Saints 49ers Post Game Analysis

Things we learned this week:

Good stuff
* Free agent rookie Joseph Morgan knows how to make a nice cut in a return and could be an outside bet for a spot on this team,

* The pass rush looked good and we got like a gazzilion sacks,

* Mark Ingram nabbed the first of the 250 career touchdowns he'll score in a Saints uniform en route to a Hall of Fame spot - A 'Where were you when' moment if ever I saw one,

* Chase Daniel was pretty good and it was great to see Courtney Roby getting time as a receiver (I love Mr pineapple head).

Bad stuff

* No matter how much you want football to return you suddenly remember you have to get through a heck of a lot of mediocre pre season football to get through,

* Robert Meachem still has butter for fingers,

* The 35 yard line kick off will mean 100% touch backs in most games,

* Drew Brees got hit from behind below the knee on the first series. I literally lost it for 0.024573 seconds until I realised he was OK. Still I'll never get those 0.024573 seconds back.

OK now the latest on Tracy Porter, Marques Colston and other news from the Saints camp.

The Saints Are Coming

Check out this nice combination of Saints clips from recent years which also highlights some of our boys positions in the NFL top 100. Nice to see Colston getting some much overdue recognition at number 53 and General Doom Vilma at 37.

Next season I predict we'll see even more make that top 100 list after our march to the Super Bowl (getting ahead of myself? You better believe it).




And here's a very short vid of Brees throwing deep to Robert Meachem during training camp and not connecting. Dare I say some things will never change? Nah, he'll get there. Come on Robert, this is your break out year. Focus, focus, focus.

Saints 1st Win In The Superdome Remembered Plus Meachem & Hamilton Join The Circus

Do you remember those halcyon days when the Saints were total garbage and couldn't string a scoring drive together if Sugar Ray Robinson threatened to beat every last one of them to a pulp?

Yeah well for some it doesn't feel so long ago so here's a nice reminisce on the first time the Saints won in the Superdome to begin their slow ascent to greatness.
Arhchie Manning joy!



And here's a vid of Robert Meachem and Lynell Hamilton having some fun if not quite a career change.

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 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.

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.

Saints Vs Redskins 4th Quarter

You join us here in the 4th Quarter with the Saints teetering close to their first loss of the season.  The Redskins are driving and have the ball at the Saints 12 along with a 7 point lead.  What happens in the next couple of plays could be decisive.

Saints Teetering on the Brink of Their First Loss

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

Saints 20 Redskins 30

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

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

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

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

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

Saints 23 Redskins 30

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

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

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

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

McCallister Facemask

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

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

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

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

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

Saints 30 Redskins 30

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saints Vs Redskins 2nd Quarter

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

The Redskins Are This Much Better Right Now

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

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

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

Saints 3 Redskins 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marques Colston Runs A Perfect Post Pattern

Saints 10 Redskins 10

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

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

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

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

Saints 10 Redskins 17

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

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

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

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

Saints 17 Redskins 17

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

Saints Vs. Patriots 4th Quarter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patriots 17 Saints 38

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drew Dat - Drew Brees Saints Legend

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

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

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

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

Saints Vs. Patriots 2nd Quarter

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

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

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

The Pierre Thomas jersey moonwalks into the end zone

Patriots 7 Saints 10

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

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

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

Drew Brees to Devery Henderson Touchdown - Henderson feels lonely

Patriots 7 Saints 17

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

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

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

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

Patriots 10 Saints 17

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

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

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

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

Patriots 13 Saints 24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saints Vs. Patriots 1st Quarter

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

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

Saints Courtney Roby - Redefining the 1000 yard stare

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

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

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

Patriots 0 Saints 3

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

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

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

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

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

Patriots 7 Saints 3

Courtney Roby takes it to the 25.

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

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

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

Mike McKenzie stares down Tom Brady

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

NO Jerseys Vs Bucs 2nd Quarter

NO Saints 7 TB Bucs 7

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

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

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

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

1st down Bucs at their own 30.

Ward picks up 5.

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

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

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

1st down Saints.

Brees incomplete to Pierre Thomas.  2nd and 10.

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

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

1st down Saints.

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

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

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

Thomas Morstead really wishes he had put his pants on now

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

1st down Bucs.

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

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

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

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

1st down Bucs.

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

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

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

1st down Saints at the Bucs 29.

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

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

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

Saints 10 Bucs 7.  4.11 left in the half.

1st down Bucs at the Bucs 23.

Cadillac Williams for 5.  2nd and 5.

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

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

1st down Saints at their own 31.

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

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

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

1st down Bucs at their 22.

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

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

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

1st down Saints at their own 36.

Brees to Colston for 16 to the Bucs 47.

1st down.

Brees pressured and throws it away. 

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

1st down Saints.

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

1st down Saints.

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

TD number 6 for the Robert Meachem Stats sheet

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

1st down Bucs at their 28.

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

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

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

NO Jerseys Vs Bucs 1st Quarter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1st down Bucs, 11.53.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1st down Bucs.

Derrick Ward for 3.

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

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

Saints 0 Bucs 7.  4.58

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

1st down Saints.

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

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

1st down Saints.

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

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

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

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

1st and goal at the 4.

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

Saints 7 Bucs 7.

The Bucs will start at the 31.

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

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

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

New Orleans Saints helmet game day analysis

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

 New Orleans Saints helmet game day analysis

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

Things I have learnt from inside the Saints helmet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction - Saints by 20.

Lance Moore, New Orleans Saints WR

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

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

No Lance Moore in NFL draft 2005

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

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

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

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

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

Famous New Orleans Saints players of the future

I have a feeling that when all is said and done we are going to end up with a number of newly famous New Orleans Saints players at the end of this season. 

At present the Saints roster is full of unassuming team players who do not get national recognition at their position.  That is sure to change if they continue to play in the same vein of form that has taken the Saints to 5 and 0.

Chief among them are the receiving corps, running backs and the totally unheralded Offensive line.  So I hereby present to you my soon to be famous New Orleans Saints players.  I only pray we can keep hold of them come years end:

1.  Lance Moore - the Wes Welker of our receivers, the slot guy and 3rd down specialist.  I've watched Moore's progress with great interest over the past year and a half more out of disbelief that the Saints scouts had unearthed yet another unheralded gem.  I really like his selfless team play, a coach's dream.

2.  Pierre Thomas - the undrafted 2007 free agent has been a real find and has helped balance the offence by powering the running game.  An excellent inside runner he also has the speed to turn the corner and is another team first player.

3.  Robert Meachem/Marques Colston - both have already posted good numbers in previous seasons so there is some level of awareness out there but I believe they will both end up with stellar numbers this season.  Both are tall, strong and quick with good hands.  Like the rest of the team they are more interested in doing their talking on the field than the media, a blessing for any cohesive play off bound contenders.

Needless to say I have left Drew Brees off this list as he already has some nationwide recognition.  That said I still do not think that he gets the credit he deserves and a stellar season could see him widely accepted as the best QB in the league, a title he more than deserves in my wholly biased eyes.

Finally a big shout out to Jermon Bushrod, Jahri Evans, Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin and Jon Stinchcomb, the offensive line who make it all happen around them.  The way they handled the Giants front 7 on Sunday goes to show what a unit they have become.  The pass protection has been flawless and they have helped establish the Saints as one of the leagues best running teams.  Sadly these guys are never going to find the fame attached to the likes of Bush, Brees and Co. but if they continue playing as they have they could help make this the most famous New Orleans Saints team of all time.  Here's hoping!

New Orleans Saints close out victory over Giants 48 to 27

4th down conversion by Manning then they're straight back facing another 4th and goal.  Bradshaw makes a heck of a catch for a touchdown but it gets ruled out by a holding call so the Giants have to settle for a field goal (not sure about that holding call).  41 to 20.

Pierre Thomas breaks his first long one of the day on the next possession.  They're going to start to eat up this clock now using Bell and Thomas.  Interesting stat popped up at the end of the next Bell run: Saints Offence play selection = 31 runs, 29 passes.  That shows what a complete package the Saints O now is and helps explain how they've kept the Giants guessing all day.

Back to the drive...  Long one to Meachem on 3rd and 8 completes down to the 2.  1st and goal.  Give it to Bell, give it to Bell (fantasy team!)... Nope, Heath Evans draw play making him the 7th player to score a touchdown for the New Orleans Saints today.  Perfect offence, I mean literally.  I knew they were good but they have totally made this very good Giants D look ordinary.  I did not predict this.  It had been total domination.  Jeremy Shockey is looking very happy and relaxed on the sidelines.  Saint 48, Giants 20.  Remember this also, if it wasn't for the Vilma penalty the scoreboard would read 55 to 13!

Sub bet - Jim Zorn to loose his job Monday morning?  I'll take that.

Back to the game.  The Giants are facing 4th and 8 within 3 plays and will punt.  Saints starting from their own 32.  Mark Brunell comes in for Bree's who finishes the day on 23 of 30 for 369 yards, 3 TD's and 0 ints. Punt.

Eli Manning to someone or other (sorry was day dreaming about the Super Bowl) for a touchdown to bring it back to 48 to 27.  Don't think I'm going to win any Sports Writer of the year awards for such blatant lack of attention and bias.

Game ends with a sack by Ellis, nice.

The Saints go to 5 and 0 with Miami next up before two home games at the Super Dome including the Falcons.  What bet 8 and 0?  Who wants my money?

Read the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Quarter Saints Giants In Game Posts by clicking on the Blog Archive in the right hand menu, select October and then find the Quarter you require.

Saints Giants Half Time - what a game!

Brees deep to Meachem and the Saints continue where they left off.  However the Giants hold the short running game and on 4th and goal they deny Thomas over left tackle.  Is this a game changer?  Giants ball.

Oh my... oh my what a game.  2 plays after the goal line stand and another momentum shift as a Roman Harper blitz strips the ball from Manning and Shanley recovers all the way down to the 7 yard line.  Unbelievable.  So the Saints have another crack at it with 18 seconds to go.

1st play battered down pass from Bree's.  1st incompletion in 16 attempts for Bree's.
2nd play - TOUCHDOWN REGGIE BUSH!!  Hand off from shotgun and Bush gets to the corner.

Saints 34 Vs Giants 17 at half time.

315 total yards of offence for the Saints.  Perfect football match up and everything we've been waiting for.  Bree's 17 of 20 for 247 yards and 3TD's at the half against a top top Defence.  They've scored the same number of points in two Quarters as the Giants have allowed all season!

Tune into a TV near you now to catch the rest of this game as it is on fire.  The Kings of Leon should change their song lyrics to reflect this game!

Read the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Quarter Saints Giants In Game Posts by clicking on the Blog Archive in the right hand menu, select October and then find the Quarter you require.