Reflections on Saints Packers Game

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

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

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

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

But the break out performance was obviously by

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

Real bad news that we've lost

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

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

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

and

Not something that leaves me full of confidence.

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

Drew Brees Training Camp Video

After the long absence from football its great to see the first real flickers of action as captured in this footage from the Saints training camp.

Drew Brees drops back in the pocket and looks down field, with receivers covered he scrambles to his left and unleashes a bullet to Lance Moore who scampers into the end zone.

OK so I'm a bad commentater but heck you can see from yourself from this footage that the magic is coming together.



And now that has got you in the mood how about a bit of a fans mash up video to get you counting the days even faster.

David Thomas Talks About Drew Brees Plus Excellent Season Trailer

Every day my nerves jingle each time I check for updates on the Saints front office decisions. Sometimes its great, Lance Moore, Darren Sproles, sometimes not so great but understandable, Reggie Bush, Randall Gay, Jonathan Goodwin.

Still I largely feel we've kept the real key components and one such player is Tight End David Thomas. He's much underrated. What I love is his team ethic and the fact he is always open in the check down and a safe pair of hands for Brees to go to.

As such it was excellent news to hear him agreeing to terms with the team on Tuesday. Here’s Thomas talking about Brees and how he came to the decision.




Also check out this excellent short teaser trailer for the upcoming season. Man it got me pumped. I can't wait for this to begin. This is our year!

Saints Super Bowl Merchandise

I've just been looking through the Amazon shop for Saints Super Bowl Merchandise and I cannot believe what you can already buy.  I know people are geared up for either team winning but it still amazes me how fast they get this stuff put together and ready for the rush of us frenzied fans.  I admit I couldn't help buying some stuff as I went through there.  I mean how often have the Saints ever been Super Bowl Champions?  Well now the answer is a nice big beautiful one time baby!!

I think my favorite items have to be the Saints Super Bowl DVD, the shot glasses, the Saints Super Bowl Monopoly board (brilliant!) and the Super Bowl Commemerative Gold coins.  They've also got Reggie Bush, Drew Brees, Marques Colston and Lance Moore Super Bowl player jerseys to name but a few.  I'm not normally one to buy this stuff but somehow it just feels right for once, you know what I mean?

There's got to be a pile of this exact same stuff with the Colts logo all over it heading for land fill somewhere right now.  Oh well, better that than Who Dat Super Bowl Merchandise as there can only be one winner... Oh yeah right, it was us!!

Saints Vs Redskins 1st Quarter

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

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

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

Courtney Roby Return Ace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saints 0 Redskins 7

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

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

Battering Ram Bell Denied

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

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

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

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

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

Saints 0 Redskins 10

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

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

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

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

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.

3rd Quarter Report - Saints on the come back trail

Start of the second half and before I can say 'Your mum is on trial for purgery' Darren Sharper intercepts Henne and returns for a TOUCHDOWN!!  Except it's not definitely a touchdown as we go to commercials because it's not that kind of a game.  It will either be a touchdown or a touchback when we return.

Game defining decision coming up and... The play STANDS - Get the fuck in!!  Sorry for all those of a sensitive disposition but I feel justified in swearing after this turn around as we're back in the game!

Next play and Saints sack Chad Henne, is this a momentum shift we are witnessing?  2 more plays and the Dolphins are bringing in their punter... Reggie returns for half a peanut and a packet of squirrels.  The Saints will takeover at their own 35.

Pierre Thomas for a couple, Brees knocked as he throws and the ball falls incomplete.  3rd and 7.  Long to Devery Henderson (Brees was under pressure AGAIN).  1st and 10 at Dolphins 25.

Brees incomplete to Colston, Pierre Thomas stopped for a loss of 1.  3rd and 11.  Brees goes to Colston in the end zone... Colston makes the grab but a fish wrestles it from him and it's an interception and touch back.  Balls.

Dolphins still 24 Saints 17.  This is an important drive.  We need to stop another momentum shift.

The Saints Defence comes up trumps again as Vilma stuffs the run on 3rd and short.  Vilma and Sharper are leading this team by example today.

Saints takeover at their own 20 after Bush returns for a squirrels nut-sack and an amoeba.

Brees sacked again on 2nd down (4th of the game by the Dolphins).  Brees then hit by Jason Taylor on 3rd down which forces a fumble, Miami's ball at the Saint 15.  As a reserved Englishman would say... Crickey!

But the Dolphins go 3 and out so have to settle for a field goal.

Dolphins 27, Saints 17 with 5.59 remaining in the 3rd.

Mike Bell on the first play of the possession and he takes it 38 yards to the Dolphins 48.  Quality.  Get him in the game (and not just because he's in my fantasy team).  Devery Henderson now on a reverse for good yardage down to the 29.  Pierre Thomas for 6 more.  2nd and 4.  Pass to LANCE MOORE THE MOST UNDERRATED WR for a 1st down to 14.  This is more like it.

Saints quickly facing 3rd and 10 after a pass to Bush which results in a gain of a DNA string.  Next pass though goes to Marques Colston in the back of the end zone for... A TOUCHDOWN!

Dolphins 27, Saints 24.  Game Mother Funking On.  Who Dat, Who Dat, Who Dat gonna go Hex Dem Saints?  1.09 to go in the 3rd.

Miami start at their own 29.  Henne incomplete.  Henne to Hardline for 67 yards.  Ricky Williams gets his salt shaker out and rubs in a touchdown.

Miami 34, Saints 24.  This game really reminds me of the Dolphins Bears 85 regular season game that put a stop to the Bears perfect season.  Don't ask me to explain as frankly I want a sip of beer.

It also reminds me of a song I once wrote called 'So near so far, se la vie my friend'... it was a blues gabba techno track with a fusion of mild hysteria... a bit like Shania Twain stuck at a dull cocktail party with Rush Limbaugh.

Saints 17 Dolphins 24.

Read the 1st, 2nd and 4th Quarter Saints Dolphins In Game Posts by clicking on the Blog Archive in the right hand menu, select October and then find the Quarter you require.

Saints Dolphins 2nd Quarter Horror Show

Dolphins FG

Saints get the ball and Brees... intercepted near Saints 20. 

Dolphins rushing TD.  Only Vilma, Sharper and Grant have turned up too date.

Saints take over.  Pierre Thomas good 9 yards, Thomas again for 1st down, that's more like it.  Brees to Colston finally for 23 yard pass and run.  Consecutive 1st downs for Saints for the first time in this ball game.

Thomas short run... for nada.  Brees drops back and... Sacked, ball pops out and Stinchcomb does well to recover (gets injured for his effort).  So that's Vilma, Sharper, Grant, Thomas (for those two runs) and Stinchcomb who have turned up for the Saints today out of a suited up squad of 45.

Devery Henderson gets a few on 3rd down and now John Carney is back in for a 50 yard field goal attempt that... surprise, surprise, goes wide of the posts.  This is some bad karma day in New Orleans.  Don Shula's on the sidelines looking very happy.  The 72 Dolphins look like they can rest easy the way this is going.  I'm not giving up though... never do...

Oh my Cedrick Ellis is being helped from the field with an injury.

Reggie Bush makes nothing on the ensuing punt return so the Saints offence will inherit poor field position again.  I'm not getting on Reggie's back for that though as I still rate the second guessing element he brings to opposing D co-ordinators... just as I type that he looses his footing on a hand off for a loss of two!!  I'm going to stop typing for a bit.

Brees is sacked at the 2 yard line (so much for not writing for a while).  That week off for the Dolphins has clearly given them time to watch a tonne of film and work some pretty intelligent schemes because the Saints have just not got out of the blocks today.

Right definitely shutting up for a bit so I can watch this...

Nope I'm straight back as just had a thought.  The Saints D really isn't playing that bad.  They gave up the big play to Ricky Williams but apart from that most of the points have resulted from short plays and bad field positions.  It's shocking to say this but the Saints offence is simply having a stinker.  Pepé Le Pew (skunk from Warner Brother’s cartoons) would be holding his nose watching this one.

But then the Saints D force a fumble and Sharper recovers in Dolphin territory.  Brees to Lance Moore (FINALLY) for 7.  Brees to Bush on 3rd and 3 and they convert on 3rd down for the first time today. 

Jeremy Shockey makes his first grab of the day and gets a first down.  Finally the Saints are driving; again for the first time (and we're now in the two minute warning).  Brees has been under pressure on most plays which is very unlike the Saints O line this year.

But then... Brees to Colston and TOUCHDOWN!!  Back shoulder of Marques Colston, 5th of the season, which takes it to... oh no, the booth are reviewing and declare from on high that he was downed at the half yard line.  This is just not our day.  But hold on to your hats... the Saints were about to kick a field goal as only 5 seconds were left on the clock when the Dolphins inexplicably called a timeout and Brees talks Peyton into letting him back out there... Next play Drew Brees leaps over center and TOUCHDOWN.  Gutsy play calling.  Love it.  Dolphins 24, Saints 10.  That could have been so much worse but for the fumble and that recent run of plays.  

I've seen fish inside barrels being shot at putting up better fights than the Saints offence in this first half.  Just mistakes galore.  Have to take it on the chin and accept it as one of those things.  Regroup boys and let's get back in this.

Read the 1st, 3rd and 4th Quarter Saints Dolphins In Game Posts by clicking on the Blog Archive in the right hand menu, select October and then find the Quarter you require.

New Orleans Saints helmet game day analysis

In my regular new feature 'New Orleans Saints helmet game day analysis' (could you not of thought of something a little snappier? Ed.) I will be taking you inside a Saints fans helmet for a totally biased but fair (but also pretty biased) analysis of the upcoming Saints Dolphins week 8 match up.

 New Orleans Saints helmet game day analysis

To do this, and to aid my recovery from spinal surgery, I have purchased the NFL Game Pass in order to while away endless bedbound hours watching pixelated footage of our upcoming opponents from the sunshine state. So strap yourselves in and be prepared to be dazzled (or not) by the insights I am about to lay upon you.

Things I have learnt from inside the Saints helmet

Fact 1 - Miami are without (insert dramatic suspense music) Chad Pennington... Yes everyone knows that Peter but it's still worth reminding ourselves as the Dolphin threat is somewhat reduced when missing their number 1 Quarterback.  Be prepared for those crazy fish to employ the Wildcat offensive schemes with Chad Henne in the shot gun.

Fact 2 - The Dolphins are shitty on Defence.  And I'm not talking that feeling in your gut after a heavy night on the Bourbon.  No my friend I'm talking 'couldn't cover a turtle with a blanket if the little leaf eater was only a foot away, sleeping under the tip of a giant neon flashing sign that read "Cover turtle with a blanket and win $1,000,000 right now or ya mumma gets it!!".  They give up an average of 5.6 yards per play ranking 24th in the NFL in this category.  Moreover, they are 23rd in the league in yards allowed per drive and one third of all drives against them penetrate the red zone.  All this bodes well for the leagues number 1 ranked New Orleans Saints offence.

Fact 3 - The New Orleans Saints have the number 1 ranked offence in the league.  Let me repeat that for all Saints fans because it just tastes so good when you say it again... The New Orleans Saints have the number 1 ranked offence in the league.  When Drew Brees looks over the shoulders of his formidable linemen he will be picking from a combination of Robert Meachem, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Jeremy Shockey, Reggie Bush and more.  That's a hell of a lot of weapons for a suspect Miami defence to cope with.

Fact 4 - New Orleans can now run the ball and run the ball hard.  In fact, as you may well know, the combination of Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, Reggie Bush and Co. are currently ranked 4th in the league in total rushing yardage.  That is some balance they now bring to what was previously a pass heavy offence.

Fact 5 - THE KEY MATCH-UP... The Wildcat running game Vs the Saints Defence.  Number 1 Vs Number 5.  The fight to end all fights, well in this game anyway.  If Miami are to have a shot at this they need to put up big yards and maintain possession of the ball for as long as possible.  The assignment football the Saints Defence need to play will be key.  The front 7 will have to stay disciplined at keeping to their man or this Dolphin ground game will cause problems.

And finally Fact 6 - The Saints special teams ain't so hot right now and could be our Achilles heal.  The Saints rank 30th in the league in kick off return yards allowed so it would be nice if the black and gold can find a way to improve that figure this week.  The Defence could well be on the field for a long time so it would be 'groovy' if they at least start by defending from deep in Dolphin territory.

If the Saints are able to roll into Miami with the same work ethic and attitude as last week then I can see this being a relatively comfortable win.  It will suit them well if they can rack up some early points and force the Dolphins to play catch up football.  Thanks in part to my main man Sharper the Saints lead the league in the turnover ratio so a more desperate Dolphin O could be forced to the air if behind which will play into the hands of number 42.

Prediction - Saints by 20.

Lance Moore, New Orleans Saints WR

I wrote recently about how I believe a number of unheralded New Orleans Saints players will soon find national acclaim if they continue playing as they have to date this season.  In this post I want to pay particular attention to WR Lance Moore who I truly believe to be the Wes Welker of the Saints and one of the most underrated players in the NFL.

Whilst the Saints offence has functioned well without him at times this season I believe Moore brings added balance to the team when healthy, as witnessed by the display on Sunday last against the Giants.  He has excellent hands and runs strict routes which gives Drew Brees great confidence when checking off receivers.  Combined with the short yardage receiving threat posed by Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey it's no wonder that Moore is able to find the slot for so many key third down conversions.

No Lance Moore in NFL draft 2005

Moore went undrafted in 2005 but was invited to try out for the Saints practise squad after being passed up by the Cleveland Browns.  His story could have ended there but as with a number of current undrafted Saints players his determination and strength of character ensured that he would make the most of any opportunity that came his way.  Such an opportunity came about in the 2007 season when he made his first pro start and scored on a reverse play from 7 yards out against the Seahawks.  From there on in he has proved his worth as a consummate team player time and again.

No doubt because of such humble pro beginnings coaches enjoy an ego free zone when dealing with Moore.  He is not afraid to go up over the middle and risk the big hit if it advances the Saints downfield.  I like such players; in fact I think the Saints are blessed to have found a group of wide receivers who prefer to do their talking on the field rather than in the press.  Give me that kind of pro than a T.O. any time.

So far this season he has been hampered by injury as he stated after the Giants game: "It has been a long struggle for me this season because I have been injured. It felt great (today). It was awesome being with my teammates and playing in front of this crowd. Hopefully, I am able to stay healthy".

For a national audience his numbers will not be on the radar but for those of us who follow the Saints closely there will be few surprises when Moore's name is mentioned in dispatches come playoff time.  When the game is on the line and you need successive 3rd down conversions in the 4th Quarter keep your eyes on Saint number 16 for he may just remind you of a certain New England Patriot of recent years.

Full name: Lance Andrew Moore
DOB: August 31, 1983
Born: Columbus, Ohio
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 190lbs
High School: Westerville South High School
College:  University of Toledo
Draft pick: Undrafted in 2005
Rookie year:  2006
Standout year:  2008 = 79 Rec, 928 Yards, 10 TD's

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!

Saints Giants 3rd Quarter Report

Both punters are called into action at the start of the 3rd before Manning is picked by the Saints under pressure and the Saints start driving with a highlight 3rd and 17 conversion by Lance Moore.  1st and 10 at the Giants 12.  Play action and Colston wide open for another TD.  41 to 17 with 4.10 still left to go in the 3rd.  9 plays, 71 yards.

That's the 6th different Saint to score a touchdown today!  I mean that just tells you a story in itself.  How can any Defence cover so many threats when you have a QB like Bree's able to execute in the way he is?  Pressure on Bree's is the only answer and they just can't get near to him because of his quick release and/or great protection.

Both teams exchange punts again to end the 3rd Quarter.

Read the 1st, 2nd and 4th Quarter Saints Giants In Game Posts by clicking on the Blog Archive in the right hand menu, select October and then find the Quarter you require.

The 2nd Quarter and the Giants are hanging in

Next drive, Thomas run, Thomas run, Shockey catch, Robert Meacham catch Touchdown!!  Absolutely perfect throw again into double coverage.  The Giants are just not able to deal with Bree's at the moment.  The Saints O are moving the ball on the floor and in the air at ease.  It's quite shocking.  207 total yards offensively already.

20 nothing after blocked point after.  Scott Fujita is out the game though.

1st challenge of game by Peyton for a spot of the ball on Manning 3rd and 10 connection.  It looked short of the spot.  The Giants will have to go for it if they are to stay in the game even if they turn possession over at midfield.  The Saints loose the challenge.

Sharper intercepts ball and returns for TD but called back for roughing the passer called on Vilma.  Bradshaw takes the ball in from 12 yards 2 plays later instead making it 20 to 10 instead of 27 to 3.  I hope that Vilma call does not come back to haunt us as the Saints are only 10 points ahead despite complete domination.  73 yard drive on 9 plays.

Brandon Jacobs is shook up.

Reggie Bush 1st play of the day takes a pitch and picks up 9.  3rd down converted by Mike Bell to the Giants 47.  That's all 3 backs now in the game and making good plays.  Perfectly balanced offence which allows Bree's to play action and throw deep which draws a pass interference penalty all the way down to the Giants 12.  Play action again and Touchdown to Lance Moore!!  The play picks me up points on the Fantasy team, heralds the 100th touchdown pass by Bree's as a Saint and puts them up 27 to 10 with an almost perfect game to date.

Giants special teamer Hixon returns another long one though and gives the Giants great field position at the Saints 37.  Bar 2 returns by Hixon and the Vilma penalty this game would be over.  Manning moves the ball and it's another TD making it a 10 point game.  This worries me.  To play this perfect and have the Giants still in the game?  Not a good omen.  Keep the faith though as Brees is on fire and is a cool customer.

Read the 1st, 3rd and 4th Quarter Saints Giants In Game Posts by clicking on the Blog Archive in the right hand menu, select October and then find the Quarter you require.

New Orleans Saints football opening drive

OK here we go, game time.  The Saints take the kick off and will begin on the 30.  The Super Dome is buzzing for this one.

5 yard run for Pierre Thomas.
1st down Shockey on 2nd and 5.
2nd down Thomas picks up 3 making it 3rd and 7.
Lance Moore takes a great juggling catch and tacs on 7 more yards down to the 25 for a 1st down.
Thomas gets 3 through the middle to make it 2nd and 7.
Moore again on a slant for 4 yards to make it 3rd and 2.
Moore again down to the 10.  Saints moving nicely, Brees with excellent protection so far.
Thomas for 2 which takes it down to the 8.
Thomas draw play sees him spin his way down to the 4 making it 3rd and 3.
Thomas follows lead blocker Evans down to 1 and the chains are coming out.  They're short by a couple of inches.
They're going for it on 4th and inches.  Come on!!  Gutsy play call, I like it.
Mike Bell takes off over the pile - TOUCHDOWN SAINTS!!

Superb opening drive.  Established the running game and short passing.  15 plays, 70 yards and 7 zip.

Read the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Quarter Saints Giants In Game Posts by clicking on the Blog Archive in the right hand menu, select October and then find the Quarter you require.