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.

Saints Vs Rams 1st Quarter report

Welcome folks as we enter the blandest dome in the NFL for the Week 10 match up between the undefeated New Orleans Saints and the mighty (bad) St. Louis Rams.  As kick off approaches the Falconer promises to eat his own hat if the Saints loose this one (and the Falconer has some very big hats... actually 3 Sombreros and 3 cowboy hats... I hope it doesn't come to that as a) I rather like my hat collection and b) I'm not very good at eating straw and felt if truth be told).

The weekend starts here as Thomas Morstead kicks us off and Jo-Lonn Dunbar stuffs the returner at the 13, great job by Dunbar. 

The Rams start with an incomplete pass.
On 2nd and 10 Charles Grant lines up offside for 5 yard pen.
Steven Jackson breaks a big one out to the Rams 48.  He broke a Vilma arm tackle at the line of scrimmage on the way to that big gain.

1st down Rams and a slant pass for an 8 yard gain.
False start pen against the Rams.  2nd and 7.
Steven Jackson up the middle for 4.  That's 2 runs so far to the right - is that a weakness they've identified?
3rd and 4.
Vilma almost sacks Mark Bulger who just about gets it away.
So the Rams have to punt and it goes out of bounds at the Saints 25.

So in come the New Orleans Saints offence led by General Drew Brees, Colonel Colston, Major Meachem, Private Pierre Thomas and Brigadiers Bush and Bell.  Sergeant Shockey is peeling potatoes.

1st down Saints.  11.57 on the clock.
Bell 3 yards up middle.
Pitch to Bush to the right and a gain of 16.  Nice.

1st down at the Saints 41.
Thomas breaks a tackle and picks up 3.
Brees to Shockey but the big man is hit as the ball gets there and a Ram intercepts at the Saints 47.

1st down male sheep.
A running back is stuffed by Scott Shanle.
Bulger to Jackson who takes it in but is tackled by Shanle. 3rd and 2.
Slant pass, 1st down.

Pass to Jackson, missed tackle Fujita, and Steven J needs all the Saints to tackle him.  Impressive.

1st down 19. 
Roman Harper tackles Jackson for 1.
Mark Bulger throws and...Usama Young intercepts in the end zone and returns the ball to the Saints 25!  Great job Usama.  Darren Sharper on the sidelines looking very happy with Mr. Young.  The Saints now lead the NFL in the interception category with 17.

1st down 6.44 on the clock.

Brees to Saints TE David Thomas, number 85 for those checking the roster, for a pick up of 3.

Reggie Bush flipped after a 3 yard carry.  3rd and 4.
Brees to Shockey on the sidelines for a 1st down at the 36.

1st down New Orleans. 
Mike Bell over left tackle for 3.
Thomas over left picks up 3.  3rd and 4.
Brees to David Thomas (AGAIN) to the Rams 40, a pick up of 18.

1st down Saints. 
Brees to Thomas for 1.
Draw play to Reggie Bush for 4.  3rd and 5.
Drew Brees to Devery Henderson downfield and... Completes to the Rams 14 for a pick up of 21.  That maintains his average of 21 yards per catch throughout his career, quite incredible.  Also quite incredible/mildly impressive, that's the 3rd straight 3rd down conversion in a row on this drive.

1st down. 
Thomas runs for 2.
Bush up the middle, cuts back for 3.  3rd and 5.  Good move by Bush to pick up something from that.

END OF THE 1ST QUARTER with the scores Saints 0 Rams 0.

Drew Brees Who Are We Chant

We Are New Orleans!  The Drew Brees chant to success.

Drew Brees certainly has a way with words.  The 'Who Are We' chant is now infamous around the NFL for its intensity and passion.  It is the rallying call around which the team flocks pre-game and is now synonymous with the Saints winning formula.

So what makes it so special and just what exactly is Drew Brees chanting?

Drew Brees Who Are We chant

Reading through a number of Saints forums it is clear there is a lot of conjecture firstly about what he is actually saying and, equally, the importance of the chant in setting the tone for the teams display.

What is being said in the Drew Brees Who Are We chant?

On the Yahoo answers board one post positively claims it is:

One two win, for you,

Three, four, win, some more,

Five, six, win again,

7, 8, win again,

9, 10, win again, win again, win again...

Over at TiggerDroppings.com the Drew Brees chant words are said to be:

Brees: 1 Players: 2
Brees: Win, Players: For You
Brees: 3 Players: 4
Brees: Win, Players: Some More
Brees: 5 Players: 6
Brees: Win, Players: Again
Brees: 7 Players: 8
Brees: Win, Players: Great
Brees: 9 Players: 10
Brees: Win, Players: Again
All: Again, Again, Again, Again!

  

Drew Brees New Orleans Saints chant 2009

Elsewhere there are further conflicting suggestions. Whichever is the correct answer (and you can make your mind up by watching the above video) it is clear it has the desired effect of motivating the team before kick off.  The fact that the Saints Quarterback is the man in the middle of that huddle tells you a great deal about Brees' leadership qualities and his work ethic.

New Orleans Saints Chant Drew Brees Name With Pride

Not for him the stand offish Quarterback pose adopted by the likes of Jeff George or the egotistical wittering of the deluded (Michael Vick - “The next year will be about being the face of the NFL for the next 10 years").  Instead Brees leads the team by example with his season long preparation work, film study and practise.  His pre match rallying call and his skilful command of the team on the field are the culmination of months of work and dedication at the Saints practise facilities.

The Drew Brees chant of champions

Now that may all sound like some awfully sycophantic babble and for that I apologise.  But I for one am happy to applaud any player in this age who so clearly wears his heart on his sleeve and is prepared to work year round to deliver success to the great city of New Orleans.  When peoples homes are being foreclosed, when jobs are being shed and when every day folk are struggling to make ends meet it comes as some relief to at least be able to follow a team made up of undrafted rejects and free agents and all led by a man of great quality and humility.  I salute you Drew Brees and Who We Are... New Orleans!!

Check out some of the latest videos covering the New Orleans Saints chant words at my follow up post Drew Brees Chant 2009.

Saints Panthers Preview

It's been a week of pure joy inside the Falconer Saints helmet looking at the NFC South standings pinned to my white board.  I've stood up close with nose pressed against paper and admired from afar from the Saints dens door. I've spun around at speed to check my eyes are not deceiving me (getting quite dizzy in the process) and I've charged head long through the house knocking over the innocent in order to recheck what is surely a trick of the mind but no, it is true, the New Orleans Saints are 7 and 0!!

It's a statement of fact that is worth savouring heading into the week 9 game against the Carolina Panthers.  Only once previously have the Saints obtained such a perfect record and I tell ya that team did not have the total balance and weapons the 2009 Saints bring to the party.

That said this week the Facloner is trepidatious at the prospect of the Panthers coming to town for one simple reason... we have not beaten Carolina at home since a young Tom Brady was filling in for Drew Bledsoe over at the Patriots of New England.  Yes my friends 2001 is the white elephant in the room that dare not speak its name.

Records are there to be broken

Of course records are always there to be broken however I fear it is ours on the line for a couple of reasons:

1 - I was so consumed by the Falcons visit I somewhat overlooked the banana skin of a game in week 9 of our schedule,

2 - Teams will now be honing in on our record and looking to make a name for themselves as the team to knock us from our lofty perch.  You can bet those pesky Panthers have been talking of nothing else all week in training.

3 - The Panthers possess a fine running game that could eat up the game clock if left unchecked.

Now all things considered I should not be so fearful as we are playing the football of our lives and possess in Drew Brees the finest Quarterback in our teams history.  However I just cannot get beyond all those painful losses at the Dome to the Panthers and the fact that they don't always play that well and still come out with a win.

So the key for me is to stop Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart early, contain Julius Peppers and jump out to an early lead.  If the Panthers then need to rely on Jake Delhomme I fancy our chances to see out the game.  Easier said than done I know but heck that's as deep as I'm going this week.

Saints to win by this much difference

Beyond anything else Drew Brees needs to remain healthy for the rest of the season.  He is the key that unlocks opposing defences and the prospect of loosing him, well it doesn't even bear thinking about (see my gut Saints feelings are coming out, always looking at the glass half empty).

OK so let's enjoy our perfect record whilst we've got it and hope we march through the Panthers like we should.  Just being a long suffering Saints fan like y'all I can't help but feel this is too good to be true.  In fact I'd better head back to the den to make sure those standings are for real one last time.  Till game time have good Sundays.

Jabari Greer Saints Helmet Player of the Week

Following the propane a lane hum dinger of a ball game on Monday Night Football in which the Famous New Orleans Saints offence took to the skies and out jumped the wingless Falcons I thought it was about time to name my Saint of the Week.

A plethora of options for the Saints Helmet to choose from

Honourable mentions must firstly go out to the main contenders which were:

a) The Entire Saints Offence and
b) The Entire Saints Defence

However the Saints Helmet Player of the Week award is an individual award so the top 5 in descending order are:

Darren Sharper - 5th Place.  He made smart plays all over the field and kept Matt Ryan second guessing with his blitz stunts.  He deserved the addition to his league leading tally of interceptions that came his way in the 4th and is surely a shoe in for the Pro Bowl barring disaster.

Marques Colston - 4th place.  His dominance at going up for jump balls, witness the 2nd Quarter touchdown grab, mean he is Drew Brees' go to target in the Red Zone.  Factor in his ability to make the big play, like the deep ball in the 4th, and you have one heck of a contender for the Pro Bowl.

Will Smith - 3rd place.  His pass rush efforts forced Ryan to throw before his feet were set on a number of occasions and was rewarded with 2 sacks, 4 tackles and 1 forced fumble (well nearly).  It's great to see the big man back as the Saints sack king.

Drew Brees - 2nd place.  What more superlatives can one say about Drew Brees?  He is simply playing outstanding football and is head and shoulders the best Quarterback in the league in my opinion.  His numbers speak for themselves but beyond that he is a leader of men and showed once again that he can put the ball where few others even dare to thread.  Truly a Saints Legend in the making.

Jabari Greer - Saints Helmet Player of the Week.  It would have been too easy to give the gong to Drew Brees as he realistically wins it hands down week in week out so, to make it interesting, I have gone with the game changer himself, Saints cornerback Jabari Greer.

The interception he returned for a touchdown just before half time was the turning point in the game.  It left the Falcons mentally scared going into the locker room knowing they faced an insurmountable challenge in the second half.  Up to that point the Falcons had been playing pretty good football so Greers' interception firstly stopped a promising drive that could have levelled the scores and secondly increased the points difference to two touchdowns.

The Saints secondary as a whole has been so impressive as a unit this season that it's a pleasure to award one of their kin the award for the second time this season.  No longer do I have to hide behind my giant foam hands any time an opposing QB takes to the air for I know that in Jabari Greer, Darren Sharper, Roman Harper and Tracy Porter, who also came up with a game changing pick, we now have a secondary that helps make us a genuine contender.  Roll on the Panthers!

Saints Falcons Post Game Analysis

What have we learnt from tonight?  Well number 1, don't start writing your reflections on the game before the game clock is at 0, amateur bloger. 

Number 2, despite almost being a complete Butkus by calling the game too early in my Saints Falcons 4th Quarter analysis I'm still going to publish the pre Bell fumble summassion I had written both out of complete laziness at this hour and because it mostly still stands:

I'm pretty happy that most of the Saints Falcons preview post came to fruition: 

1 - Brees beat Ryan hands down in the top QB contest. General Brees commands the troops like few others and deserves win number 7.

2 - Brees got better protection.  Take a bow Jermon Bushrod, Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin, Jahri Evans and Jon Stinchcomb.

3 - The Saints Defence forced decisive turnovers.  Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter made game changing interceptions and added 7 points to the Saints secondary's tally for the season.  They're tied with the running backs for the most improved unit on the team.  (Plus Sharpers last second one, the 61st of his career).

4 - The Saints Defence just about kept a lid on Turner and Gonzalez... but only just.  Turner scared the living cr@p out of me towards the end there but we managed to hang on.

5 - The Saints crowd were fervent (hardly an incisive call there Falconer... and stop talking about yourself in the 3rd person you numb skull) but they managed to cause 1 important penalty and hey it all counts in the big win.

Oh and I picked a Saint 14 point win after a tight game... so I was only 3 out (8 in the end after the Butkus Bell).  Sue me... Clearly opening myself up for a verbal beating.

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 3rd Quarter Analysis

Falcons to get us underway in the second half and the ball sails deep to Courtney Roby who brings it out to the 28.  Let's go Offence, put this game away. They clearly chose to ignore me however as the Saints are quickly 4 and out so have to punt.  Faclons ball.

Number 72, Tackle Sam Baker of the Falcons, has a hell of an ugly beard and so gets called for holding on Will Smith.  The Umpires secretly wanted to call it for unsportsmanlike beard but couldn't find the rulebook to double check it was in there.  Falcons' 1st and 20 back at their own 33.

Oh dear, Ryan to Roddy White for a 68 yard Touchdown pass over Greer who missed the jump ball... and just when he was shaping up for Super Saint of the week.

Falcons 21 Saints 28.

Roby returns the kick off to the 38.  Mike Bell run, then short pass to Colston brings up a quick 3rd and 4.  We could do with a good drive here so...  Brees to Shockey, 1st down.  The big man does the business after a great Brees audible set up a mismatch.

Brees to Meachem for 17 to the Falcon 26.  Just another great pass and catch.  Brees makes the impossible look easy.

Bell picks up a nice 7.  2 quick incompletions follow and the Saints will have to settle for a field goal.  Here comes John Karney the Cancan man and... he misses wide right.  Balls.

Falcons 21 Saints 28.

White then Turner pick up some yards and the Falcons are at midfield quick.  Dunbar makes a heck of a tackle which brings up a Scott Fujita shot on the sideline for the benefit of Michelle at the Saints Rants blog. 

The Fujita shot must have done the job as Michelle's good vibes enable Eagle Eyes Sharper to break up the 3rd and 5 pass and the Falcons are forced to punt.  Saints ball at their own 16.  Game on.

Pierre Thomas with 2 runs brings up a 1st down to the Saints 27.  Due to a Falcon injury Brees finds the time to chat to Payton on the sidelines about the floral patterns on the wallpaper he's looking to get for his front room next week.

Bell stuffed for 0.  Now Brees to Thomas, who at first stumbles but makes a heck of a second effort, to pick up 7 yards.  Thomas took a good lick there though and is slow getting up.  3rd and 3. Incomplete.  Saints have to punt again.  Damn this is tight again.

3:18 left in the 3rd Quarter and the Falcons start at their own 23.  Big drive coming up.  Momentum is up for grabs.

Turner grabs a 1st down.  That Falcon tackle with the ginger beard is on the sidelines being talked to by the coaches.  Looks like they want to sheer off that ugly chin hair with some sheep clippers.  Will they manage to do it?  Stay tuned as we need to return to the field.

And just in time as Will Smith takes down Matt Ryan for a loss of 4.  2nd sack of the night by the Hollywood star who moonlights for the Saints.

Ryan to Jenkins for pick up of 29.  Good pressure again by the Saints front 4 but the slippery bird flew the nest just in time.  Come on Defence, the Dome is getting LOUD.

Turner runs for a first down and sucks the noise out the crowd to end the 3rd.

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.

Saints Kids are the BEST!!

Further to my previous post I should also add:

Point 6 - The support of the Gruesome Twosome!

Here's number 1 son displaying his love for the Saints...

But, hang on, what's this?  A confused child in the flock?  What's she doing with a Falcons helmet?  Doesn't she know this is Cajun Country?  This ignorance will not stand!

Ahh, we can breath easy again as it looks like older Brother (and 25 family members off camera) have pointed/brain washed her in the right direction...

Phew, that was a close call.  Now the family can rest easy for we know the future is in good hands...

 
Unless she meets a stupid Falcons fan in college... Stupid Falcons... Oooh look at us, we're from Atlanta, we think we're so big and... Falcony....  Stupid Falcons (continues muttering late into night)...

Saints Falcons Preview

I have been looking forward to the Saints Falcons game like no other this season. The fact we're riding into this Divisional match up undefeated at 6 and 0 with the potential to steal a decisive march on the Division crown has got me all pumped up and unable to work.

So here are my Top 5 reasons why the Saints will whip those Falcon tooshies:

1 - Drew Brees Vs Matt Ryan - There's only one winner in my book.  Brees is the best Quarterback in the league right now and there is no one I would rather have under centre for this match up.

He commands and directs the offence like few others and is truly the Saints on field General.  As long as he gets protection then Brees should be able to pick apart the 27th ranked Falcons Defence against the pass.

  Atten-hut, General Brees is on the field

2 - Drew Brees will get better protection - The Dolphins blew a Jonathan Stinchcomb sized hole in the offensive line and were able to pressure Brees into throwing 3 interceptions.  They exposed a potential weakness in an otherwise flawless Saints O line campaign to date which the rest of the league will be watching with interest.  Look for Stinchcomb to get extra support against John Abraham (if he plays as his fitness is questionable at time of going to post) and Co.  If the front 5 play their part they will provide the bedrock for a Saints win.

Jermon Bushrod, Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin, Jahri Evans, Jon Stinchcomb

3 - The Saints Defence will force turnovers - The Saints D have already picked off 13 passes and forced 5 fumbles so far this season.  This ability to get the ball back in Brees' hands is a key component of the team's success.  Watch out for Eagle Eyes Darren Sharper to continue his already great season by making a decisive play against a quality but inexperienced Quarterback in Matt Ryan.

4 - The Saints Defence will manage Tony Gonzalez and Michael Turner - With Jerious Norwood questionable through injury the Falcons will be heavily reliant on the power running of Turner.  If the Saints can restrict him to short yardage Ryan will be forced to the air and Gonzalez in particular.  This will be a key match up and the Saints Linebacker crew need to be on top form against the league's best Tight End.  If they win this battle the Saints will be well on the road to a home win.

5 - The Super Dome Crowd will be fervent - Whilst I don't normally factor home field advantage as a major game changer for pro footballers I think the noise and intensity will play a part against our division foes. The crowd have the potential to cause Falcon Offensive and Defensive linemen to be called off side especially on big 3rd downs when the volume of the crowd will be peaking.

 Saints fans are the 12th man

Monday Night Football Summary

The Saints are going to edge this but it's going to be tight.  If we can stop Michael Turner early and force the Falcons to the air whilst playing catch up I think we've got a great chance.  Brees needs better protection than last week but hopefully that was a temporary blip in an otherwise fine O line season. If we maintain a healthy balance between the run and pass on offence then look for a Famous New Orleans Saints win by 14 come the closing bell.

Famous New Orleans Saints players of the future

I have a feeling that when all is said and done we are going to end up with a number of newly famous New Orleans Saints players at the end of this season. 

At present the Saints roster is full of unassuming team players who do not get national recognition at their position.  That is sure to change if they continue to play in the same vein of form that has taken the Saints to 5 and 0.

Chief among them are the receiving corps, running backs and the totally unheralded Offensive line.  So I hereby present to you my soon to be famous New Orleans Saints players.  I only pray we can keep hold of them come years end:

1.  Lance Moore - the Wes Welker of our receivers, the slot guy and 3rd down specialist.  I've watched Moore's progress with great interest over the past year and a half more out of disbelief that the Saints scouts had unearthed yet another unheralded gem.  I really like his selfless team play, a coach's dream.

2.  Pierre Thomas - the undrafted 2007 free agent has been a real find and has helped balance the offence by powering the running game.  An excellent inside runner he also has the speed to turn the corner and is another team first player.

3.  Robert Meachem/Marques Colston - both have already posted good numbers in previous seasons so there is some level of awareness out there but I believe they will both end up with stellar numbers this season.  Both are tall, strong and quick with good hands.  Like the rest of the team they are more interested in doing their talking on the field than the media, a blessing for any cohesive play off bound contenders.

Needless to say I have left Drew Brees off this list as he already has some nationwide recognition.  That said I still do not think that he gets the credit he deserves and a stellar season could see him widely accepted as the best QB in the league, a title he more than deserves in my wholly biased eyes.

Finally a big shout out to Jermon Bushrod, Jahri Evans, Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin and Jon Stinchcomb, the offensive line who make it all happen around them.  The way they handled the Giants front 7 on Sunday goes to show what a unit they have become.  The pass protection has been flawless and they have helped establish the Saints as one of the leagues best running teams.  Sadly these guys are never going to find the fame attached to the likes of Bush, Brees and Co. but if they continue playing as they have they could help make this the most famous New Orleans Saints team of all time.  Here's hoping!