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.
Showing posts with label Garrett Hartley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Garrett Hartley. Show all posts
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Saints win the hard way in San Fran
Man I hate the 49ers. Always have always will... It's just been a while so I forgot how much!
It was like watching those old games off youth when the Saints would be in the game and then cool hand Joe would march his team down the field and snatch a win.
Well luckily for the Saints we now have a great team who stick together in tough road conditions whilst the 49ers find new ways to implode. I for one love that fact and want to take my hat off to the 49ers center for that opening snap that cost them the game.
Mike Singletary demon eyes
I sure am glad I was not in the 49er locker room after the game as some of their players literally handed the Saints keys to stay in the game at times.
What was it, 3 turnovers when they'd marched to the Saints red zone? Jeez, that is the kind of thing to make the iron man go purple with rage.
Now onto the Saints
I feared it at seasons start and now I'm worried even more. Loosing Mike Bell is going to hurt this team.
The diminuitive runner would have pounded out some hard yards in that second half to take the pressure off Pierre Thomas and give the 49ers more to think about. Instead it was left primarily to Pierre to fight for some small incremental yardage.
Clearly coach Payton didn't want to throw DeShawn Wynn into such a tough situation but the guy is going to have to get his game face on now with the loss of Reggie Bush.
Reggie Bush injured again
It pains me to see Reggie down and injured yet again especially after the week he had. The guy had his first healthy off season in a long while and looked sharp but once again lady luck has spoiled his season, a fact that could impact the Saints big time.
Without Bush we loose a lot of disguises that keep opponents on edge. It's going to result in a lot more blitz packages coming at Brees.
Drew Brees hurried too many times
Which brings me onto another concern. Brees was hurried far more times than was comfortable.
He is the undisputed leader of the team and to see him being put to the ground and under pressure so much was a concern. You could see it through the loss of his rythmn at times. Let's just hope that was a one off as our O line is made of better stuff.
The Positives
All that said there was a lot to take from the game. The team stuck together in true champion spirit coming into a hostile Monday night environment.
I thought the D played pretty well in large patches and did a great job at once again going after the ball. Vilma and Harper were once again excellent as was the entire secondary. I'd like to see more pressure from the line but they were facing a pretty good front five so let's wait and see how that front bears out in coming games.
Finally it was great to see the play of our special teams once again and especially the clutch kicks of Garrett Hartley. The young kicker held his nerve in tough circumstances to seal a Saints win and put paid to last weeks misses the only way a quality kicker can.
Great also to see some tighter defensive coverage on the return teams and a true all round effort from Courtney Roby. Oh and I best not forget Morstead as his booming kicks sure do go a long way to helping the D at times.
So in summary
A tough road win, hard fought against good opponents. The team has time now to reflect on where we were missing some connections ahead of the Falcons game. That sure is going to be a tough one but so long as our collective spirit holds true then we have a great shot.
In the meantime best wishes to Reggie. Fingers crossed for positive news in the coming days.
It was like watching those old games off youth when the Saints would be in the game and then cool hand Joe would march his team down the field and snatch a win.
Well luckily for the Saints we now have a great team who stick together in tough road conditions whilst the 49ers find new ways to implode. I for one love that fact and want to take my hat off to the 49ers center for that opening snap that cost them the game.
Mike Singletary demon eyes
I sure am glad I was not in the 49er locker room after the game as some of their players literally handed the Saints keys to stay in the game at times.
What was it, 3 turnovers when they'd marched to the Saints red zone? Jeez, that is the kind of thing to make the iron man go purple with rage.
Now onto the Saints
I feared it at seasons start and now I'm worried even more. Loosing Mike Bell is going to hurt this team.
The diminuitive runner would have pounded out some hard yards in that second half to take the pressure off Pierre Thomas and give the 49ers more to think about. Instead it was left primarily to Pierre to fight for some small incremental yardage.
Clearly coach Payton didn't want to throw DeShawn Wynn into such a tough situation but the guy is going to have to get his game face on now with the loss of Reggie Bush.
Reggie Bush injured again
It pains me to see Reggie down and injured yet again especially after the week he had. The guy had his first healthy off season in a long while and looked sharp but once again lady luck has spoiled his season, a fact that could impact the Saints big time.
Without Bush we loose a lot of disguises that keep opponents on edge. It's going to result in a lot more blitz packages coming at Brees.
Drew Brees hurried too many times
Which brings me onto another concern. Brees was hurried far more times than was comfortable.
He is the undisputed leader of the team and to see him being put to the ground and under pressure so much was a concern. You could see it through the loss of his rythmn at times. Let's just hope that was a one off as our O line is made of better stuff.
The Positives
All that said there was a lot to take from the game. The team stuck together in true champion spirit coming into a hostile Monday night environment.
I thought the D played pretty well in large patches and did a great job at once again going after the ball. Vilma and Harper were once again excellent as was the entire secondary. I'd like to see more pressure from the line but they were facing a pretty good front five so let's wait and see how that front bears out in coming games.
Finally it was great to see the play of our special teams once again and especially the clutch kicks of Garrett Hartley. The young kicker held his nerve in tough circumstances to seal a Saints win and put paid to last weeks misses the only way a quality kicker can.
Great also to see some tighter defensive coverage on the return teams and a true all round effort from Courtney Roby. Oh and I best not forget Morstead as his booming kicks sure do go a long way to helping the D at times.
So in summary
A tough road win, hard fought against good opponents. The team has time now to reflect on where we were missing some connections ahead of the Falcons game. That sure is going to be a tough one but so long as our collective spirit holds true then we have a great shot.
In the meantime best wishes to Reggie. Fingers crossed for positive news in the coming days.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Drew Brees Super Bowl MVP
The Saints Super Bowl Sunday win is a night that will live long in the hearts of all the Who Dat Nation. After decades of hurt and after the trauma of Katrina the city of New Orleans came together last night to rejoice in the brilliance that was our Saints team and boy did we deserve it!
After some early nerves and missed opportunities the team came together with renewed vigor to get the job done in the second half. Sean Payton made one of the gutsiest calls of all time with the kick off and from then on we had the wind in our sails.
If ever there was a game changing moment you can attribute to a coach this was it. It seemed to give the whole team belief and they played the second half in the fashion we've become accustomed to - high intensity and an unstoppable will to win.
Drew Brees Super Bowl MVP - The Saints legend was sheer class once he'd got his nerves under control. He found his rhythm early in the 2nd Quarter and never looked back. His 32 completions from 39 attempts equalled the Super Bowl completion record set by Tom Brady. But it was his ice cool leadership, play calling and execution that really told the story of the Saints Super Bowl win and ensured the great man left the big game rightly hailed as the games MVP. Finally he has the recognition he so deserves for all his tireless work and dedication to the Saints cause.
On the other side of the ball Jonathan Vilma continued to do what he has done all year by directing the Saints D around the field in answer to Peyton Mannings audibles. His reading of Manning on a 3rd and 11 with 11 on the clock in the 4th Quarter was another game changer.
Manning audibled and Vilma reacted directing the secondary to drop back before himself making a play on the ball to break up the eventual pass near the end zone. With the score set at Saints 16 Colts 17 this was a moment of genuine brilliance by the Saints D Captain and one that ended up being decisive.
Talking of decisive moments how about Tracy Porter getting the read on Peyton Manning and taking it to the house? I don't think I have ever been as excited in my life as I was in those few seconds of brilliance by the young Saints CB. What a play and what a way to kill off the biggest game in Saints history.
All the team are Super Saints
Praise goes to every Saints player and coach on the field as they all did a great job but there are a couple of under appreciated people I want to pay tribute to.
First up Lance Moore. The Saints WR has spent the majority of the year on the sidelines with his troublesome ankle injury so it was great to see him make such an important grab on the 2 point conversion.
Next up Roman Harper who was all over the field making important tackles throughout the game and underlining what a vital player he is. Yes he got burned by Garcon for the go ahead touchdown but he continued to play his game and helped contain the many threats the Colts receiving corps posed.
Finally a shout out to Pierre Thomas and Marques Colston. Both produced the goods when called upon and helped the Saints juggernaut offense start to move with conviction. Colston for one could have lost confidence following an early dropped pass but he put it behind him to lead the Saints in receiving with 7 grabs for 83 yards.
Oops I almost overlooked new Saints legend himself Garrett Hartley who nailed all 3 of his field goals, the shortest being from 44 yards, to keep the Saints in contention. Without his cool temperament the game could easily have gotten away from us in those early exchanges.
Finally
All in all it was the best night of my life and I still cannot believe we are Super Bowl Champions. It just feels so alien. But if ever there was a city and a people that deserved it then the people of New Orleans and all the Who Dat Nation would be first in the queue. Who Dat, Who Dat, Who Dat say dey gonna dem Saints?!!
Bourbon Street Super Bowl Party
If ever there was a game changing moment you can attribute to a coach this was it. It seemed to give the whole team belief and they played the second half in the fashion we've become accustomed to - high intensity and an unstoppable will to win.
Drew Brees Super Bowl MVP - The Saints legend was sheer class once he'd got his nerves under control. He found his rhythm early in the 2nd Quarter and never looked back. His 32 completions from 39 attempts equalled the Super Bowl completion record set by Tom Brady. But it was his ice cool leadership, play calling and execution that really told the story of the Saints Super Bowl win and ensured the great man left the big game rightly hailed as the games MVP. Finally he has the recognition he so deserves for all his tireless work and dedication to the Saints cause.
Drew Brees Super Bowl MVP Interview
On the other side of the ball Jonathan Vilma continued to do what he has done all year by directing the Saints D around the field in answer to Peyton Mannings audibles. His reading of Manning on a 3rd and 11 with 11 on the clock in the 4th Quarter was another game changer.
Manning audibled and Vilma reacted directing the secondary to drop back before himself making a play on the ball to break up the eventual pass near the end zone. With the score set at Saints 16 Colts 17 this was a moment of genuine brilliance by the Saints D Captain and one that ended up being decisive.
Talking of decisive moments how about Tracy Porter getting the read on Peyton Manning and taking it to the house? I don't think I have ever been as excited in my life as I was in those few seconds of brilliance by the young Saints CB. What a play and what a way to kill off the biggest game in Saints history.
All the team are Super Saints
Praise goes to every Saints player and coach on the field as they all did a great job but there are a couple of under appreciated people I want to pay tribute to.
First up Lance Moore. The Saints WR has spent the majority of the year on the sidelines with his troublesome ankle injury so it was great to see him make such an important grab on the 2 point conversion.
Lance Moore 2 Point Conversion
Finally a shout out to Pierre Thomas and Marques Colston. Both produced the goods when called upon and helped the Saints juggernaut offense start to move with conviction. Colston for one could have lost confidence following an early dropped pass but he put it behind him to lead the Saints in receiving with 7 grabs for 83 yards.
Oops I almost overlooked new Saints legend himself Garrett Hartley who nailed all 3 of his field goals, the shortest being from 44 yards, to keep the Saints in contention. Without his cool temperament the game could easily have gotten away from us in those early exchanges.
Finally
All in all it was the best night of my life and I still cannot believe we are Super Bowl Champions. It just feels so alien. But if ever there was a city and a people that deserved it then the people of New Orleans and all the Who Dat Nation would be first in the queue. Who Dat, Who Dat, Who Dat say dey gonna dem Saints?!!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 4th Quarter
It's the 4th Quarter and the Saints continue to lead the Bucs 17 to 3 after a scoreless 3rd Quarter. The Saints offensive machine has ground to a halt and the Bucs are moving the ball at will so this is not the sealed deal you would have hoped for after the big 1st Quarter demo.
The Bucs are driving but facing 3rd and 7.
Freeman to Winslow over the middle and he takes it 35 yards all the way down to the Saints 33. Not the best start to a 4th quarter I've ever seen.
1st down Bucs.
False start penalty tacks on 5. 1st and 15.
Cadillac Williams bounces out left and speeds his way to the end zone for a touchdown. That was a 99 yard drive! That is pretty poor going by the Saints D. We've gone totally flat after a great start to the game. Let's see if we can throw this away.
Bucs 10 Saints 17
1st down Saints at their 21.
Reggie Bush takes the hand off and runs right for 3. 2nd and 7.
Brees drops back, buys some time and hits Marques Colston for a gain of 11.
1st down Saints.
Brees to David Thomas for 5. 2nd and 5.
Brees rolls right and hits Colston again for a gain of 4 to bring up 3rd and a much needed 1.
Lynell Hamilton takes the hand off and drives up the middle for a few and a 1st.
1st down Saints at the 47.
Brees to Hamilton on the screen but nothing there as Hamilton is taken down for a two yard loss. 2nd and 12.
Brees drops back and connects with Colston over the middle who takes it a few before coughing up the ball and... the Bucs recover. Oh no. This is not what the doctor ordered. The Bucs will have the ball somewhere close to midfield and only a 7 point margin to chase.
1st down Bucs at their own 39.
Williams up the middle and picks up an easy 8. 2nd and 2.
Williams again bursts through the middle for a few more into Saints territory.
1st down Bucs.
Williams again with the carry picks up 2. 2nd and 8.
Freeman connects with Winslow for 28 yards on a great grab.
1st down Bucs at the Saints 28.
Freeman to Stevens who makes a Saint miss and then tacks on 8 more. 2nd and 1.
Freeman goes for the end zone but over throws. 3rd and 1.
Williams takes the hand off again and he is gang tackled. It's going to be very close. They will measure this... They are half a yard short and will go for it on 4th down.
Williams with the hand off and... Jonathan Vilma absolutely nails him for a loss... but the Bucs sideline called a timeout just before the play so they'll get another shot at this. Could that be one of the most painful timeouts the Saints will face this season? We'll find out once the ad break is over.
Freeman on a play action and... Charles Grant batters it down!! Great play by Grant and the Saints D to hold them there. That was a much needed stand after the Bucs moved the ball at will through the 2nd half.
1st down Saints at their 19 with 5 mins left on the clock.
Mike Bell with the hand off for a couple. 2nd and 8.
Brees completes to Devery Henderson out wide right and bursts up field for a 1st.
1st down Saints at the 31.
Lynell Hamilton takes it nowhere on 1st down. 2nd and 10.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas for a gain of 3. Tampa timeout stops the clock. 3rd and 7.
Brees pump fake and completes to Robert Meachem at the 41 but he may be just short here, The chains will measure and... yes he's short. So Thomas Morstead comes in to punt and it goes to Spurlock at his 20 who dodges a tackle, and another... and another... breaks in field... crosses the field and has open space all the way for a touchdown! Oh man, that is shocking. I can't look. This is aweful.
Bucs 17 Saints 17
1st down Saints at their own 25.
Brees under big pressure escapes a sack and connects with Devery Henderson who makes a heck of a catch. That's great to see after some of his problems of recent. That brings up the 2 minute warning. 2nd and 7.
Holding call against the Saints. 2nd and 17.
Brees to Bush who takes it 14 yards. 3rd and 3.
Brees to Marques Colston in the slot for 6.
1st down Saints at the 39.
Brees to David Thomas on the crossing pattern. 2nd and 4.
Brees to Reggie Bush who breaks 2 tackles and then leaps his way to the sidelines to stop the clock and pick up the 1st.
1st down Saints with 29 left on the clock at the Bucs 45.
Brees over the middle to Thomas and it falls incomplete. 2nd and 10. 24 secs to go.
Brees out wide left to Devery Henderson 7 but he can't get out of bounds so the Saints will have to burn a timeout. 3rd and 3.
Brees to Robert Meachem who breaks a tackle and races 19 yards.
Garrett Hartley will come in for a 37 yard field goal attempt to win it and... It goes wide left. F*ck me this is distressing. I can't believe we're going to over time.
The Bucs are driving but facing 3rd and 7.
Freeman to Winslow over the middle and he takes it 35 yards all the way down to the Saints 33. Not the best start to a 4th quarter I've ever seen.
1st down Bucs.
False start penalty tacks on 5. 1st and 15.
Cadillac Williams bounces out left and speeds his way to the end zone for a touchdown. That was a 99 yard drive! That is pretty poor going by the Saints D. We've gone totally flat after a great start to the game. Let's see if we can throw this away.
Bucs 10 Saints 17
1st down Saints at their 21.
Reggie Bush takes the hand off and runs right for 3. 2nd and 7.
Brees drops back, buys some time and hits Marques Colston for a gain of 11.
1st down Saints.
Brees to David Thomas for 5. 2nd and 5.
Brees rolls right and hits Colston again for a gain of 4 to bring up 3rd and a much needed 1.
Lynell Hamilton takes the hand off and drives up the middle for a few and a 1st.
1st down Saints at the 47.
Brees to Hamilton on the screen but nothing there as Hamilton is taken down for a two yard loss. 2nd and 12.
Brees drops back and connects with Colston over the middle who takes it a few before coughing up the ball and... the Bucs recover. Oh no. This is not what the doctor ordered. The Bucs will have the ball somewhere close to midfield and only a 7 point margin to chase.
1st down Bucs at their own 39.
Williams up the middle and picks up an easy 8. 2nd and 2.
Williams again bursts through the middle for a few more into Saints territory.
1st down Bucs.
Williams again with the carry picks up 2. 2nd and 8.
Freeman connects with Winslow for 28 yards on a great grab.
1st down Bucs at the Saints 28.
Freeman to Stevens who makes a Saint miss and then tacks on 8 more. 2nd and 1.
Freeman goes for the end zone but over throws. 3rd and 1.
Williams takes the hand off again and he is gang tackled. It's going to be very close. They will measure this... They are half a yard short and will go for it on 4th down.
Williams with the hand off and... Jonathan Vilma absolutely nails him for a loss... but the Bucs sideline called a timeout just before the play so they'll get another shot at this. Could that be one of the most painful timeouts the Saints will face this season? We'll find out once the ad break is over.
Freeman on a play action and... Charles Grant batters it down!! Great play by Grant and the Saints D to hold them there. That was a much needed stand after the Bucs moved the ball at will through the 2nd half.
1st down Saints at their 19 with 5 mins left on the clock.
Mike Bell with the hand off for a couple. 2nd and 8.
Brees completes to Devery Henderson out wide right and bursts up field for a 1st.
1st down Saints at the 31.
Lynell Hamilton takes it nowhere on 1st down. 2nd and 10.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas for a gain of 3. Tampa timeout stops the clock. 3rd and 7.
Brees pump fake and completes to Robert Meachem at the 41 but he may be just short here, The chains will measure and... yes he's short. So Thomas Morstead comes in to punt and it goes to Spurlock at his 20 who dodges a tackle, and another... and another... breaks in field... crosses the field and has open space all the way for a touchdown! Oh man, that is shocking. I can't look. This is aweful.
Bucs 17 Saints 17
1st down Saints at their own 25.
Brees under big pressure escapes a sack and connects with Devery Henderson who makes a heck of a catch. That's great to see after some of his problems of recent. That brings up the 2 minute warning. 2nd and 7.
Holding call against the Saints. 2nd and 17.
Brees to Bush who takes it 14 yards. 3rd and 3.
Brees to Marques Colston in the slot for 6.
1st down Saints at the 39.
Brees to David Thomas on the crossing pattern. 2nd and 4.
Brees to Reggie Bush who breaks 2 tackles and then leaps his way to the sidelines to stop the clock and pick up the 1st.
1st down Saints with 29 left on the clock at the Bucs 45.
Brees over the middle to Thomas and it falls incomplete. 2nd and 10. 24 secs to go.
Brees out wide left to Devery Henderson 7 but he can't get out of bounds so the Saints will have to burn a timeout. 3rd and 3.
Brees to Robert Meachem who breaks a tackle and races 19 yards.
Garrett Hartley will come in for a 37 yard field goal attempt to win it and... It goes wide left. F*ck me this is distressing. I can't believe we're going to over time.
Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 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.
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.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saints Vs Falcons 4th Quarter
Welcome to the 4th Quarter with the Saints leading 23 to 16 but with the big birds driving in Saints territory.
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
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
Monday, December 7, 2009
Robert Meachem Saints MVP Vs Redskins
Now that my heart is back in its rightful place and not beating faster than a Humming bird flaps its wings its time to name this weeks Saints MVP.
The competition is a little thin on the ground following an abject performance in some areas of the field (cups hand to your ear and whispers Defense) but there were two contenders who stood out and one of them won it last week so it can't go to him for ethical reasons...
So without further ado I hereby give it to the Saints number 17 ace in the pack himself R. Meachem... for two game changing moments in the tighter than newly washed underpants game that was the Saints Vs Redskins.
Robert Meachem Saints MVP - To witness the Saints struggling to get back in the game before half time was hard enough. To then watch Drew Brees throw a pick under pressure made it worse still. But to suddenly realise that the Saints team were following Robert Meachem down the sidelines was something beyond unexpected.
My brain took a few seconds to process what was going on and before I could say 'Er, like what's going on' the Saints were dancing in the end zone and the World seemed that bit brighter for a good few minutes thanks to Mr Never Quit himself, Robert 'You Beautiful SOB' Meachem.
Talk about hustle play. The guy had no right to make that happen and yet he did and it helped keep the Saints in with a fighting chance for the second half. Without Meachems intervention the Redskins could very well have got a few more points on the board and made things that extra touch more difficult than they already were... Which is to say very difficult indeed.
To add excitement to ecstasy he then elected to throw the double fake of his life on his way to the post on the 52 yard game tying touchdown with just 1.27 on the clock. Talk about hero making. Cometh the hour, cometh the Meachem. He ended the day with 142 yards off 8 receptions and 2 touchdowns... and my undying debt.
Honourable mentions to...
Drew Brees Saints Legend - Not quite at his pinnacle best of the Patriots game (but then how do you better perfection) yet still a more than decent game by the Don of the Saints O. What I love about the guy is you always have faith that he will either find a way to pull it out the bag or die trying. And he certainly never gave up on his way to 419 passing yards off an incredible 49 attempts (that tells you the story of how effective the running game was) and 2 TDs.
Garrett Hartley Saints Kicker - How can you not pay thanks to the man who kept his cool in overtime to seal an incredible come back victory? Yes it was only 18 yards away, yes my Granny could have kicked it but still it takes some guts to step up having watched one of your kicking brethren looking desperately for a hole to hide in having shanked his game ending field goal down the other end not long before.
Never the Worlds safest or appreciated profession but I for one thank you Mr Hartley for letting my heart beat normally again after, oh I don't know, 3 hours of nerve shredding tension.
Darren Sharper Saints Safety - Now some may wonder how a Saints Defender gets in the list this week after some of the worst tackling since I last chased a chicken round a coop but I tell you if it wasn't for number 42 the game would have been over long before.
Cast your mind back to the start of the 4th Quarter and the Redskins are driving deep in Saints territory. Their running backs are breaking point of contact hits and getting 4/5/6 yards every carry and the goal line is beckoning. Up steps Darren Sharper on 3rd and 1 to cut down Mason in the back field to stop a key conversion. The Redskins duly kicked a field goal instead of putting an extra 4 on the board.
For that play alone Sharpy McSharp Sharp makes it onto this weeks winners board (although the less said about him tackling Mike McKenzie just as Old McKee boy was about to stop a touchdown by the Redskins Thomas the better).
Please, please, please will the Gods of injury smile on our stricken Defense and get some more starters back in time for the playoffs. I'll eat my greens for a whole month or something.
The competition is a little thin on the ground following an abject performance in some areas of the field (cups hand to your ear and whispers Defense) but there were two contenders who stood out and one of them won it last week so it can't go to him for ethical reasons...
So without further ado I hereby give it to the Saints number 17 ace in the pack himself R. Meachem... for two game changing moments in the tighter than newly washed underpants game that was the Saints Vs Redskins.
Robert Meachem Saints MVP - To witness the Saints struggling to get back in the game before half time was hard enough. To then watch Drew Brees throw a pick under pressure made it worse still. But to suddenly realise that the Saints team were following Robert Meachem down the sidelines was something beyond unexpected.
My brain took a few seconds to process what was going on and before I could say 'Er, like what's going on' the Saints were dancing in the end zone and the World seemed that bit brighter for a good few minutes thanks to Mr Never Quit himself, Robert 'You Beautiful SOB' Meachem.
Talk about hustle play. The guy had no right to make that happen and yet he did and it helped keep the Saints in with a fighting chance for the second half. Without Meachems intervention the Redskins could very well have got a few more points on the board and made things that extra touch more difficult than they already were... Which is to say very difficult indeed.
To add excitement to ecstasy he then elected to throw the double fake of his life on his way to the post on the 52 yard game tying touchdown with just 1.27 on the clock. Talk about hero making. Cometh the hour, cometh the Meachem. He ended the day with 142 yards off 8 receptions and 2 touchdowns... and my undying debt.
Honourable mentions to...
Drew Brees Saints Legend - Not quite at his pinnacle best of the Patriots game (but then how do you better perfection) yet still a more than decent game by the Don of the Saints O. What I love about the guy is you always have faith that he will either find a way to pull it out the bag or die trying. And he certainly never gave up on his way to 419 passing yards off an incredible 49 attempts (that tells you the story of how effective the running game was) and 2 TDs.
Garrett Hartley Saints Kicker - How can you not pay thanks to the man who kept his cool in overtime to seal an incredible come back victory? Yes it was only 18 yards away, yes my Granny could have kicked it but still it takes some guts to step up having watched one of your kicking brethren looking desperately for a hole to hide in having shanked his game ending field goal down the other end not long before.
Never the Worlds safest or appreciated profession but I for one thank you Mr Hartley for letting my heart beat normally again after, oh I don't know, 3 hours of nerve shredding tension.
Darren Sharper Saints Safety - Now some may wonder how a Saints Defender gets in the list this week after some of the worst tackling since I last chased a chicken round a coop but I tell you if it wasn't for number 42 the game would have been over long before.
Cast your mind back to the start of the 4th Quarter and the Redskins are driving deep in Saints territory. Their running backs are breaking point of contact hits and getting 4/5/6 yards every carry and the goal line is beckoning. Up steps Darren Sharper on 3rd and 1 to cut down Mason in the back field to stop a key conversion. The Redskins duly kicked a field goal instead of putting an extra 4 on the board.
For that play alone Sharpy McSharp Sharp makes it onto this weeks winners board (although the less said about him tackling Mike McKenzie just as Old McKee boy was about to stop a touchdown by the Redskins Thomas the better).
Please, please, please will the Gods of injury smile on our stricken Defense and get some more starters back in time for the playoffs. I'll eat my greens for a whole month or something.
Saints Vs Redskins Overtime
You join us in overtime in one of the most incredible endings to a game in quite some time. The Saints have never really been firing well today but somehow they have pulled this out and forced their way back into the game.
The normally average Jason Campbell picked a hell of a day for a career best Sunday with 358 yards.
The Redskins win the coin toss and will receive the overtime kick off so its all to do again for the Saints. We need another huge play from today’s porous D.
1st down Redskins at their 20.
Campbell to Santana Moss for 10.
1st down Redskins.
Ganther up the middle for 5. 2nd and 5. I'm shaking as I type this.
Campbell to Sellers who is stopped short of the 1st by McCallister who made a great open field tackle. It looks like he fumbled that on the way down but the refs rule he was down before the ball came out. 3rd and 1. Payton calls a timeout to hint massively to the review booth to look at this again... Which they are now doing... And they've ruled it a FUMBLE that was recovered by the Saints!! Unbelievable. What a game. Great time out call by Payton.
1st down Saints at the Redskins 37.
Drew Brees rolls out right and completes to Devery Henderson at the 25.
1st down Saints.
Saints sweep with Mike Bell carrying and he does another flip on his way to 1 yard. Talk about a day of hard running for no gains. He's been tossed in the air more than a Dolphin at Sea World. 2nd and 9.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas for a pick up of 4. 3rd and 5.
Brees to Colston on the right sidelines and he picks up the 1st.
1st down Saints at the Redskins 15 and they're calling out Garrett Hartley to punch this from 32. But no Sean Payton has a think about this and sends the Saints O back out there. That goes to show the faith he has in the O to get this done.
Still 1st down Saints.
Mike Bell bursts right and runs for 9. His biggest run of the day and it couldn't come at a better time. 2nd and 1.
Mike Bell falls through the hole for a 1st down at the 2.
1st and goal.
Mike Bell dives and... He is inches short. The stadium is silent. 2nd and goal... But the booth are going to review this... And rule the call on the field should stand. So it's still 2nd and goal.
And out comes Garrett Hartley for an 18 yard field goal attempt... He makes it but the Redskins called a timeout so we're going to have to do this again... And he MAKES IT!!!! Oh my Lord. WHAT A WIN, I CANNOT BELIEVE IT. HOW DID WE EVER DO THAT?
This has got to be one of the most bizarre games in memory. We played pretty average in long spells, scored a touchdown by mugging an intercepting Redskin and clung in there when the Redskins missed a 2 score field goal. How we came out with the win I will never know but it was incredible and we are now 12 and 0. That is the work of champions. To play that 'average' and still win.
Nail Biting Finish Here For The Saints
The normally average Jason Campbell picked a hell of a day for a career best Sunday with 358 yards.
The Redskins win the coin toss and will receive the overtime kick off so its all to do again for the Saints. We need another huge play from today’s porous D.
1st down Redskins at their 20.
Campbell to Santana Moss for 10.
1st down Redskins.
Ganther up the middle for 5. 2nd and 5. I'm shaking as I type this.
Campbell to Sellers who is stopped short of the 1st by McCallister who made a great open field tackle. It looks like he fumbled that on the way down but the refs rule he was down before the ball came out. 3rd and 1. Payton calls a timeout to hint massively to the review booth to look at this again... Which they are now doing... And they've ruled it a FUMBLE that was recovered by the Saints!! Unbelievable. What a game. Great time out call by Payton.
1st down Saints at the Redskins 37.
Drew Brees rolls out right and completes to Devery Henderson at the 25.
1st down Saints.
Saints sweep with Mike Bell carrying and he does another flip on his way to 1 yard. Talk about a day of hard running for no gains. He's been tossed in the air more than a Dolphin at Sea World. 2nd and 9.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas for a pick up of 4. 3rd and 5.
Brees to Colston on the right sidelines and he picks up the 1st.
1st down Saints at the Redskins 15 and they're calling out Garrett Hartley to punch this from 32. But no Sean Payton has a think about this and sends the Saints O back out there. That goes to show the faith he has in the O to get this done.
Still 1st down Saints.
Mike Bell bursts right and runs for 9. His biggest run of the day and it couldn't come at a better time. 2nd and 1.
Mike Bell falls through the hole for a 1st down at the 2.
1st and goal.
Mike Bell dives and... He is inches short. The stadium is silent. 2nd and goal... But the booth are going to review this... And rule the call on the field should stand. So it's still 2nd and goal.
And out comes Garrett Hartley for an 18 yard field goal attempt... He makes it but the Redskins called a timeout so we're going to have to do this again... And he MAKES IT!!!! Oh my Lord. WHAT A WIN, I CANNOT BELIEVE IT. HOW DID WE EVER DO THAT?
This has got to be one of the most bizarre games in memory. We played pretty average in long spells, scored a touchdown by mugging an intercepting Redskin and clung in there when the Redskins missed a 2 score field goal. How we came out with the win I will never know but it was incredible and we are now 12 and 0. That is the work of champions. To play that 'average' and still win.
Saints Vs Redskins 4th Quarter
You join us here in the 4th Quarter with the Saints teetering close to their first loss of the 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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