It is almost upon us oh brethren. Yes indeed the New Orleans Saints are about to begin the defence of their Super Bowl crown right here in New Orleans and it is time to get excited.
Pretty much all the starting line up are back for another tilt at the title and all noises coming out of training camp are of a unified collective intent on Two Dat'in. Praise the Lord!
Up first are the NFC Championship game losing Minnesota Vikings... now remind me once again who beat dem? Ah yes if it ain't good ole Sean and the boys.
The Vikes will be hungry for revenge and with a D-line and the duel threat of Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre they will be tough cookies. If Williams can cook up anything like the gameplan he produced for the Championship game then we should be in business.
Last time the defensive genius sent Darren Sharper on blitz packages through the A gap unchecked to put hits on Favre boy. This time around it will be someone else hounding the NFL great. If we can once again get to the man and make him release before he's set then we stand a chance... just all shout for Hargrove to fall on that ball should you see him picking it up and running on a fumble recovery... bigman you ain't no full back but we love you just the same.
AP if you can continue turning that ball over to our D we sure would appreciate it.
On the other side of the ball Drew Brees is back to command the league like only his sheer perfectionist streak can. I'm hoping we can jump out to an early start to pile on the pressure for the road team. Let's be hoping for the same noise intensity as last time to really put the cat amongst the pigeons.
A good start to the season sure will settle nerves and give the whole league something to think about so let's pray for an all round great team display and a healthy return for number 9 in whom we all trust.
Showing posts with label Darren Sharper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Darren Sharper. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
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.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saints Super Bowl Preview
Now that the dust has settled, the initial hangovers have become but a distant headache of a memory and the hype has truly kicked in it's time to turn our attentions to the realistic battles that are going to need to be won if the Saints are to come home with the Vince Lombardi trophy. In my totally unbiased moments (basically when I wake up in a cold sweat thinking about a Manning Monday) I have thought through the real battles we must win.
1. It goes without saying but Drew Brees needs to play at or close to his peak for us to stand a decent chance. I'm thinking the Patriots or Giants games from earlier this season. If Drew was to suffer a Super Bowl nerve display day, think Jim Kelly or John Elway (early years) to name but a few, then the Saints will really struggle. It's clear the Saints MVP and leader needs to be at his accurate best for the Who Dat to come out flying.
2. As per my last point our Saints need to come out flying. We need to put the points on the board early to steady the nerves and make the Colts play catch up. Easier said than done but given the past Super Bowl and big game experience many Colts players hold it's imperative we come out fighting in the first to help steady many a young Saints players heart.
3. Getting to Payton Manning will be key. As Gregg Williams has identified it doesn't matter whether we get there with a clean sack but we have to let Mr Unflappable himself know that we are there and we mean business. If that means Bobby McCray paying another $20K fine come Monday morning for late hits then so be it... I'm sure Bourbon Street will be happy to gather the cash in a hat to help out. Manning will pick us apart if left standing too often.
4. Jeremy Shockey needs to impose himself. The big man truly is the Saints talisman and when he is in the game he gives opposing D's a heck of a headache. With all the other weapons on the Saints O the presence of number 88 frees up space for the likes of Bush and Thomas in the flat given the mismatches it causes. I for sure will feel more confident if Jeremy Shockey is out there running routes from early as he can make a physical and emotional difference.
5. Jonathan Vilma, Darren Sharper, Roman Harper, Will Smith, Tracy Porter... heck they'll all have to play out of their skins. The D needs to be aggressive, strip some balls and hope they can throw Mannings reads off enough if we are to have a better than evens chance.
6. Thomas Morstead to continue his great kick offs and punts and Reggie Bush and Courtney Roby to continue making good yardage on their returns. The play of the special teams and the field positions they leave the O and D with respectively will be all important.
That may all seem negative but if I was a bookie I would be giving the Colts the better odds because I think they are that little bit better all round. That's tough for me to say but it's the honest truth. We will need to put in an A-team performance across the board. That said it is well within our capabilities to do so and Sunday night will be a time for hardcore mental strength. Yes they can do it, yes they should believe, yes they will!!
1. It goes without saying but Drew Brees needs to play at or close to his peak for us to stand a decent chance. I'm thinking the Patriots or Giants games from earlier this season. If Drew was to suffer a Super Bowl nerve display day, think Jim Kelly or John Elway (early years) to name but a few, then the Saints will really struggle. It's clear the Saints MVP and leader needs to be at his accurate best for the Who Dat to come out flying.
Drew Brees MVP Super Bowl
2. As per my last point our Saints need to come out flying. We need to put the points on the board early to steady the nerves and make the Colts play catch up. Easier said than done but given the past Super Bowl and big game experience many Colts players hold it's imperative we come out fighting in the first to help steady many a young Saints players heart.
3. Getting to Payton Manning will be key. As Gregg Williams has identified it doesn't matter whether we get there with a clean sack but we have to let Mr Unflappable himself know that we are there and we mean business. If that means Bobby McCray paying another $20K fine come Monday morning for late hits then so be it... I'm sure Bourbon Street will be happy to gather the cash in a hat to help out. Manning will pick us apart if left standing too often.
4. Jeremy Shockey needs to impose himself. The big man truly is the Saints talisman and when he is in the game he gives opposing D's a heck of a headache. With all the other weapons on the Saints O the presence of number 88 frees up space for the likes of Bush and Thomas in the flat given the mismatches it causes. I for sure will feel more confident if Jeremy Shockey is out there running routes from early as he can make a physical and emotional difference.
5. Jonathan Vilma, Darren Sharper, Roman Harper, Will Smith, Tracy Porter... heck they'll all have to play out of their skins. The D needs to be aggressive, strip some balls and hope they can throw Mannings reads off enough if we are to have a better than evens chance.
6. Thomas Morstead to continue his great kick offs and punts and Reggie Bush and Courtney Roby to continue making good yardage on their returns. The play of the special teams and the field positions they leave the O and D with respectively will be all important.
That may all seem negative but if I was a bookie I would be giving the Colts the better odds because I think they are that little bit better all round. That's tough for me to say but it's the honest truth. We will need to put in an A-team performance across the board. That said it is well within our capabilities to do so and Sunday night will be a time for hardcore mental strength. Yes they can do it, yes they should believe, yes they will!!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
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.
Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 1st Quarter
Welcome to a Christmas flavored Super Dome where the visiting Bucs are looking to record an upset against a recently wounded and vunerable New Orleans Saints. I'll give you two reasons why that's not going to happen. Firstly the saints are out for revenge after last weeks perfect season ending loss to the Cowboys and secondly because it's the only thing I asked Santa for this year. Convincing proof if ever it was needed.
Once the Drew Brees chant is done with and the Saints players are suitably inspired it's down to the field for what could well be a mauling. Here's hoping.
The Saints kick it off and after a decent return the Bucs will start out at their own 34.
1st down Bucs.
Cadillac Williams inside for 4 against the Saints 22nd ranked Defence (jeez). 2nd and 6.
Williams up the middle picks up 5 before the big man Sedrick Ellis makes the stop. 3rd and 1.
The crowd in the Dome make such a noise that the Bucs are forced to take a timeout. Well done Who Dat Nation.
Toss to Cadillac Williams out left and he easily picks up the 1st.
1st down Bucs at the 48.
Freeman passes to Bryant on the sidelines and moves the chains again.
1st down Bucs at the Saints 42.
Williams runs right and straight into a Will Smith shaped mountain. No gain. 2nd and 10.
Freeman to Bryant but he drops it. 3rd and 10, the Dome is loud!
Freeman completes to Winslow who is stopped just shy of the marker by Jonathan Vilma. It's not going to count as there's a flag against Bucs forces them to replay 3rd down. 3rd and 15.
Freeman pressured out the pocket and it's almost picked by Darren 'I've already got 8 for the season' Sharper. 4th and 15.
Bucs punt it away and Reggie Bush returns it for about 10.
1st down Saints at their 25.
End around to Robert Meachem who picks up 7. 2nd and 3.
Pierre Thomas takes the hand off inside and weaves his way for 5.
1st down Saints.
Brees to Marques Colston on a slant then spins to the sidelines to pick up the 1st and pass the 1,000 yard mark for the season.
1st down Saints.
Mike Bell now on a hand off and gains 8 on a good hole. 2nd and 2.
Mike Bell again and he spinds his way out of a tackle on his way to the 1st.
1st down Saints at the Bucs 39.
Brees over the middle to Bush who puts the after burners on to get to the edge for another 1st.
1st down Saints at the 23.
Brees to Bush on the sidelines who avoids the tackle after a gain of 1 and then picks up 5 more. 2nd and 4.
Pierre Thomas takes the hand off and barrels his way inside the 10.
1st down and goal Saints at 8.
Pierre Thomas takes the hand off finds the hole between Bushrod and Evans and... Walks it in for a TOUCHDOWN!! That is more like it. That is the start we have been missing for some 5 weeks now, namely an opening drive touchdown. Great work. That was all about getting back to business, 9 plays, 75 yards and no 3rd downs.
Bucs 0 Saints 7
1st down Bucs at their own 25.
Freeman to Graham who runs straight into Roman Harper and Scott Fujita and bounces out of the tackles for a couple more.
1st down Bucs
Williams up the middle for 5. 2nd and 5.
Williams again out wide and finds a big hole before he's dragged down by Sedrick Ellis.
1st down Bucs.
Freeman drops back and... hits Darren Sharper who returns it to the 48. With that pick Sharper moves into 6th place in the all time NFL interceptions list. In the process he also sets a new NFL record for return yards in a single season with 700 and something.. Sorry didn't pick up the number.
1st down Saints
Thomas up the middle picks up 6. 2nd and 4.
Mike Bell over left tackle for 3 more. 3rd and 1.
Lynell Hamilton with the call he just manages to pick up the 1st.
1st down Saints.
Brees out wide to Saints legend David Thomas for a gain of 2. 2nd and 8.
Play action to Kyle Eckel who makes a great burst and dive on the edge for a 1st.
1st down at the Bucs 30.
Drew Brees drops back and looks deep and unloads to... Robert Meachem for a TOUCHDOWN!! Wide open and executed perfectly. This is more like it. Big early lead, making plays on both sides of the ball... I wish we could play the Bucs every game!
Bucs 0 Saints 14
1st down Bucs at their 22.
A Buc (probably Williams) runs for 3. 2nd and 7.
Derrick Ward puts his head down and runs into Scott Fujita for a gain of 1. 3rd and 4.
Freeman completes to number 85 Maurice Stovall who breaks a Mike McKenzie attempted tackle and spins it down to midfield to end the 1st Quarter.
Once the Drew Brees chant is done with and the Saints players are suitably inspired it's down to the field for what could well be a mauling. Here's hoping.
The Saints kick it off and after a decent return the Bucs will start out at their own 34.
1st down Bucs.
Cadillac Williams inside for 4 against the Saints 22nd ranked Defence (jeez). 2nd and 6.
Williams up the middle picks up 5 before the big man Sedrick Ellis makes the stop. 3rd and 1.
The crowd in the Dome make such a noise that the Bucs are forced to take a timeout. Well done Who Dat Nation.
Toss to Cadillac Williams out left and he easily picks up the 1st.
1st down Bucs at the 48.
Freeman passes to Bryant on the sidelines and moves the chains again.
1st down Bucs at the Saints 42.
Williams runs right and straight into a Will Smith shaped mountain. No gain. 2nd and 10.
Freeman to Bryant but he drops it. 3rd and 10, the Dome is loud!
Freeman completes to Winslow who is stopped just shy of the marker by Jonathan Vilma. It's not going to count as there's a flag against Bucs forces them to replay 3rd down. 3rd and 15.
Freeman pressured out the pocket and it's almost picked by Darren 'I've already got 8 for the season' Sharper. 4th and 15.
Bucs punt it away and Reggie Bush returns it for about 10.
1st down Saints at their 25.
End around to Robert Meachem who picks up 7. 2nd and 3.
Pierre Thomas takes the hand off inside and weaves his way for 5.
1st down Saints.
Brees to Marques Colston on a slant then spins to the sidelines to pick up the 1st and pass the 1,000 yard mark for the season.
1st down Saints.
Mike Bell now on a hand off and gains 8 on a good hole. 2nd and 2.
Mike Bell again and he spinds his way out of a tackle on his way to the 1st.
1st down Saints at the Bucs 39.
Brees over the middle to Bush who puts the after burners on to get to the edge for another 1st.
1st down Saints at the 23.
Brees to Bush on the sidelines who avoids the tackle after a gain of 1 and then picks up 5 more. 2nd and 4.
Pierre Thomas takes the hand off and barrels his way inside the 10.
1st down and goal Saints at 8.
Pierre Thomas takes the hand off finds the hole between Bushrod and Evans and... Walks it in for a TOUCHDOWN!! That is more like it. That is the start we have been missing for some 5 weeks now, namely an opening drive touchdown. Great work. That was all about getting back to business, 9 plays, 75 yards and no 3rd downs.
Bucs 0 Saints 7
1st down Bucs at their own 25.
Freeman to Graham who runs straight into Roman Harper and Scott Fujita and bounces out of the tackles for a couple more.
1st down Bucs
Williams up the middle for 5. 2nd and 5.
Williams again out wide and finds a big hole before he's dragged down by Sedrick Ellis.
1st down Bucs.
Freeman drops back and... hits Darren Sharper who returns it to the 48. With that pick Sharper moves into 6th place in the all time NFL interceptions list. In the process he also sets a new NFL record for return yards in a single season with 700 and something.. Sorry didn't pick up the number.
1st down Saints
Thomas up the middle picks up 6. 2nd and 4.
Mike Bell over left tackle for 3 more. 3rd and 1.
Lynell Hamilton with the call he just manages to pick up the 1st.
1st down Saints.
Brees out wide to Saints legend David Thomas for a gain of 2. 2nd and 8.
Play action to Kyle Eckel who makes a great burst and dive on the edge for a 1st.
1st down at the Bucs 30.
Drew Brees drops back and looks deep and unloads to... Robert Meachem for a TOUCHDOWN!! Wide open and executed perfectly. This is more like it. Big early lead, making plays on both sides of the ball... I wish we could play the Bucs every game!
Bucs 0 Saints 14
1st down Bucs at their 22.
A Buc (probably Williams) runs for 3. 2nd and 7.
Derrick Ward puts his head down and runs into Scott Fujita for a gain of 1. 3rd and 4.
Freeman completes to number 85 Maurice Stovall who breaks a Mike McKenzie attempted tackle and spins it down to midfield to end the 1st Quarter.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Famous Saints Fans of the Who Dat Nation
This post is going out to the greatest fans on Earth... The Who Dat Nation!
You make the Saints what they are. The passion and noise generated in all home games is second to none and helps make New Orleans such an attractive place for a player to want to spend his career.
Darren Sharper went so far as to say this about the Patriots game in the "deafening" Super Dome:
"A guy could be pressing face masks with you and you're yelling and he still can't hear you."
As such I'm going to post up my favorite Saints fan pics on this post. As you'll see we have quite a few famous Saints fans who turn up wearing disguises at games in the Super Dome.
Big love to the Saints Nation.
If you have any that you want to display just let me know by leaving a comment on this message and I'll be sure to include.
You make the Saints what they are. The passion and noise generated in all home games is second to none and helps make New Orleans such an attractive place for a player to want to spend his career.
Darren Sharper went so far as to say this about the Patriots game in the "deafening" Super Dome:
"A guy could be pressing face masks with you and you're yelling and he still can't hear you."
As such I'm going to post up my favorite Saints fan pics on this post. As you'll see we have quite a few famous Saints fans who turn up wearing disguises at games in the Super Dome.
Big love to the Saints Nation.
Dan Aykroyd And All Coneheads Are Saints Fans
Russell Crowe And Co. Are Saints Fans Too
Is That Michael J Fox Making A Teenwolf Comeback?
The Man With The Golden Gun Got These Two
The Famous Saints Fans Defense Rule!!
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 3rd Quarter
Welcome to the 2nd half of this tight game between the Saints and Redskins. The Redskins are getting to Drew Brees more than is healthy and the Saints secondary is being exposed by Jason 'I'm not very good' Campbell. Fingers crossed for some much needed improvements in the 3rd.
Saints 17 Redskins 17
1st down Redskins at their own 25.
Cartwright picks up 5 on a right sweep. 2nd and 5.
Campbell throws towards Kelly but it goes out of bounds. Good coverage by McKenzie. 3rd and 5.
Campbell to Randle El for 12. Campbell was under pressure and stepped up to avoid the rush.
1st down Redskins at the 43.
Campbell down the left sidelines completes to Thomas over Malcolm Jenkins. Great throw into tight coverage.
1st down Redskins at the Saints 28.
Campbell to Thomas who beats McKenzie with a step and picks up 6. 2nd and 4.
Cartwright runs through a BIG hole before Hargrove brings him down.
1st down at the Saints 16.
Campbell to Moss but he can't hold on. 2nd and 10.
Campbell under pressure gets it out to Cartwright in the flat and picks up 6. 3rd and 4.
Campbell pressured by Darren Sharper and unloads incomplete. 4th and 4.
So the Redskins have to settle for a field goal.
Saints 17 Redskins 20
Courtney Roby continues his excellent day with a big return out to the Saints 48.
1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas up the middle for 2. 2nd and 8.
Mike Bell up the middle for a good 7 yards. He hit that hole hard. 3rd and 1.
Mike Bell again and he bounces on a second effort close to the marker. The chains will come into measure and... The Saints are short by half a yard. So it brings up 4th down and the Saints are going for it.
Mike Bell again but he's stopped well short. That looked far too complicated for a short yardage pick up with Nicks pulling around right.
1st down Redskins at their own 44.
Campbell goes deep down the right sidelines to Thomas all the way to the Saints 16. A 40 yard pass play.
1st down Redskins.
Cartwright carries for 3. 2nd and 7.
Campbell under pressure and... It goes in and out of Malcolm Jenkins hands. Oh man he had the whole field ahead. He would have gone untouched for 6. Good pressure by Will Smith. 3rd and 7.
Campbell to Thomas who breaks two tackles and tip toes down the sideline for a Touchdown. Oh man that was poor. It looks like Darren Sharper knocked Mike McKenzie over just as he was about to make the tackle.
Saints 17 Redskins 27
1st down Saints at their own 27.
Mike Bell cuts back and picks up 7 after the inside was closed off. 2nd and 3.
Drew Brees completes to Jeremy Shockey at the 46 for a pick of 12.
1st down Saints.
Brees to Shockey on a slant for 8 more. 2nd and 2.
Mike Bell out left and he's up ended spectacularly for no gain. 3rd and 2.
Brees play fakes and finds David Thomas all the way down at the 26. Great pass in good coverage.
1st down Saints.
Brees drops back and finds Devery Henderson at the 12. This is more like it.
1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas up the middle for 3 good yards. 2nd and 7.
Brees to Colston in the end zone... but it's broken up. 3rd and 7.
Brees to Henderson on a screen but no gain. 4th and 7.
So Garrett Hartley comes in for a 27 yard field goal attempt and... It's good.
Saints 20 Redskins 27
We need a good stand by the D now to pull this back level as the longer this goes on the more it feels this is not going to be our day. The Redskins have an answer to most things we are doing today.
1st down Redskins at their own 35.
Cartwright carries for 5. Again we has him closed for no gain and he was able to make a cut and pick up 5. That epitomizes our day so far. 2nd and 5.
Campbell to Randle El for 5.
1st down Redskins.
Cartwright is stopped by Bobby McCray in the back field for a loss of 1. Finally some penetration to stop the run. 2nd and 11.
Campbell to Randle El again but it goes incomplete. 3rd and 11. Come on D, we need a stop here. Big play coming up.
Campbell steps up and completes to Randle El all the way down to the 14 yard line. He was wide open. This is not good as we end the 3rd Quarter.
Saints 17 Redskins 17
1st down Redskins at their own 25.
Cartwright picks up 5 on a right sweep. 2nd and 5.
Campbell throws towards Kelly but it goes out of bounds. Good coverage by McKenzie. 3rd and 5.
Campbell to Randle El for 12. Campbell was under pressure and stepped up to avoid the rush.
The Mike McKenzie Jersey - Not As Tight As That Coverage
1st down Redskins at the 43.
Campbell down the left sidelines completes to Thomas over Malcolm Jenkins. Great throw into tight coverage.
1st down Redskins at the Saints 28.
Campbell to Thomas who beats McKenzie with a step and picks up 6. 2nd and 4.
Cartwright runs through a BIG hole before Hargrove brings him down.
1st down at the Saints 16.
Campbell to Moss but he can't hold on. 2nd and 10.
Campbell under pressure gets it out to Cartwright in the flat and picks up 6. 3rd and 4.
Campbell pressured by Darren Sharper and unloads incomplete. 4th and 4.
So the Redskins have to settle for a field goal.
Saints 17 Redskins 20
Courtney Roby continues his excellent day with a big return out to the Saints 48.
1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas up the middle for 2. 2nd and 8.
Mike Bell up the middle for a good 7 yards. He hit that hole hard. 3rd and 1.
Mike Bell again and he bounces on a second effort close to the marker. The chains will come into measure and... The Saints are short by half a yard. So it brings up 4th down and the Saints are going for it.
Mike Bell again but he's stopped well short. That looked far too complicated for a short yardage pick up with Nicks pulling around right.
1st down Redskins at their own 44.
Campbell goes deep down the right sidelines to Thomas all the way to the Saints 16. A 40 yard pass play.
1st down Redskins.
Cartwright carries for 3. 2nd and 7.
Campbell under pressure and... It goes in and out of Malcolm Jenkins hands. Oh man he had the whole field ahead. He would have gone untouched for 6. Good pressure by Will Smith. 3rd and 7.
Campbell to Thomas who breaks two tackles and tip toes down the sideline for a Touchdown. Oh man that was poor. It looks like Darren Sharper knocked Mike McKenzie over just as he was about to make the tackle.
Saints 17 Redskins 27
1st down Saints at their own 27.
Mike Bell cuts back and picks up 7 after the inside was closed off. 2nd and 3.
Drew Brees completes to Jeremy Shockey at the 46 for a pick of 12.
1st down Saints.
Brees to Shockey on a slant for 8 more. 2nd and 2.
Mike Bell out left and he's up ended spectacularly for no gain. 3rd and 2.
Brees play fakes and finds David Thomas all the way down at the 26. Great pass in good coverage.
1st down Saints.
Brees drops back and finds Devery Henderson at the 12. This is more like it.
1st down Saints.
Pierre Thomas up the middle for 3 good yards. 2nd and 7.
Brees to Colston in the end zone... but it's broken up. 3rd and 7.
Brees to Henderson on a screen but no gain. 4th and 7.
So Garrett Hartley comes in for a 27 yard field goal attempt and... It's good.
Saints 20 Redskins 27
We need a good stand by the D now to pull this back level as the longer this goes on the more it feels this is not going to be our day. The Redskins have an answer to most things we are doing today.
1st down Redskins at their own 35.
Cartwright carries for 5. Again we has him closed for no gain and he was able to make a cut and pick up 5. That epitomizes our day so far. 2nd and 5.
Campbell to Randle El for 5.
1st down Redskins.
Cartwright is stopped by Bobby McCray in the back field for a loss of 1. Finally some penetration to stop the run. 2nd and 11.
Campbell to Randle El again but it goes incomplete. 3rd and 11. Come on D, we need a stop here. Big play coming up.
Campbell steps up and completes to Randle El all the way down to the 14 yard line. He was wide open. This is not good as we end the 3rd Quarter.
Saints Vs Redskins 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.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
New Orleans Saints mid term paper: A
We're at the half way point in the campaign and there have been thrills and spills galore with the Saints this season but overall you couldn't ask for a more complete team effort. They are setting the NFL alight with their potent offence and keeping us fans on the edge of our seats most game days. That said, as any coach will tell you, there is always room for improvement so here is my break down of how we're doing so far.
New Orleans Saints offence mid term paper: A+
What can you say about this group that hasn't already been said? They are playing thrilling, exciting, don't blink or you'll miss it football. They lead the NFL in points scored with a cool 303 with 8 games played. That is a huge 67 points more than their next closest rival in these stakes, the Minnesota Vikings. Factor in a league leading net points differential of 129 and you've got one hell of an argument for unit of the year so far.
The Saints offence is of course led by the indomitable Drew Brees who has thrown for a league leading 17 touchdowns to date and 2,336 yards. Throw in an unbelievable completion percentage of 68.3 and an NFL best 106.1 QB rating and you've got the premier Quarterback in the NFL right now.
Brees is spreading the ball around to all his options which makes it very difficult for opposing defences to key in on any one individual. If you take Marques Colston away you've got Robert Meachem open. You take Meachem out and you've got Devery Henderson. Cover Henderson and Jeremy Shockey pops up. Double team Shockey and Reggie Bush runs... You get the idea.
So the Saints are well fixed as far as their offensive weaponary is concerned. What has been particularly interesting to watch has been the teams resilience in two particular come from behind wins.
Against the Dolphins in Week 7 the Saints fell behind early and went into the locker room 24 to 10 down at halftime. Cue a second half fight back which saw Brees adding to the Jeremy Shockey highlights reel with a great second half display and the Reggie Bush mph meter hitting a cool 22 again on his way to a spectacular touchdown leap in the 4th. Against the Panthers in week 9 the Saints again left it late before establishing their much improved running game (did I mention they are 5th in the NFL in this department?) after relying, for much of the game, on their stellar defensive unit. Which neatly leads us onto...
New Orleans Saints defence mid term paper: B+
The Saints much maligned defence of recent years is a new beast in 2009. Gone is the porous secondary that made grown men cry whenever an opposing QB looked deep. In it's place has come a run stuffing, interception hungry aggressive unit that you would be scared to introduce to your grandmother.
The catalyst for this change has come from new Defensive Co-ordinator Gregg Williams who has instilled a disciplined work ethic and aggressive attack minded philosophy into this unit. The chief on field protagonists of this change are middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and strong safety free agent acquisition Darren Sharper.
Sharper has proven to be a great catch for the Saints with his league leading interception record of 7 with 2 returned for touchdowns. Factor in his blitz stunts, tipped balls and hard tackling (he leads the team in this department) and you've got yourself a Saints Pro Bowl contender at the safety position, something unheard of for quite sometime.
Defensive captain Jonathan Vilma is also having an All Pro year with his pursuit of the ball. In the win over the Dolphins in particular his tackles, at key moments, kept the Saints in the game and his team leadership is telling.
The unit as a whole has improved to 16th place from 23rd a year ago, although that only tells half the story. The fact the Saints D can now be relied upon to keep the team in the game if the offence is ever sluggish, plus the high turnover rate, means you've got a major reason why the Saints of 2009 are 8 and 0 at the mid way mark. Just don't mention special teams...
New Orleans Saints special teams mid term paper: C-
I'm not going to go into one on this. Courtney Roby is doing pretty good with returns, Reggie Bush less so but it will come. John Carney is sound, Thomas Morstead the same but the less said about the coverage teams the better. Instead I will sum it up as my old teenage self would have done, namely, shrug shoulders, look disinterested and kind of sigh with an 'ehh' sound. Get the picture? Job done.
New Orleans Saints offence mid term paper: A+
What can you say about this group that hasn't already been said? They are playing thrilling, exciting, don't blink or you'll miss it football. They lead the NFL in points scored with a cool 303 with 8 games played. That is a huge 67 points more than their next closest rival in these stakes, the Minnesota Vikings. Factor in a league leading net points differential of 129 and you've got one hell of an argument for unit of the year so far.
The Saints offence is of course led by the indomitable Drew Brees who has thrown for a league leading 17 touchdowns to date and 2,336 yards. Throw in an unbelievable completion percentage of 68.3 and an NFL best 106.1 QB rating and you've got the premier Quarterback in the NFL right now.
Brees is spreading the ball around to all his options which makes it very difficult for opposing defences to key in on any one individual. If you take Marques Colston away you've got Robert Meachem open. You take Meachem out and you've got Devery Henderson. Cover Henderson and Jeremy Shockey pops up. Double team Shockey and Reggie Bush runs... You get the idea.
The Jeremy Shockey highlights reel has grown
So the Saints are well fixed as far as their offensive weaponary is concerned. What has been particularly interesting to watch has been the teams resilience in two particular come from behind wins.
Against the Dolphins in Week 7 the Saints fell behind early and went into the locker room 24 to 10 down at halftime. Cue a second half fight back which saw Brees adding to the Jeremy Shockey highlights reel with a great second half display and the Reggie Bush mph meter hitting a cool 22 again on his way to a spectacular touchdown leap in the 4th. Against the Panthers in week 9 the Saints again left it late before establishing their much improved running game (did I mention they are 5th in the NFL in this department?) after relying, for much of the game, on their stellar defensive unit. Which neatly leads us onto...
New Orleans Saints defence mid term paper: B+
The Saints much maligned defence of recent years is a new beast in 2009. Gone is the porous secondary that made grown men cry whenever an opposing QB looked deep. In it's place has come a run stuffing, interception hungry aggressive unit that you would be scared to introduce to your grandmother.
The catalyst for this change has come from new Defensive Co-ordinator Gregg Williams who has instilled a disciplined work ethic and aggressive attack minded philosophy into this unit. The chief on field protagonists of this change are middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and strong safety free agent acquisition Darren Sharper.
Sharper has proven to be a great catch for the Saints with his league leading interception record of 7 with 2 returned for touchdowns. Factor in his blitz stunts, tipped balls and hard tackling (he leads the team in this department) and you've got yourself a Saints Pro Bowl contender at the safety position, something unheard of for quite sometime.
Defensive captain Jonathan Vilma is also having an All Pro year with his pursuit of the ball. In the win over the Dolphins in particular his tackles, at key moments, kept the Saints in the game and his team leadership is telling.
The Jonathan Vilma girlfriend Christmas card - Available now from Falconer Products Inc.
The unit as a whole has improved to 16th place from 23rd a year ago, although that only tells half the story. The fact the Saints D can now be relied upon to keep the team in the game if the offence is ever sluggish, plus the high turnover rate, means you've got a major reason why the Saints of 2009 are 8 and 0 at the mid way mark. Just don't mention special teams...
New Orleans Saints special teams mid term paper: C-
I'm not going to go into one on this. Courtney Roby is doing pretty good with returns, Reggie Bush less so but it will come. John Carney is sound, Thomas Morstead the same but the less said about the coverage teams the better. Instead I will sum it up as my old teenage self would have done, namely, shrug shoulders, look disinterested and kind of sigh with an 'ehh' sound. Get the picture? Job done.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Football New Orleans Saints style!
- Saints Defence saves the day - Anthony Hargrove, Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma, Darren Sharper and Co. take a bow
- Saints set franchise record with perfect 8 and 0 start
- This was football New Orleans Saints style - hard fought and never easy
The Carolina Panthers rode into New Orleans Sunday with a win streak of 8 straight in the Super Dome and almost came away with yet another victory. But for some resolute defending and a couple of quick fire drives the Saints would have kissed goodbye to their 2009 perfect record and been left wondering if they would ever beat the Panthers at home again.
Saints snap loosing streak at the Super Dome Vs Panthers
Gregg Williams works the problem
The Saints played some uncharacteristic football with penalties, turnovers and miscues littering their day and all but killing them at various stages of the game. That the Saints defence turned up with their A game helmets on whilst the normally explosive offence dozed through the first half owes as much to Gregg Williams aggressive play calling as anything else.
Whilst the D was culpable for the early DeAngelo Williams 66 yard touchdown run, thereafter they solidified the middle of the field and forced the Panthers into a number of 3rd and long situations which they failed to convert.
Williams used a lot of blitz packages to unnerve Jake Delhomme on the few occasions he dropped back to pass. This ensured the Saints had an 8 or 9 man front to stop the repetitive Panthers running attack.
The Saints should be thankful for the telling contribution of back up Defensive Tackle Anthony Hargrove, filling in for the injured Sedrick Ellis, who soon found a way to plug holes whilst making a telling contribution with key tackles, a forced fumble and recovery for a touchdown. Along with more recognised starters Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma, Darren Sharper, Roman Harper, Tracy Porter, Jabari Greer et al, the Saints D once again showed that they are a vastly improved unit from years gone by with some great run pursuit and forced turnovers to keep the score competitive.
Brees, Colston and Co. stutter
That the Panthers were able to rack up such an impressive rushing total owes as much to the frequency with which the Saints offence gave up possession as it does to the Panthers conservative play calling. The failure of many key Saints O personnel to turn up for this game is at first worrying and in some ways comforting. If the Saints are able to pull out a win with a misfiring passing attack then it further demonstrates the total team package New Orleans can call upon this season.
Amongst the more anonymous and downright sloppy were receiving stalwarts Jeremy Shockey and Marques Colston who had disappointing games by their standards. Speaking of which Drew Brees did not look his usual self assured best throwing a bad interception Colstons way as well as fumbling a bobbled snap in a key 3rd down on two drives in the red zone.
Marques Colston Loves Butter Fingers
Pierre Thomas to the rescue
Some of the Saints early offensive play calling came back to haunt them as they looked to jump out to an early lead. Instead of establishing the running game head coach Sean Payton elected to throw from the offset. Whilst this was not an unreasonable strategy given the success the Saints have had so far this season it did leave them struggling to recapture the initiative when this tactic failed to deliver. It was only through the introduction of Pierre Thomas in a more central second half roll that the Saints were able to move the ball more freely and start to wear down the physical Panthers defence.
One drive in particular stood out with the Saints taking over possession at their own 2 yard line with 11.02 left on the clock. Payton employed a combination of inside running by Thomas and Mike Bell as well as dumping the ball to Reggie Bush and Thomas in the flat. 8 consecutive plays resulted from employing the trio and within 13 plays the Saints had marched all the way to the Panthers 16 before a dropped pass by Colston saw the Saints settling for a John Karney field goal for the go ahead score.
This was the balance of offence that had been so effective for the Saints all season but it took until well into the 4th Quarter to employ it.
Special praise should go to another unsung unit following this game; the Saints Offensive line. They did a great job of protecting Drew Brees who, with the exception of an early forced fumble, had plenty of time to pick his targets. Honourable mention goes out to Jermon Bushrod who kept the mighty Julius Peppers quiet all night. Jermon Bushrod for the Pro Bowl; is that such an extravagant claim?
The DNA of Champions
To win and to win ugly is the mark of champions. This was not the best we have seen the Saints play, far from it, but it did tell us a lot about the make up of the team and the depth of quality on the roster. When the A team were miscuing New Orleans were able to call on some impressive performances by lesser known names to get the job done. As Al Davis would say "Just Win Baby".
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Jabari Greer Saints Helmet Player of the Week
Following the propane a lane hum dinger of a ball game on Monday Night Football in which the Famous New Orleans Saints offence took to the skies and out jumped the wingless Falcons I thought it was about time to name my Saint of the Week.
A plethora of options for the Saints Helmet to choose from
Honourable mentions must firstly go out to the main contenders which were:
a) The Entire Saints Offence and
b) The Entire Saints Defence
However the Saints Helmet Player of the Week award is an individual award so the top 5 in descending order are:
Darren Sharper - 5th Place. He made smart plays all over the field and kept Matt Ryan second guessing with his blitz stunts. He deserved the addition to his league leading tally of interceptions that came his way in the 4th and is surely a shoe in for the Pro Bowl barring disaster.
Marques Colston - 4th place. His dominance at going up for jump balls, witness the 2nd Quarter touchdown grab, mean he is Drew Brees' go to target in the Red Zone. Factor in his ability to make the big play, like the deep ball in the 4th, and you have one heck of a contender for the Pro Bowl.
Will Smith - 3rd place. His pass rush efforts forced Ryan to throw before his feet were set on a number of occasions and was rewarded with 2 sacks, 4 tackles and 1 forced fumble (well nearly). It's great to see the big man back as the Saints sack king.
Drew Brees - 2nd place. What more superlatives can one say about Drew Brees? He is simply playing outstanding football and is head and shoulders the best Quarterback in the league in my opinion. His numbers speak for themselves but beyond that he is a leader of men and showed once again that he can put the ball where few others even dare to thread. Truly a Saints Legend in the making.
Jabari Greer - Saints Helmet Player of the Week. It would have been too easy to give the gong to Drew Brees as he realistically wins it hands down week in week out so, to make it interesting, I have gone with the game changer himself, Saints cornerback Jabari Greer.
The interception he returned for a touchdown just before half time was the turning point in the game. It left the Falcons mentally scared going into the locker room knowing they faced an insurmountable challenge in the second half. Up to that point the Falcons had been playing pretty good football so Greers' interception firstly stopped a promising drive that could have levelled the scores and secondly increased the points difference to two touchdowns.
The Saints secondary as a whole has been so impressive as a unit this season that it's a pleasure to award one of their kin the award for the second time this season. No longer do I have to hide behind my giant foam hands any time an opposing QB takes to the air for I know that in Jabari Greer, Darren Sharper, Roman Harper and Tracy Porter, who also came up with a game changing pick, we now have a secondary that helps make us a genuine contender. Roll on the Panthers!
A plethora of options for the Saints Helmet to choose from
Honourable mentions must firstly go out to the main contenders which were:
a) The Entire Saints Offence and
b) The Entire Saints Defence
However the Saints Helmet Player of the Week award is an individual award so the top 5 in descending order are:
Darren Sharper - 5th Place. He made smart plays all over the field and kept Matt Ryan second guessing with his blitz stunts. He deserved the addition to his league leading tally of interceptions that came his way in the 4th and is surely a shoe in for the Pro Bowl barring disaster.
Marques Colston - 4th place. His dominance at going up for jump balls, witness the 2nd Quarter touchdown grab, mean he is Drew Brees' go to target in the Red Zone. Factor in his ability to make the big play, like the deep ball in the 4th, and you have one heck of a contender for the Pro Bowl.
Will Smith - 3rd place. His pass rush efforts forced Ryan to throw before his feet were set on a number of occasions and was rewarded with 2 sacks, 4 tackles and 1 forced fumble (well nearly). It's great to see the big man back as the Saints sack king.
Drew Brees - 2nd place. What more superlatives can one say about Drew Brees? He is simply playing outstanding football and is head and shoulders the best Quarterback in the league in my opinion. His numbers speak for themselves but beyond that he is a leader of men and showed once again that he can put the ball where few others even dare to thread. Truly a Saints Legend in the making.
Jabari Greer - Saints Helmet Player of the Week. It would have been too easy to give the gong to Drew Brees as he realistically wins it hands down week in week out so, to make it interesting, I have gone with the game changer himself, Saints cornerback Jabari Greer.
The interception he returned for a touchdown just before half time was the turning point in the game. It left the Falcons mentally scared going into the locker room knowing they faced an insurmountable challenge in the second half. Up to that point the Falcons had been playing pretty good football so Greers' interception firstly stopped a promising drive that could have levelled the scores and secondly increased the points difference to two touchdowns.
The Saints secondary as a whole has been so impressive as a unit this season that it's a pleasure to award one of their kin the award for the second time this season. No longer do I have to hide behind my giant foam hands any time an opposing QB takes to the air for I know that in Jabari Greer, Darren Sharper, Roman Harper and Tracy Porter, who also came up with a game changing pick, we now have a secondary that helps make us a genuine contender. Roll on the Panthers!
Chef Who Dat: With apologies to real houswives . . .
Chef Who Dat: With apologies to real houswives . . .
The Chef had a big hand in the win on Monday night so all chefs hats off to him. He seems to be able to fly if one pic is to be believed (is he merely mimicking Marques Colston and Eagle Eyes Darren Sharper or does he actually have super powers? Your guess is as good as mine).
Keep up the good work Chef for the Saints are 7 and 0 and flying high!
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
The Chef had a big hand in the win on Monday night so all chefs hats off to him. He seems to be able to fly if one pic is to be believed (is he merely mimicking Marques Colston and Eagle Eyes Darren Sharper or does he actually have super powers? Your guess is as good as mine).
Keep up the good work Chef for the Saints are 7 and 0 and flying high!
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Saints Falcons Post Game Analysis
What have we learnt from tonight? Well number 1, don't start writing your reflections on the game before the game clock is at 0, amateur bloger.
Number 2, despite almost being a complete Butkus by calling the game too early in my Saints Falcons 4th Quarter analysis I'm still going to publish the pre Bell fumble summassion I had written both out of complete laziness at this hour and because it mostly still stands:
I'm pretty happy that most of the Saints Falcons preview post came to fruition:
1 - Brees beat Ryan hands down in the top QB contest. General Brees commands the troops like few others and deserves win number 7.
2 - Brees got better protection. Take a bow Jermon Bushrod, Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin, Jahri Evans and Jon Stinchcomb.
3 - The Saints Defence forced decisive turnovers. Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter made game changing interceptions and added 7 points to the Saints secondary's tally for the season. They're tied with the running backs for the most improved unit on the team. (Plus Sharpers last second one, the 61st of his career).
4 - The Saints Defence just about kept a lid on Turner and Gonzalez... but only just. Turner scared the living cr@p out of me towards the end there but we managed to hang on.
5 - The Saints crowd were fervent (hardly an incisive call there Falconer... and stop talking about yourself in the 3rd person you numb skull) but they managed to cause 1 important penalty and hey it all counts in the big win.
Oh and I picked a Saint 14 point win after a tight game... so I was only 3 out (8 in the end after the Butkus Bell). Sue me... Clearly opening myself up for a verbal beating.
Number 2, despite almost being a complete Butkus by calling the game too early in my Saints Falcons 4th Quarter analysis I'm still going to publish the pre Bell fumble summassion I had written both out of complete laziness at this hour and because it mostly still stands:
I'm pretty happy that most of the Saints Falcons preview post came to fruition:
1 - Brees beat Ryan hands down in the top QB contest. General Brees commands the troops like few others and deserves win number 7.
2 - Brees got better protection. Take a bow Jermon Bushrod, Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin, Jahri Evans and Jon Stinchcomb.
3 - The Saints Defence forced decisive turnovers. Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter made game changing interceptions and added 7 points to the Saints secondary's tally for the season. They're tied with the running backs for the most improved unit on the team. (Plus Sharpers last second one, the 61st of his career).
4 - The Saints Defence just about kept a lid on Turner and Gonzalez... but only just. Turner scared the living cr@p out of me towards the end there but we managed to hang on.
5 - The Saints crowd were fervent (hardly an incisive call there Falconer... and stop talking about yourself in the 3rd person you numb skull) but they managed to cause 1 important penalty and hey it all counts in the big win.
Oh and I picked a Saint 14 point win after a tight game... so I was only 3 out (8 in the end after the Butkus Bell). Sue me... Clearly opening myself up for a verbal beating.
Saints Falcons 4th Quarter Analysis
So we open the 4th Quarter with the Falcons driving to the Saint 29 and my heart's in my mouth. The ESPN Analyst doesn't help by pointing out Falcons coach Roddy White has never lost back to back games with the Falcons. Heck of a time to bring that up guys, thanks a lot. My heart has gone to Defcon 4.
Big 3rd and 5 coming up after incompletion and Turner run. DEEEEFENCE, DEEEEFENCE, DEEEEFENCE. Come on crowd, be the 12th man... GET THE FUNK IN, they force the run wide and only pick up 1. But the Falcons go for it on 4th and 4 and... connect to Gonzalez for a 1st down and I'm going to hide behind my giant hands for a while.
Falcons at the 9, false start penalty though and they are 2nd and 12. Did the crowd entice their first big penalty of the game?
Ryan to ex Saint Stecker (Judas) and they're down to the 7. 3rd and 4. Ryan to Roddy White for a touchdown and we are tied... NOOOO, the call is being challenged and with good reason as that ball was not caught. And the ruling is overturned!! 4th down and 4. This time the Falcons are settling for the field goal and Elam converts. Heck of a job holding them to 3.
Falcons 24 Saints 28.
Saints take the field with the ball at the Saints 25. Time for a big time drive.
Brees to Henderson for 8. Bell runs right and picks up 1 and a half so we're facing 3rd and a squiral. Oh jeez, Thomas spills the ball to the carpet and the Falcons recover. Payton is challenging the call as it looks like Thomas may have been down before he was mugged at the bottom of the pile. And...
They loose the challenge and are out of challenge attempts. DAMN. The Falcons have the ball at the 35 with momentum. Time for a Championship defence.
But no Michael Turner runs for 20 after being stuffed at the line. This is the guy I most feared and he is putting up big numbers. Heck of a play.
But... Tracy Porter intercepts the next Ryan pass at the 2 and returns it to the Saints 20. Jonathan Vilma tipped that ball which pushed it Porters way. Heck of a momentum shift back the Saints way and hell of a play by messers Vilma and Porter. Man this game is killing my ticker.
Quickly to 3rd and 5. A yellow flag rescues the Saints as the ball sails past Reggie Bush. I think we caught a break as that was not pass interference.
Bell picks up 2. Brees long down field to Colston who makes an outstanding catch at the Falcon 41. Colston is upended but holds on and wins my undying love.
Bell runs right for 4. Here we go, finally a decent 2nd half drive. Thomas in the back field floors John Abraham giving Brees time to complete an uncatchable ball to Shockey... who catches it being the legend he is. 1st down!
Thomas inside picks up 4 and the clock is ticking down to 4 minutes. Brees to Colston for the 1st down and the clock runs as the Falcons throw a hissy fit because they are big birds and can't take the pace.
Thomas for a couple and Atlanta call a timeout with the ball at their own 7, 3.12 on the clock. Brees to Henderson who is stopped at the 1. Great catch (more because it eases my blood pressure than a hall of fame catch or anything). 3rd and goal. Come on the black and gold, this is the game.
Brees to Thomas in the flat who leaps and... TOUCHDOWN!! That Pierre Thomas Jersey goes to the top of my Christmas list and perhaps many others.
Falcons 24 Saints 35 with 3.03 on the clock.
Falcons ball at the 34 and the commentators are goofing. Goof away boys as I am happy... for now. Ryan will be heading to the air as the Dome picks up the noise. Here we go...
Oh my, tipped pass and Sharper almost snares another interception but drops it, damn. Roman Harper makes a heck of an open field tackle on Gonzalez on the next play to bring up 3rd and 2. Ryan converts by sneaking out the pocket and takes it to the 48.
Will Smith of Hollywood fame forces a fumble and the Saints recover. Smith is definitely among the Super Saints of the week with 4 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble.
However the Falons have just challenged the call and won it. Incomplete pass my ass. Stupid Falcons. Brings up the 2 minute warning. So chalk off the forced fumble from Will Smiths numbers and he's relegated to Super boy status for now.
Ryan to White down the sidelines but Sharper gets over there to force White out before he gets the second foot down so incomplete. Hell of a play Eagle Eyes. Another incomplete and it's 4th and 10. This is it...
And the ball sails incomplete and the Saints will WIN!!!! Saints go 7 and 0 and steal a march on the division crown.
Except I've spoken too soon because, as the Saints were running the clock out, Bell inexplicably fumbles the ball. Put two arms on that thing man, for F@*ks sake!!
Now my heart is pumping 20 to the dozen. It's quickly 4th down though so Elam is in to kick a 40 yard field goal to narrow the score to 35 to 27. All eyes on the on side kick and the 'not so great' Saints kick return team. 28 seconds on the clock...
And it's... a hell of a scrum of 20 guys and... the Falcons have the ball, unbelievable!! 26 seconds left.
Ryan to Jenkins and the Falcons are at midfield with 11 seconds to go. Here comes the Hail Mary. Come on Porter, Sharper, Greer, Gay, et al...
DARREN SHARPER intercepts!!!! My man. And the heart can return to normal and I can stop almost crying like the big girl I clearly am.
Big 3rd and 5 coming up after incompletion and Turner run. DEEEEFENCE, DEEEEFENCE, DEEEEFENCE. Come on crowd, be the 12th man... GET THE FUNK IN, they force the run wide and only pick up 1. But the Falcons go for it on 4th and 4 and... connect to Gonzalez for a 1st down and I'm going to hide behind my giant hands for a while.
Falcons at the 9, false start penalty though and they are 2nd and 12. Did the crowd entice their first big penalty of the game?
Ryan to ex Saint Stecker (Judas) and they're down to the 7. 3rd and 4. Ryan to Roddy White for a touchdown and we are tied... NOOOO, the call is being challenged and with good reason as that ball was not caught. And the ruling is overturned!! 4th down and 4. This time the Falcons are settling for the field goal and Elam converts. Heck of a job holding them to 3.
Falcons 24 Saints 28.
Saints take the field with the ball at the Saints 25. Time for a big time drive.
Brees to Henderson for 8. Bell runs right and picks up 1 and a half so we're facing 3rd and a squiral. Oh jeez, Thomas spills the ball to the carpet and the Falcons recover. Payton is challenging the call as it looks like Thomas may have been down before he was mugged at the bottom of the pile. And...
They loose the challenge and are out of challenge attempts. DAMN. The Falcons have the ball at the 35 with momentum. Time for a Championship defence.
But no Michael Turner runs for 20 after being stuffed at the line. This is the guy I most feared and he is putting up big numbers. Heck of a play.
But... Tracy Porter intercepts the next Ryan pass at the 2 and returns it to the Saints 20. Jonathan Vilma tipped that ball which pushed it Porters way. Heck of a momentum shift back the Saints way and hell of a play by messers Vilma and Porter. Man this game is killing my ticker.
Quickly to 3rd and 5. A yellow flag rescues the Saints as the ball sails past Reggie Bush. I think we caught a break as that was not pass interference.
Bell picks up 2. Brees long down field to Colston who makes an outstanding catch at the Falcon 41. Colston is upended but holds on and wins my undying love.
Bell runs right for 4. Here we go, finally a decent 2nd half drive. Thomas in the back field floors John Abraham giving Brees time to complete an uncatchable ball to Shockey... who catches it being the legend he is. 1st down!
Thomas inside picks up 4 and the clock is ticking down to 4 minutes. Brees to Colston for the 1st down and the clock runs as the Falcons throw a hissy fit because they are big birds and can't take the pace.
Thomas for a couple and Atlanta call a timeout with the ball at their own 7, 3.12 on the clock. Brees to Henderson who is stopped at the 1. Great catch (more because it eases my blood pressure than a hall of fame catch or anything). 3rd and goal. Come on the black and gold, this is the game.
Brees to Thomas in the flat who leaps and... TOUCHDOWN!! That Pierre Thomas Jersey goes to the top of my Christmas list and perhaps many others.
Falcons 24 Saints 35 with 3.03 on the clock.
Falcons ball at the 34 and the commentators are goofing. Goof away boys as I am happy... for now. Ryan will be heading to the air as the Dome picks up the noise. Here we go...
Oh my, tipped pass and Sharper almost snares another interception but drops it, damn. Roman Harper makes a heck of an open field tackle on Gonzalez on the next play to bring up 3rd and 2. Ryan converts by sneaking out the pocket and takes it to the 48.
Will Smith of Hollywood fame forces a fumble and the Saints recover. Smith is definitely among the Super Saints of the week with 4 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble.
However the Falons have just challenged the call and won it. Incomplete pass my ass. Stupid Falcons. Brings up the 2 minute warning. So chalk off the forced fumble from Will Smiths numbers and he's relegated to Super boy status for now.
Ryan to White down the sidelines but Sharper gets over there to force White out before he gets the second foot down so incomplete. Hell of a play Eagle Eyes. Another incomplete and it's 4th and 10. This is it...
And the ball sails incomplete and the Saints will WIN!!!! Saints go 7 and 0 and steal a march on the division crown.
Except I've spoken too soon because, as the Saints were running the clock out, Bell inexplicably fumbles the ball. Put two arms on that thing man, for F@*ks sake!!
Now my heart is pumping 20 to the dozen. It's quickly 4th down though so Elam is in to kick a 40 yard field goal to narrow the score to 35 to 27. All eyes on the on side kick and the 'not so great' Saints kick return team. 28 seconds on the clock...
And it's... a hell of a scrum of 20 guys and... the Falcons have the ball, unbelievable!! 26 seconds left.
Ryan to Jenkins and the Falcons are at midfield with 11 seconds to go. Here comes the Hail Mary. Come on Porter, Sharper, Greer, Gay, et al...
DARREN SHARPER intercepts!!!! My man. And the heart can return to normal and I can stop almost crying like the big girl I clearly am.
Saints Falcons 3rd Quarter Analysis
Falcons to get us underway in the second half and the ball sails deep to Courtney Roby who brings it out to the 28. Let's go Offence, put this game away. They clearly chose to ignore me however as the Saints are quickly 4 and out so have to punt. Faclons ball.
Number 72, Tackle Sam Baker of the Falcons, has a hell of an ugly beard and so gets called for holding on Will Smith. The Umpires secretly wanted to call it for unsportsmanlike beard but couldn't find the rulebook to double check it was in there. Falcons' 1st and 20 back at their own 33.
Oh dear, Ryan to Roddy White for a 68 yard Touchdown pass over Greer who missed the jump ball... and just when he was shaping up for Super Saint of the week.
Falcons 21 Saints 28.
Roby returns the kick off to the 38. Mike Bell run, then short pass to Colston brings up a quick 3rd and 4. We could do with a good drive here so... Brees to Shockey, 1st down. The big man does the business after a great Brees audible set up a mismatch.
Brees to Meachem for 17 to the Falcon 26. Just another great pass and catch. Brees makes the impossible look easy.
Bell picks up a nice 7. 2 quick incompletions follow and the Saints will have to settle for a field goal. Here comes John Karney the Cancan man and... he misses wide right. Balls.
Falcons 21 Saints 28.
White then Turner pick up some yards and the Falcons are at midfield quick. Dunbar makes a heck of a tackle which brings up a Scott Fujita shot on the sideline for the benefit of Michelle at the Saints Rants blog.
The Fujita shot must have done the job as Michelle's good vibes enable Eagle Eyes Sharper to break up the 3rd and 5 pass and the Falcons are forced to punt. Saints ball at their own 16. Game on.
Pierre Thomas with 2 runs brings up a 1st down to the Saints 27. Due to a Falcon injury Brees finds the time to chat to Payton on the sidelines about the floral patterns on the wallpaper he's looking to get for his front room next week.
Bell stuffed for 0. Now Brees to Thomas, who at first stumbles but makes a heck of a second effort, to pick up 7 yards. Thomas took a good lick there though and is slow getting up. 3rd and 3. Incomplete. Saints have to punt again. Damn this is tight again.
3:18 left in the 3rd Quarter and the Falcons start at their own 23. Big drive coming up. Momentum is up for grabs.
Turner grabs a 1st down. That Falcon tackle with the ginger beard is on the sidelines being talked to by the coaches. Looks like they want to sheer off that ugly chin hair with some sheep clippers. Will they manage to do it? Stay tuned as we need to return to the field.
And just in time as Will Smith takes down Matt Ryan for a loss of 4. 2nd sack of the night by the Hollywood star who moonlights for the Saints.
Ryan to Jenkins for pick up of 29. Good pressure again by the Saints front 4 but the slippery bird flew the nest just in time. Come on Defence, the Dome is getting LOUD.
Turner runs for a first down and sucks the noise out the crowd to end the 3rd.
Number 72, Tackle Sam Baker of the Falcons, has a hell of an ugly beard and so gets called for holding on Will Smith. The Umpires secretly wanted to call it for unsportsmanlike beard but couldn't find the rulebook to double check it was in there. Falcons' 1st and 20 back at their own 33.
Oh dear, Ryan to Roddy White for a 68 yard Touchdown pass over Greer who missed the jump ball... and just when he was shaping up for Super Saint of the week.
Falcons 21 Saints 28.
Roby returns the kick off to the 38. Mike Bell run, then short pass to Colston brings up a quick 3rd and 4. We could do with a good drive here so... Brees to Shockey, 1st down. The big man does the business after a great Brees audible set up a mismatch.
Brees to Meachem for 17 to the Falcon 26. Just another great pass and catch. Brees makes the impossible look easy.
Bell picks up a nice 7. 2 quick incompletions follow and the Saints will have to settle for a field goal. Here comes John Karney the Cancan man and... he misses wide right. Balls.
Falcons 21 Saints 28.
White then Turner pick up some yards and the Falcons are at midfield quick. Dunbar makes a heck of a tackle which brings up a Scott Fujita shot on the sideline for the benefit of Michelle at the Saints Rants blog.
The Fujita shot must have done the job as Michelle's good vibes enable Eagle Eyes Sharper to break up the 3rd and 5 pass and the Falcons are forced to punt. Saints ball at their own 16. Game on.
Pierre Thomas with 2 runs brings up a 1st down to the Saints 27. Due to a Falcon injury Brees finds the time to chat to Payton on the sidelines about the floral patterns on the wallpaper he's looking to get for his front room next week.
Bell stuffed for 0. Now Brees to Thomas, who at first stumbles but makes a heck of a second effort, to pick up 7 yards. Thomas took a good lick there though and is slow getting up. 3rd and 3. Incomplete. Saints have to punt again. Damn this is tight again.
3:18 left in the 3rd Quarter and the Falcons start at their own 23. Big drive coming up. Momentum is up for grabs.
Turner grabs a 1st down. That Falcon tackle with the ginger beard is on the sidelines being talked to by the coaches. Looks like they want to sheer off that ugly chin hair with some sheep clippers. Will they manage to do it? Stay tuned as we need to return to the field.
And just in time as Will Smith takes down Matt Ryan for a loss of 4. 2nd sack of the night by the Hollywood star who moonlights for the Saints.
Ryan to Jenkins for pick up of 29. Good pressure again by the Saints front 4 but the slippery bird flew the nest just in time. Come on Defence, the Dome is getting LOUD.
Turner runs for a first down and sucks the noise out the crowd to end the 3rd.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Saints Falcons Preview
I have been looking forward to the Saints Falcons game like no other this season. The fact we're riding into this Divisional match up undefeated at 6 and 0 with the potential to steal a decisive march on the Division crown has got me all pumped up and unable to work.
So here are my Top 5 reasons why the Saints will whip those Falcon tooshies:
1 - Drew Brees Vs Matt Ryan - There's only one winner in my book. Brees is the best Quarterback in the league right now and there is no one I would rather have under centre for this match up.
He commands and directs the offence like few others and is truly the Saints on field General. As long as he gets protection then Brees should be able to pick apart the 27th ranked Falcons Defence against the pass.
2 - Drew Brees will get better protection - The Dolphins blew a Jonathan Stinchcomb sized hole in the offensive line and were able to pressure Brees into throwing 3 interceptions. They exposed a potential weakness in an otherwise flawless Saints O line campaign to date which the rest of the league will be watching with interest. Look for Stinchcomb to get extra support against John Abraham (if he plays as his fitness is questionable at time of going to post) and Co. If the front 5 play their part they will provide the bedrock for a Saints win.
3 - The Saints Defence will force turnovers - The Saints D have already picked off 13 passes and forced 5 fumbles so far this season. This ability to get the ball back in Brees' hands is a key component of the team's success. Watch out for Eagle Eyes Darren Sharper to continue his already great season by making a decisive play against a quality but inexperienced Quarterback in Matt Ryan.
4 - The Saints Defence will manage Tony Gonzalez and Michael Turner - With Jerious Norwood questionable through injury the Falcons will be heavily reliant on the power running of Turner. If the Saints can restrict him to short yardage Ryan will be forced to the air and Gonzalez in particular. This will be a key match up and the Saints Linebacker crew need to be on top form against the league's best Tight End. If they win this battle the Saints will be well on the road to a home win.
5 - The Super Dome Crowd will be fervent - Whilst I don't normally factor home field advantage as a major game changer for pro footballers I think the noise and intensity will play a part against our division foes. The crowd have the potential to cause Falcon Offensive and Defensive linemen to be called off side especially on big 3rd downs when the volume of the crowd will be peaking.
So here are my Top 5 reasons why the Saints will whip those Falcon tooshies:
1 - Drew Brees Vs Matt Ryan - There's only one winner in my book. Brees is the best Quarterback in the league right now and there is no one I would rather have under centre for this match up.
He commands and directs the offence like few others and is truly the Saints on field General. As long as he gets protection then Brees should be able to pick apart the 27th ranked Falcons Defence against the pass.
Atten-hut, General Brees is on the field
Jermon Bushrod, Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin, Jahri Evans, Jon Stinchcomb
3 - The Saints Defence will force turnovers - The Saints D have already picked off 13 passes and forced 5 fumbles so far this season. This ability to get the ball back in Brees' hands is a key component of the team's success. Watch out for Eagle Eyes Darren Sharper to continue his already great season by making a decisive play against a quality but inexperienced Quarterback in Matt Ryan.
4 - The Saints Defence will manage Tony Gonzalez and Michael Turner - With Jerious Norwood questionable through injury the Falcons will be heavily reliant on the power running of Turner. If the Saints can restrict him to short yardage Ryan will be forced to the air and Gonzalez in particular. This will be a key match up and the Saints Linebacker crew need to be on top form against the league's best Tight End. If they win this battle the Saints will be well on the road to a home win.
5 - The Super Dome Crowd will be fervent - Whilst I don't normally factor home field advantage as a major game changer for pro footballers I think the noise and intensity will play a part against our division foes. The crowd have the potential to cause Falcon Offensive and Defensive linemen to be called off side especially on big 3rd downs when the volume of the crowd will be peaking.
Saints fans are the 12th man
Monday Night Football Summary
The Saints are going to edge this but it's going to be tight. If we can stop Michael Turner early and force the Falcons to the air whilst playing catch up I think we've got a great chance. Brees needs better protection than last week but hopefully that was a temporary blip in an otherwise fine O line season. If we maintain a healthy balance between the run and pass on offence then look for a Famous New Orleans Saints win by 14 come the closing bell.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Saints Player Rankings Week 7
Now that the heat of battle has died down and we've all caught our breath after the heart attack inducing tension of the Saints Dolphins clash I want to take a look at what we've learned about the team this week.
New Orleans Saints helmet cam analysis
1 - Sean Payton is a gutsy leader. This we have known for a long time but it's worth reflecting on one game changer in particular from this past week.
What I love about Coach Payton is that even when the chips are down, and without the luxury of being in the driving seat with points on the board, he still went with his gut and took his Quarterbacks word as gospel at the close of the 1st half. A lot of coaches would have taken the 3 points and come off the field as quickly as possible to speak with his team en masse. Payton decided to put all his trust in his main field lieutenant and was rewarded when Drew Brees converted with a Quarterback sneak.
2 - Drew Brees is a practitioner of perfection. Watching Brees beat himself up on the sidelines in the first half was tough to see. Here is a man who studies the game like no other. He puts in the hours at the training facility, in the film room and probably at home too. He works toward and expects perfection from himself and those around him so when the game plan was collapsing you knew damn well he was going to work the situation harder than anyone.
And sure enough when the camera panned to him, time and again in that first half, he was studying those aerial shots intently looking for the dinks in the Dolphin defence that he could exploit. This is a man that never says die, is born to win and will stay cool when all around him are loosing their heads. The second half revival was testament to the fortitude of his character and leadership qualities.
3 - The Saints Defence is for real. They genuinely make us title contenders. The early points put up by the Dolphins and the speed with which the Saints Offence kept returning possession placed a massive strain on this unit. They were under pressure to keep the game within reach and give the Saint Offence time to regroup and work a fix. This they did and then some.
Key to the unit was the play of both Jonathan Vilma and Darren Sharper. At times in the first half they looked like the only two who had turned up with their game heads on. Vilma in particular pursued the ball with conviction and plugged up the holes on a number of 3rd downs to stop promising Dolphin drives. He led the defence by example and was key to the end result.
Meanwhile, in the Saints secondary, Darren Sharper was patrolling with intent and when his moment came he made a decisive interception which he returned for a touchdown to shift the games momentum early in the second half. The confidence number 42 instils in the secondary unit is clear to see and against the Dolphins they added another 14 points to their season tally.
For these reasons I hereby name Darren Sharper and Jonathan Vilma my Super Saints of the Week.
New Orleans Saints helmet cam analysis
1 - Sean Payton is a gutsy leader. This we have known for a long time but it's worth reflecting on one game changer in particular from this past week.
What I love about Coach Payton is that even when the chips are down, and without the luxury of being in the driving seat with points on the board, he still went with his gut and took his Quarterbacks word as gospel at the close of the 1st half. A lot of coaches would have taken the 3 points and come off the field as quickly as possible to speak with his team en masse. Payton decided to put all his trust in his main field lieutenant and was rewarded when Drew Brees converted with a Quarterback sneak.
Lord Payton of Pimlico
And sure enough when the camera panned to him, time and again in that first half, he was studying those aerial shots intently looking for the dinks in the Dolphin defence that he could exploit. This is a man that never says die, is born to win and will stay cool when all around him are loosing their heads. The second half revival was testament to the fortitude of his character and leadership qualities.
3 - The Saints Defence is for real. They genuinely make us title contenders. The early points put up by the Dolphins and the speed with which the Saints Offence kept returning possession placed a massive strain on this unit. They were under pressure to keep the game within reach and give the Saint Offence time to regroup and work a fix. This they did and then some.
Key to the unit was the play of both Jonathan Vilma and Darren Sharper. At times in the first half they looked like the only two who had turned up with their game heads on. Vilma in particular pursued the ball with conviction and plugged up the holes on a number of 3rd downs to stop promising Dolphin drives. He led the defence by example and was key to the end result.
Meanwhile, in the Saints secondary, Darren Sharper was patrolling with intent and when his moment came he made a decisive interception which he returned for a touchdown to shift the games momentum early in the second half. The confidence number 42 instils in the secondary unit is clear to see and against the Dolphins they added another 14 points to their season tally.
For these reasons I hereby name Darren Sharper and Jonathan Vilma my Super Saints of the Week.
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