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!
Showing posts with label Randall Gay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Randall Gay. Show all posts
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Saints Sign Darren Sproles!!
Oh my lordy lord I never really expected that! I thought he was totally out of our pay bracket. This is unbelievable news.
To lose the talents of Reggie was sad but understanable given the cap restraints but to then replace him with a guy who gives you a 'comparable skill set' as coach Payton stated is a huge statement of intent. It means we have a premier kick and punt returner, 3rd down back and somehow who can create those misalignments that Payton so loves.
Here's some of the talent we can expect.
This is great, great news. With a backfield consisting of Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram, Chris Ivory and Darren Sproles I think you would be hard pushed to find a better unit in the league! It's a complete set.
You've got your hard running between the tackles, short yardage options. Some great outside break away options, backfield blocking as well as a set of versatile receivers out of the backfield.
To have that on the field next to Brees, one of the best O lines going and a talented set of receivers (well if a couple can up their hand consistency) you've got to think this is the most complete O unit in the league.
Moore, Bushrod and Sproles in the space of 24 hours = awesome.
Sad to see Randall Gay, Reggie and Remi Ayodele heading out as all have given great survice. I hope they go on to good things.
Still concerned about that soft underbelly on D but I'm sure Payton and Co. have it in hand. The next 48 hours could be revealing.
To lose the talents of Reggie was sad but understanable given the cap restraints but to then replace him with a guy who gives you a 'comparable skill set' as coach Payton stated is a huge statement of intent. It means we have a premier kick and punt returner, 3rd down back and somehow who can create those misalignments that Payton so loves.
Here's some of the talent we can expect.
This is great, great news. With a backfield consisting of Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram, Chris Ivory and Darren Sproles I think you would be hard pushed to find a better unit in the league! It's a complete set.
You've got your hard running between the tackles, short yardage options. Some great outside break away options, backfield blocking as well as a set of versatile receivers out of the backfield.
To have that on the field next to Brees, one of the best O lines going and a talented set of receivers (well if a couple can up their hand consistency) you've got to think this is the most complete O unit in the league.
Moore, Bushrod and Sproles in the space of 24 hours = awesome.
Sad to see Randall Gay, Reggie and Remi Ayodele heading out as all have given great survice. I hope they go on to good things.
Still concerned about that soft underbelly on D but I'm sure Payton and Co. have it in hand. The next 48 hours could be revealing.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Randall Gay placement on IR shows Saints heart
Boy was it good to watch last Sundays performance. It was great to see the offense finally clicking into gear and getting the ball moving effectively.
Drew Brees was able to hit balls acurately down the sidelines for deep gains and control the field with short to middle distance passing.
The D played great again and boy is Sedrick Ellis blossoming into a top DT.
Two major points of praise
But beyond that I have two major points of praise to hand out.
The first is pretty obvious. It goes to Chris Ivory for a truly outstanding break out performance. It was fantastic to see the guy hitting holes at such speed and giving the Saints a compelling run attack on the day.
Yes the holes were ridiculously huge, which is all credit to the O line, but still his explosive speed made the most of it and he also showed great ability at shaking tackles. It's been a long time since we saw a Saints back make that kind of impact.
I'm looking forward to seeing more from the young back in weeks to come. It's going to make for a compelling back field once Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are back.
Randall Gay placed on IR
Now onto the second point. I applaud the Saints organization for the way they have handled Randall Gay.
In past years teams would have thrown him back into the lions den and hoped for the best. Now the league is getting rightfully cautious about these dangerous injuries and teams more compassionate about player safety.
A softie softie I am not
No I don't want to see the end of hard tackling and yes I accept and love the fact football is a physical game. The sudden rule change and fines introduced this week for dangerous tackles are stupid in my eyes.
Players will injure themselves trying to get out of a tackle and, as Malcolm Jankins said, if an O player suddenly ducks his head before contact there's not much the D player can do but continue with their momentum. As such head shots are likely to continue unintentionally. Afterall you can't uncoach the way a player has been taught to tackle since age 6.
But, all that said, I do applaud the Saints for being so cautious with Gay. He had a bad head injury last year and it's only right they look out for his overall welfare.
As a hard working team player he deserves that protection. He will have a life after the game and concussions are a serious serious business.
Players can be their own worst enemy
A competitive player can be his own worst enemy trying to be put back in the game. This decision takes that out of his and the coaches hands.
I hope other teams respect their players to this extent. It's that kind of loyalty which bonds a team and is sometimes missing from pro sports where money and winning get in the way of the being in human being.
I applaud you team HQ. A great decision and one that shows the roster that the front office have their backs.
Drew Brees was able to hit balls acurately down the sidelines for deep gains and control the field with short to middle distance passing.
The D played great again and boy is Sedrick Ellis blossoming into a top DT.
Two major points of praise
But beyond that I have two major points of praise to hand out.
The first is pretty obvious. It goes to Chris Ivory for a truly outstanding break out performance. It was fantastic to see the guy hitting holes at such speed and giving the Saints a compelling run attack on the day.
Yes the holes were ridiculously huge, which is all credit to the O line, but still his explosive speed made the most of it and he also showed great ability at shaking tackles. It's been a long time since we saw a Saints back make that kind of impact.
I'm looking forward to seeing more from the young back in weeks to come. It's going to make for a compelling back field once Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are back.
Randall Gay placed on IR
Now onto the second point. I applaud the Saints organization for the way they have handled Randall Gay.
In past years teams would have thrown him back into the lions den and hoped for the best. Now the league is getting rightfully cautious about these dangerous injuries and teams more compassionate about player safety.
A softie softie I am not
No I don't want to see the end of hard tackling and yes I accept and love the fact football is a physical game. The sudden rule change and fines introduced this week for dangerous tackles are stupid in my eyes.
Players will injure themselves trying to get out of a tackle and, as Malcolm Jankins said, if an O player suddenly ducks his head before contact there's not much the D player can do but continue with their momentum. As such head shots are likely to continue unintentionally. Afterall you can't uncoach the way a player has been taught to tackle since age 6.
But, all that said, I do applaud the Saints for being so cautious with Gay. He had a bad head injury last year and it's only right they look out for his overall welfare.
As a hard working team player he deserves that protection. He will have a life after the game and concussions are a serious serious business.
Players can be their own worst enemy
A competitive player can be his own worst enemy trying to be put back in the game. This decision takes that out of his and the coaches hands.
I hope other teams respect their players to this extent. It's that kind of loyalty which bonds a team and is sometimes missing from pro sports where money and winning get in the way of the being in human being.
I applaud you team HQ. A great decision and one that shows the roster that the front office have their backs.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saints Vs Falcons 3rd Quarter
Welcome to the 2nd half of this division battle with the Saints leading the sucky McSucksucks 16 to 9.
The Saints start with the ball at their own 20.
Pierre Thomas takes a hand off and picks up a nice opening 4. 2nd and 6.
Brees completes his 20th pass off the day to Marques Colston for 5 (that's from 22 attempts btw... how do you like that for accuracy?). 3rd and 1.
Hand off to Reggie Bush who looks like he is going to be stopped but breaks out and takes it all the way down the sidelines to the Saints 48. Nice play by Mr Kardashian.
1st down Saints.
Hamilton takes the ball and stuffs up a neat 9 yards. 2nd and 1.
Hamilton does a nice impression of Battering Ram Bell and picks up 2.
1st down Saints.
Hamilton picks up a yard right to the Falcons 39. 2nd and 9.
Reggie Bush up the middle picks up 8 and takes a hard hit. 3rd and inches.
Hamilton goes wide and picks up a nice 5 yards but there's a flag on the field... and guess who it's against? I'll just say holding so you know it's now 3rd and 11.
The Falcons bring everyone so Brees throws down the sidelines to Robert Meachem and... it's picked... But a lovely little yellow flag flutters to the ground and the word is 'Pass interference'. Mike Smith throws a hissy fit which makes me laugh.
1st and 10 Saints at the Falcons 12.
Brees to Henderson in the end zone and Devery drops it after a heavy hit. 2nd and 10.
Reggie Bush takes the carry and fumbles but he recovers... luckily for him if he wants more game time today. 3rd and 19.
Brees on a screen to Reggie Bush and... TOUCHDOWN!! So Sean Payton gives Reggie a chance to work off his misdemeanour and Bush duly obliges by taking it to the house.
Saints 23 Falcons 9
1st down Falcons at their 20.
Norwood carries the ball for 5. 2nd and 5.
Redman to Tony Gonzalez at the marker and completes.
1st down Falcons.
Redman completes to Jenkins at the Saints 45. The Saints brought pressure but not enough.
1st down Falcons.
Norwood goes right and then cuts back across the whole team and picks up a big big gain... and then a lovely yellow flag comes out to give Mr Smith a red angry complexion. 1st and 20.
Redman to Gonzalez who is wrapped up by Scott Shanley after a gain of 5. 2nd and 15.
Redman drops back and finds Jenkins up the middle... for a touchdown. Randall Gay came on a blitz again and got no where. 50 yard touchdown catch and run.
Saints 23 Falcons 16
1st down Saints at the 20.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas on the sidelines for 5. 2nd and 5.
Brees to Robert Meachem over the middle for 10.
1st down Saints.
Reggie Bush on a hand off looks like he is going to loose some yards then throws a Reggie move and slips the noose for 7 top yards. Great move by the Bushster. 2nd and 3.
Pierre Thomas up the middle for 2. 3rd and 1.
Brees has an hour in the pocket but can't find anyone open so he throws only his 4th incompletion all day and the Saints will have to punt.
In comes a confused looking Thomas Morstead who wonders what he's meant to do here as he never has to punt.
1st down Falcons at their 20.
Norwood takes a toss to pick up 5. 2nd and 5.
Play action Redman to Roddy White who picks up 14. So the 2nd stringer continues to hurt us and make this increasingly uncomfortable.
1st down Falcons.
Norwood inside before Sedrick Ellis sits on him. 2nd and 5.
Redman shuffle pass to Snelling goes incomplete. Vilma hit Snelling as the ball got there. Nice work captain. 3rd and 5.
Redman threads a needle under pressure and completes down the sidelines to the Saints 36. Good coverage by Randall Gay but that was a great pass.
1st down Falcons.
Snelling takes a toss and runs into Jonathan Vilma. 2nd and 9.
Redman to Booked for 8 to end the 3rd Quarter.
The Saints start with the ball at their own 20.
Pierre Thomas takes a hand off and picks up a nice opening 4. 2nd and 6.
Brees completes his 20th pass off the day to Marques Colston for 5 (that's from 22 attempts btw... how do you like that for accuracy?). 3rd and 1.
Hand off to Reggie Bush who looks like he is going to be stopped but breaks out and takes it all the way down the sidelines to the Saints 48. Nice play by Mr Kardashian.
1st down Saints.
Hamilton takes the ball and stuffs up a neat 9 yards. 2nd and 1.
Hamilton does a nice impression of Battering Ram Bell and picks up 2.
1st down Saints.
Hamilton picks up a yard right to the Falcons 39. 2nd and 9.
Reggie Bush up the middle picks up 8 and takes a hard hit. 3rd and inches.
Hamilton goes wide and picks up a nice 5 yards but there's a flag on the field... and guess who it's against? I'll just say holding so you know it's now 3rd and 11.
The Falcons bring everyone so Brees throws down the sidelines to Robert Meachem and... it's picked... But a lovely little yellow flag flutters to the ground and the word is 'Pass interference'. Mike Smith throws a hissy fit which makes me laugh.
1st and 10 Saints at the Falcons 12.
Brees to Henderson in the end zone and Devery drops it after a heavy hit. 2nd and 10.
Reggie Bush takes the carry and fumbles but he recovers... luckily for him if he wants more game time today. 3rd and 19.
Brees on a screen to Reggie Bush and... TOUCHDOWN!! So Sean Payton gives Reggie a chance to work off his misdemeanour and Bush duly obliges by taking it to the house.
Saints 23 Falcons 9
1st down Falcons at their 20.
Norwood carries the ball for 5. 2nd and 5.
Redman to Tony Gonzalez at the marker and completes.
1st down Falcons.
Redman completes to Jenkins at the Saints 45. The Saints brought pressure but not enough.
1st down Falcons.
Norwood goes right and then cuts back across the whole team and picks up a big big gain... and then a lovely yellow flag comes out to give Mr Smith a red angry complexion. 1st and 20.
Redman to Gonzalez who is wrapped up by Scott Shanley after a gain of 5. 2nd and 15.
Redman drops back and finds Jenkins up the middle... for a touchdown. Randall Gay came on a blitz again and got no where. 50 yard touchdown catch and run.
Saints 23 Falcons 16
1st down Saints at the 20.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas on the sidelines for 5. 2nd and 5.
Brees to Robert Meachem over the middle for 10.
1st down Saints.
Reggie Bush on a hand off looks like he is going to loose some yards then throws a Reggie move and slips the noose for 7 top yards. Great move by the Bushster. 2nd and 3.
Pierre Thomas up the middle for 2. 3rd and 1.
Brees has an hour in the pocket but can't find anyone open so he throws only his 4th incompletion all day and the Saints will have to punt.
In comes a confused looking Thomas Morstead who wonders what he's meant to do here as he never has to punt.
1st down Falcons at their 20.
Norwood takes a toss to pick up 5. 2nd and 5.
Play action Redman to Roddy White who picks up 14. So the 2nd stringer continues to hurt us and make this increasingly uncomfortable.
1st down Falcons.
Norwood inside before Sedrick Ellis sits on him. 2nd and 5.
Redman shuffle pass to Snelling goes incomplete. Vilma hit Snelling as the ball got there. Nice work captain. 3rd and 5.
Redman threads a needle under pressure and completes down the sidelines to the Saints 36. Good coverage by Randall Gay but that was a great pass.
1st down Falcons.
Snelling takes a toss and runs into Jonathan Vilma. 2nd and 9.
Redman to Booked for 8 to end the 3rd Quarter.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saints Vs Rams 2nd Quarter Analysis
You join me in the Saints Vs Rams 2nd Quarter having just been advised that I'm watching FOX NFL Sunday by a baritone voice. That's lucky they confirmed that or I would have been left thinking I was watching the sound of music in Slavic. Now a fan holds up a sign confirming we are watching Fox as we return to the game; did the PR department pay him for that?
OK so the score is Saints 0 Rams 0.
Drew Brees throws to David Thomas who is stopped short and then forces his way for an extra 3. GREAT effort. 4th catch of day by the backup Tight End. Only 7 catches before today, how bout that?
1st down Black and Gold.
Draw to Bush who does his Michael Jordan leap and gets a... 3 yard TOUCHDOWN!! His 5th of the season.
That was a 13 play, 78 yard drive in 7.30. Brees went 6 for 6 for 58 yards. Textbook drive - Very impressive. Brees spread the ball around to receivers and tight ends and was complimented by some good runs by the backs. There were also 3 straight 3rd down conversions on the drive which is akey indicator of ruthless efficiency.
New Orleans Saints 7 St Louis Rams 0
1st down Rams at their own 25, 14.09 on the clock.
Steven Jackson big run for 14 - An important open field tackle by Usama Young or he could have broken it.
1st down.
Steven Jackson again through middle for 8.
Play action pass and a big gain. Great hit by Usama Young - CRACK!!
1st down at Saints 35.
Steven Jackson again over right tackle. He is running at will against us.
2nd and 2. Some other Rams back up runs through the middle for 3.
1st down at 29.
Toss out left and Will Smith tackles for 0.
Mark Bulger is sacked and looses the ball which Jackson manages to recover for a loss of 3. He had loads of time but still got sacked.
3rd and 15. That's the 16th forced fumble in Will Smiths career; he also has an Oscar I believe.
Mark Bulger to Avery deep and... TD. He beat Randall Gay for 29 yard TD reception.
9.23 left in 2nd. 8 plays 75 yards.
Saints 7 Rams 7,
Courtney Roby takes the kick off out to the 27 where the Saints will have a 1st down.
End around to Robert Meachem (great block by David Thomas) who takes it a season long 41 yards for a Saint to the Rams 36.
1st down New Orleans.
Thomas scampers for 3.
Brees to Henderson to the Rams 15, a gain of 13.
1st down.
Brees is hit as he throws incomplete. 1st time Brees has been pressured so far.
Brees throws it away on the next play bringing up 3rd and 10.
Brees to Bush over the middle and... TOUCHDOWN!! Bush caught it at the 12 then used his speed to get to the end zone and dive to the put ball over the plain of the goal line. Great catch and run. 6 plays 72 yards in a cool 2.32.
Saints 14 Rams 7
1st down Rams 27.
Steve Spagnola is talking to the LB beaten by Bush. He's demanding that he be a bit more like Usain Bolt in future please.
Rams pass for 7 yards. 2nd and 3.
Encroachment by Remi Ayodele. 1st down Rams at own 38.
Jackson 8th rush over left tackle of the day picks up 5. (69 yards rushing and 21 receiving already today).
Mark Bulger is pressured and sacked by Remi Ayodele and Charles Grant. 3rd and 7.
Bulger completes to Gibson. Usama Young makes the tackle again after Gay slipped which left him open.
1st down Rams.
Jackson is tackled by just about every Saints player although Charles Grant gets the official credit. 2nd and 8. Bulger throws a pass for another 1st down - 10 yard pick up.
1st down.
Jackson tackled by everyone again although Bobby McCray is credited.
2nd and 8. Saints burn a second timeout.
Steven Jackson again but Demario Pressley wraps him up in the backfield for a loss of 1. Ball at Saints 28. Steven Jackson again for 13 up the middle. We just cannot stop this guy.
2 minute warning. 1st down at 15.
Jackson AGAIN for 2.
The Saints call another timeout.
Jackson stopped 3 yards short of 1st down marker but then carries WILL SMITH ON HIS BACK DOWN TO THE SAINTS 4.
1st down. Jackson up the middle for 1.
Jackson ploughs in for... A TOUCHDWON OVER LEFT TACKLE. Mike Karney, the ex Saint FB, led the way - TRAITOR. Although we did cut him the day before his wedding so I guess we owe him that. Cut throat business or what?
Saints 14 Rams 14.
Courtney Roby returns the kick off out to the 24.
50 seconds left in half, 0 timeouts New Orleans.
1st play and Brees is going down for a sack but flips it to Bush for 0 pick up. Great effort to avoid the sack and keep the play alive.
Brees to Shockey for 9. Brees stops clock but that makes it 4th and 1 so the Saints will punt with 6 seconds left.
End of first half with the scores level:
New Orleans 14 Steven Jackson 14
OK so the score is Saints 0 Rams 0.
Drew Brees throws to David Thomas who is stopped short and then forces his way for an extra 3. GREAT effort. 4th catch of day by the backup Tight End. Only 7 catches before today, how bout that?
1st down Black and Gold.
Draw to Bush who does his Michael Jordan leap and gets a... 3 yard TOUCHDOWN!! His 5th of the season.
The Reggie Bush mph read +22 on that one!
That was a 13 play, 78 yard drive in 7.30. Brees went 6 for 6 for 58 yards. Textbook drive - Very impressive. Brees spread the ball around to receivers and tight ends and was complimented by some good runs by the backs. There were also 3 straight 3rd down conversions on the drive which is akey indicator of ruthless efficiency.
New Orleans Saints 7 St Louis Rams 0
1st down Rams at their own 25, 14.09 on the clock.
Steven Jackson big run for 14 - An important open field tackle by Usama Young or he could have broken it.
1st down.
Steven Jackson again through middle for 8.
Play action pass and a big gain. Great hit by Usama Young - CRACK!!
1st down at Saints 35.
Steven Jackson again over right tackle. He is running at will against us.
2nd and 2. Some other Rams back up runs through the middle for 3.
1st down at 29.
Toss out left and Will Smith tackles for 0.
Mark Bulger is sacked and looses the ball which Jackson manages to recover for a loss of 3. He had loads of time but still got sacked.
3rd and 15. That's the 16th forced fumble in Will Smiths career; he also has an Oscar I believe.
Mark Bulger to Avery deep and... TD. He beat Randall Gay for 29 yard TD reception.
9.23 left in 2nd. 8 plays 75 yards.
Saints 7 Rams 7,
Courtney Roby takes the kick off out to the 27 where the Saints will have a 1st down.
End around to Robert Meachem (great block by David Thomas) who takes it a season long 41 yards for a Saint to the Rams 36.
1st down New Orleans.
Thomas scampers for 3.
Brees to Henderson to the Rams 15, a gain of 13.
1st down.
Brees is hit as he throws incomplete. 1st time Brees has been pressured so far.
Brees throws it away on the next play bringing up 3rd and 10.
Brees to Bush over the middle and... TOUCHDOWN!! Bush caught it at the 12 then used his speed to get to the end zone and dive to the put ball over the plain of the goal line. Great catch and run. 6 plays 72 yards in a cool 2.32.
The 'Reggie Bush Vertical Leap' as patented by Bush Inc.
Saints 14 Rams 7
1st down Rams 27.
Steve Spagnola is talking to the LB beaten by Bush. He's demanding that he be a bit more like Usain Bolt in future please.
Rams pass for 7 yards. 2nd and 3.
Encroachment by Remi Ayodele. 1st down Rams at own 38.
Jackson 8th rush over left tackle of the day picks up 5. (69 yards rushing and 21 receiving already today).
Mark Bulger is pressured and sacked by Remi Ayodele and Charles Grant. 3rd and 7.
Bulger completes to Gibson. Usama Young makes the tackle again after Gay slipped which left him open.
1st down Rams.
Jackson is tackled by just about every Saints player although Charles Grant gets the official credit. 2nd and 8. Bulger throws a pass for another 1st down - 10 yard pick up.
1st down.
Jackson tackled by everyone again although Bobby McCray is credited.
2nd and 8. Saints burn a second timeout.
Steven Jackson again but Demario Pressley wraps him up in the backfield for a loss of 1. Ball at Saints 28. Steven Jackson again for 13 up the middle. We just cannot stop this guy.
2 minute warning. 1st down at 15.
Jackson AGAIN for 2.
The Saints call another timeout.
Jackson stopped 3 yards short of 1st down marker but then carries WILL SMITH ON HIS BACK DOWN TO THE SAINTS 4.
1st down. Jackson up the middle for 1.
Jackson ploughs in for... A TOUCHDWON OVER LEFT TACKLE. Mike Karney, the ex Saint FB, led the way - TRAITOR. Although we did cut him the day before his wedding so I guess we owe him that. Cut throat business or what?
Saints 14 Rams 14.
Courtney Roby returns the kick off out to the 24.
50 seconds left in half, 0 timeouts New Orleans.
1st play and Brees is going down for a sack but flips it to Bush for 0 pick up. Great effort to avoid the sack and keep the play alive.
Brees to Shockey for 9. Brees stops clock but that makes it 4th and 1 so the Saints will punt with 6 seconds left.
End of first half with the scores level:
New Orleans 14 Steven Jackson 14
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