thomas Jersey sales set to jump' last week.

Brees to Lance Moore for a 1st down. Mickey Loomis, the Saints General Manager, is being praised by Analyst Jon Gruden for putting together this team of undrafted picks and free agents. Who am I to argue? In fact that theme is on my blogging to do list next week but that's neither here nor there right now.

Stuffed run and a penalty pushes the Saints to 2nd and 21 at the Falcon 39. Brees to Henderson but Fred Grimes makes a huge leap to intercept Brees. Nick Knackers!

3.54 - Falcons ball at their own 19.

The Saints put pressure on Ryan on successive plays and force the Falcons to punt. Jabari Greer did well to break up the 3rd and 6 pass.

2.46 - Saints ball on their own 20.

Brees to Colston for 15, perfect pass over the middle.  Brees to Bush for 6 yards in the flat. Brees pumps the Gatorade into his mouth in his own inimitable style.

Brees to Meachem for 30 down the middle to bring up the 2 minute warning.  Ball at the Falcon 28.  This is looking good.

Brees to Henderson down the left sideline to the Falcon 4.  Hell of a catch by Henderson, the speedster looks sharp.

1.49 - 1st and goal.

Come on boys, let's get the go ahead touchdown. Analysts are eulogising about the receiving corpse and Sean Payton, soon to be known as Lord Payton of Pimlico.

Pierre Thomas down to the 1. Now the Analysts are saying both guards should go to pro bowl.  Reggie Bush takes a toss to the left and... TOUCHDOWN!! Reggie made it look easy.

Falcons 14, Saints 21.

That marks 3 80 yard drives by the Saints in the first half. Not bad going at all.  The Brees to Henderson pass was key and an absolute highlight catch.

Jon Gruden is blowing more smoke up Brees and Paytons asses.  "I spent days at their training camp and it was quite something" he states to a national audience hanging on his every word. "To see those guys work is to see brilliant football players in action". He then goes on to say "I think the Saints deserve to win the Super Bowl as New Orleans is the best city in the World and they have a dedicated blogger called Peter Falconer who is the best in the business" (WARNING - Last part may have been made up)...

Brees and Payton are finally getting the respect they deserve. I feel good for Drew, he more than deserves it. Stat flashes up that confirms Brees leads the NFL in 20+ yard pass completions this season. You're damn tootin!

1.00 on the 1st half clock. Falcon ball at their own 33 yard line.

Oh my - Jabari Greer picks off Ryan and returns it 48 yards for an outstanding TOUCHDOWN. 14th interception of the year and 5th returned for a TD by a Saint.

What did I say in my Saints Falcons preview? Hey? Hey? About the Defence playing a major part with a game changing TD? OK don't get full of yourself Falconer.

Falcons 14 Saints 28 with 40 seconds left in the half.

1st down to Gonzalez at the Falcons 48 with 15 seconds left. Sharper gave him a heck of a 'Hey man, you don't need that air in your lungs now do ya?' kind of shot.

Umpires have stopped the game to discuss embroidery patterns for the perfect quilt... or it may be to reset the play clock, AGAIN. Someone in the Dome (Chef Who Dat maybe?) keeps knocking seconds off the stadium clock.

Pass to Gonzalez and the Falcons are just within field goal range at the the New Orleans 33 with 9 seconds left.

So Elam comes in, getting that Cancan leg swinging and... Well WIDE and LOW. Get the feck OUT A HERE!!

So the Saints go in at half time 28 to 14 up and I'm off to drink a beer. See you in the second half folks.