I've waited all week to watch this game. I am out of the country and had to wait until it became available online. I've just watched it and I am pissed.
Why'd the Saints lose?
Was it because of the turnovers? Sure it was a big factor but it's not the rotten apple at the core of the problem.
Was it the needless penalties? Again they didn't help but they could have been over come.
Was it Sean Payton's injury? Nope, I think the Saints coped pretty well bar the lack of timeout call with 2.15 left on the game clock.
Ok so what was it? Well you see it's that big old elephant in the room that we all keep pretending/hoping isn't there but has been the achilles heel the past couple of seasons. I am of course talking about our O line.
What the one with 3 pro bowlers on it?
Yes the very same. Last year we all thought it was the injuries that did it for the running game. Having a revolving back door of backs was certainly a problem and made us throw more than was necessary. But it actually hid the underlying reason.
You see it doesn't matter how good your backs are, and for me we have the best trio of backs and balance in Saints history. No it's all to do with the fact that the big men up front could not open a hole in a soggy paper bag if their lives depended upon it. In fact they would lose out to my grandma at doing it.
All Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas saw through the middle all day was white jerseys. If they saw a black jersey it was 3 yards in the backfield being pushed fast in their direction. It was like looking for light in a vacuum!
I don't know how or what the Saints are going to be able to do about it but it all starts up front and frankly these five are going to be the undoing of us.
All comes back to Pre Season
It goes right the way back to pre season. I was bitching about it back then but got sucked into that 'well they seem to open holes in the 4th when we're winning so I guess they're ok' but frankly they're not. They have no push whatsoever. To say Nicks and Hicks are big men with big reputations is a source of embarressment. Those two need to look themselves in the eyes and figure out how to make the most of their athletic gifts or this promising season will crash down all around us when the potential is there for a genuine tilt at the big game.
Plain and simple we were in a position to win the game late in the fourth on 4th and 2 and Brees threw an interception. Why's that not on Brees you may ask? Well most other teams in the league would trust their inside running game to at least ground out some yards to get it in or failing that to have pounded out some inside yards at some point in the game on 2nd and 3rd and short situations to set up some genuine play fakes.
Instead Brees had to go to the air yet again when it was not necessary - or at the least he would have been able to make a genuine attempt at a play fake had there been any kind of a running game but instead the Bucs just sat back in coverage knowing very well it was going to be Brees or nothing.
In Mark Ingram we have an inside back who can pound out good yardage if given half a chance. He has 2nd and 3rd efforts that really do mark comparison with the great E.Smith. He's a guy who could be the mainstay of this team. Instead we hand him the ball time and again and ask him to beat the whole front 5 or front 7 all on his own. It's not fair on the kid. The big men up front are vets and they are letting him and the team down.
Time to put up or shut up in the trenches or this season is going to be one massive missed opportunity.
Big shout outs
Malcom Jenkins for impecable reading of the game. Ok he was at fault for a TD but he got there on 3 battered balls to kill drives. Heck of a team leader.
Patrick Robinson for continued development reading game and anticipation. Killed one series single handedly in its tracks.
Jimmy Graham for being the most immense addition to any Saints team in history. I love this guy.
Marques Colston for getting back to his best.
Thomas Morstead for always giving the Saints D a chance with booming kicks.
Sean Payton for dealing with a horrific injury by making it look like he'd merely been stung by a wasp and for getting on with it.
Drew Brees for almost getting it done despite a poor first half by his standards. Yes there were 3 picks but one should have been caught by Meachem, the other I've discussed leaving only one that he really put out there as a bad throw.
Showing posts with label Drew Brees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Drew Brees. Show all posts
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Saints Need To Improve Up Front And Fast For Bears Game
Just watched the
beat the
and it's got me worried.
On Thursday night the Packers dominated us on both lines. Watching the way the
totally dominated in the trenches leaves me thinking we could be in for a long night.
The
O line are going to have their work cut out. Last week the holes opened for the backs were miniscule. It ain't gonna get any easier this week.
And if they are to keep
off his ass they are going to need to be on their A game or
and Co. are going to have a field day.
On the other side of the ball our front 7 brought about as much pressure as a small ant on an elephants back. Despite the new guys in the line up it was the same old story. If we can't bring more heat the secondary is just going to get picked apart.
Without
we don't have a pass rush. All the stunts and corner blitz's in the world aren't going to carry us all the way unless the big boys up front can bring it with 4.
Best get working your asses off messers
+
and
as you're in for a big game. Start lifting the weights.
beat the
and it's got me worried.
On Thursday night the Packers dominated us on both lines. Watching the way the
totally dominated in the trenches leaves me thinking we could be in for a long night.
The
O line are going to have their work cut out. Last week the holes opened for the backs were miniscule. It ain't gonna get any easier this week.
And if they are to keep
off his ass they are going to need to be on their A game or
and Co. are going to have a field day.
On the other side of the ball our front 7 brought about as much pressure as a small ant on an elephants back. Despite the new guys in the line up it was the same old story. If we can't bring more heat the secondary is just going to get picked apart.
Without
we don't have a pass rush. All the stunts and corner blitz's in the world aren't going to carry us all the way unless the big boys up front can bring it with 4.
Best get working your asses off messers
+
and
as you're in for a big game. Start lifting the weights.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Reflections on Saints Packers Game
Hmm. Some good, some bad on Thursday. Some great O, some poor D. What else is new?
I was heartened by the running game. I thought all 3 backs made important contributions.
was back to his 2009 standard after last years ankle problems. He looked sharp and full of running. I always feel so much better if he's getting a lot of the ball. Mr reliable.
also did a good job with some inside running. Whilst he was denied near the goalline he didn't really stand a chance. Payton should have gone with him again on 4th.
But the break out performance was obviously by
What an addition to the team. Reggie who? North to South running when taking a hand off, unbelievable break away speed on his returns and a go to receiver in clutch situations. Love him. What a player!
Real bad news that we've lost
for at least 4 weeks with a broken collarbone. He is key to our O. With
also struggling with a groin injury (something that only rest heals and something that's liable to recur if he's rushed back) we're going to be short for the Bears game.
That leaves us with Mr 'I can only catch 2 in 3 thrown my way'
and
Not something that leaves me full of confidence.
I'll follow up on my in depth analysis of the D later as its almost college football time and I need to find my wallet.
I was heartened by the running game. I thought all 3 backs made important contributions.
But the break out performance was obviously by
Real bad news that we've lost
for at least 4 weeks with a broken collarbone. He is key to our O. With
also struggling with a groin injury (something that only rest heals and something that's liable to recur if he's rushed back) we're going to be short for the Bears game.
That leaves us with Mr 'I can only catch 2 in 3 thrown my way'
and
Not something that leaves me full of confidence.
I'll follow up on my in depth analysis of the D later as its almost college football time and I need to find my wallet.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Saints Running Game Garnering Attention
Finally it seems some of the national press are waking up to the potential beast of a backfield the Saints are likely to deploy this coming season and it truly makes the heart sing.
In this USA Today piece Jon Saraceno breaks down the key attributes and skills on offer by our multi talented core and concludes that we could have a hum dinger (well der - but then what's obvious to us may not have registered league wide until now so I'll let you off Jon).
He points out the productivity breakdown between Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles and it truly makes for great reading.
To paraphrase "In 78 NFL games, Sproles has produced nearly 10,000 all-purpose yards. Bush, in 60 games, has less than 5,000. "Bang for your buck," Bobby Hebert says."
Who Ahh! Play action baby.
Speaking of which here's a good interview with Drew 'Play Action Oscar Winner' Brees on the teams' prospects.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d8215d4f5/A-cool-Brees
And just when you thought it couldn't get any better here's some analysis on our much maligned Special Teams.
In this USA Today piece Jon Saraceno breaks down the key attributes and skills on offer by our multi talented core and concludes that we could have a hum dinger (well der - but then what's obvious to us may not have registered league wide until now so I'll let you off Jon).
He points out the productivity breakdown between Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles and it truly makes for great reading.
To paraphrase "In 78 NFL games, Sproles has produced nearly 10,000 all-purpose yards. Bush, in 60 games, has less than 5,000. "Bang for your buck," Bobby Hebert says."
Who Ahh! Play action baby.
Speaking of which here's a good interview with Drew 'Play Action Oscar Winner' Brees on the teams' prospects.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d8215d4f5/A-cool-Brees
And just when you thought it couldn't get any better here's some analysis on our much maligned Special Teams.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Drew Brees Training Camp Video
After the long absence from football its great to see the first real flickers of action as captured in this footage from the Saints training camp.
Drew Brees drops back in the pocket and looks down field, with receivers covered he scrambles to his left and unleashes a bullet to Lance Moore who scampers into the end zone.
OK so I'm a bad commentater but heck you can see from yourself from this footage that the magic is coming together.
And now that has got you in the mood how about a bit of a fans mash up video to get you counting the days even faster.
Drew Brees drops back in the pocket and looks down field, with receivers covered he scrambles to his left and unleashes a bullet to Lance Moore who scampers into the end zone.
OK so I'm a bad commentater but heck you can see from yourself from this footage that the magic is coming together.
And now that has got you in the mood how about a bit of a fans mash up video to get you counting the days even faster.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Drew Brees Talked Sproles Into Signing
Check out this interview with Drew from training camp. By the sounds of it he had a big hand in turning the head and focus of Darren Sproles the Saints way.
If true this tells us that Sproles came here to win rather than just chase money from other potential suitors. I like that. I like that a lot.
With players of that calibre now attracted to the Saints on the basis of wanting to end their careers with titles that can only be a good thing. Hopefully we'll bag a few more such players and may even convince a few more of our free agents to turn down bigger deals elsewhere on the basis that this is a winning team and there are only so many 0's on a pay check that can compensate you for a Super Bowl ring.
Call me naive but if I was playing that's what I'd be thinking. Sure earn some good money for playing the game you love but retire with the title cause then the future takes care of itself!
Who Dat.
If true this tells us that Sproles came here to win rather than just chase money from other potential suitors. I like that. I like that a lot.
With players of that calibre now attracted to the Saints on the basis of wanting to end their careers with titles that can only be a good thing. Hopefully we'll bag a few more such players and may even convince a few more of our free agents to turn down bigger deals elsewhere on the basis that this is a winning team and there are only so many 0's on a pay check that can compensate you for a Super Bowl ring.
Call me naive but if I was playing that's what I'd be thinking. Sure earn some good money for playing the game you love but retire with the title cause then the future takes care of itself!
Who Dat.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Mark Ingram Set Up Foundation For Kids
New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram is making solid use of his reputation by starting a foundation aiming to help children.
Also worth checking out this NFL Network debate regarding who is really the best quarterback out there. Still feel I'd go with Drew Brees everytime. I know I'm biased but the guy remains my all time hero and the guy I'd back every single time!
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d8209c74b/Best-of-the-rest-Quarterbacks?module=HP_cp2
Also worth checking out this NFL Network debate regarding who is really the best quarterback out there. Still feel I'd go with Drew Brees everytime. I know I'm biased but the guy remains my all time hero and the guy I'd back every single time!
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d8209c74b/Best-of-the-rest-Quarterbacks?module=HP_cp2
Friday, June 17, 2011
Drew Brees pleased with Saints' turnout
Saints quarterback Drew Brees said the turnout by the players for the workouts at Tulane were better than he could have hoped for.
In other news Saints defensive end, Cam Jordan, talks about his expectations for the upcoming season. He wants to contribute in every way he can with the best of his abilities.
In other news Saints defensive end, Cam Jordan, talks about his expectations for the upcoming season. He wants to contribute in every way he can with the best of his abilities.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Randall Gay placement on IR shows Saints heart
Boy was it good to watch last Sundays performance. It was great to see the offense finally clicking into gear and getting the ball moving effectively.
Drew Brees was able to hit balls acurately down the sidelines for deep gains and control the field with short to middle distance passing.
The D played great again and boy is Sedrick Ellis blossoming into a top DT.
Two major points of praise
But beyond that I have two major points of praise to hand out.
The first is pretty obvious. It goes to Chris Ivory for a truly outstanding break out performance. It was fantastic to see the guy hitting holes at such speed and giving the Saints a compelling run attack on the day.
Yes the holes were ridiculously huge, which is all credit to the O line, but still his explosive speed made the most of it and he also showed great ability at shaking tackles. It's been a long time since we saw a Saints back make that kind of impact.
I'm looking forward to seeing more from the young back in weeks to come. It's going to make for a compelling back field once Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are back.
Randall Gay placed on IR
Now onto the second point. I applaud the Saints organization for the way they have handled Randall Gay.
In past years teams would have thrown him back into the lions den and hoped for the best. Now the league is getting rightfully cautious about these dangerous injuries and teams more compassionate about player safety.
A softie softie I am not
No I don't want to see the end of hard tackling and yes I accept and love the fact football is a physical game. The sudden rule change and fines introduced this week for dangerous tackles are stupid in my eyes.
Players will injure themselves trying to get out of a tackle and, as Malcolm Jankins said, if an O player suddenly ducks his head before contact there's not much the D player can do but continue with their momentum. As such head shots are likely to continue unintentionally. Afterall you can't uncoach the way a player has been taught to tackle since age 6.
But, all that said, I do applaud the Saints for being so cautious with Gay. He had a bad head injury last year and it's only right they look out for his overall welfare.
As a hard working team player he deserves that protection. He will have a life after the game and concussions are a serious serious business.
Players can be their own worst enemy
A competitive player can be his own worst enemy trying to be put back in the game. This decision takes that out of his and the coaches hands.
I hope other teams respect their players to this extent. It's that kind of loyalty which bonds a team and is sometimes missing from pro sports where money and winning get in the way of the being in human being.
I applaud you team HQ. A great decision and one that shows the roster that the front office have their backs.
Drew Brees was able to hit balls acurately down the sidelines for deep gains and control the field with short to middle distance passing.
The D played great again and boy is Sedrick Ellis blossoming into a top DT.
Two major points of praise
But beyond that I have two major points of praise to hand out.
The first is pretty obvious. It goes to Chris Ivory for a truly outstanding break out performance. It was fantastic to see the guy hitting holes at such speed and giving the Saints a compelling run attack on the day.
Yes the holes were ridiculously huge, which is all credit to the O line, but still his explosive speed made the most of it and he also showed great ability at shaking tackles. It's been a long time since we saw a Saints back make that kind of impact.
I'm looking forward to seeing more from the young back in weeks to come. It's going to make for a compelling back field once Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are back.
Randall Gay placed on IR
Now onto the second point. I applaud the Saints organization for the way they have handled Randall Gay.
In past years teams would have thrown him back into the lions den and hoped for the best. Now the league is getting rightfully cautious about these dangerous injuries and teams more compassionate about player safety.
A softie softie I am not
No I don't want to see the end of hard tackling and yes I accept and love the fact football is a physical game. The sudden rule change and fines introduced this week for dangerous tackles are stupid in my eyes.
Players will injure themselves trying to get out of a tackle and, as Malcolm Jankins said, if an O player suddenly ducks his head before contact there's not much the D player can do but continue with their momentum. As such head shots are likely to continue unintentionally. Afterall you can't uncoach the way a player has been taught to tackle since age 6.
But, all that said, I do applaud the Saints for being so cautious with Gay. He had a bad head injury last year and it's only right they look out for his overall welfare.
As a hard working team player he deserves that protection. He will have a life after the game and concussions are a serious serious business.
Players can be their own worst enemy
A competitive player can be his own worst enemy trying to be put back in the game. This decision takes that out of his and the coaches hands.
I hope other teams respect their players to this extent. It's that kind of loyalty which bonds a team and is sometimes missing from pro sports where money and winning get in the way of the being in human being.
I applaud you team HQ. A great decision and one that shows the roster that the front office have their backs.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Drew Brees My Lord Kumbaya
Drew Brees My Lord Kumbaya,
Drew Brees My Lord Kumbaya,
Drew Brees My Lord Kumbaya,
Oh Lord Drewy Brees
It is at times like this that one's faith in the Lord, Drew Brees and the Saints nation ensures I am yet to succumb to the mass hysteria, train ball wreck, hair pulling, fatalism that has gripped so many comment pages on Nola.com of recent.
You see I live by a simple truth... In Drew I trust.
The man is hurting more than any of us can appreciate. For he is a true competitor and you can bet your big old hairy butt/svelte shinny toosh (delete as befits your posterior) that the man is working tirelessly to turn this thing around.
Obviously one man does not maketh a team. But Brees does lead this club from the front and you can see clearly he's not playing to his best. So you just know he is working overtime to correct the small faults that make such a huge difference to his game.
Pass Protection
One of the major issues to date has been pass protection. It seems people are getting up in Drew's face more than Simon Cowell to a bad debutante. He needs proper protection so he can show his magic.
Teams are taking away the deep ball, not worrying about the non playing Reggie Bush factor, not worrying about the screen game or the run. So right now it's all on Brees and even he isn't Superman.
Get the pass protection sorted and a healthy PT back and you'll see it's not all doom and gloom.
Defence is better
On top of that the D is performing better than last year. Yes take aways are down but we just seem a more solidified unit despite the neverending casualty list in the secondary.
So once we can get back healthy and jumping out to leads we'll be ok. Trust me. These Saints are still the Saints of last year. They're hurting and they will get it sorted it out. The only difference this year is reality has replaced fantasy football. Just keep the faith and keep supporting.
Til next time
An over worked Father Falcanor
P.S. Thanks to Scott Fujita for posting up the article I wrote about him on his site. I never knew I had such a legend reading my blog!
Drew Brees My Lord Kumbaya,
Drew Brees My Lord Kumbaya,
Oh Lord Drewy Brees
It is at times like this that one's faith in the Lord, Drew Brees and the Saints nation ensures I am yet to succumb to the mass hysteria, train ball wreck, hair pulling, fatalism that has gripped so many comment pages on Nola.com of recent.
You see I live by a simple truth... In Drew I trust.
The man is hurting more than any of us can appreciate. For he is a true competitor and you can bet your big old hairy butt/svelte shinny toosh (delete as befits your posterior) that the man is working tirelessly to turn this thing around.
Obviously one man does not maketh a team. But Brees does lead this club from the front and you can see clearly he's not playing to his best. So you just know he is working overtime to correct the small faults that make such a huge difference to his game.
Pass Protection
One of the major issues to date has been pass protection. It seems people are getting up in Drew's face more than Simon Cowell to a bad debutante. He needs proper protection so he can show his magic.
Teams are taking away the deep ball, not worrying about the non playing Reggie Bush factor, not worrying about the screen game or the run. So right now it's all on Brees and even he isn't Superman.
Get the pass protection sorted and a healthy PT back and you'll see it's not all doom and gloom.
Defence is better
On top of that the D is performing better than last year. Yes take aways are down but we just seem a more solidified unit despite the neverending casualty list in the secondary.
So once we can get back healthy and jumping out to leads we'll be ok. Trust me. These Saints are still the Saints of last year. They're hurting and they will get it sorted it out. The only difference this year is reality has replaced fantasy football. Just keep the faith and keep supporting.
Til next time
An over worked Father Falcanor
P.S. Thanks to Scott Fujita for posting up the article I wrote about him on his site. I never knew I had such a legend reading my blog!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Saints win the hard way in San Fran
Man I hate the 49ers. Always have always will... It's just been a while so I forgot how much!
It was like watching those old games off youth when the Saints would be in the game and then cool hand Joe would march his team down the field and snatch a win.
Well luckily for the Saints we now have a great team who stick together in tough road conditions whilst the 49ers find new ways to implode. I for one love that fact and want to take my hat off to the 49ers center for that opening snap that cost them the game.
Mike Singletary demon eyes
I sure am glad I was not in the 49er locker room after the game as some of their players literally handed the Saints keys to stay in the game at times.
What was it, 3 turnovers when they'd marched to the Saints red zone? Jeez, that is the kind of thing to make the iron man go purple with rage.
Now onto the Saints
I feared it at seasons start and now I'm worried even more. Loosing Mike Bell is going to hurt this team.
The diminuitive runner would have pounded out some hard yards in that second half to take the pressure off Pierre Thomas and give the 49ers more to think about. Instead it was left primarily to Pierre to fight for some small incremental yardage.
Clearly coach Payton didn't want to throw DeShawn Wynn into such a tough situation but the guy is going to have to get his game face on now with the loss of Reggie Bush.
Reggie Bush injured again
It pains me to see Reggie down and injured yet again especially after the week he had. The guy had his first healthy off season in a long while and looked sharp but once again lady luck has spoiled his season, a fact that could impact the Saints big time.
Without Bush we loose a lot of disguises that keep opponents on edge. It's going to result in a lot more blitz packages coming at Brees.
Drew Brees hurried too many times
Which brings me onto another concern. Brees was hurried far more times than was comfortable.
He is the undisputed leader of the team and to see him being put to the ground and under pressure so much was a concern. You could see it through the loss of his rythmn at times. Let's just hope that was a one off as our O line is made of better stuff.
The Positives
All that said there was a lot to take from the game. The team stuck together in true champion spirit coming into a hostile Monday night environment.
I thought the D played pretty well in large patches and did a great job at once again going after the ball. Vilma and Harper were once again excellent as was the entire secondary. I'd like to see more pressure from the line but they were facing a pretty good front five so let's wait and see how that front bears out in coming games.
Finally it was great to see the play of our special teams once again and especially the clutch kicks of Garrett Hartley. The young kicker held his nerve in tough circumstances to seal a Saints win and put paid to last weeks misses the only way a quality kicker can.
Great also to see some tighter defensive coverage on the return teams and a true all round effort from Courtney Roby. Oh and I best not forget Morstead as his booming kicks sure do go a long way to helping the D at times.
So in summary
A tough road win, hard fought against good opponents. The team has time now to reflect on where we were missing some connections ahead of the Falcons game. That sure is going to be a tough one but so long as our collective spirit holds true then we have a great shot.
In the meantime best wishes to Reggie. Fingers crossed for positive news in the coming days.
It was like watching those old games off youth when the Saints would be in the game and then cool hand Joe would march his team down the field and snatch a win.
Well luckily for the Saints we now have a great team who stick together in tough road conditions whilst the 49ers find new ways to implode. I for one love that fact and want to take my hat off to the 49ers center for that opening snap that cost them the game.
Mike Singletary demon eyes
I sure am glad I was not in the 49er locker room after the game as some of their players literally handed the Saints keys to stay in the game at times.
What was it, 3 turnovers when they'd marched to the Saints red zone? Jeez, that is the kind of thing to make the iron man go purple with rage.
Now onto the Saints
I feared it at seasons start and now I'm worried even more. Loosing Mike Bell is going to hurt this team.
The diminuitive runner would have pounded out some hard yards in that second half to take the pressure off Pierre Thomas and give the 49ers more to think about. Instead it was left primarily to Pierre to fight for some small incremental yardage.
Clearly coach Payton didn't want to throw DeShawn Wynn into such a tough situation but the guy is going to have to get his game face on now with the loss of Reggie Bush.
Reggie Bush injured again
It pains me to see Reggie down and injured yet again especially after the week he had. The guy had his first healthy off season in a long while and looked sharp but once again lady luck has spoiled his season, a fact that could impact the Saints big time.
Without Bush we loose a lot of disguises that keep opponents on edge. It's going to result in a lot more blitz packages coming at Brees.
Drew Brees hurried too many times
Which brings me onto another concern. Brees was hurried far more times than was comfortable.
He is the undisputed leader of the team and to see him being put to the ground and under pressure so much was a concern. You could see it through the loss of his rythmn at times. Let's just hope that was a one off as our O line is made of better stuff.
The Positives
All that said there was a lot to take from the game. The team stuck together in true champion spirit coming into a hostile Monday night environment.
I thought the D played pretty well in large patches and did a great job at once again going after the ball. Vilma and Harper were once again excellent as was the entire secondary. I'd like to see more pressure from the line but they were facing a pretty good front five so let's wait and see how that front bears out in coming games.
Finally it was great to see the play of our special teams once again and especially the clutch kicks of Garrett Hartley. The young kicker held his nerve in tough circumstances to seal a Saints win and put paid to last weeks misses the only way a quality kicker can.
Great also to see some tighter defensive coverage on the return teams and a true all round effort from Courtney Roby. Oh and I best not forget Morstead as his booming kicks sure do go a long way to helping the D at times.
So in summary
A tough road win, hard fought against good opponents. The team has time now to reflect on where we were missing some connections ahead of the Falcons game. That sure is going to be a tough one but so long as our collective spirit holds true then we have a great shot.
In the meantime best wishes to Reggie. Fingers crossed for positive news in the coming days.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Roman Harper key to Vikings win
The Saints kicked off the season with a win against the Minnesota Vikings Thursday with some solid defensive play and the rousing backing of a sold out Super Dome. Following the coin toss Drew Brees led the Dome through the Who Dat chant which will now kick off every home appearance this season.
The game itself was a close run affair in this rematch of the NFC Championship game. After the Saints came out firing on their first drive with a Brees Henderson touchdown the O subsequently struggled to impose it's will in the half.
It was left to the D to keep the Vikes in check and they really did an impressive job. As ever Jonathan Vilma led the way directing his unit around the field to match the threats of Peterson and Favre.
Key to the units display were big time performances from Sedrick Ellis and Roman Harper. Ellis was able to fill the middle channels well and keep the Vikes famed running attack in check. The big man even ended up with a sack on Favre which was great to see.
Roman Harper was also imposing managing to pressure Favre as well as break up passes whilst chipping in with some crucial tackles. In the absence of Darren Sharper his leadership qualities in the secondary will be crucial and it was great to see him get off to a flying start.
Also of note was an improvement in the special teams return coverage. The unit looked to gang tackle on a number of occasions and if they can maintain such pressure this is one area the Saints could really benefit from.
So all in all a good start to the season against some tough opponents. Whilst it wasn't the kind of score we were all expecting it was a great team win all the same. If we can keep up that kind of effort on the D side of the ball we will be in great shape for another winning season.
The game itself was a close run affair in this rematch of the NFC Championship game. After the Saints came out firing on their first drive with a Brees Henderson touchdown the O subsequently struggled to impose it's will in the half.
It was left to the D to keep the Vikes in check and they really did an impressive job. As ever Jonathan Vilma led the way directing his unit around the field to match the threats of Peterson and Favre.
Key to the units display were big time performances from Sedrick Ellis and Roman Harper. Ellis was able to fill the middle channels well and keep the Vikes famed running attack in check. The big man even ended up with a sack on Favre which was great to see.
Roman Harper was also imposing managing to pressure Favre as well as break up passes whilst chipping in with some crucial tackles. In the absence of Darren Sharper his leadership qualities in the secondary will be crucial and it was great to see him get off to a flying start.
Also of note was an improvement in the special teams return coverage. The unit looked to gang tackle on a number of occasions and if they can maintain such pressure this is one area the Saints could really benefit from.
So all in all a good start to the season against some tough opponents. Whilst it wasn't the kind of score we were all expecting it was a great team win all the same. If we can keep up that kind of effort on the D side of the ball we will be in great shape for another winning season.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Saints Vs Vikings opening day
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.
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.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Chris Ivory 76 yard TD reception
Wow! Well if ever I was needing reassurance that the Saints were going to fill the 3rd spot in the backfield with a decent runner here was the evidence courtesy of Chris Ivory and his 76 yard TD reception.
He has a decent first half and seemed to be cementing his place in the team and then came this excellent touchdown. The guy showed great hustle, power and decent speed on what was an innocuous reception in the flat when he got the ball. What he then did with it helps go to show that potentially we have a more than decent back to fill the void left by my old favorite Mike Bell.
So long as we can keep Pierre Thomas healthy I will remain confident our ground game will remain the perfect counter balance to our strong arm passing attack.
Drew Brees back with a bang
It was also great to see Drew Brees commanding the troops with some real game time once again. There are not enough superlatives to say about the guy so I won't bother. What I will say is I love to see the guy continue to work so hard on his game despite what he has achieved.
To see him beat himself up about a missed read or a slightly miss thrown ball is to see a QB who continues to strive for perfection which must be damn inspiring for the entire team.
Soon we'll get to see it all proper come seasons kick off. I for one cannot wait!
He has a decent first half and seemed to be cementing his place in the team and then came this excellent touchdown. The guy showed great hustle, power and decent speed on what was an innocuous reception in the flat when he got the ball. What he then did with it helps go to show that potentially we have a more than decent back to fill the void left by my old favorite Mike Bell.
Chris Ivory Highlights TD Vs San Diego Chargers
So long as we can keep Pierre Thomas healthy I will remain confident our ground game will remain the perfect counter balance to our strong arm passing attack.
Drew Brees back with a bang
It was also great to see Drew Brees commanding the troops with some real game time once again. There are not enough superlatives to say about the guy so I won't bother. What I will say is I love to see the guy continue to work so hard on his game despite what he has achieved.
To see him beat himself up about a missed read or a slightly miss thrown ball is to see a QB who continues to strive for perfection which must be damn inspiring for the entire team.
Soon we'll get to see it all proper come seasons kick off. I for one cannot wait!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Saints Super Bowl Merchandise
I've just been looking through the Amazon shop for Saints Super Bowl Merchandise and I cannot believe what you can already buy. I know people are geared up for either team winning but it still amazes me how fast they get this stuff put together and ready for the rush of us frenzied fans. I admit I couldn't help buying some stuff as I went through there. I mean how often have the Saints ever been Super Bowl Champions? Well now the answer is a nice big beautiful one time baby!!
I think my favorite items have to be the Saints Super Bowl DVD, the shot glasses, the Saints Super Bowl Monopoly board (brilliant!) and the Super Bowl Commemerative Gold coins. They've also got Reggie Bush, Drew Brees, Marques Colston and Lance Moore Super Bowl player jerseys to name but a few. I'm not normally one to buy this stuff but somehow it just feels right for once, you know what I mean?
There's got to be a pile of this exact same stuff with the Colts logo all over it heading for land fill somewhere right now. Oh well, better that than Who Dat Super Bowl Merchandise as there can only be one winner... Oh yeah right, it was us!!
I think my favorite items have to be the Saints Super Bowl DVD, the shot glasses, the Saints Super Bowl Monopoly board (brilliant!) and the Super Bowl Commemerative Gold coins. They've also got Reggie Bush, Drew Brees, Marques Colston and Lance Moore Super Bowl player jerseys to name but a few. I'm not normally one to buy this stuff but somehow it just feels right for once, you know what I mean?
There's got to be a pile of this exact same stuff with the Colts logo all over it heading for land fill somewhere right now. Oh well, better that than Who Dat Super Bowl Merchandise as there can only be one winner... Oh yeah right, it was us!!
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!!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Saints Cardinals Preview
With the big game fast approaching my nerves have steadily grown through the week so to keep my mind at rest I'm going to be positive and give you my top 10 reasons why the Saints are going to beat the Cardinals on Saturday.
Saints Cardinals Preview Picks
1. Drew Brees is the best Quarterback in the NFL. I don't care where the official MVP award went because here's a fact for you, there is no Quarterback in this league that I would rather have under center than the Saints QB. The MVP award is just a popularity contest anyway.
2. The Saints will jump out to an early lead and stay there.
3. The Saints will maintain that early lead because the Defense will be able to play their natural aggressive game.
4. The aggressive natural game will be dialled up because most of the Saints DBs are back to full fitness which has not been the case since the Dolphins game way back in week 7.
5. Kurt Warner will become a Will Smith and Anthony Hargrove breakfast on 3 occasions as Gregg Williams goes for an all out blitz package.
6. Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Jeremy Shockey, David Thomas and Devery Henderson will find all kinds of holes in the Cardinals zone D.
7. Reggie Bush will break two big runs and one big punt return.
8. The Drew Brees chant will inspire the Saints to such a degree that many Cardinals players will feign injury rather than dare run out on to the field.
9. The Saints crowd will make so much noise that the Super Dome roof will fly off into the night sky.
And finally,
10. Peace on Earth will be declared and all man kind will rejoice by getting together at Baskin Robbins for a double chocolate fudge Sunday and to watch reruns of Mash.
OK I'm clearly too nervous to make accurate predictions and have resorted to wishful thinking. Either way I am looking forward to Saturday with the same nervous energy I normally reserve for dentists visits and back operations. And that's my really great/good/rubbish (delete as appropriate) Saints Cardinals Preview.
Saints Cardinals Preview Picks
1. Drew Brees is the best Quarterback in the NFL. I don't care where the official MVP award went because here's a fact for you, there is no Quarterback in this league that I would rather have under center than the Saints QB. The MVP award is just a popularity contest anyway.
2. The Saints will jump out to an early lead and stay there.
3. The Saints will maintain that early lead because the Defense will be able to play their natural aggressive game.
4. The aggressive natural game will be dialled up because most of the Saints DBs are back to full fitness which has not been the case since the Dolphins game way back in week 7.
5. Kurt Warner will become a Will Smith and Anthony Hargrove breakfast on 3 occasions as Gregg Williams goes for an all out blitz package.
6. Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Jeremy Shockey, David Thomas and Devery Henderson will find all kinds of holes in the Cardinals zone D.
7. Reggie Bush will break two big runs and one big punt return.
8. The Drew Brees chant will inspire the Saints to such a degree that many Cardinals players will feign injury rather than dare run out on to the field.
9. The Saints crowd will make so much noise that the Super Dome roof will fly off into the night sky.
And finally,
10. Peace on Earth will be declared and all man kind will rejoice by getting together at Baskin Robbins for a double chocolate fudge Sunday and to watch reruns of Mash.
OK I'm clearly too nervous to make accurate predictions and have resorted to wishful thinking. Either way I am looking forward to Saturday with the same nervous energy I normally reserve for dentists visits and back operations. And that's my really great/good/rubbish (delete as appropriate) Saints Cardinals Preview.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
5 Reasons We Should Be Happy With 13 and 3
Now that the dust has settled on the regular season and in the lull before the playoffs begin I thought I would reflect on the season so far with my list of 5 reasons to be happy with the 13 and 3 record.
1. It's the best record we've ever had! I couldn't have asked for a better season to watch from my bed and couch whilst recovering from spine surgery. Talk about great bad luck!
2. For the first half of the season we looked like the most complete Saints team I've ever seen in 27 years of support (I would say 32 but I don't remember the first 5 years of my life). Yes the D is not looking anywhere near as good as the early season but we've still got a heck of a chance if we can just get some basics working again... T-A-C-K-L-I-N-G!!
3. Being 13 and 3 lets us dream that one day we can better the record. Sure it may never happen in my lifetime but you've got to have goals and if we had have gone perfect I think a lot of people would have settled permanently for living in the past like them dam Dolphins.
4. Drew Brees was the best QB in the NFL this season and that's the first time you could say that about a Saints QB.
5. It's been a hell of a party all season and I've enjoyed reading loads of great posts by the likes of Saintseester, Michelle/Saints Rants, Chef Who Dat, Hakim Drops the Ball, Black and Gold Patrol and Moose Denied to name but a few. I'm sure y'all know about them already but for the odd folk who doesn't they're all are on my blog roll if you want to go read them.
Now the regular season is over I am getting confident again about the playoffs. I think the time to regroup and recharge will end up doing the team good. If anything it may just focus a few minds on what is at stake now the hype has died down. Here's hoping!!
1. It's the best record we've ever had! I couldn't have asked for a better season to watch from my bed and couch whilst recovering from spine surgery. Talk about great bad luck!
2. For the first half of the season we looked like the most complete Saints team I've ever seen in 27 years of support (I would say 32 but I don't remember the first 5 years of my life). Yes the D is not looking anywhere near as good as the early season but we've still got a heck of a chance if we can just get some basics working again... T-A-C-K-L-I-N-G!!
3. Being 13 and 3 lets us dream that one day we can better the record. Sure it may never happen in my lifetime but you've got to have goals and if we had have gone perfect I think a lot of people would have settled permanently for living in the past like them dam Dolphins.
4. Drew Brees was the best QB in the NFL this season and that's the first time you could say that about a Saints QB.
5. It's been a hell of a party all season and I've enjoyed reading loads of great posts by the likes of Saintseester, Michelle/Saints Rants, Chef Who Dat, Hakim Drops the Ball, Black and Gold Patrol and Moose Denied to name but a few. I'm sure y'all know about them already but for the odd folk who doesn't they're all are on my blog roll if you want to go read them.
Saints bloggers are Star bloggers
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 4th Quarter
It's the 4th Quarter and the Saints continue to lead the Bucs 17 to 3 after a scoreless 3rd Quarter. The Saints offensive machine has ground to a halt and the Bucs are moving the ball at will so this is not the sealed deal you would have hoped for after the big 1st Quarter demo.
The Bucs are driving but facing 3rd and 7.
Freeman to Winslow over the middle and he takes it 35 yards all the way down to the Saints 33. Not the best start to a 4th quarter I've ever seen.
1st down Bucs.
False start penalty tacks on 5. 1st and 15.
Cadillac Williams bounces out left and speeds his way to the end zone for a touchdown. That was a 99 yard drive! That is pretty poor going by the Saints D. We've gone totally flat after a great start to the game. Let's see if we can throw this away.
Bucs 10 Saints 17
1st down Saints at their 21.
Reggie Bush takes the hand off and runs right for 3. 2nd and 7.
Brees drops back, buys some time and hits Marques Colston for a gain of 11.
1st down Saints.
Brees to David Thomas for 5. 2nd and 5.
Brees rolls right and hits Colston again for a gain of 4 to bring up 3rd and a much needed 1.
Lynell Hamilton takes the hand off and drives up the middle for a few and a 1st.
1st down Saints at the 47.
Brees to Hamilton on the screen but nothing there as Hamilton is taken down for a two yard loss. 2nd and 12.
Brees drops back and connects with Colston over the middle who takes it a few before coughing up the ball and... the Bucs recover. Oh no. This is not what the doctor ordered. The Bucs will have the ball somewhere close to midfield and only a 7 point margin to chase.
1st down Bucs at their own 39.
Williams up the middle and picks up an easy 8. 2nd and 2.
Williams again bursts through the middle for a few more into Saints territory.
1st down Bucs.
Williams again with the carry picks up 2. 2nd and 8.
Freeman connects with Winslow for 28 yards on a great grab.
1st down Bucs at the Saints 28.
Freeman to Stevens who makes a Saint miss and then tacks on 8 more. 2nd and 1.
Freeman goes for the end zone but over throws. 3rd and 1.
Williams takes the hand off again and he is gang tackled. It's going to be very close. They will measure this... They are half a yard short and will go for it on 4th down.
Williams with the hand off and... Jonathan Vilma absolutely nails him for a loss... but the Bucs sideline called a timeout just before the play so they'll get another shot at this. Could that be one of the most painful timeouts the Saints will face this season? We'll find out once the ad break is over.
Freeman on a play action and... Charles Grant batters it down!! Great play by Grant and the Saints D to hold them there. That was a much needed stand after the Bucs moved the ball at will through the 2nd half.
1st down Saints at their 19 with 5 mins left on the clock.
Mike Bell with the hand off for a couple. 2nd and 8.
Brees completes to Devery Henderson out wide right and bursts up field for a 1st.
1st down Saints at the 31.
Lynell Hamilton takes it nowhere on 1st down. 2nd and 10.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas for a gain of 3. Tampa timeout stops the clock. 3rd and 7.
Brees pump fake and completes to Robert Meachem at the 41 but he may be just short here, The chains will measure and... yes he's short. So Thomas Morstead comes in to punt and it goes to Spurlock at his 20 who dodges a tackle, and another... and another... breaks in field... crosses the field and has open space all the way for a touchdown! Oh man, that is shocking. I can't look. This is aweful.
Bucs 17 Saints 17
1st down Saints at their own 25.
Brees under big pressure escapes a sack and connects with Devery Henderson who makes a heck of a catch. That's great to see after some of his problems of recent. That brings up the 2 minute warning. 2nd and 7.
Holding call against the Saints. 2nd and 17.
Brees to Bush who takes it 14 yards. 3rd and 3.
Brees to Marques Colston in the slot for 6.
1st down Saints at the 39.
Brees to David Thomas on the crossing pattern. 2nd and 4.
Brees to Reggie Bush who breaks 2 tackles and then leaps his way to the sidelines to stop the clock and pick up the 1st.
1st down Saints with 29 left on the clock at the Bucs 45.
Brees over the middle to Thomas and it falls incomplete. 2nd and 10. 24 secs to go.
Brees out wide left to Devery Henderson 7 but he can't get out of bounds so the Saints will have to burn a timeout. 3rd and 3.
Brees to Robert Meachem who breaks a tackle and races 19 yards.
Garrett Hartley will come in for a 37 yard field goal attempt to win it and... It goes wide left. F*ck me this is distressing. I can't believe we're going to over time.
The Bucs are driving but facing 3rd and 7.
Freeman to Winslow over the middle and he takes it 35 yards all the way down to the Saints 33. Not the best start to a 4th quarter I've ever seen.
1st down Bucs.
False start penalty tacks on 5. 1st and 15.
Cadillac Williams bounces out left and speeds his way to the end zone for a touchdown. That was a 99 yard drive! That is pretty poor going by the Saints D. We've gone totally flat after a great start to the game. Let's see if we can throw this away.
Bucs 10 Saints 17
1st down Saints at their 21.
Reggie Bush takes the hand off and runs right for 3. 2nd and 7.
Brees drops back, buys some time and hits Marques Colston for a gain of 11.
1st down Saints.
Brees to David Thomas for 5. 2nd and 5.
Brees rolls right and hits Colston again for a gain of 4 to bring up 3rd and a much needed 1.
Lynell Hamilton takes the hand off and drives up the middle for a few and a 1st.
1st down Saints at the 47.
Brees to Hamilton on the screen but nothing there as Hamilton is taken down for a two yard loss. 2nd and 12.
Brees drops back and connects with Colston over the middle who takes it a few before coughing up the ball and... the Bucs recover. Oh no. This is not what the doctor ordered. The Bucs will have the ball somewhere close to midfield and only a 7 point margin to chase.
1st down Bucs at their own 39.
Williams up the middle and picks up an easy 8. 2nd and 2.
Williams again bursts through the middle for a few more into Saints territory.
1st down Bucs.
Williams again with the carry picks up 2. 2nd and 8.
Freeman connects with Winslow for 28 yards on a great grab.
1st down Bucs at the Saints 28.
Freeman to Stevens who makes a Saint miss and then tacks on 8 more. 2nd and 1.
Freeman goes for the end zone but over throws. 3rd and 1.
Williams takes the hand off again and he is gang tackled. It's going to be very close. They will measure this... They are half a yard short and will go for it on 4th down.
Williams with the hand off and... Jonathan Vilma absolutely nails him for a loss... but the Bucs sideline called a timeout just before the play so they'll get another shot at this. Could that be one of the most painful timeouts the Saints will face this season? We'll find out once the ad break is over.
Freeman on a play action and... Charles Grant batters it down!! Great play by Grant and the Saints D to hold them there. That was a much needed stand after the Bucs moved the ball at will through the 2nd half.
1st down Saints at their 19 with 5 mins left on the clock.
Mike Bell with the hand off for a couple. 2nd and 8.
Brees completes to Devery Henderson out wide right and bursts up field for a 1st.
1st down Saints at the 31.
Lynell Hamilton takes it nowhere on 1st down. 2nd and 10.
Brees to Saints legend David Thomas for a gain of 3. Tampa timeout stops the clock. 3rd and 7.
Brees pump fake and completes to Robert Meachem at the 41 but he may be just short here, The chains will measure and... yes he's short. So Thomas Morstead comes in to punt and it goes to Spurlock at his 20 who dodges a tackle, and another... and another... breaks in field... crosses the field and has open space all the way for a touchdown! Oh man, that is shocking. I can't look. This is aweful.
Bucs 17 Saints 17
1st down Saints at their own 25.
Brees under big pressure escapes a sack and connects with Devery Henderson who makes a heck of a catch. That's great to see after some of his problems of recent. That brings up the 2 minute warning. 2nd and 7.
Holding call against the Saints. 2nd and 17.
Brees to Bush who takes it 14 yards. 3rd and 3.
Brees to Marques Colston in the slot for 6.
1st down Saints at the 39.
Brees to David Thomas on the crossing pattern. 2nd and 4.
Brees to Reggie Bush who breaks 2 tackles and then leaps his way to the sidelines to stop the clock and pick up the 1st.
1st down Saints with 29 left on the clock at the Bucs 45.
Brees over the middle to Thomas and it falls incomplete. 2nd and 10. 24 secs to go.
Brees out wide left to Devery Henderson 7 but he can't get out of bounds so the Saints will have to burn a timeout. 3rd and 3.
Brees to Robert Meachem who breaks a tackle and races 19 yards.
Garrett Hartley will come in for a 37 yard field goal attempt to win it and... It goes wide left. F*ck me this is distressing. I can't believe we're going to over time.
Tampa Bay Bucs Vs Saints 3rd Quarter
Welcome back to the second half in the Saints Bucs game live from the Super Dome. I'm hoping you're suitably fed and refreshed in order to enjoy more of the festive cheer as the Saints look to extend their 17 to 3 lead and secure that home field advantage through the playoffs.
1st down Saints at their 24.
Mike Bell takes the hand off and batters through for 3. 2nd and 7.
Drew Brees aims for Marques Colston over the middle but good coverage forces it out of Colstons hands. 3rd and 7.
Brees unloads as he is hit but finds Marques Colston for a pick up of 13. Great throw there.
1st down Saints at their 40.
Brees over the middle to Reggie Bush for a pick up of 7. 2nd and 3.
Lynell Hamilton is stopped for a loss of 2. 3rd and 5.
Brees is sacked a the Bucs linebacker comes clean through the middle. 4th and 13. A bit of a reminder of the Cowboys game there.
1st down Bucs at their own 30.
Williams bounces out wide for a big gain of 15.
1st down Bucs.
Freeman to Bryant down the sidelines for 22. Good throw and catch over Tracy Porter.
1st down Bucs at the Saints 33.
Cadillac Williams bursts through for another 6. 2nd and 4. We've taken our foot off thr gas here.
Freeman to Bryant out wide right for a gain of 3. 3rd and 1.
Williams runs right, breaks the first point of contact and then picks up 5.
1st down Bucs at the Saints 19.
Freeman to Graham on the sidelines for a gain of 7. 2nd and 3.
Freeman to Bryant in the end zone and... Tracy Porter intercepts!! Great play on the ball by Porter and just at the right time. We'd let the Bucs back into the game there but Porter snuffed it out and wins my presitgious 'Player of the last play' award.
1st down Saints at their own 20.
Mike Bell up the middle for 1. 2nd and 9.
Brees throws incomplete but a penalty marker is out for pass interference to move the chains. That was blatant interference by the dirty Buc.
1st down Saints.
Brees to Lynell Hamilton over the middle who runs 4 after the catch for another 1st.
1st down Saints.
Brees to David Thomas out wide right for a pick up of 9. 2nd and 1.
Hamilton up the middle for what could be a first... they're going to measure and it's about 2 inches short. 3rd and inches.
Lynell Hamilton over right tackle and he turns the corner and takes it 19 yards.
1st down Saints at the Bucs 37.
Hamilton again but this time is cut down for a loss of 2. 2nd and 12.
Brees to Robert Meachem for 2. 3rd and 10.
Brees to Reggie Bush on the screen but it fools no one and he's dropped for a big loss. 4th and 20 so the Saints will punt again. Courtney Roby downs it at the 2 to set up a big long field for Freeman. Nice play by Mr Special Teams.
1st down Bucs.
Williams with the hand off and Darren Sharper stops him for a loss of 1. 2nd and 11.
Freeman to Graham who picks up 10. 3rd and 1.
Freeman to Clark over the middle for a gain of 15.
1st down Bucs.
Freeman under pressure is unable to find his man. 2nd and 10.
Williams between left tackle and guard for a few to end the 3rd Quarter.
1st down Saints at their 24.
Mike Bell takes the hand off and batters through for 3. 2nd and 7.
Drew Brees aims for Marques Colston over the middle but good coverage forces it out of Colstons hands. 3rd and 7.
Brees unloads as he is hit but finds Marques Colston for a pick up of 13. Great throw there.
1st down Saints at their 40.
Brees over the middle to Reggie Bush for a pick up of 7. 2nd and 3.
Lynell Hamilton is stopped for a loss of 2. 3rd and 5.
Brees is sacked a the Bucs linebacker comes clean through the middle. 4th and 13. A bit of a reminder of the Cowboys game there.
1st down Bucs at their own 30.
Williams bounces out wide for a big gain of 15.
1st down Bucs.
Freeman to Bryant down the sidelines for 22. Good throw and catch over Tracy Porter.
1st down Bucs at the Saints 33.
Cadillac Williams bursts through for another 6. 2nd and 4. We've taken our foot off thr gas here.
Freeman to Bryant out wide right for a gain of 3. 3rd and 1.
Williams runs right, breaks the first point of contact and then picks up 5.
1st down Bucs at the Saints 19.
Freeman to Graham on the sidelines for a gain of 7. 2nd and 3.
Freeman to Bryant in the end zone and... Tracy Porter intercepts!! Great play on the ball by Porter and just at the right time. We'd let the Bucs back into the game there but Porter snuffed it out and wins my presitgious 'Player of the last play' award.
1st down Saints at their own 20.
Mike Bell up the middle for 1. 2nd and 9.
Brees throws incomplete but a penalty marker is out for pass interference to move the chains. That was blatant interference by the dirty Buc.
1st down Saints.
Brees to Lynell Hamilton over the middle who runs 4 after the catch for another 1st.
1st down Saints.
Brees to David Thomas out wide right for a pick up of 9. 2nd and 1.
Hamilton up the middle for what could be a first... they're going to measure and it's about 2 inches short. 3rd and inches.
Lynell Hamilton over right tackle and he turns the corner and takes it 19 yards.
1st down Saints at the Bucs 37.
Hamilton again but this time is cut down for a loss of 2. 2nd and 12.
Brees to Robert Meachem for 2. 3rd and 10.
Brees to Reggie Bush on the screen but it fools no one and he's dropped for a big loss. 4th and 20 so the Saints will punt again. Courtney Roby downs it at the 2 to set up a big long field for Freeman. Nice play by Mr Special Teams.
1st down Bucs.
Williams with the hand off and Darren Sharper stops him for a loss of 1. 2nd and 11.
Freeman to Graham who picks up 10. 3rd and 1.
Freeman to Clark over the middle for a gain of 15.
1st down Bucs.
Freeman under pressure is unable to find his man. 2nd and 10.
Williams between left tackle and guard for a few to end the 3rd Quarter.
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