Chris Ivory 76 yard TD reception

Wow!  Well if ever I was needing reassurance that the Saints were going to fill the 3rd spot in the backfield with a decent runner here was the evidence courtesy of Chris Ivory and his 76 yard TD reception.

He has a decent first half and seemed to be cementing his place in the team and then came this excellent touchdown.  The guy showed great hustle, power and decent speed on what was an innocuous reception in the flat when he got the ball.  What he then did with it helps go to show that potentially we have a more than decent back to fill the void left by my old favorite Mike Bell.

Chris Ivory Highlights TD Vs San Diego Chargers

So long as we can keep Pierre Thomas healthy I will remain confident our ground game will remain the perfect counter balance to our strong arm passing attack.

Drew Brees back with a bang

It was also great to see Drew Brees commanding the troops with some real game time once again.  There are not enough superlatives to say about the guy so I won't bother.  What I will say is I love to see the guy continue to work so hard on his game despite what he has achieved.

To see him beat himself up about a missed read or a slightly miss thrown ball is to see a QB who continues to strive for perfection which must be damn inspiring for the entire team.

Soon we'll get to see it all proper come seasons kick off.  I for one cannot wait!

Saints running game concerns

Hi All,

I've been away working for a long time but with football season fast approaching I thought it time I checked in and add my two cents to the latest Saints debates.  And the issue most concerning me (football wise) at this time is the Saints running game.

The loss of Mike Bell was distressing for me.  I thought Bell was the perfect balance in the Saints backfield last year and an unsung hero.

His short yardage running kept the Saints ticking over time and again and his combative style was an excellent compliment to the greater finesse of Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas.  Add to that the fact the little guy was pretty hard for linebackers to find when he drove behind his lead blockers and his ability to lower his head and gate crash the party and you had one fine addition to the Saints roster.

So it was with some sadness that we had to let him go this past off season.  I was concerned that Lynell Hamilton would struggle to fill the role quite so adequately but in coach Payton and Mickey Loomis I figured we had two of the most astute heads in the business so was obviously going to give them the benefit of the doubt and then some.

But now we've lost Hamilton for the season with a torn ACL (get well fella) I'm concerned we could be lightweight in this department this season.

Running game key

The running game was a key reason behind last seasons success. The productive trio kept defenses on their toes and unable to key solely on Brees and the passing game. As a result we had probably the most balanced offense in Saints history and one of the finest in the League for some years.

With some doubt now hanging over that third RB spot we now have a clear weakness.

Yes I know Pierre Thomas will deliver great yards and Reggie will break some big ones but Reggie is not an every down back and PT can only do so much on his own.

Trust in Payton

That said we must always trust in coach Payton to deliver because he is an offensive genius so if any team stands a chance of unearthing a diamond from the rough it's gotta be the Saints. So as ever it is in Sean we trust. I just pray he can make something out of Chris Ivory, Ladell Betts and PJ Hill because one of them is going to need to make a name for himself this season.

Darren Sharper Contract Situation

After the highs of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras it's time to get back to business and what better way to return to Earth from a fairytale than to talk about free agent Saints player contracts.  At the last count there are some 18 restricted free agents on the Saints roster including the likes of Darren Sharper, Roman Harper, Jermon Bushrod,  guard Jahri Evans and tailbacks Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell.  I would like all of these guys to be resigned at the earliest opportunity but it is Darren Sharpers contract situation that concerns me given the leadership and game changing qualities he brings to the Saints D.

Sharper signed on for $1.7 million last season with two midseason bonuses included in the one year deal.  The Saints could have placed a franchise tag on the super safety but that would have pushed his salary up to $6.455 million which is pretty difficult to justify no matter how much we all love number 42.

Darren Sharper Contract Negotiations... Well actually Cuba Gooding Jr, but you get the point

 

So whilst the Saints have every right to let Darren Sharper test the waters of free agency I am just hoping good sense prevails and both sides recognise the perfect match they make for each other.  To give him his due Sharper has repeatedly stated that he wants to re-sign so let's just hope General Manager Mickey Loomis is waxing lyrical in his discussions and both sides can come to an accomodation sometime soon.

I guess the one thing that all players will recognise in this period of horse trading is that as a collective the Saints players reached the pinnacle of their sport only a matter of weeks ago.  So long as they can keep in perpespective the fact that winning the big one is attainable again next season then perhaps they will be prepared to forgo a little salary bump in return for keeping this special group of players together for one more season.

That is why it is imperative that the remaining restricted free agents Jammal Brown, David Thomas, Kyle Eckel, Lance Moore, Courtney Roby, Chris Reis, Remi Ayodele, Anthony Hargrove,  Jeff Charleston,  Marvin Mitchell and Leigh Torrence think about what can be achieved so long as the 'quan' doesn't get in the way.  The Saints could be at the start of a defining era so whilst every one deserves their pay day, let's just hope it doesn't tear a great team apart.

Saints Vs Panthers 3rd Quarter

The snoozefest continues as the Panthers kick a field goal early in the 3rd.  The Saints D is tackling a bit better today which is nice to see at least.  Anthony Hargrove filling the middle nicely and some better gang tackling all round.

Saints 3 Panthers 20

A Robert Meachem fumble on the next drive leads to another Panthers field goal.

Saints 3 Panthers 23

Saints drive 80 good yards for a Lynell Hamilton touchdown.  It was a nice mix of short yardage passing by Brunell, a pretty lucky Robert Meachem unnecessary roughness penalty and some nice running from Hamilton and Mike Bell.

Saints 10 Panthers 23

Saints Vs Panthers 1st Quarter

The Saints fly into Carolina today with home field advantage secured throughout the playoffs courtesy of the Vikings choking even more than we have at this vital juncture in the season.  It makes this game something of a meaningless contest for the Saints in so far as Drew Brees is sitting it out along with any number of Saints starters.  So the point of today is to see how the second stringers get on whilst resting the heart ahead of what promises to be an agonising game in 2 weeks.

The Panthers take the opening kick off and will start at their own 32.

1st down Panthers.
Jonathan Stewart takes the opening hand off and runs into the Saints front 4 for a gain of 1.  2nd and 9.
Stewart takes the next hand off makes a simple cut back and runs the length of the field for a touchdown of 67 yards.  The Saints D over pursued the play and were left embaressed.  Oh dear.  Looks like it's going to be more of the same today.

Saints 0 Panthers 7

1st down Saints at the 35.
Mark Brunell comes in to make his first start since the 2006 season and completes 3 yards to Marques Colston.  2nd and 7.
Mike Bell takes a hand off and gets hammered for a gain of 1.  3rd and 6.
Brunell drops back and is hit on release so the ball goes incomplete.  Jermon Bushrod again got beat.  4th and 6 so the Saints punt it 51 yards.

1st down Panthers at their own 9.
Stewart up the middle for no gain.
Stewart again but this time drags the pile for a gain of 8.  3rd and 1.
Stewart again on the hand offand just gets it according to the officials only.

1st down Panthers.
Moore to Mohamed and already I can't be bothered to keep this up all the way through the game.  They got a first down out to the 37.

Next set of downs sees a couple of incompletions so the Panthers will punt.

Saints start their next possession at their own 11.
Bell run, Brunell airs his old arm but does not complete although a pen moves the chains anyway to the 21.
Reggie Bush makes a nice run out right for 11 or so.  Brunell then hits Dinkins for a few before setting up a screen to Hamilton that picks up another 1st.

Mike Bell then takes 1 carry a good few before being dropped for a big loss on the next play.  The drive was going so well until then as well.  Reggie Bush tries to convert 3rd and 11 on a draw but the Saints fool no one so punt.

Panthers start at their own 9.  2 carries make 0 yard and brings a big smile to my face.  That smile becomes a huge beaming laugh as Matt Moore rolls out on 3rd and 10, looses his feet and looses control of the ball on his way down coughing it up in the process to Anthony Hargrove who recovers in the end zone for a touchdown.  Well done big man.  That's his 2nd TD against the Panthers this season.  Except the Panthers challenge and win it so ignore the above.  The Panthers punt to Reggie Bush who returns it 30 yards to the Panthers 20 before the zebras pull it back for a blocking pen.

So the Saints start at their own 45 do nothing with it and then punt straight back.

The Panthers start at their own 12.  1st 2 plays and the Saints D looks totally different by gang tackling runners at the line.  Impressive.  3rd and 7, will the Saints hold?  Yes they do as the Panthers run it and Jabari Greer makes a great tackle for only a gain of 1.  Good showing by the Saints D as the Panther punt and Reggie Bush fair catches near midfield.

Brunell rolls out and completes to Dinkins to end the 1st Quarter.

Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 3rd Quarter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1st down Saints at their own 20.
Mike Bell up the middle for 1.  2nd and 9.
Brees throws incomplete but a penalty marker is out for pass interference to move the chains.  That was blatant interference by the dirty Buc.

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

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

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

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

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

Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 2nd Quarter

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Bucs 0 Saints 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Saints Teetering on the Brink of Their First Loss

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

Saints 20 Redskins 30

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

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

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

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

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

Saints 23 Redskins 30

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

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

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

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

McCallister Facemask

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

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

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

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

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

Saints 30 Redskins 30

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saints Vs Redskins 3rd Quarter

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

Saints 17 Redskins 17

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

The Mike McKenzie Jersey - Not As Tight As That Coverage

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

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

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

Saints 17 Redskins 20

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

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

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

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

Saints 17 Redskins 27

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

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

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

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

Saints 20 Redskins 27

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

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

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

Saints Vs Redskins 2nd Quarter

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

The Redskins Are This Much Better Right Now

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

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

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

Saints 3 Redskins 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marques Colston Runs A Perfect Post Pattern

Saints 10 Redskins 10

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

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

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

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

Saints 10 Redskins 17

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

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

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

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

Saints 17 Redskins 17

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

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.

Pierre Thomas Highlights

The combination of Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell and Reggie Bush has made such a difference to the balance of the Saints offence this year.  I dread the day the trio ever gets broken up by the inevitable pay demands that always ruin a great team story.  However before we get to that time let's live in the now and enjoy the brilliant contributions these three Saints running backs are making this season.

First up I've sourced some Pierre Thomas highlights for you to enjoy.

Pierre Thomas Highlights

I love the one two combo of Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell.  Pierre Thomas can run between the tackles and make cuts to the outside whilst Mike Bell simply lowers his head and runs like a battering ram into opposing linebackers.  This sucker punch combo helps explain how the Saints have been able to dominate so many second half's this season and keep the O's momentum going on late drives.  If you then factor in the threat Reggie Bush brings to the table you've got one of the most lethal rushing combo's in the NFL.

Pierre Thomas Highlights TD Vs the Bills Week 3

I love that kind of lead blocking by Heath Evans.  It's such a shame the big man got injured as he was proving to be a great asset to the team.  Hopefully he'll be back and healthy next season to support the trio.

Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas highlights reel

One thing is for sure the Saints are damn lucky to have this trio of excellent backs in 2009.  I just hope we can keep hold of them all for a couple more seasons to come.

For more Reggie Bush videos check out the Reggie Bush highlights reel post I put together.  If you want to see some Mike Bell highlights visit the Mike Bell highlight reel post.  

Saints Vs. Patriots 4th Quarter

So you join us in the 4th Quarter with the Saints leading 31 to 17 and facing a key 3rd and 12 at their own 35. All Saints fans could do with a conversion here to keep alive another scoring drive and stretch this lead as it's still tight enough.

Brees throws wide left and... it falls incomplete so Thomas Morstead will punt. Wes Welker fair catches at the Pats 15.

1st down Pats.
Brady goes deep down field and... Over throws Sam Aitken... I love you Tom Brady... please keep that up.
Faulk is chased down by Sedrick Ellis for a small gain. Great to have the big man fill that middle again. 3rd and 9.
Brady under pressure by Charles Grant and he unloads to Wes Welker who is stopped short. 4th and 5 and the Pats will punt. Great D schemes cooked up there by Williams.  I hope his mum ruffles his hair when he gets home tonight.

Eat Turf Welker - Fujita, Ellis, Grant and Jon Vilma getting it done

1st down Saints at their 25.
Drew Brees to Marques Colston who takes it and runs all the way to the Pats 48. Incredible throw again by Drew Brees.  He put it right on Colstons back shoulder so only he could make the grab in the tight coverage.

1st down Saints.
Mike Bell goes left to the 43.  2nd and 5.
Brees throws incomplete to bring up 3rd and 5.
Brees to Robert Meachem at the marker and he hauls it in.  Ooh baby I'm enjoying this lethal execution.

1st down Saints at the 37.
Pierre Thomas over left tackle for 5.  2nd and 5.
Mike Bell is stopped short for 0.  3rd and 5.
Drew Brees to Robert Meachem on the right and another first down.  Ruthlessly efficient passing and routes. Just perfect tonight.  I owe Brees some ice cream.

1st down Saints at the 25.
Mike Bell up the middle for 5 hard yards. He just pumps those legs like mini pistons and does not give up. Such a low center of gravity.  2nd and 5.
Brees to Marques Colston on the post pattern and... TOUCHDOWN!!!  Oh man. What a drive.  9 plays 75 yards, 5.18.  Just incredible.  That's the 27th TD thrown by Brees this season.  Get that man a drink.

Marques Colston TD - 'Tackle each other boys, I'm just gonna grab 6'

Patriots 17 Saints 38

1st down Pats at their own 20.
Draw play picks up 7.  2nd and 3.
Brady under pressure looks down field and... is picked by Darren Sharper at the Saints 38!! He returns it all the way to the Pats 25.  Sharper baby you are on fire.  Who Dat?

1st down Saints
Mike Bell for 3.
Mike Bell again inside for 3 more. Running down that game clock. 3rd and 4.
Brees to Henderson in the end zone and... Over shoots. I guess the guy is human afterall.
So John Carney comes in for a 37 yard field goal and... it goes wide right.  Cancan Carney can't can't.

1st down Pats.
Brian Hoyer is in to replace Tom Brady to signal the Pats have thrown in the towel so we can all enjoy the last 5 minutes.
2 runs for very little brings up a quick 3rd and 8.
Hoyer drops back and...  Throws to the fans in the stands and shows that he is no Tom Brady so the Pats will punt.

1st down Saints at their own 22 with 3.58 on the clock.
Mike Bell to the right for 5.  Drew Brees still in the game which is good to see.  He deserves to see this out as he has been just unstoppable.
Mike Bell again for 2. 3rd and 3.
Mike Bell bursts through the hole for a first... which is then called back for a flag to bring up 3rd and 14.
Pierre Thomas on a draw for 6 to bring up the 2 minute warning.
Thomas Morstead punts.

1st down Pats at their 33.
Hoyer completes for a few... ah who cares now this is over.
Will Smith chalks up another sack to close out the game a few minutes later.

That was the most complete Saints performance I have seen.  Drew Brees led the offence with incredible precision and looked totally unstoppable.   I am totally out of superlatives to describe just how great Brees is and for the way he played tonight.  He was perfect from start to finish.

Drew Dat - Drew Brees Saints Legend

The receivers were awesome.  Henderson, Meachem and Colston all got it done.  Bell and Thomas ran the ball well when called upon and that offensive line was totally dominant.  Jermon Bushrod, Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin, Jahri Evans and Jon Stinchcomb all take a bow as you deserve all the platitudes you are going to get.

On the D side the banged up secondary did an outstanding job of stopping Brady, Welker and Co.  Mike McKenzie just had the game of his life and his pick was a turning point in the game.  Harper and Sharper made important tackles and crucial times.  Throw in Malcolm Jenkins who kept the likes of Randy Moss quiet and you've got one hell of a display by that unit.

Then the front 7 played great with Fujita, Shanley and Vilma all making important tackles and snuffing out 3rd down conversions.  Will Smith, Ellis, Grant and Hargrove all played their part.

In short it was just a great team effort and everyone should be mighty proud of themselves for that performance.  It was near perfect football all the way.

Saints Vs. Patriots 3rd Quarter

Welcome back to the second half with the Legendary Saints in the making ruling the roost against the nation’s darlings, the New England Patriots.  Finally a national audience is seeing just how unbelievable Drew Brees is with an almost perfect game to date.  Contrast that to Tom Brady who has over thrown receivers on a number of occasions and maybe, just maybe, the World will wake up to the fact that Drew Brees is the best quarterback in the league, the end, good night... although we still have a half to play so I hope my words don't come back to haunt me.

The Patriots will start at their own 20.
Brady to Maroney who takes it 5 and... Scott Fujita strips the ball and Sedrick Ellis recovers... but then he fumbles and the Patriots have it back.  Ah man.  That could have been such a great start.  Sean Payton is going to challenge the Sedrick Ellis fumble... and we loose the challenge.

Scott Fujita Forced Fumble

1st down Pats at their own 19.
Brady completes to Watson for 11.

1st down Pats at the 30.
Brady throws incomplete but a flag comes out... but fouls cancel each other out so they'll repeat 1st down.
Brady to Moss who fumbles but then recovers at the 40.

1st down Pats.
Morris up the middle and Scott Fujita tackles hard for a stop of 1.
Flags come out against the Pats for illegal formation so it's 3rd and 9.
Brady to Aitken on the sidelines and... Connects.  Damn.

1st down Pats at the Saints 47.
Maroney runs into a Jonthan Vilma wall and stuffs him for a loss of 2.  Great tackle by the Saints D captain.  2nd and 12.
The crowd noise is awesome.
Brady looks deep, looks deep and connects with Randy Moss all the way to the 2.

Saints Fans Raising the Roof

1st down and goal Pats.
Maroney takes the ball and runs in untouched for a touchdown.  Wow that fumble by Sedrick Ellis really cost us.

Patriots 17 Saints 24

1st down Saints at their own 25.  I said the winner of the turnover battle would win this so please no fumbles or picks.
Drew Brees to Marques Colston on the sidelines and... Makes a move and takes it all the way down to the Pats 6.

1st down and goal Saints
Mike Bell up the middle for 3.  2nd and goal.
Brees drops back and... Saints legend Darnell Dinkins falls over as he grabs the TOUCHDOWN!!  The 19th Saint to score a touchdown this season!!  3 plays 75 yards in about 1 second, no problem.

Air Dinkins - Saints Darnell Dinkins Slam Dunks

Patriots 17 Saints 31

1st down Pats at their own 18 after Hamilton nails the Pats kick returner for the highlights reel.
Wes Welker reverse and takes it 10 yards before Jonathan Vilma decides to say hello out of bounds and draws the personal foul pen for 15 on top.

1sr down Pats at their 44.
Morris through the middle for 6.  2nd and 4.
Faulk cuts back and takes it all the way to the Saints 36. 

1st down Pats.
Brady to Watson for a couple before he's wrapped up by Roman Harper.  2nd and 8.
Brady to Aitkens but... Mike McKenzie breaks it up.  Great read and play on the ball.  He's doing a terrific job tonight.  3rd and 8.  Come on D!!
Brady to Aitken and he breaks the McKenzie tackle and takes it to the Saints 16.

1st down Pats.
Morris for 3. 2nd and 7.
Brady throws it away after pressure from the Saints front.  The crowd want intentional grounding but don't get it.  It's soooo loud.  3rd and 7.
Brady to Welker after pressure and only pick up 3 to bring up 4th and 4.  The Pats will go for it.  This is a decisive moment in the game.
Brady to Moss and... Mike McKenzie breaks it up.  What a great game he is having.  Huge, huge play.

1st down Saints at their own 10.
Mike Bell up the middle for 6.  2nd and 4.
Pierre Thomas to the right for 3.  3rd and 1.
Mike Bell up the middle for 4 and moves the change.

1st down Saints at the 24.
Brees play action to Robert Meachem who makes a heck of a move and gets extra yards to pick up another 1st.

1st down Saints at the 37.
Brees drops back and is sacked for the first time tonight.  2nd and 14.
Pierre Thomas on a draw play that goes nowhere.  3rd and 12. 

And that's it for the 3rd.  The Saints still lead 31 to 17.

Saints Vs. Patriots 2nd Quarter

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

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

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

The Pierre Thomas jersey moonwalks into the end zone

Patriots 7 Saints 10

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

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

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

Drew Brees to Devery Henderson Touchdown - Henderson feels lonely

Patriots 7 Saints 17

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

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

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

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

Patriots 10 Saints 17

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

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

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

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

Patriots 13 Saints 24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saints Vs. Patriots 1st Quarter

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

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

Saints Courtney Roby - Redefining the 1000 yard stare

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

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

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

Patriots 0 Saints 3

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

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

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

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

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

Patriots 7 Saints 3

Courtney Roby takes it to the 25.

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

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

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

Mike McKenzie stares down Tom Brady

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

NO Jerseys Vs Bucs 2nd Quarter

NO Saints 7 TB Bucs 7

The 2nd Quarter opens with a hand off to Pierre Thomas on a draw play and the white jersey spins his way for 7.  2nd and 3.

Brees to Devery Henderson who looses 2.  3rd and 5.

Drew Brees to David Thomas and the ball pops out of Thomas's hands and falls incomplete.  Thomas goes from living legend to vaguely appropriate status.  Thomas Morstead punts.

Thomas Morstead doesn't even bother getting suited up these days.

1st down Bucs at their own 30.

Ward picks up 5.

Ward again but he is stuffed by Remi Ayodele.  3rd and 3.

On the next play Freeman demonstrates his inability to hit a barn door with his passes and the Bucs will punt.

Devery Henderson gets jacked up on the return and the Saints will start at their own 33.

1st down Saints.

Brees incomplete to Pierre Thomas.  2nd and 10.

Brees to Thomas again who spins, ducks, dives, weaves and other such actions on his way for a pick up of 6.  Great effort Mr 23.  3rd and 4.

Brees to David Thomas for a 13 yard pick up and Thomas returns to MVP status.

1st down Saints.

Brees looks deep to Robert Meachem and... the ball is incomplete but a beautiful yellow flag comes out and then... inexplicably goes back in.  That was pass interference all the way.  Damn zebras.  2nd and 10.

Brees short to the Saints 21 jersey filled amply by Mike Bell for a pick up of 3 to bring up 3rd and 5 at the Bucs 43.

Brees to Jeremy Shockey but the ball is broken up by Barber so the Saints will have to punt AGAIN.

Thomas Morstead really wishes he had put his pants on now

The Thomas Morstead punt is batted down at the one by Courtney Roby and Usama Young downs it there to give Freeman a headache when he takes the field.  Great play by the Saints special teamers there.  They must have been practicing extra hard since the poor mid term grade.

1st down Bucs.

Derrick Ward is tripped up in the end zone by Roman Harper but just about gets out.  That was damn close to a safety.

Next play Freeman to Graham for a pick up of 6 on the play fake bringing up 3rd and 3.  Come on D!

False start by Buc 65 helps the D no end and pushes them back to a 3rd and 8 situation.

Next up Freeman completes somehow against Saints rookie Malcolm Jenkins.  Jenkins had great coverage but Freeman proved he can actually hit something even smaller than a barn door with that 21 yard pass completion.

1st down Bucs.

Hard running for 7 by some guy in red.  2nd and 3.

Scott Fujita comes in and shows the Saints running D how it's done by taking Ward down for a loss of 1.  3rd and 4.

Next up Freeman looks down field and... It’s picked by Malcolm Jenkins for his 1st NFL INTERCEPTION!  Congratulations to Malcolm Jenkins and family.

1st down Saints at the Bucs 29.

Hamilton up the middle for 3.  2nd and 7.

Brees throws incomplete bringing up 3rd and 7... It's being challenged however by Tampa as they think they intercepted a ball that clearly bounced off the ground first... idiots.  But hey that's 2 failed challenges already by the Bucs so congrats to them for helping us in our hour of need.

Brees to Courtney Roby on the crossing pattern but he's tackled a yard shy of the 1st down marker.  Brees wants to go for it on 4th and 1.5 but is told to 'get off the field please' by John Carney as his mum wants to see him kick a field goal for the first time in years... and he's good!!

Saints 10 Bucs 7.  4.11 left in the half.

1st down Bucs at the Bucs 23.

Cadillac Williams for 5.  2nd and 5.

This time Williams hits a Saints wall led by Jonathan Vilma to leave the ball with 3rd and 4 to go.

Freeman is rushed by Scott Shanley and throws incomplete so the Bucs will punt.  Freeman is now 4 of 10 and clearly got the money I left for him in that brown paper bag this week.

1st down Saints at their own 31.

Brees' pass it tipped and falls incomplete after 4 Bucs dived for it.  2nd and 10.

A Pierre Thomas draw picks up 2.  3rd and 8.

Brees is hit as he throws and the ball flies into the sidelines.  This really is pretty ugly stuff.

1st down Bucs at their 22.

Williams is dropped for 0 gain after Vilma got in there early and stuffed the run to bring up the 2 minute warning.  2nd and 10.

Freeman throws another incomplete.  Malcolm Jenkins had pretty good coverage and is looking sound so far today.  3rd and 10.

Freeman again incomplete as Jonathan Vilma gets his bear claw in there to break it up.  Bucs punt.

1st down Saints at their own 36.

Brees to Colston for 16 to the Bucs 47.

1st down.

Brees pressured and throws it away. 

Brees to Colston over the middle for a pick up of 19 to the Bucs 26.  45 ticks on the clock.

1st down Saints.

Brees to Colston again for 20 to the Bucs 6, 35 secs to go.

1st down Saints.

Drew Brees rolls out right and... TOUCHDOWN ROBERT MEACHEM!!  That's Meachems 6th TD of the season off just 16 receptions.  Great pass and catch and a perfect example of how the Saints offence seems to click when under pressure.  63 yards in 5 plays in 1.10... Maybe we should play hurry up offence on every drive today? 

TD number 6 for the Robert Meachem Stats sheet

Saints 17 Tampa Bay 7 with 28 secs left in the half.

1st down Bucs at their 28.

Freeman to Winslow who is taken down by Jonathan Vilma who has been all over the field today.  Ball spiked so 3rd and 5 with 5 to go on the clock.

Leigh Torrence and Roman Harper converge on Freeman for a QB sandwich and sack to take us to half time.

So the Saints are again a little indifferent today.  Josh Freeman is enjoying far too much time in the pocket for my liking.  We're just lucky he's young and pretty stinky at this point in his career.  On the other side of the ball Drew Brees is getting pressured more than is comfortable so it would be nice to calm that side of things down in the second half.  Overall we're professional without being explosive.  But it's all about chalking up win number 10 and keeping enough of the roster healthy.

NO Jerseys Vs Bucs 1st Quarter

So the banged up New Orleans Saints visit the no hope Tampa Bay Bucs in a sunny but half empty Florida stadium straight out of Disney World.  Way to show your support Bucs fans.

Courtney Roby takes the Saints opening kick off to the 23 where Drew Brees will lead the mighty Saints offence onto the field.

1st play sees a nicely designed draw to Pierre Thomas which picks up 7.

Brees dumps the next pass off to Thomas for a 1st down at the Saints 33.

Brees out of the shot gun throws to Jeremy Shockey who takes it to the 38 (105th consecutive game with a catch for Shockey according to Fox).

The Mike Bell jersey containing the body of Mike Bell takes the ball and rams it for 4 more to bring up 3rd and 1.

Brees pitches to Pierre Thomas who steps on a banana skin and up ends himself 3 yards shy of the 1st down marker.

So Thomas Morstead comes in and pictures that kid who used to call him names in school and puts his foot through the ball for a mighty punt to the Bucs 5 yard line.

1st down Bucs, 11.53.

Run by Cadillac Williams meets a wall of Saints linebackers and grounds out 2.

Williams runs through a Sedrick Ellis shaped hole for 6 bringing up 3rd and 2.

Pass by Freeman under pressure from Jonathan Vilma completes for a 1st.

Draw play by Bucs for another 1st down out to the Bucs 42.

Next play sees Will Smith go unblocked and drops Freeman for a sack of 8, his 8th and a half of the season. Feel free to leave Will Smith unblocked all day Tampa.  2nd and 18.

Saints 92 Remi Ayodele lines up in the neutral zone and takes 5 off that.  Will Smith gives him a dirty look and Ayodele looks as far from the NO Saints Hall of Fame as ever.

Williams runs up the middle, gets bounced back so tries to go outside but Saints Rookie Malcolm Jenkins and Darren Sharper combine for the tackle for no gain.

On 3rd and 13 Freeman looks down field, sees no one so takes off and beats all Saints linebackers to the 50 and a 1st down.

Cadillac Williams again for 2 up the middle.  2nd and 8.

Graham takes the ball, bounces again and picks up a 1st down.  The tackle by Darren Sharper came about with the aid of a facemask so the Bucs move all the way down to the Saints 21.

1st down Bucs.

Derrick Ward for 3.

Freeman goes to the end zone on the next play and Roman Harper reads it the whole way and almost picks it off.  Damn that was almost great.

Freeman does a great impression of a slippery eel and gets away from Will Smith and Co before launching to the back corner of the end zone for a TOUCHDOWN.  The Bucs ran on us all too easy through that drive.  Hope we can find a better way to fill the middle or we'll loose a lot of the game clock to this power rushing.

Saints 0 Bucs 7.  4.58

Courtney Roby impresses his watching girlfriend with a 20 yard return to the Saints 29.

1st down Saints.

Pierre Thomas goes over left tackle and is stopped for 0.

Drew Brees to Saints legend in the making David Thomas takes the ball 13 down the field and then makes a great break and run all the way down to the Bucs 32 for a pick up of 37.

1st down Saints.

Pierre Thomas draw play picks up 7 and injures a Buc in the process... So basically a perfect play.  2nd and 3.

Brees to Colston over the middle to the Bucs 15 for another 1st down.

Mike Bell delay draw picks up 5.  Boy does that jersey run hard.  He explodes into people.

Brees to David Thomas again for a pick up of 6.

1st and goal at the 4.

Brees to Robert Meachem and... TOUCHDOWN!!  Meachem on a crossing pattern took the ball at the 2 and lunged for the line.  Great response by the Saints and impressive showing again by David Thomas and of course Mr Saints himself, Drew Brees.

Saints 7 Bucs 7.

The Bucs will start at the 31.

Josh Freeman has all kinds of time and then... almost throws a pick.

Cadillac Williams cuts back for a 5 yard gain.  3rd and 5.

Freeman throws to the sidelines against Scott Shanley but the ball is caught out of bounds so the Bucs will punt.  Darren Sharper takes a fair catch to close out the first quarter and the Saints will take over at their own 18 when we return.

Saints Falcons 4th Quarter Analysis

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

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

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

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

Falcons 24 Saints 28.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Falcons 24 Saints 35 with 3.03 on the clock.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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