Finally it seems some of the national press are waking up to the potential beast of a backfield the Saints are likely to deploy this coming season and it truly makes the heart sing.
In this USA Today piece Jon Saraceno breaks down the key attributes and skills on offer by our multi talented core and concludes that we could have a hum dinger (well der - but then what's obvious to us may not have registered league wide until now so I'll let you off Jon).
He points out the productivity breakdown between Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles and it truly makes for great reading.
To paraphrase "In 78 NFL games, Sproles has produced nearly 10,000 all-purpose yards. Bush, in 60 games, has less than 5,000. "Bang for your buck," Bobby Hebert says."
Who Ahh! Play action baby.
Speaking of which here's a good interview with Drew 'Play Action Oscar Winner' Brees on the teams' prospects.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d8215d4f5/A-cool-Brees
And just when you thought it couldn't get any better here's some analysis on our much maligned Special Teams.
Showing posts with label Reggie Bush. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reggie Bush. Show all posts
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Breakdown of the Saints Undrafted Free Agent 2011 Class
Great article over on Nola about the 20 undrafted free agents linking up with the Saints. Given Coach Paytons ability to find some diamonds in the rough this list makes for interesting reading.
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/07/new_orleans_saints_undrafted_f.html
On a separate but ridiculously brilliant note I am beyond happy that the Saints signed up Lance Moore for another 5 years. Not only is he a selfless team player but he's one of the most underrated receivers in the league, a reliable clutch go to guy for Brees and an all round contributer to the team ethic.
Less happy but not surprised that luxury of luxuries Reggie Bush is off to the Dolphins. I was always a fan of Reggies but even I can't ignore the production output when set against the cost of his contract.
It's the least surprising deal of the summer in many ways but good luck to him. With Mark Ingram in town along with Pierre 'Quality' Thomas and Chris 'Going Places' Ivory I have no worries that we'll cope.
Still we'll miss some of these moments.
Slightly more concerned about the site of Remi Ayodele packing his bags to the Vikings. He's a decent fill in the front 7 so I hope the back office know what they're doing on this one. Obviously we can't keep everyone but I'm still concerned about that under belly of our D.
Eyes to Twitter folks as no doubt more every minute!
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2011/07/new_orleans_saints_undrafted_f.html
On a separate but ridiculously brilliant note I am beyond happy that the Saints signed up Lance Moore for another 5 years. Not only is he a selfless team player but he's one of the most underrated receivers in the league, a reliable clutch go to guy for Brees and an all round contributer to the team ethic.
Less happy but not surprised that luxury of luxuries Reggie Bush is off to the Dolphins. I was always a fan of Reggies but even I can't ignore the production output when set against the cost of his contract.
It's the least surprising deal of the summer in many ways but good luck to him. With Mark Ingram in town along with Pierre 'Quality' Thomas and Chris 'Going Places' Ivory I have no worries that we'll cope.
Still we'll miss some of these moments.
Slightly more concerned about the site of Remi Ayodele packing his bags to the Vikings. He's a decent fill in the front 7 so I hope the back office know what they're doing on this one. Obviously we can't keep everyone but I'm still concerned about that under belly of our D.
Eyes to Twitter folks as no doubt more every minute!
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.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Drew Brees My Lord Kumbaya
Drew Brees My Lord Kumbaya,
Drew Brees My Lord Kumbaya,
Drew Brees My Lord Kumbaya,
Oh Lord Drewy Brees
It is at times like this that one's faith in the Lord, Drew Brees and the Saints nation ensures I am yet to succumb to the mass hysteria, train ball wreck, hair pulling, fatalism that has gripped so many comment pages on Nola.com of recent.
You see I live by a simple truth... In Drew I trust.
The man is hurting more than any of us can appreciate. For he is a true competitor and you can bet your big old hairy butt/svelte shinny toosh (delete as befits your posterior) that the man is working tirelessly to turn this thing around.
Obviously one man does not maketh a team. But Brees does lead this club from the front and you can see clearly he's not playing to his best. So you just know he is working overtime to correct the small faults that make such a huge difference to his game.
Pass Protection
One of the major issues to date has been pass protection. It seems people are getting up in Drew's face more than Simon Cowell to a bad debutante. He needs proper protection so he can show his magic.
Teams are taking away the deep ball, not worrying about the non playing Reggie Bush factor, not worrying about the screen game or the run. So right now it's all on Brees and even he isn't Superman.
Get the pass protection sorted and a healthy PT back and you'll see it's not all doom and gloom.
Defence is better
On top of that the D is performing better than last year. Yes take aways are down but we just seem a more solidified unit despite the neverending casualty list in the secondary.
So once we can get back healthy and jumping out to leads we'll be ok. Trust me. These Saints are still the Saints of last year. They're hurting and they will get it sorted it out. The only difference this year is reality has replaced fantasy football. Just keep the faith and keep supporting.
Til next time
An over worked Father Falcanor
P.S. Thanks to Scott Fujita for posting up the article I wrote about him on his site. I never knew I had such a legend reading my blog!
Drew Brees My Lord Kumbaya,
Drew Brees My Lord Kumbaya,
Oh Lord Drewy Brees
It is at times like this that one's faith in the Lord, Drew Brees and the Saints nation ensures I am yet to succumb to the mass hysteria, train ball wreck, hair pulling, fatalism that has gripped so many comment pages on Nola.com of recent.
You see I live by a simple truth... In Drew I trust.
The man is hurting more than any of us can appreciate. For he is a true competitor and you can bet your big old hairy butt/svelte shinny toosh (delete as befits your posterior) that the man is working tirelessly to turn this thing around.
Obviously one man does not maketh a team. But Brees does lead this club from the front and you can see clearly he's not playing to his best. So you just know he is working overtime to correct the small faults that make such a huge difference to his game.
Pass Protection
One of the major issues to date has been pass protection. It seems people are getting up in Drew's face more than Simon Cowell to a bad debutante. He needs proper protection so he can show his magic.
Teams are taking away the deep ball, not worrying about the non playing Reggie Bush factor, not worrying about the screen game or the run. So right now it's all on Brees and even he isn't Superman.
Get the pass protection sorted and a healthy PT back and you'll see it's not all doom and gloom.
Defence is better
On top of that the D is performing better than last year. Yes take aways are down but we just seem a more solidified unit despite the neverending casualty list in the secondary.
So once we can get back healthy and jumping out to leads we'll be ok. Trust me. These Saints are still the Saints of last year. They're hurting and they will get it sorted it out. The only difference this year is reality has replaced fantasy football. Just keep the faith and keep supporting.
Til next time
An over worked Father Falcanor
P.S. Thanks to Scott Fujita for posting up the article I wrote about him on his site. I never knew I had such a legend reading my blog!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Saints win the hard way in San Fran
Man I hate the 49ers. Always have always will... It's just been a while so I forgot how much!
It was like watching those old games off youth when the Saints would be in the game and then cool hand Joe would march his team down the field and snatch a win.
Well luckily for the Saints we now have a great team who stick together in tough road conditions whilst the 49ers find new ways to implode. I for one love that fact and want to take my hat off to the 49ers center for that opening snap that cost them the game.
Mike Singletary demon eyes
I sure am glad I was not in the 49er locker room after the game as some of their players literally handed the Saints keys to stay in the game at times.
What was it, 3 turnovers when they'd marched to the Saints red zone? Jeez, that is the kind of thing to make the iron man go purple with rage.
Now onto the Saints
I feared it at seasons start and now I'm worried even more. Loosing Mike Bell is going to hurt this team.
The diminuitive runner would have pounded out some hard yards in that second half to take the pressure off Pierre Thomas and give the 49ers more to think about. Instead it was left primarily to Pierre to fight for some small incremental yardage.
Clearly coach Payton didn't want to throw DeShawn Wynn into such a tough situation but the guy is going to have to get his game face on now with the loss of Reggie Bush.
Reggie Bush injured again
It pains me to see Reggie down and injured yet again especially after the week he had. The guy had his first healthy off season in a long while and looked sharp but once again lady luck has spoiled his season, a fact that could impact the Saints big time.
Without Bush we loose a lot of disguises that keep opponents on edge. It's going to result in a lot more blitz packages coming at Brees.
Drew Brees hurried too many times
Which brings me onto another concern. Brees was hurried far more times than was comfortable.
He is the undisputed leader of the team and to see him being put to the ground and under pressure so much was a concern. You could see it through the loss of his rythmn at times. Let's just hope that was a one off as our O line is made of better stuff.
The Positives
All that said there was a lot to take from the game. The team stuck together in true champion spirit coming into a hostile Monday night environment.
I thought the D played pretty well in large patches and did a great job at once again going after the ball. Vilma and Harper were once again excellent as was the entire secondary. I'd like to see more pressure from the line but they were facing a pretty good front five so let's wait and see how that front bears out in coming games.
Finally it was great to see the play of our special teams once again and especially the clutch kicks of Garrett Hartley. The young kicker held his nerve in tough circumstances to seal a Saints win and put paid to last weeks misses the only way a quality kicker can.
Great also to see some tighter defensive coverage on the return teams and a true all round effort from Courtney Roby. Oh and I best not forget Morstead as his booming kicks sure do go a long way to helping the D at times.
So in summary
A tough road win, hard fought against good opponents. The team has time now to reflect on where we were missing some connections ahead of the Falcons game. That sure is going to be a tough one but so long as our collective spirit holds true then we have a great shot.
In the meantime best wishes to Reggie. Fingers crossed for positive news in the coming days.
It was like watching those old games off youth when the Saints would be in the game and then cool hand Joe would march his team down the field and snatch a win.
Well luckily for the Saints we now have a great team who stick together in tough road conditions whilst the 49ers find new ways to implode. I for one love that fact and want to take my hat off to the 49ers center for that opening snap that cost them the game.
Mike Singletary demon eyes
I sure am glad I was not in the 49er locker room after the game as some of their players literally handed the Saints keys to stay in the game at times.
What was it, 3 turnovers when they'd marched to the Saints red zone? Jeez, that is the kind of thing to make the iron man go purple with rage.
Now onto the Saints
I feared it at seasons start and now I'm worried even more. Loosing Mike Bell is going to hurt this team.
The diminuitive runner would have pounded out some hard yards in that second half to take the pressure off Pierre Thomas and give the 49ers more to think about. Instead it was left primarily to Pierre to fight for some small incremental yardage.
Clearly coach Payton didn't want to throw DeShawn Wynn into such a tough situation but the guy is going to have to get his game face on now with the loss of Reggie Bush.
Reggie Bush injured again
It pains me to see Reggie down and injured yet again especially after the week he had. The guy had his first healthy off season in a long while and looked sharp but once again lady luck has spoiled his season, a fact that could impact the Saints big time.
Without Bush we loose a lot of disguises that keep opponents on edge. It's going to result in a lot more blitz packages coming at Brees.
Drew Brees hurried too many times
Which brings me onto another concern. Brees was hurried far more times than was comfortable.
He is the undisputed leader of the team and to see him being put to the ground and under pressure so much was a concern. You could see it through the loss of his rythmn at times. Let's just hope that was a one off as our O line is made of better stuff.
The Positives
All that said there was a lot to take from the game. The team stuck together in true champion spirit coming into a hostile Monday night environment.
I thought the D played pretty well in large patches and did a great job at once again going after the ball. Vilma and Harper were once again excellent as was the entire secondary. I'd like to see more pressure from the line but they were facing a pretty good front five so let's wait and see how that front bears out in coming games.
Finally it was great to see the play of our special teams once again and especially the clutch kicks of Garrett Hartley. The young kicker held his nerve in tough circumstances to seal a Saints win and put paid to last weeks misses the only way a quality kicker can.
Great also to see some tighter defensive coverage on the return teams and a true all round effort from Courtney Roby. Oh and I best not forget Morstead as his booming kicks sure do go a long way to helping the D at times.
So in summary
A tough road win, hard fought against good opponents. The team has time now to reflect on where we were missing some connections ahead of the Falcons game. That sure is going to be a tough one but so long as our collective spirit holds true then we have a great shot.
In the meantime best wishes to Reggie. Fingers crossed for positive news in the coming days.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sean Payton Head Coach Extraordinaire
Boy do I love Coach Payton. No sooner have the Saints won the Super Bowl than the gutsy play caller is already planning for 2010. I remember on Super Bowl night, about 10 minutes after we had seen the coach lifting the trophy, thinking (in my inebriated state) 'I love this feeling and I'm sure Payton is hungry for more'. Well no doubt given his comments on NOLA.com from the 27th Feb.
"I think the key is to not lose sight of the journey it takes to get there (the Super Bowl), how much work it takes to get in that game," Sean Payton said. "And in every aspect of the program, from the evaluation of talent, the decisions in regard to your roster, the decisions in regard to what we're doing as coaches and evaluators, you know, all those things, it's easy to be critical when you don't have success. What's more challenging is to be that same objective voice of reason, or have that same objective evaluation process, when you do have success."
Now that is a born winner. To win once is great but to be considered legends in your own time you need to win it again and again and with the team we've got at the average age they are I think that is a real possibility. A Saints Dynasty, now that really would be something.
Speaking of which he also said Mr Soap Opera himself, Reggie Bush, is definitely in his plans and coming back. Now I've made clear all along that I'm a big fan of Reggie's. He is a game changer at his best and at his worst he is a major distraction for the opposing D as someone needs to be tracking his every move. That leaves room for other players to get open so it's a great early statement of intent by coach Sean Payton to say he is definitely on his way back.
I also like the news they've made tender offers to Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas. Both were integral in getting the Saints to the Super Bowl with their combination of inside power running, outside and screen play. To keep this group of runners togethers would be a real coup and send a message to the rest of the league that we really mean business.
Coach Payton also rates Lynell Hamilton very highly so we could also see more from him this coming season. It's little wonder therefore that the gutsy Saints head coach is willing to forgo the opportunity to sign LaDainian Tomlinson. As great a player as he has been Tomlinson definitely looks to be in the twilight of his career and would most likely force out one of the younger bucks from the Saints roster. Better me thinks to invest in the youth and leave some of that money free to get my main man Scott Fujita signed up for one more year.
Finally, whilst I'm glad to hear he's already busy planning for next year I am hoping Sean Payton Head Coach Extraordinaire takes some time to recharge the batteries. He more than deserves it and will need all the energy he can get come the big time play calls he will no doubt make again in next years Super Bowl.
"I think the key is to not lose sight of the journey it takes to get there (the Super Bowl), how much work it takes to get in that game," Sean Payton said. "And in every aspect of the program, from the evaluation of talent, the decisions in regard to your roster, the decisions in regard to what we're doing as coaches and evaluators, you know, all those things, it's easy to be critical when you don't have success. What's more challenging is to be that same objective voice of reason, or have that same objective evaluation process, when you do have success."
Now that is a born winner. To win once is great but to be considered legends in your own time you need to win it again and again and with the team we've got at the average age they are I think that is a real possibility. A Saints Dynasty, now that really would be something.
Speaking of which he also said Mr Soap Opera himself, Reggie Bush, is definitely in his plans and coming back. Now I've made clear all along that I'm a big fan of Reggie's. He is a game changer at his best and at his worst he is a major distraction for the opposing D as someone needs to be tracking his every move. That leaves room for other players to get open so it's a great early statement of intent by coach Sean Payton to say he is definitely on his way back.
I also like the news they've made tender offers to Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas. Both were integral in getting the Saints to the Super Bowl with their combination of inside power running, outside and screen play. To keep this group of runners togethers would be a real coup and send a message to the rest of the league that we really mean business.
Coach Payton also rates Lynell Hamilton very highly so we could also see more from him this coming season. It's little wonder therefore that the gutsy Saints head coach is willing to forgo the opportunity to sign LaDainian Tomlinson. As great a player as he has been Tomlinson definitely looks to be in the twilight of his career and would most likely force out one of the younger bucks from the Saints roster. Better me thinks to invest in the youth and leave some of that money free to get my main man Scott Fujita signed up for one more year.
Finally, whilst I'm glad to hear he's already busy planning for next year I am hoping Sean Payton Head Coach Extraordinaire takes some time to recharge the batteries. He more than deserves it and will need all the energy he can get come the big time play calls he will no doubt make again in next years Super Bowl.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Saints Super Bowl Shopping List
Like many a good Saints fan who can't make it down to Miami I will be watching the big game at home with a group of friends and a nervous disposition. I'm excited as hell but the fact is I'm developing a slight twitch and am already finding it difficult to hold a drink without spilling it such is the inner tension. So the only course of action I can see is to write a big Saints Super Bowl shopping list to keep my mind at bay. So here's what Dr. Falconer is ordering.
1. A Drew Brees 400+ yard game, 3/4 TD haul and 0 ints - check,
2. A Pierre Thomas 100+ yard game - check,
3. A Will Smith Bobby McCray Peyton Manning sandwich with a side of Reggie Wayne fumbles - check, check,
4. 2 Reggie Bush game changing moments for the highlights reel - I'll have to see what they've got out back but I'm pretty sure we can accommodate,
5. Another Darren Sharper Jonathan Vilma same game interception haul - absolutely, check,
6. About 100 tins of beer for the Falconer troop + whisky when we win - goes without saying and already in the house,
7. A Who half time performance we can all sing along to safe in the knowledge the Saints are almost home and dry - hmm, might struggle with this one but we'll see if there's any in the warehouse,
8. A combo of ribs, pizza, chips and dips to be on hand throughout the game - you sure that's all? I think we have more stuff en route for delivery.
Good lady Falconer is off to the grocery store shortly to get the complete Saints Super Bowl Shopping List order fulfilled. Anything you want ordered please holla now.
1. A Drew Brees 400+ yard game, 3/4 TD haul and 0 ints - check,
2. A Pierre Thomas 100+ yard game - check,
3. A Will Smith Bobby McCray Peyton Manning sandwich with a side of Reggie Wayne fumbles - check, check,
4. 2 Reggie Bush game changing moments for the highlights reel - I'll have to see what they've got out back but I'm pretty sure we can accommodate,
5. Another Darren Sharper Jonathan Vilma same game interception haul - absolutely, check,
6. About 100 tins of beer for the Falconer troop + whisky when we win - goes without saying and already in the house,
7. A Who half time performance we can all sing along to safe in the knowledge the Saints are almost home and dry - hmm, might struggle with this one but we'll see if there's any in the warehouse,
8. A combo of ribs, pizza, chips and dips to be on hand throughout the game - you sure that's all? I think we have more stuff en route for delivery.
Is that all you want dear?
N.B. Not actually Lady Falconer
Good lady Falconer is off to the grocery store shortly to get the complete Saints Super Bowl Shopping List order fulfilled. Anything you want ordered please holla now.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Saints NFC Championship Game
The Saints demolished the Cardinals on Saturday night en route to only their second NFC Championship of all time... And I can barely remember a thing about it! I know I was off my seat more times than a man with piles on an ice cold wooden bench but for the life of me I can't piece it altogether because I quite simply lost all control of my actions and drank like a fish for I was so ecstatic. I'll make it up to my liver in the week but for now I just want to enjoy this moment ahead of the Saints NFC Championship game against the Vikings.
What I believe happened is that the Saints played the game of their lives to demolish the Cardinals and stick two fingers up to all those doubters out there. I remember Jeremy Shockey limping his way to a touchdown being the warrior he is, Lynell Hamilton driving for a short yardage thouchdown, Sharper either taking a pick or a fumble recovery and more importanly the D playing an absolute stunner at times and getting to Kurt Warner more than even my optimistic part of the brain would have predicted.
I loved also Reggie Bush running to an incredible touchdown and returning a punt to the house to shut up all those doubters who always go on about the number of downs he plays. Who cares? He's a luxury player who we can afford to use as we choose given the other options on the team. When he is called upon he is ready to deliver at any given moment and thanks to some inspired moves he managed to do it when it counted most. Let's look forward to more of the same next week
I am going to watch the game back tonight and enjoy it all over again without the faintest idea of how it all pieced together. And I am going to watch it with a big smile on my face because the Saints are entering the NFC Championship Game on Sunday with the best team in our history and with every chance of going all the way. I cannot wait!
What I believe happened is that the Saints played the game of their lives to demolish the Cardinals and stick two fingers up to all those doubters out there. I remember Jeremy Shockey limping his way to a touchdown being the warrior he is, Lynell Hamilton driving for a short yardage thouchdown, Sharper either taking a pick or a fumble recovery and more importanly the D playing an absolute stunner at times and getting to Kurt Warner more than even my optimistic part of the brain would have predicted.
I loved also Reggie Bush running to an incredible touchdown and returning a punt to the house to shut up all those doubters who always go on about the number of downs he plays. Who cares? He's a luxury player who we can afford to use as we choose given the other options on the team. When he is called upon he is ready to deliver at any given moment and thanks to some inspired moves he managed to do it when it counted most. Let's look forward to more of the same next week
I am going to watch the game back tonight and enjoy it all over again without the faintest idea of how it all pieced together. And I am going to watch it with a big smile on my face because the Saints are entering the NFC Championship Game on Sunday with the best team in our history and with every chance of going all the way. I cannot wait!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Saints Cardinals Preview
With the big game fast approaching my nerves have steadily grown through the week so to keep my mind at rest I'm going to be positive and give you my top 10 reasons why the Saints are going to beat the Cardinals on Saturday.
Saints Cardinals Preview Picks
1. Drew Brees is the best Quarterback in the NFL. I don't care where the official MVP award went because here's a fact for you, there is no Quarterback in this league that I would rather have under center than the Saints QB. The MVP award is just a popularity contest anyway.
2. The Saints will jump out to an early lead and stay there.
3. The Saints will maintain that early lead because the Defense will be able to play their natural aggressive game.
4. The aggressive natural game will be dialled up because most of the Saints DBs are back to full fitness which has not been the case since the Dolphins game way back in week 7.
5. Kurt Warner will become a Will Smith and Anthony Hargrove breakfast on 3 occasions as Gregg Williams goes for an all out blitz package.
6. Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Jeremy Shockey, David Thomas and Devery Henderson will find all kinds of holes in the Cardinals zone D.
7. Reggie Bush will break two big runs and one big punt return.
8. The Drew Brees chant will inspire the Saints to such a degree that many Cardinals players will feign injury rather than dare run out on to the field.
9. The Saints crowd will make so much noise that the Super Dome roof will fly off into the night sky.
And finally,
10. Peace on Earth will be declared and all man kind will rejoice by getting together at Baskin Robbins for a double chocolate fudge Sunday and to watch reruns of Mash.
OK I'm clearly too nervous to make accurate predictions and have resorted to wishful thinking. Either way I am looking forward to Saturday with the same nervous energy I normally reserve for dentists visits and back operations. And that's my really great/good/rubbish (delete as appropriate) Saints Cardinals Preview.
Saints Cardinals Preview Picks
1. Drew Brees is the best Quarterback in the NFL. I don't care where the official MVP award went because here's a fact for you, there is no Quarterback in this league that I would rather have under center than the Saints QB. The MVP award is just a popularity contest anyway.
2. The Saints will jump out to an early lead and stay there.
3. The Saints will maintain that early lead because the Defense will be able to play their natural aggressive game.
4. The aggressive natural game will be dialled up because most of the Saints DBs are back to full fitness which has not been the case since the Dolphins game way back in week 7.
5. Kurt Warner will become a Will Smith and Anthony Hargrove breakfast on 3 occasions as Gregg Williams goes for an all out blitz package.
6. Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Jeremy Shockey, David Thomas and Devery Henderson will find all kinds of holes in the Cardinals zone D.
7. Reggie Bush will break two big runs and one big punt return.
8. The Drew Brees chant will inspire the Saints to such a degree that many Cardinals players will feign injury rather than dare run out on to the field.
9. The Saints crowd will make so much noise that the Super Dome roof will fly off into the night sky.
And finally,
10. Peace on Earth will be declared and all man kind will rejoice by getting together at Baskin Robbins for a double chocolate fudge Sunday and to watch reruns of Mash.
OK I'm clearly too nervous to make accurate predictions and have resorted to wishful thinking. Either way I am looking forward to Saturday with the same nervous energy I normally reserve for dentists visits and back operations. And that's my really great/good/rubbish (delete as appropriate) Saints Cardinals Preview.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 4th Quarter
It's the 4th Quarter and the Saints continue to lead the Bucs 17 to 3 after a scoreless 3rd Quarter. The Saints offensive machine has ground to a halt and the Bucs are moving the ball at will so this is not the sealed deal you would have hoped for after the big 1st Quarter demo.
The Bucs are driving but facing 3rd and 7.
Freeman to Winslow over the middle and he takes it 35 yards all the way down to the Saints 33. Not the best start to a 4th quarter I've ever seen.
1st down Bucs.
False start penalty tacks on 5. 1st and 15.
Cadillac Williams bounces out left and speeds his way to the end zone for a touchdown. That was a 99 yard drive! That is pretty poor going by the Saints D. We've gone totally flat after a great start to the game. Let's see if we can throw this away.
Bucs 10 Saints 17
1st down Saints at their 21.
Reggie Bush takes the hand off and runs right for 3. 2nd and 7.
Brees drops back, buys some time and hits Marques Colston for a gain of 11.
1st down Saints.
Brees to David Thomas for 5. 2nd and 5.
Brees rolls right and hits Colston again for a gain of 4 to bring up 3rd and a much needed 1.
Lynell Hamilton takes the hand off and drives up the middle for a few and a 1st.
1st down Saints at the 47.
Brees to Hamilton on the screen but nothing there as Hamilton is taken down for a two yard loss. 2nd and 12.
Brees drops back and connects with Colston over the middle who takes it a few before coughing up the ball and... the Bucs recover. Oh no. This is not what the doctor ordered. The Bucs will have the ball somewhere close to midfield and only a 7 point margin to chase.
1st down Bucs at their own 39.
Williams up the middle and picks up an easy 8. 2nd and 2.
Williams again bursts through the middle for a few more into Saints territory.
1st down Bucs.
Williams again with the carry picks up 2. 2nd and 8.
Freeman connects with Winslow for 28 yards on a great grab.
1st down Bucs at the Saints 28.
Freeman to Stevens who makes a Saint miss and then tacks on 8 more. 2nd and 1.
Freeman goes for the end zone but over throws. 3rd and 1.
Williams takes the hand off again and he is gang tackled. It's going to be very close. They will measure this... They are half a yard short and will go for it on 4th down.
Williams with the hand off and... Jonathan Vilma absolutely nails him for a loss... but the Bucs sideline called a timeout just before the play so they'll get another shot at this. Could that be one of the most painful timeouts the Saints will face this season? We'll find out once the ad break is over.
Freeman on a play action and... Charles Grant batters it down!! Great play by Grant and the Saints D to hold them there. That was a much needed stand after the Bucs moved the ball at will through the 2nd half.
1st down Saints at their 19 with 5 mins left on the clock.
Mike Bell with the hand off for a couple. 2nd and 8.
Brees completes to Devery Henderson out wide right and bursts up field for a 1st.
1st down Saints at the 31.
Lynell Hamilton takes it nowhere on 1st down. 2nd and 10.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas for a gain of 3. Tampa timeout stops the clock. 3rd and 7.
Brees pump fake and completes to Robert Meachem at the 41 but he may be just short here, The chains will measure and... yes he's short. So Thomas Morstead comes in to punt and it goes to Spurlock at his 20 who dodges a tackle, and another... and another... breaks in field... crosses the field and has open space all the way for a touchdown! Oh man, that is shocking. I can't look. This is aweful.
Bucs 17 Saints 17
1st down Saints at their own 25.
Brees under big pressure escapes a sack and connects with Devery Henderson who makes a heck of a catch. That's great to see after some of his problems of recent. That brings up the 2 minute warning. 2nd and 7.
Holding call against the Saints. 2nd and 17.
Brees to Bush who takes it 14 yards. 3rd and 3.
Brees to Marques Colston in the slot for 6.
1st down Saints at the 39.
Brees to David Thomas on the crossing pattern. 2nd and 4.
Brees to Reggie Bush who breaks 2 tackles and then leaps his way to the sidelines to stop the clock and pick up the 1st.
1st down Saints with 29 left on the clock at the Bucs 45.
Brees over the middle to Thomas and it falls incomplete. 2nd and 10. 24 secs to go.
Brees out wide left to Devery Henderson 7 but he can't get out of bounds so the Saints will have to burn a timeout. 3rd and 3.
Brees to Robert Meachem who breaks a tackle and races 19 yards.
Garrett Hartley will come in for a 37 yard field goal attempt to win it and... It goes wide left. F*ck me this is distressing. I can't believe we're going to over time.
The Bucs are driving but facing 3rd and 7.
Freeman to Winslow over the middle and he takes it 35 yards all the way down to the Saints 33. Not the best start to a 4th quarter I've ever seen.
1st down Bucs.
False start penalty tacks on 5. 1st and 15.
Cadillac Williams bounces out left and speeds his way to the end zone for a touchdown. That was a 99 yard drive! That is pretty poor going by the Saints D. We've gone totally flat after a great start to the game. Let's see if we can throw this away.
Bucs 10 Saints 17
1st down Saints at their 21.
Reggie Bush takes the hand off and runs right for 3. 2nd and 7.
Brees drops back, buys some time and hits Marques Colston for a gain of 11.
1st down Saints.
Brees to David Thomas for 5. 2nd and 5.
Brees rolls right and hits Colston again for a gain of 4 to bring up 3rd and a much needed 1.
Lynell Hamilton takes the hand off and drives up the middle for a few and a 1st.
1st down Saints at the 47.
Brees to Hamilton on the screen but nothing there as Hamilton is taken down for a two yard loss. 2nd and 12.
Brees drops back and connects with Colston over the middle who takes it a few before coughing up the ball and... the Bucs recover. Oh no. This is not what the doctor ordered. The Bucs will have the ball somewhere close to midfield and only a 7 point margin to chase.
1st down Bucs at their own 39.
Williams up the middle and picks up an easy 8. 2nd and 2.
Williams again bursts through the middle for a few more into Saints territory.
1st down Bucs.
Williams again with the carry picks up 2. 2nd and 8.
Freeman connects with Winslow for 28 yards on a great grab.
1st down Bucs at the Saints 28.
Freeman to Stevens who makes a Saint miss and then tacks on 8 more. 2nd and 1.
Freeman goes for the end zone but over throws. 3rd and 1.
Williams takes the hand off again and he is gang tackled. It's going to be very close. They will measure this... They are half a yard short and will go for it on 4th down.
Williams with the hand off and... Jonathan Vilma absolutely nails him for a loss... but the Bucs sideline called a timeout just before the play so they'll get another shot at this. Could that be one of the most painful timeouts the Saints will face this season? We'll find out once the ad break is over.
Freeman on a play action and... Charles Grant batters it down!! Great play by Grant and the Saints D to hold them there. That was a much needed stand after the Bucs moved the ball at will through the 2nd half.
1st down Saints at their 19 with 5 mins left on the clock.
Mike Bell with the hand off for a couple. 2nd and 8.
Brees completes to Devery Henderson out wide right and bursts up field for a 1st.
1st down Saints at the 31.
Lynell Hamilton takes it nowhere on 1st down. 2nd and 10.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas for a gain of 3. Tampa timeout stops the clock. 3rd and 7.
Brees pump fake and completes to Robert Meachem at the 41 but he may be just short here, The chains will measure and... yes he's short. So Thomas Morstead comes in to punt and it goes to Spurlock at his 20 who dodges a tackle, and another... and another... breaks in field... crosses the field and has open space all the way for a touchdown! Oh man, that is shocking. I can't look. This is aweful.
Bucs 17 Saints 17
1st down Saints at their own 25.
Brees under big pressure escapes a sack and connects with Devery Henderson who makes a heck of a catch. That's great to see after some of his problems of recent. That brings up the 2 minute warning. 2nd and 7.
Holding call against the Saints. 2nd and 17.
Brees to Bush who takes it 14 yards. 3rd and 3.
Brees to Marques Colston in the slot for 6.
1st down Saints at the 39.
Brees to David Thomas on the crossing pattern. 2nd and 4.
Brees to Reggie Bush who breaks 2 tackles and then leaps his way to the sidelines to stop the clock and pick up the 1st.
1st down Saints with 29 left on the clock at the Bucs 45.
Brees over the middle to Thomas and it falls incomplete. 2nd and 10. 24 secs to go.
Brees out wide left to Devery Henderson 7 but he can't get out of bounds so the Saints will have to burn a timeout. 3rd and 3.
Brees to Robert Meachem who breaks a tackle and races 19 yards.
Garrett Hartley will come in for a 37 yard field goal attempt to win it and... It goes wide left. F*ck me this is distressing. I can't believe we're going to over time.
Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 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.
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.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saints Vs Falcons 4th Quarter
Welcome to the 4th Quarter with the Saints leading 23 to 16 but with the big birds driving in Saints territory.
3rd and 1 Falcons. Big play coming up.
Hand off to Snelling who breaks the line easily and picks up 4.
1st down Falcons at the Saints 22.
Toos to Norwood who picks up 1 before Charles Grant eats him up. 2nd and 9. We need to hold this as the Vikings are going to beat the Bengals as off now.
Redman to Gonzalez who breaks a tackle and takes it to the 4. Great tackle by Will Smith.
1st and goal Falcons.
Snelling powers his way up the middle for a touchdown. Bounced off attempted tackles and makes this tight all over again.
Saints 23 Falcons 23
1st down Saints at their 17 as Courtney Roby was stuffed on the return.
Brees rolls right and hits Devery Henderson... who drops it. That’s 2 on the day for DH. 2nd and 10.
Brees to an open Marques Colston over the middle and he runs a few to pick up the 1st.
1st and 10 at the Saints 29.
Hand off to Pierre Thomas who goes wide left and picks up a nice 9. 2nd and 1.
Pierre Thomas again who does a mini leap to pick up 5.
1st down Saints.
Brees under pressure dumps it off to David Thomas who picks up 4. 2nd and 6.
Brees to Colston who's forward progress picks up the 1st before he ends up a few yards back.
1st down Saints at the Falcons 47.
Reggie Bush takes it for a quick 2. 2nd and 8.
Brees to Devery Henderson who actually catches the ball, spins and picks up the 1st. Ah I'm being harsh on DH there. He's a great guy.
1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas on a catch picks up 1. We see Lance Moore on the sidelines suited up which is great to see. Come back soon buddy. 2nd and 9.
Reggie Bush up the middle for 5 before he's nailed. 3rd and 4.
Brees throws into a crowd of Falcons but completes to Reggie Bush for a 1st. Perfect throw.
1st down Saints at the Falcons 22. 6.20 on the clock.
Pierre Thomas takes it up the middle for 2. 2nd and 8.
Penalty flags come out on the next play... Which way is this going? Both against Atlanta. We take the pass interference one.
1st down Saints at the Falcons 10, 5.35 on the clock.
Brees in trouble has to throw it away. 2nd and 10. Flag is out. Intentional grounding. Bullshit. 2nd and goal at the 20.
Brees incomplete to Meachem. 3rd and goal. Huge play coming up.
Brees to Thomas in the flat who goes nowhere. Balls.
In comes Garrett Hartley and this is going to be a pressure 38 yard kick... And he makes it!! Wow I had no confidence in him making that so well done.
Saints 26 Falcons 23
1st down Falcons at the 37 after Weems pulls out a big return. Did we not need that.
Weems takes a reverse and looses a beautiful 12. Great tackle Randall Gay. 2nd and 22.
Redman drops back and... Throws straight to Jonathan Vilma!! The Saints interception leaves us in great field possession.
1st down Saints at the Falcons 32.
Pierre Thomas takes it up the middle for 5. 2nd and 5.
Brees one step drop unloads to Devery Henderson who spins to pick up the 1st.
1st down Saints at the 19.
Pierre Thomas takes the ball up the middle for 4. He moved the pile nicely there. 2nd and 6. 2.23 on the clock.
Brees under pressure flips it forward to Thomas who can't pull it in. 3rd and 6. 2.18 on the clock. This is a huge play.
Brees goes down the middle for David Thomas but it falls incomplete. Damn. Please God don't let the Hartley extra point miss come back to end the perfect season.
Hartley comes in for the field goal and it's a fake... Brunell goes to Dinkins but it goes incomplete. Fuck me what was that about? Kick the 3!
1st down Falcons at their own 15.
Redman to Snelling who is wide open and picks up a whole giant load. That brings up the 2 minute warning and pains me unbelievably.
1st down Falcons at their 33.
Redman to Booker for 9. 2nd and 1.
Redman floats it to Roddy White but it goes incomplete. 3rd and 1.
Snelling bounces through missed tackles and picks up 3.
1st down Falcons. 1.32 on the clock.
Redman to Gonzalez incomplete. 2nd and 10.
Redman to Roddy White and... It’s incomplete. Thank the heavens as that would have been a big gain. 3rd and 10.
Redman to Gonzalez completes but he's tackled short of the marker by Scott Shanle. 4th and 2. Come on Dddddddd!!
Redman to Snelling but he is knocked back by Vilma from converting. He made the grab but he was tackled a yard short. Jonathan Vilma you are a legend!!
1st down Saints.
Brees takes a knee and the clock ticks down as the Saints win a close one to go 13 and 0!! Wow. A franchise record of wins in one season and starts. That was tighter than I hoped but we came out with the win and that's what's important. Some of the same old D problems were there but again we make big plays when needed to just about see things out. Now beer beckons.
Saints 26 Falcons 23
Must Stop The Falcons Comeback!
3rd and 1 Falcons. Big play coming up.
Hand off to Snelling who breaks the line easily and picks up 4.
1st down Falcons at the Saints 22.
Toos to Norwood who picks up 1 before Charles Grant eats him up. 2nd and 9. We need to hold this as the Vikings are going to beat the Bengals as off now.
Redman to Gonzalez who breaks a tackle and takes it to the 4. Great tackle by Will Smith.
1st and goal Falcons.
Snelling powers his way up the middle for a touchdown. Bounced off attempted tackles and makes this tight all over again.
Saints 23 Falcons 23
1st down Saints at their 17 as Courtney Roby was stuffed on the return.
Brees rolls right and hits Devery Henderson... who drops it. That’s 2 on the day for DH. 2nd and 10.
Brees to an open Marques Colston over the middle and he runs a few to pick up the 1st.
1st and 10 at the Saints 29.
Hand off to Pierre Thomas who goes wide left and picks up a nice 9. 2nd and 1.
Pierre Thomas again who does a mini leap to pick up 5.
1st down Saints.
Brees under pressure dumps it off to David Thomas who picks up 4. 2nd and 6.
Brees to Colston who's forward progress picks up the 1st before he ends up a few yards back.
1st down Saints at the Falcons 47.
Reggie Bush takes it for a quick 2. 2nd and 8.
Brees to Devery Henderson who actually catches the ball, spins and picks up the 1st. Ah I'm being harsh on DH there. He's a great guy.
1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas on a catch picks up 1. We see Lance Moore on the sidelines suited up which is great to see. Come back soon buddy. 2nd and 9.
Reggie Bush up the middle for 5 before he's nailed. 3rd and 4.
Brees throws into a crowd of Falcons but completes to Reggie Bush for a 1st. Perfect throw.
1st down Saints at the Falcons 22. 6.20 on the clock.
Pierre Thomas takes it up the middle for 2. 2nd and 8.
Penalty flags come out on the next play... Which way is this going? Both against Atlanta. We take the pass interference one.
1st down Saints at the Falcons 10, 5.35 on the clock.
Brees in trouble has to throw it away. 2nd and 10. Flag is out. Intentional grounding. Bullshit. 2nd and goal at the 20.
Brees incomplete to Meachem. 3rd and goal. Huge play coming up.
Brees to Thomas in the flat who goes nowhere. Balls.
In comes Garrett Hartley and this is going to be a pressure 38 yard kick... And he makes it!! Wow I had no confidence in him making that so well done.
Saints 26 Falcons 23
1st down Falcons at the 37 after Weems pulls out a big return. Did we not need that.
Weems takes a reverse and looses a beautiful 12. Great tackle Randall Gay. 2nd and 22.
Redman drops back and... Throws straight to Jonathan Vilma!! The Saints interception leaves us in great field possession.
1st down Saints at the Falcons 32.
Pierre Thomas takes it up the middle for 5. 2nd and 5.
Brees one step drop unloads to Devery Henderson who spins to pick up the 1st.
1st down Saints at the 19.
Pierre Thomas takes the ball up the middle for 4. He moved the pile nicely there. 2nd and 6. 2.23 on the clock.
Brees under pressure flips it forward to Thomas who can't pull it in. 3rd and 6. 2.18 on the clock. This is a huge play.
Brees goes down the middle for David Thomas but it falls incomplete. Damn. Please God don't let the Hartley extra point miss come back to end the perfect season.
Hartley comes in for the field goal and it's a fake... Brunell goes to Dinkins but it goes incomplete. Fuck me what was that about? Kick the 3!
1st down Falcons at their own 15.
Redman to Snelling who is wide open and picks up a whole giant load. That brings up the 2 minute warning and pains me unbelievably.
1st down Falcons at their 33.
Redman to Booker for 9. 2nd and 1.
Redman floats it to Roddy White but it goes incomplete. 3rd and 1.
Snelling bounces through missed tackles and picks up 3.
1st down Falcons. 1.32 on the clock.
Redman to Gonzalez incomplete. 2nd and 10.
Redman to Roddy White and... It’s incomplete. Thank the heavens as that would have been a big gain. 3rd and 10.
Redman to Gonzalez completes but he's tackled short of the marker by Scott Shanle. 4th and 2. Come on Dddddddd!!
Redman to Snelling but he is knocked back by Vilma from converting. He made the grab but he was tackled a yard short. Jonathan Vilma you are a legend!!
1st down Saints.
Brees takes a knee and the clock ticks down as the Saints win a close one to go 13 and 0!! Wow. A franchise record of wins in one season and starts. That was tighter than I hoped but we came out with the win and that's what's important. Some of the same old D problems were there but again we make big plays when needed to just about see things out. Now beer beckons.
Saints 26 Falcons 23
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.
Saints Vs Falcons 2nd Quarter
Welcome the 2nd Quarter of the Saints Falcons game with the Falcons leading by 3. The Saints have the ball at their own 21.
2nd and 10 Saints
False start against Jermon Bushrod. 2nd and 15.
Brees steps up to avoid the rush and hits Shockey for a few. 3rd and 8. Oh dear Stinchcomb is on the rug not looking likely to get up. Not another injury!!
Brees has lots of time and finds Jeremy Shockey down at the 41. Nice conversion.
1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas tries to turn the corner but only gets a yard after good run pursuit. Penalty against Jeremy Shockey for a hold will bring this back. 1st and 20.
Brees to Pierre Thomas out the backfield and number 23 picks his way to the 37. 2nd and 14.
Brees again to Pierre Thomas who breaks a tackle and picks up 9. 3rd and 4.
Brees down the middle to Robert Meachem for 43 yards. Beautiful throw and catch.
1st down Saints at the Falcons 11.
Pierre Thomas turns the corner and picks up 2. 2nd and 8.
Brees to Reggie Bush on the screen picks up 3. Flag on the play... and it's not a penalty, the ref just wanted to get on TV. 3rd and 5.
Brees has all kinds of time and looks right to Reggie Bush and... TOUCHDOWN!! Bush makes it look easy.
Saints 10 Falcons 6
1st down Falcons at the 20.
Snelling takes the hand off and battles his way for 6. Who is this fucking guy? Where did he come from? 2nd and 4.
Snelling spins and breaks tackles for a gain of 5 and a first down. Can any old mo fo run on us or what?
1st down Falcons.
Chris Redman stands in the pocket for about 5 minutes and unloads deep to Michael Jenkins who is wide open at the Saints 20 and... He lets it go through his finger tips. I owe Jenkins a paper bag full of money. 2nd and 10.
Norwood up the middle for 2. 3rd and 8.
The Saints pass rush no one but still Redman throws it to the water boy on the sidelines so the Falcons will punt... And Reggie Bush turns the corner and takes it 24 yards to the Saints 34.
1st down Saints.
Drew Brees unloads to Marques Colston for 8. 2nd and 2.
Pierre Thomas runs into a wall and picks up half a yard. 3rd and 2.
End around to Robert Meachem who gets it out to the 46 for a Saints 1st.
1st down Saints.
Brees throws to Bush in the flat for a gain of 4. 2nd and 6.
Bees to Meachem in the flat who picks up 4. A flag is out though for holding against Devery Henderson so this is coming back. 2nd and 17.
Brees is flushed out the pocket and he manages to unload to Shockey before anyone gets there. 3rd and 5. Great move by Brees to beat the pressure.
Brees goes to Meachem but it falls incomplete as the Falcon mugged Meachem drawing a penalty.
1st down Saints.
Brees rolls right and finds Devery Henderson at the Falcons 28.
1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas over left tackle picks up a nice 6. 2nd and 4.
Brees one step drop throws to Meachem on the sidelines and moves the chains.
1st down Saints at the big birds 19 to bring up the 2 minute warning.
Brees to Pierre Thomas over the middle picks up 12.
1st and goal.
Pierre Thomas up the middle to the Falcons 3. 2nd and goal.
Brees play action and throws incomplete to Marques Colston. 3rd and goal.
Brees to Colston at the post and... TOUCHDOWN!! He came underneath uncovered and takes an easy 6.
The extra point is missed by Hartley though! Someone may not be with us in a couple of weeks.
Saints 16 Falcons 6
1st down Falcons at their 20. Jeremy Shockey trots off the field to get a toe looked at apparently. Hope that's not serious.
Redman for 27 yards to White but there's a flag out there. But it's against Malcolm Jenkins so it's declined.
1st down Falcons at their 47, 43 ticks on the clock.
Redman to Gonzalez for 6. 2nd and 4.
Redman incomplete to Booker. 3rd and 4.
Redman to Jenkins on a slant for a 1st. The Saints came with pressure and almost got Redman.
1st down Falcons at the Saints 37, 28 ticks left.
Redman to Booker for 6 and he gets out of bounds. 23 ticks, 2nd and 4.
Redman to Weems for 3. Penalty on the play... And it goes against Charles Grant for a personal foul. Ouch. Half the distance to the goal line and a lecture for Grant from Payton.
1st down at the Saints 15.
Randall Gay does a nice job of breaking up the pass. 2nd and 10. 15 secs left.
Redman to no name 86 for a few. 3rd and 4. 8 ticks.
Redman airs it out to the end zone and hits someone in the stands.
So the Falcons will settle for a 27 yard field goal attempt and... Make it.
Saints 16 Falcons 9 to end the 1st half.
2nd and 10 Saints
False start against Jermon Bushrod. 2nd and 15.
Brees steps up to avoid the rush and hits Shockey for a few. 3rd and 8. Oh dear Stinchcomb is on the rug not looking likely to get up. Not another injury!!
Brees has lots of time and finds Jeremy Shockey down at the 41. Nice conversion.
1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas tries to turn the corner but only gets a yard after good run pursuit. Penalty against Jeremy Shockey for a hold will bring this back. 1st and 20.
Brees to Pierre Thomas out the backfield and number 23 picks his way to the 37. 2nd and 14.
Brees again to Pierre Thomas who breaks a tackle and picks up 9. 3rd and 4.
Brees down the middle to Robert Meachem for 43 yards. Beautiful throw and catch.
1st down Saints at the Falcons 11.
Pierre Thomas turns the corner and picks up 2. 2nd and 8.
Brees to Reggie Bush on the screen picks up 3. Flag on the play... and it's not a penalty, the ref just wanted to get on TV. 3rd and 5.
Brees has all kinds of time and looks right to Reggie Bush and... TOUCHDOWN!! Bush makes it look easy.
Saints 10 Falcons 6
1st down Falcons at the 20.
Snelling takes the hand off and battles his way for 6. Who is this fucking guy? Where did he come from? 2nd and 4.
Snelling spins and breaks tackles for a gain of 5 and a first down. Can any old mo fo run on us or what?
1st down Falcons.
Chris Redman stands in the pocket for about 5 minutes and unloads deep to Michael Jenkins who is wide open at the Saints 20 and... He lets it go through his finger tips. I owe Jenkins a paper bag full of money. 2nd and 10.
Norwood up the middle for 2. 3rd and 8.
The Saints pass rush no one but still Redman throws it to the water boy on the sidelines so the Falcons will punt... And Reggie Bush turns the corner and takes it 24 yards to the Saints 34.
1st down Saints.
Drew Brees unloads to Marques Colston for 8. 2nd and 2.
Pierre Thomas runs into a wall and picks up half a yard. 3rd and 2.
End around to Robert Meachem who gets it out to the 46 for a Saints 1st.
1st down Saints.
Brees throws to Bush in the flat for a gain of 4. 2nd and 6.
Bees to Meachem in the flat who picks up 4. A flag is out though for holding against Devery Henderson so this is coming back. 2nd and 17.
Brees is flushed out the pocket and he manages to unload to Shockey before anyone gets there. 3rd and 5. Great move by Brees to beat the pressure.
Brees goes to Meachem but it falls incomplete as the Falcon mugged Meachem drawing a penalty.
1st down Saints.
Brees rolls right and finds Devery Henderson at the Falcons 28.
1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas over left tackle picks up a nice 6. 2nd and 4.
Brees one step drop throws to Meachem on the sidelines and moves the chains.
1st down Saints at the big birds 19 to bring up the 2 minute warning.
Brees to Pierre Thomas over the middle picks up 12.
1st and goal.
Pierre Thomas up the middle to the Falcons 3. 2nd and goal.
Brees play action and throws incomplete to Marques Colston. 3rd and goal.
Brees to Colston at the post and... TOUCHDOWN!! He came underneath uncovered and takes an easy 6.
The extra point is missed by Hartley though! Someone may not be with us in a couple of weeks.
Saints 16 Falcons 6
1st down Falcons at their 20. Jeremy Shockey trots off the field to get a toe looked at apparently. Hope that's not serious.
Redman for 27 yards to White but there's a flag out there. But it's against Malcolm Jenkins so it's declined.
1st down Falcons at their 47, 43 ticks on the clock.
Redman to Gonzalez for 6. 2nd and 4.
Redman incomplete to Booker. 3rd and 4.
Redman to Jenkins on a slant for a 1st. The Saints came with pressure and almost got Redman.
1st down Falcons at the Saints 37, 28 ticks left.
Redman to Booker for 6 and he gets out of bounds. 23 ticks, 2nd and 4.
Redman to Weems for 3. Penalty on the play... And it goes against Charles Grant for a personal foul. Ouch. Half the distance to the goal line and a lecture for Grant from Payton.
1st down at the Saints 15.
Randall Gay does a nice job of breaking up the pass. 2nd and 10. 15 secs left.
Redman to no name 86 for a few. 3rd and 4. 8 ticks.
Redman airs it out to the end zone and hits someone in the stands.
So the Falcons will settle for a 27 yard field goal attempt and... Make it.
Saints 16 Falcons 9 to end the 1st half.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Saints Vs Redskins 4th Quarter
You join us here in the 4th Quarter with the Saints teetering close to their first loss of the season. The Redskins are driving and have the ball at the Saints 12 along with a 7 point lead. What happens in the next couple of plays could be decisive.
1st down Redskins.
Campbell to Mason for 6. 2nd and 4.
Mason up the middle and AGAIN is able to pick up yards after the first contact. We're just not able to stop people at the point of contact today. 3rd and 1.
Mason sweeps to the left and Darren Sharper cuts him down in the back field. Heck of a play by Sharper which saves a potential 4 points as the Redskins kick a field goal.
Saints 20 Redskins 30
1st down Saints at their own 21.
Brees to Robert Meachem for 9. 2nd and 1. Great effort by Meachem to try for the 1st there.
Pierre Thomas carries to the right and just picks up the 1st.
1st down Saints.
Brees to Pierre Thomas on a screen and he manages to scramble for 10 more out to the 42.
1st down Saints
Brees short to Thomas. 2nd and 5.
Brees to Jeremy Shockey over the middle at the Redskins 40.
1st down Saints.
Brees to Devery Henderson who... drops it. Oh man that was another 1st. Totally in and out of his hands. 2nd and 10.
Mike Bell runs into a wall, tries to cut it back but there's nothing there. It hasn't been all day and I don't think it ever will be. 3rd and 10.
Brees under a lot of pressure avoids the sack, steps up and unloads to Robert Meachem down the right sideline and completes for 28.
1st down Saints at the 11.
Mike Bell up the middle but yet again there is nothing there. It's about time we give up on that. We do not have the beating of this Redskins D line. 2nd and 11.
Brees to Pierre Thomas on another screen for 3. He lost his footing just as he made the cut. 3rd and 8.
Brees to the end zone... But it's battered away.
So the Saints will have to settle for a 27 yard field goal.
Saints 23 Redskins 30
6.52 left on the clock and we're staring down the barrel. Got to hope for a big play by the D. Look for the Redskins to start pounding this out to Cartwright.
1st down Redskins at their 41.
Campbell rolls out and fires to Sellers to the Saints 42.
1st down Redskins
Cartwright up the middle, obviously breaks a couple of tackles on the way to 7. 2nd and 3.
Campbell to Kelly who, surprise, surprise, breaks a tackle when he's shy of the marker and then picks up a few more.
1st down Redskins at the Saints 29. 4.30 on the clock.
Campbell to Thomas who is taken down for a loss... but McCallister is called for a facemask on the tackle which sums up the Saints day.
1st down Redskins at the Saints 16.
A Redskin back takes it a couple up the middle. 2nd and 8.
Ganther breaks through tackles AGAIIIIIINNNNNN and picks up 7. 3rd and 1.
Ganther over left tackle and picks up the 1st. I know the Saints D is banged up but I thought even second stringers practised tackling during the week don’t they?
1st and goal Redskins with 3 mins on the clock and ticking.
Cartwright adds a couple more on the run. 2nd and goal.
Cartwright is stopped for a loss of 1 but the clock continues to tick. 3rd and goal.
Cartwright again and picks up 0 to bring up 4th and goal as we hit the 2 minute warning.
So the Redskins will settle for a 23 yard field goal attempt and... He MISSES!!! I don't believe it. Unbelievable. We have a chance, a small chance but it's better than what we were facing a second ago.
1st down Saints at their own 20.
Brees to Pierre Thomas for 4. 2nd and 6.
Brees under pressure throws to Devery Henderson on the sidelines for a 1st at the 35.
1st down Saints.
Brees incomplete to Colston. 2nd and 10.
Brees to Robert Meachem on the sidelines at the Saints 47 and he gets out of bounds.
1st down Saints, 1.27 on the clock.
Drew Brees looks deep and unloads... TOUCHDOWN!!! ROBERT MEACHEM I LOVE YOU MAN!! 52 yard TD pass. 80 yards in a manner of seconds and we are tied with 1.19 left on the clock.
Saints 30 Redskins 30
Now it's all back on the D. Hold in there guys. My nerves, no doubt like every Saints fan, do not like this tension but at least we're back in it.
1st down Redskins at their own 25.
Screen pass to Cartwright for a pick up of 14.
1st down Redskins with 50 ticks left.
Campbell to Davis for 5 and the Redskins call a timeout. Will Smith landed on Campbells ankle at the end of the play and Campbell is limping. A penalty is called on the Redskins calling it back 10.
1st and 20 Redskins.
Campbell to someone for a gain but the Saints are called for a face mask so a 1st down for the Redskins.
1st and 10 Redskins.
Campbell drops back and... it's intercepted by Jonathan Vilma.
1st down Saints with 28 seconds at their own 46.
Brees throws incomplete. Flag comes out against Bushrod for holding. 1st and 20.
Brees throws incomplete to Meachem. 2nd and 20 with 18 ticks left.
Brees to Robert Meachem who gets out of bounds at the Redskins 48. 3rd and 5 with 12 seconds left.
Brees to Reggie Bush at the 40 for a 1st down with 7 seconds left.
1st down Saints.
Brees tries one more pass attempt which falls incomplete.
So in comes Garrett Hartley for a 58 yard field goal attempt and... It falls short. It was on target but didn't have the leg. So we head to over time with the scores tied at 30 a piece and I need a new heart.
Saints Teetering on the Brink of Their First Loss
1st down Redskins.
Campbell to Mason for 6. 2nd and 4.
Mason up the middle and AGAIN is able to pick up yards after the first contact. We're just not able to stop people at the point of contact today. 3rd and 1.
Mason sweeps to the left and Darren Sharper cuts him down in the back field. Heck of a play by Sharper which saves a potential 4 points as the Redskins kick a field goal.
Saints 20 Redskins 30
1st down Saints at their own 21.
Brees to Robert Meachem for 9. 2nd and 1. Great effort by Meachem to try for the 1st there.
Pierre Thomas carries to the right and just picks up the 1st.
1st down Saints.
Brees to Pierre Thomas on a screen and he manages to scramble for 10 more out to the 42.
1st down Saints
Brees short to Thomas. 2nd and 5.
Brees to Jeremy Shockey over the middle at the Redskins 40.
1st down Saints.
Brees to Devery Henderson who... drops it. Oh man that was another 1st. Totally in and out of his hands. 2nd and 10.
Mike Bell runs into a wall, tries to cut it back but there's nothing there. It hasn't been all day and I don't think it ever will be. 3rd and 10.
Brees under a lot of pressure avoids the sack, steps up and unloads to Robert Meachem down the right sideline and completes for 28.
1st down Saints at the 11.
Mike Bell up the middle but yet again there is nothing there. It's about time we give up on that. We do not have the beating of this Redskins D line. 2nd and 11.
Brees to Pierre Thomas on another screen for 3. He lost his footing just as he made the cut. 3rd and 8.
Brees to the end zone... But it's battered away.
So the Saints will have to settle for a 27 yard field goal.
Saints 23 Redskins 30
6.52 left on the clock and we're staring down the barrel. Got to hope for a big play by the D. Look for the Redskins to start pounding this out to Cartwright.
1st down Redskins at their 41.
Campbell rolls out and fires to Sellers to the Saints 42.
1st down Redskins
Cartwright up the middle, obviously breaks a couple of tackles on the way to 7. 2nd and 3.
Campbell to Kelly who, surprise, surprise, breaks a tackle when he's shy of the marker and then picks up a few more.
1st down Redskins at the Saints 29. 4.30 on the clock.
Campbell to Thomas who is taken down for a loss... but McCallister is called for a facemask on the tackle which sums up the Saints day.
McCallister Facemask
1st down Redskins at the Saints 16.
A Redskin back takes it a couple up the middle. 2nd and 8.
Ganther breaks through tackles AGAIIIIIINNNNNN and picks up 7. 3rd and 1.
Ganther over left tackle and picks up the 1st. I know the Saints D is banged up but I thought even second stringers practised tackling during the week don’t they?
1st and goal Redskins with 3 mins on the clock and ticking.
Cartwright adds a couple more on the run. 2nd and goal.
Cartwright is stopped for a loss of 1 but the clock continues to tick. 3rd and goal.
Cartwright again and picks up 0 to bring up 4th and goal as we hit the 2 minute warning.
So the Redskins will settle for a 23 yard field goal attempt and... He MISSES!!! I don't believe it. Unbelievable. We have a chance, a small chance but it's better than what we were facing a second ago.
1st down Saints at their own 20.
Brees to Pierre Thomas for 4. 2nd and 6.
Brees under pressure throws to Devery Henderson on the sidelines for a 1st at the 35.
1st down Saints.
Brees incomplete to Colston. 2nd and 10.
Brees to Robert Meachem on the sidelines at the Saints 47 and he gets out of bounds.
1st down Saints, 1.27 on the clock.
Drew Brees looks deep and unloads... TOUCHDOWN!!! ROBERT MEACHEM I LOVE YOU MAN!! 52 yard TD pass. 80 yards in a manner of seconds and we are tied with 1.19 left on the clock.
Saints 30 Redskins 30
Now it's all back on the D. Hold in there guys. My nerves, no doubt like every Saints fan, do not like this tension but at least we're back in it.
1st down Redskins at their own 25.
Screen pass to Cartwright for a pick up of 14.
1st down Redskins with 50 ticks left.
Campbell to Davis for 5 and the Redskins call a timeout. Will Smith landed on Campbells ankle at the end of the play and Campbell is limping. A penalty is called on the Redskins calling it back 10.
1st and 20 Redskins.
Campbell to someone for a gain but the Saints are called for a face mask so a 1st down for the Redskins.
1st and 10 Redskins.
Campbell drops back and... it's intercepted by Jonathan Vilma.
1st down Saints with 28 seconds at their own 46.
Brees throws incomplete. Flag comes out against Bushrod for holding. 1st and 20.
Brees throws incomplete to Meachem. 2nd and 20 with 18 ticks left.
Brees to Robert Meachem who gets out of bounds at the Redskins 48. 3rd and 5 with 12 seconds left.
Brees to Reggie Bush at the 40 for a 1st down with 7 seconds left.
1st down Saints.
Brees tries one more pass attempt which falls incomplete.
So in comes Garrett Hartley for a 58 yard field goal attempt and... It falls short. It was on target but didn't have the leg. So we head to over time with the scores tied at 30 a piece and I need a new heart.
Saints Vs Redskins 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saints Vs Rams 4th Quarter Analysis
So we open the 4th with the Saints leading Steven Jackson 21 to 17.
1st and 10 Saints ball at their own 41 yard line.
Brees to Thomas on a screen for a gain of 5.
False start against Saints number 80 Darnell Dinkins who sheepishly runs to the sidelines looking for a towel to hide under at least until Sean Payton forgets he's on the roster.
Brees to David Thomas (back up TE) for 5th catch of the day and picks up the first down.
Brees to Colston for 9. New Saints legend in waiting Kyle Eckel takes the ball over right guard for a first down.
Brees looks deep and... Hits Robert Meachem for a 27 yard TOUCHDOWN!!
Meachem was running a perfect post pattern en route to his first reception of the day. We needed that. Great job guys. That is now the 4th touchdown chalked up on the Robert Meachem stats sheet for 2009. Solid drive 7 plays 77 yards in 3 minutes 15 and now a half decent lead.
Saints 28 Rams 17
1st down Rams with 12.15 left in the game.
Jackson runs straight into Charles Grant who eats him up for a loss of 2.
Jackson again over right tackle and SCOTT FUJITA makes the tackle. SCOTT FUJITA people, he's back!!
3rd and 9 and guess who they throw it to? I'll give you a hint, his name rhymes with Meevan Saxon.
So the Rams punt it to Reggie who takes a cheap shot on his knee as he goes out of bounds at the Saints something or other. A pen knocks it back to the 25.
1st down Saints.
Bell up the middle for 1.
Brees looks deep and finds Jeremy Shockey for a 25 yard pick up to midfield.
1st down Saints.
Brees looks deep to Devery Henderson but a flag comes out and... The Rams nosetackle is called for off sides which suits me just fine but causes havoc with the big mans inner monologue.
1st and 5. Mike Bell over right tackle to the Rams 39.
1st down New Orleans. The St Louis Jacksons have a LB down so we go to a commercial break for some inspirational message from the people at Dodge. They instantly make me want to rush out and buy a pick up truck so I can drive it straight through the lobby of the marketing company who came up with that cynical heart string tug rubbish... bar humbug!
Brees to Devery Henderson who drops a badly thrown pass. 2nd and 10.
Mike Bell runs to the sidelines and picks up 3. Good job as he could have got stuffed for a loss.
3rd and 7. Brees looks right and the ball is battered down. Drew looks upset with himself there. The Saints will punt it... however a dirty Ram runs into Thomas Morstead and will be called for a 5 yard pen so we'll replay 4th down. Will we go for the field goal or a 4th down conversion?
Sean sends Brees back out. Gutsy guy. Ok here we go, 4th and 2. Brees changing the call and... Then burns a timeout as the play clock runs out. John Carney looks eager to kick but Payton is not looking his way. Carney looks upset and for good reason as Kyle Eckle is given the ball and runs into a wall of Rams and we give the ball over on downs. What does that say about Paytons faith in Carney's leg? Hope that lack of faith doesn't bite us in the ass come playoff time.
1st down Rams at their own 32.
Incompletion then Jackson for 9. 3rd and 1.
Bulger to Rams number 16 who brilliantly drops it when he had a wide open field ahead of him. Like any good man who stares at goats I managed to force Ram number 16 to leave that ball well alone (and yes I am claiming that one on my powers of mind control because I shouted 'DROP IT' and he obliged... and no I'm not crazy, well I don't think I am anyway).
It brings up a 4th down and... They’re going for it. They hand it to Steven Jackson and... Will Smith of I Am Legend fame stuffs him for a loss of 1.
1st down Saints with just over 6 minutes to go. Ball at Rams 40.
Mike Bell for 5 to start the drive. 2nd and 5.
Now Thomas over left tackle for a gain of 1 and we're quickly to 3rd and 4.
A Ram manages to break the great Saints O line and drops Brees for his first sack of the day. 4th and 4 and Morstead punts into the end zone.
1st down Rams at their own 20.
Mark Bulger to Steven Jackson on a screen that doesn't work out and he's dropped for a loss of 3 but Fox cut to the action at the Redskin game so we don't know who made that great tackle. Pass completion for a 1st down. 3.44 left in the game.
1st down Rams at their own 42. Pass to Jackson for 7.
Another pass and another completion out to the Saints 42. Bobby McCray limps off to add to our great overall D health.
1st down Rams.
Bulger to someone or other and ANOTHER 1st down to the 19 with 2.50 left in the game.
1st down St Louis.
Bulger to Donny Avery and TOUCHDOWN. Great pass and catch there over the back of Randall Gay at the goal line.
The Rams are going for 2 points and... It’s incomplete. So we now await the joys of a squib kick. Which way will it go?
It goes Marques Colstons way and he gets to rectify his earlier fumble with an important take.
Saints 28 Steven Jackson 23
Saints 1st down at the Rams 42.
Mike Bell up the middle and picks up 6 with 2.38 left.
Pierre Thomas now over right tackle for 1 more and now we look at 3rd and 3.
Brees throws incomplete to Henderson. Bull crap. 4th and 3.
Morstead to punt with 2.29 left on the clock.
This game was not meant to be this close. I was looking forward to a nice comfortable ride for my nervous disposition but oh no, we have to go and make hard work out of playing a one man team. I still love you guys though.
1st down Rams at their own 20, 2.21 on the clock.
Surprise, surprise as Steven Jackson takes the ball for 5 and we hit the 2 minute warning.
Bulger runs out of bounds to stop the clock and pick up a 1st.
1st play, incompletion.
Next up Bulger to Jackson for a pick up of 6. 1.30 and counting.
Bulger throws incomplete and now it's 4th and 4 with 1.21 on the clock. This is the game...
Bulger to Gibson and it's ruled... complete on the field... but the Booth will review it and for good reason because that looks like it touched the turf before he caught it. This is damn tight. Which way will it go?
(Well, you as the reader will know because by the time you read this the decision will have been made but for me right now... I'm like a small child who's bed light has been turned out for the first time after watching the Wickerman, namely, SCARED senseless).
And no the call is not overturned so 1st down Rams at the 48.
Next up a pass completion and another 1st down.
Now Bulger to Jackson on a screen for 5. 30 secs on clock. My nails have gone, they've simply disappeared.
Bulger looks down the left side line but the ball hits the back of Malcolm Jenkins helmet, his best input in the game to date.
19 secs left.
Bulger to Jackson for 3 yards.
4th and 2. Clock ticking down so they have to go for the end zone and...
The ball falls incomplete. Thank **** for that!!
Jeez man that was tight.
Again a fairly indifferent Saints performance from certain personnel.
To be fair we've got so used to the A game that when they fall below some of their early season heroics it looks bad, but still I did expect us to enjoy a fairly comfortable day.
Overall we still did a decent enough job with a massively banged up defence. Some of the secondary on display looked like they had barely been introduced. And lest we forget we are now 9 and 0 and on course for the playoffs. So to come out with yet another win when we're not playing at our best is a further indication that we have championship quality within us (and I say us because clearly I have 'loads' to do with it what with never playing a pro snap in my life but you know what I mean).
I'm now going to go and look at the stars in my back yard for a few minutes whilst I reflect on this one.
1st and 10 Saints ball at their own 41 yard line.
Brees to Thomas on a screen for a gain of 5.
False start against Saints number 80 Darnell Dinkins who sheepishly runs to the sidelines looking for a towel to hide under at least until Sean Payton forgets he's on the roster.
Brees to David Thomas (back up TE) for 5th catch of the day and picks up the first down.
Brees to Colston for 9. New Saints legend in waiting Kyle Eckel takes the ball over right guard for a first down.
Brees looks deep and... Hits Robert Meachem for a 27 yard TOUCHDOWN!!
Meachem was running a perfect post pattern en route to his first reception of the day. We needed that. Great job guys. That is now the 4th touchdown chalked up on the Robert Meachem stats sheet for 2009. Solid drive 7 plays 77 yards in 3 minutes 15 and now a half decent lead.
The Robert Meachem stats sheet just gets better and better.
Saints 28 Rams 17
1st down Rams with 12.15 left in the game.
Jackson runs straight into Charles Grant who eats him up for a loss of 2.
Jackson again over right tackle and SCOTT FUJITA makes the tackle. SCOTT FUJITA people, he's back!!
3rd and 9 and guess who they throw it to? I'll give you a hint, his name rhymes with Meevan Saxon.
So the Rams punt it to Reggie who takes a cheap shot on his knee as he goes out of bounds at the Saints something or other. A pen knocks it back to the 25.
1st down Saints.
Bell up the middle for 1.
Brees looks deep and finds Jeremy Shockey for a 25 yard pick up to midfield.
1st down Saints.
Brees looks deep to Devery Henderson but a flag comes out and... The Rams nosetackle is called for off sides which suits me just fine but causes havoc with the big mans inner monologue.
1st and 5. Mike Bell over right tackle to the Rams 39.
1st down New Orleans. The St Louis Jacksons have a LB down so we go to a commercial break for some inspirational message from the people at Dodge. They instantly make me want to rush out and buy a pick up truck so I can drive it straight through the lobby of the marketing company who came up with that cynical heart string tug rubbish... bar humbug!
Brees to Devery Henderson who drops a badly thrown pass. 2nd and 10.
Mike Bell runs to the sidelines and picks up 3. Good job as he could have got stuffed for a loss.
3rd and 7. Brees looks right and the ball is battered down. Drew looks upset with himself there. The Saints will punt it... however a dirty Ram runs into Thomas Morstead and will be called for a 5 yard pen so we'll replay 4th down. Will we go for the field goal or a 4th down conversion?
Sean sends Brees back out. Gutsy guy. Ok here we go, 4th and 2. Brees changing the call and... Then burns a timeout as the play clock runs out. John Carney looks eager to kick but Payton is not looking his way. Carney looks upset and for good reason as Kyle Eckle is given the ball and runs into a wall of Rams and we give the ball over on downs. What does that say about Paytons faith in Carney's leg? Hope that lack of faith doesn't bite us in the ass come playoff time.
1st down Rams at their own 32.
Incompletion then Jackson for 9. 3rd and 1.
Bulger to Rams number 16 who brilliantly drops it when he had a wide open field ahead of him. Like any good man who stares at goats I managed to force Ram number 16 to leave that ball well alone (and yes I am claiming that one on my powers of mind control because I shouted 'DROP IT' and he obliged... and no I'm not crazy, well I don't think I am anyway).
It brings up a 4th down and... They’re going for it. They hand it to Steven Jackson and... Will Smith of I Am Legend fame stuffs him for a loss of 1.
Saints Will Smith - Coming soon to a back field near you
Mike Bell for 5 to start the drive. 2nd and 5.
Now Thomas over left tackle for a gain of 1 and we're quickly to 3rd and 4.
A Ram manages to break the great Saints O line and drops Brees for his first sack of the day. 4th and 4 and Morstead punts into the end zone.
1st down Rams at their own 20.
Mark Bulger to Steven Jackson on a screen that doesn't work out and he's dropped for a loss of 3 but Fox cut to the action at the Redskin game so we don't know who made that great tackle. Pass completion for a 1st down. 3.44 left in the game.
1st down Rams at their own 42. Pass to Jackson for 7.
Another pass and another completion out to the Saints 42. Bobby McCray limps off to add to our great overall D health.
1st down Rams.
Bulger to someone or other and ANOTHER 1st down to the 19 with 2.50 left in the game.
1st down St Louis.
Bulger to Donny Avery and TOUCHDOWN. Great pass and catch there over the back of Randall Gay at the goal line.
The Rams are going for 2 points and... It’s incomplete. So we now await the joys of a squib kick. Which way will it go?
It goes Marques Colstons way and he gets to rectify his earlier fumble with an important take.
Saints 28 Steven Jackson 23
Saints 1st down at the Rams 42.
Mike Bell up the middle and picks up 6 with 2.38 left.
Pierre Thomas now over right tackle for 1 more and now we look at 3rd and 3.
Brees throws incomplete to Henderson. Bull crap. 4th and 3.
Morstead to punt with 2.29 left on the clock.
This game was not meant to be this close. I was looking forward to a nice comfortable ride for my nervous disposition but oh no, we have to go and make hard work out of playing a one man team. I still love you guys though.
1st down Rams at their own 20, 2.21 on the clock.
Surprise, surprise as Steven Jackson takes the ball for 5 and we hit the 2 minute warning.
Bulger runs out of bounds to stop the clock and pick up a 1st.
1st play, incompletion.
Next up Bulger to Jackson for a pick up of 6. 1.30 and counting.
Bulger throws incomplete and now it's 4th and 4 with 1.21 on the clock. This is the game...
Bulger to Gibson and it's ruled... complete on the field... but the Booth will review it and for good reason because that looks like it touched the turf before he caught it. This is damn tight. Which way will it go?
(Well, you as the reader will know because by the time you read this the decision will have been made but for me right now... I'm like a small child who's bed light has been turned out for the first time after watching the Wickerman, namely, SCARED senseless).
And no the call is not overturned so 1st down Rams at the 48.
Next up a pass completion and another 1st down.
Now Bulger to Jackson on a screen for 5. 30 secs on clock. My nails have gone, they've simply disappeared.
Bulger looks down the left side line but the ball hits the back of Malcolm Jenkins helmet, his best input in the game to date.
19 secs left.
Bulger to Jackson for 3 yards.
4th and 2. Clock ticking down so they have to go for the end zone and...
The ball falls incomplete. Thank **** for that!!
Jeez man that was tight.
Again a fairly indifferent Saints performance from certain personnel.
To be fair we've got so used to the A game that when they fall below some of their early season heroics it looks bad, but still I did expect us to enjoy a fairly comfortable day.
Overall we still did a decent enough job with a massively banged up defence. Some of the secondary on display looked like they had barely been introduced. And lest we forget we are now 9 and 0 and on course for the playoffs. So to come out with yet another win when we're not playing at our best is a further indication that we have championship quality within us (and I say us because clearly I have 'loads' to do with it what with never playing a pro snap in my life but you know what I mean).
I'm now going to go and look at the stars in my back yard for a few minutes whilst I reflect on this one.
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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