SB Nation - Stylez G. White

Weekly Raider Issue #9

KA1Z3R — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:31:42 -0000

It's that time of week, Tuesday, August 4th. Which can only mean it's time for your weekly raider reading fix, the Weekly Raider. Yet another stirring training camp hopeful's profile, my NFC season predictions, and of course the featured fan. Enjoy!

-Weekly Raider- DE #98 Jay Richardson-

via cache.daylife.com

I don't care how much Tom Cable has stated that these early camp lineup isn't necessarily the final depth chart, but Richardson has seen little if any time with the first team, and sometimes hasn't even been with the second team. Instead we've seen DE's Scott and Ellis on the first team as it appears Cable wants to see what he's got in Scott and of course Ellis is probably the best DE we have.

Call me overly cautious, but could the Raiders be moving their two-year starter to the bench? I pray that they aren't. Not only is Richardson my favorite defensive end, but he's also, in my opinion, the closest thing to a base end the Raiders have not named Greg Ellis. Richardson has clearly been the best run stopper of the group, and he's even been developing a solid pass rush getting 3 sacks last year. Good for an end who was drafted to play the run.

The one wild card in determining his role as a starter or just a mere rotation end, how good has Scott gotten in the course of one offseason. If he's pushing our run stopping specialist to the second team in training camp, my guess is pretty darn good. However, I have a hard time visualizing a once rookie nickel end turning into a starting base end in one year. But maybe it's in Oakland's plans.

Hear me out on this, we all know Oakland doesn't blitz. Even if we're amazing at in camp, the Raiders don't blitz. Does this mean that Oakland is looking to get an elite pass rush from their front-four to compensate for the lack of blitzing, even at the cost of run defense on the D-Line? Sounds crazy, but is it? Look at the roster, even with Burgess pretty much guaranteed to be out of Oakland, the Raiders have Ellis, Scott, and Gunheim, three pass rush ends (Ellis is more of a base end but the pass rush is is specialty) and then there's the enigma of Shaughnessy, who I've heard can be a pass rusher in the NFL. But take Shaugnessy out of the equation and we have three pass rush ends, and Richardson not seeing much time even with the second team. I realize this is a crazy theory, but I'm just spit balling.

In my opinion, Richardson has to do something to catch Cable's eye, and get Cable to give him more action in camp. I think Richardson and Scott are our future defensive end tandem, but unless Richardson does something to put himself ahead of Scott and hold off the project defensive end Gunehim, Jay's playing time might suffer.

Author's note: To clarify, Richardson's job is safe barring the unforeseen hand of fate. And this may be all for nothing with Cable just seeing what the other ends can do. Once again, I'm basically spit balling

-Random Thoughts: NFC early predictions-

Last issue I gave you my predictions for the AFC teams' seasons. Now I present my NFC predictions.

NFC East:

1. Giants (12-4)- They get back Umenyiora to an already amazing pass rush. A top-5 defense in my opinion. Amazing running game and the best O-Line in the NFL in my opinion. The only weakness is a young and inexperienced receiving corps.

2. Eagles (10-6) WC- The NFC East is all about pressure, and the Eagles are no different. Amazing blitz patterns, a great D-Line, and one of the finest secondaries in football gives Philly a top-10 D. McNabb has plenty of weapons this year and maybe even a running game with McCoy taking some pressure off the wily veteran Westbrook.

3. Redskins (8-8)- Portis is getting old but still appears to be a good back in the league. Plenty of receiver options for Campbell, who's on the hot seat this year with Washington having been in the hunt for Cutler. An already top-10 D just got better with the additions of Haynesworth and Orakpo plus another year of development for a very young unit. if the offense was more competent, this could be a very dangerous team.

4. Cowboys (7-9)- Missing the playoffs last year, the Cowboys failed to improve at all. Great O-Line, great running backs, poor receiver talent behind Roy Williams and Witten for a struggling QB in Romo. Yet another great defense with some very young talent in a tough NFC East, but it's not good enough to win games for this weakening offense. In a division that's only getting better, the Cowboys are getting worse.

NFC North:

1. Vikings (12-4)- Despite the bad QB situation, the Vikings have the formula for a Super Bowl football team. Arguably the best running game in football, dangerous receivers, great O-Line, top-10 defense and one that absolutely demolishes the run; the only flaw is a questionable secondary and poor QB play.

2. Bears (9-7)- Does Cutler make this a winning team, in my opinion, yes. Though the receiving corps is weak at best, Olsen and Clark are an amazing TE combo. Forte, Jones, and the other Adrian Peterson form a very tough running game to run behind a great run blocking O-Line. Though the defense is slowing down, it's still the Bears biggest strength. Great d-Line, top-5 linebacker unit, and a physical secondary creates a nightmare scenario for any opposing offenses. Next year, with hopefully new receivers, the Bears could be back as a serious threat.

3. Packers (7-9)- Forgive me for not being a buyer of this team, but I don't see the big deal. A weak O-Line that saw no real improvement, a major scheme change on defense which puts a top-10 defensive end in Kampman at oLB for the first time in his career, and an aging secondary makes me very skeptical of a team in a young and physical division. They'll have a very hard time against teams like Minnesota and Chicago. But Rodgers proved he a great QB, Grant is still a top-notch back, and the receiving and linebacker corps are outstanding.

4. Lions (3-13)- What sticks out to me about Detroit's offseason not named Stafford, a top-10 linebacking corps, and a once top-10 receiving corps reduced to Calvin Johnson and the wash-out vets of the NFL. This offense actually took a step backwards in my opinion. The receiving corps is basically made up of Calvin Johnson and Dennis Northcutt. The last being an inept receiver for his former team. Culpepper and Stafford will have limited weapons outside of rookie TE Ingram and Johnson. Though Kevin Smith looks to be one of the up-and-coming backs of the league. The defense still sucks outside of that elite group of linebackers, and the O-Line is still abysmal.

NFC South:

1. Panthers (12-4)- Noticing the trend of 12-4 division winners? This is a weakining division with a once playoff contender in Tampa now no more, New Orleans not getting noticeably better, where Atlanta is the only real threat. Carolina has a very tough D, but the offense is the real story. Though Delhomme throws a lot of INT's, Smith and Muhammed make up a very good receiving duo to go along with the top-5 running back duo of Williams and Stewart. Don't forget about that talented O-Line with Otah and Gross making a great tackle tandem.

2. Falcons (10-6) WC- Atlanta is now officially one of the best offenses in football. Top-5 running gane, the best TE in football, top-10 receiver in Roddy White, and top-5 running back in Turner. This is without mentioning franchise QB Ryan and speedster running back Jerious Norwood. And all with a young and talented O-Line. The one problem with Atlanta, that defense is terrible outside of John Abraham at defensive end. That defense keeps them out of the Super Bowl. Look for a lot of additions on that side of the ball next offseason.

3. Saints (6-10)- Call me what you may, but I think the Saints will be taking a big step back this year. Great passing game, but Bush can't run the ball as well as he should and Pierre Thomas is average at best. The defense is horrid in the running game and the passing game. And you can't tell me that bringing in aging veteran washouts will make this defense any better. As long as teams hone in n that passing game, the Saints will be struggling big time this year.

4. Buccaneers (4-12)- Where the defense fades away, the offense begins to rise in Tampa. Freeman will have plenty of weapons to work with in Winslow, Bryant, and running backs Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham. All this behind a very young and very good O-Line which specializes in pass blocking. The defense still has a decent secondary, but outside of Barrett Ruud and Greg White, the front seven is terrible. Look for teams to devastate Tampa with their running games. And with two potentially top-5 running games in the division, this team is in big trouble.

NFC West:

1. Cardinals (10-6)- Until Seattles' O-Line, and running game even out this amazing passing game and potentially good running game, Arizona is top dog in the division. The Cards defense is also no laughing matter. Littered with great players like Berry, Dockett, Wilson, and Dansby, young talents like Hayes and Rodgers-Cromartie are just icing on the cake.

2. Seahawks (8-8)- Injuries kept the Seahawks from winning the division three times in a row. but a healthy Seattle team is a very dangerous team. Hasselbeck is still a good QB, Houshmandzadeh makes an already good receiving corps great, and that defense is loaded with players like Hill, Tatupu, Kerney, and Trufant mixed in with young talent. The O-line and the running game are still very questionable, but Seattle is back to being a good team.

3. 49ers (7-9)- No significant improvements to the team. QB situation is still abysmal, the O-Line is still weak, the receiving corps is still questionable, the running game is still good, the defense is still good. No real difference from 08 to 09 in my eyes.

4. Rams (5-11)- St. Louis is definitely getting much better. A once weak O-Line is now possibly one of the better in the league. The defense is young but talented. Plus they still have Steven Jackson who's still a top-10 running back despite very bad O-Line play in years past. I can guarantee Jackson will have a great year this year. The receiving corps lost it's two legends in Holt and Bruce, and is now young and thin on depth. Not good for an ever-struggling Marc Bulger. Weak receiving corps and youth on defense really holds this team back.

Next week you'll get my AFC playoff bracket and playoff predictions.

-Featured Fan: Rodney Sacramento-

via www.postroadgallery.com

Raised Expectations for the Defensive Ends

Buc Wild — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:15:08 -0000

Something we hope to see more of this year; Gaines Adams harassing opposing QB's

View full size photo »

Expectations for a player can be dangerous. A first round pick at WR who puts up an average of 40 catches for 500 yards and 2 TD's is seen differently than a 5th round pick who does the same. A 7th round DE who totals 7 sacks has parades thrown in his honor while a 1st rounder who puts up the same numbers can be seen as a disappointment. Gaines Adams, Jimmy Wilkerson and Stylez G. White know this, the coaches know this, and the fans certainly know this.

When you are the 4th pick in the draft and brought in to replace one of the best pass rushing defensive ends (Simeon Rice) expectations are raised. Changing your name from Greg White to Stylez G. White puts you in the spotlight, garners more stories on you, and with more publicity comes higher expectations. Having ESPN name you the breakout player on the team thrusts you into the limelight and put you in a place where an average season suddenly becomes a disappointing season. All three of these players have had expectations raised by things take took place off the field. Not typically a good sign.

I find myself more excited than years past to see what these guys can do. I'll admit, I was never a fan of the Gaines Adams pick. I root for him, I hope he does well, but leading up to the draft I was hoping the Commish would announce a different name. It's a tough place to be in as a fan; you want your team to do well, but you don't necessarily agree with the pick (Sound familiar 2009 #17 pick?).

When he came out and pseudo-underperformed, I thought "This is what we drafted? A "dominant" end who can't get to the QB and who takes the outside rush every play?" But with the hiring of Jim Bates and bringing in his 4-3 Run Contain scheme and coaching that has produced big numbers for pass rushers in the past, I actually look forward to seeing what Gaines and crew can do. Worst case scenario, they don't play well, but at least then we know what we have and know that defensive end is a need. I'm not rooting for that, but I'd rather know what we have in a player than go in blindly year after year. Best case scenario, the defensive ends turn into clones of Jim Bates' past.

Jason Taylor had 2.5 sacks, and he (Bates) went in there and had 14.5 and 17. Trace Armstrong went from single digits to 16.5 in his only Pro Bowl year. Adewale Ogunleye came in and had 16.5. Aaron Kampman went from single digits to 16.5

- from an interview with the Pewter Report

Without taking a technical look at the ends, or previewing years past, I think we all can say we expect more out of that group. More pressure, more sacks, more fumbles. Everything on defense starts with pressure.

So going into the 2009 season, the bar has been raised simply by hiring a new coach, a name change, a brief article on ESPN and continued expectations based on a draft slot. What does this mean? Hopefully we see these players destroy those expectations, but I'd be happy with this group just meeting them. Gaines will be challenged to live up to his draft status and paycheck and become a game changing defensive end, one who teams have to gameplan on how to stop him. Stylez (it's beyond ridiculous to type that out) will be faced with trying to live up to his flashy demeanor on the field and prove that the coaching staff can rely on him after a name change and motorcycle accident. Wilks needs to show up everyday and play and show he is worthy of being an every down player. Expectations are there, challenges have been issued, how till they respond?

With the new season just around the corner, what are your expectations for our defensive ends?

Saints 20 @ Bucs 23: Breaking it Down - The Second Half

Saintsational — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:00:08 -0000

3rd Quarter

At the beginning of the quarter the announcers throw it down to sideline reporter Laura Okmin who informs viewers that Sean Payton told her he's "gotta get the running game going."
12:18 Remaininig - Garcia runs out of time and gets rid of it with a throw to B.J. Askew that gets deflected and caught by Antonio Bryant. Upon further review it looks like it may have hit the ground but the usually challenge-happy Payton does nothing. Interesting. He might have actually won it too! Bucs also do a good job of running a quick play before any challenge.
11:06 Remaining - More Garcia scrambling. This time its 11 yards for the first down with goal to go. Cadillac Williams finished off the drive with a touchdown on the next play.
10:00 Remaining - Brees throws very short to Reggie, who drops a very easy catch. He is visibly frustrated. Unlike Milli Vanilli, Bush cannot blame it on the rain.
9:54 Remaining - 3rd and 10. Drew Brees takes the only sack of the game from the Tampa defense. Credit this one to Greg White who stunts from the outside to the inside and is able to get penetration up the middle and take out Drew's legs. On another note, this was the Saints first drive of the half and Payton called three straight passing plays. Gotta get the running game going, huh coach?
8:45 Remaining - More jinxing from the announcers. On 2nd down Brian Billick mentions that the Bucs running game should soon allow Tampa Bay to "go vertical." The very next play is a deep pass completion to Antonio Bryant for the second score of the quarter. Thank you Brian Billick. Jason David is on the coverage with Josh Bullocks in for help. They both bite on a double move but I'm not sure why Bullocks was so far up.
During a break they put the camera on the guys upstairs. Before anyone had ever mentioned Brian Baldinger's finger to me, I had never noticed it but I finally got a glimpse of it. That thing is nasty! Can't he just pop that thing back into place? They're doing amazing things with medicine these days.
8:36 Remaining - Deuce makes his first appearance of the game with a 3 yard rush.
7:59 Remaining - Gaines Adams beats the hell out of Jammal Brown with a super spin move and forces a bad Brees throw. I wonder if he gets paid as much as Will Smith or Charles Grant.
7:53 Remaining - Brees hits Colston on 3rd down for the first, the second time the two have connected for big gains on big third down plays. That is Colston's bread and butter. Great to have him back. He also makes a nice 13-yard catch a few plays later.
4:43 Remaining - 2nd and 2 for the Saints in the red zone. Brees throws to the right side but Barber tips the ball and Cato June makes the interception. We already heard Payton explain what went wrong with the routes by Shockey and Ortega so I will spare you the redundancy. What Payton didn't talk about was the fact that out of 8 plays in that drive, only two of them were runs. I thought you said you had to get the running game going. Deuce ran twice for 10 yards. Is that not good enough? We're almost at the end of the third quarter here and I'm not sure how much longer you want to wait before you pull the trigger on the ole running game.
The Saints defense forces a Bucanneer three and out following the interception. You can't ask them to do anymore than that.
On the next drive Payton finally makes good on his word to run the ball and calls five Pierre rushes. Strangely enough, he moves the ball well and picks up 20 yards and 2 first downs in 4 plays. Who knew?

4th Quarter

13:21 Remaining - Drew drops back to pass but Pierre Thomas can't get out of the way and even knocks the ball loose in Brees' hands. He recovers but the timing of the play is off.
13:16 Remaining - Brees throws deep to the end zone but it gets picked off by Tanard Jackson. But wait...there are flags on the field. Ronde Barber gets called for illegal contact and the play is called back. Whew! I knew Drew wouldn't force a pass into double coverage like that when the game is on the line. He's too good for that. Thank you Ronde. Anyone ever tell you that you look like your brother?
12:18 Remaining - Swing pass to Pierre and he does the rest for 20 yards and the score. 20-17 Tampa. The Saints gained 72 yards on that drive. Pierre had 44 of them.
10:58 Remaining - 3rd and 5. Garcia drops back and holds on to the ball too long. Vilma comes in to force the fumble and make the sack. The Bucs are forced to punt. Another big defensive play to get them off the field.
Unfortunately the Bucs defense also comes up big to force the Saints three and out.
7:38 Remaining - Randall Gay makes a beautiful deflection to break up a pass attempt to Ike Hilliard. Really great play.
7:30 Remaining - The very next play it's Jason David getting his hand in on a pass intended for Antonio Bryant. Bucs punt away. Wow! Our defense game up big again to get themselves off the field.
Drew Brees' helmet mic is not working.
7:16 Remaining - After a bad punt by Josh Bidwell, Shockey makes a big catch over the middle for 21 yards and into field goal territory.
Saints can't get anything else going and have Hartley kick the game tying field goal. 20-20.
4:56 Remaining - Garcia runs a bootleg right and hits Clayton on the crossing route. Clayton is just too big and too fast for Gay.
Even after giving up some big yardage the Saints defense forces the Bucs to punt. I didn't realize how great a game these guys had and how much they really kept the team in the game, most of all towards the end.
2:33 Remaining - A Brees pass intended for Marques Colston gets picked off by Jermaine Phillips. The pass coverage appears to move away from Colston but Phillips comes in from behind the play to get himself in position. Honestly, it just looks like Drew threw it too far behind Colston. The Bucs are already well into field goal range.
The defense does another good job and only allows a field goal thanks in part to a Bobby McCray sack. This now allows the offense a chance to score a touchdown for the win or a field goal to tie. 23-20 Tampa.
1:50 Remaining - 1st and 10. Colston can't make a sure catch over the middle.
1:45 Remaining - Brees throws yet another interception on a pass intended for Lance Moore. Game over. I'm done talking about this game.

Saints 20 @ Bucs 23: Who Dat Say!?

Saintsational — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:00:06 -0000

Make the jump to read what everyone had to say about yesterday's game. Also be sure to check out what's happening around the league at SB Nation's NFL Scoreboard.

Below are post-game audio clips from WWL's Sports Talk. In order, it's Sean Payton, Randall Gay, Marques Colston, Drew Brees, Hokie Gajan and Bobby Hebert.

Gut-wrenching loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers puts New Orleans Saints' playoff hopes at brink of extinction

"Are we out it?" said Saints linebacker Scott Fujita. "Probably not. Is it going to be easy? Probably not."

-Scott Fujita

"We had a perfect chance out there today, and we didn't take advantage of it," Brees said. "So it's disappointing, very disappointing. It's probably one of the more disappointing losses I've ever been a part of."

-Drew Brees

"I was just trying to get it out there to Lance before the corner could drive on it, and he ended up cutting in front of Lance,"

-Drew Brees

"If there's something this defense has, you get a lot of guys who have pretty good ball skills. So if there's a ball up in the air, they're going to get it,"

-Drew Brees

"This one hurts, no doubt about it," offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb said. "We knew the importance of it, and Tampa's a good team. You've got to beat good teams, especially down the stretch. You have to find ways to keep the ball moving. That's our job as an offense. There were stretches of the game where we were faltering."

-Jon Stinchcomb

"I was proud of the effort, especially on defense," Payton said. "In the end, we just didn't have enough in us, and we ended up losing a close game to a good team."

-Sean Payton

"Unfortunately, for every big play we made defensively, we gave up a big play," said linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who forced two fumbles. "That eventually did us in. We obviously didn't do enough, because .¤.¤. they won the game."

-Jonathan Vilma

"I think they just finished better than we did," Fujita said. "And defensively they came up with the BIG plays, the game-changing type plays. We were unable to do that. We had a few of them, but theirs were bigger."

-Scott Fujita

Saints offense, playoff hopes take hit in loss

That's all you can ask for," Goodwin said after the game. "When we began both of those drives, no one in this whole stadium could have told me that we weren't going to score - both times."

-Jonathan Goodwin

"On the first one, the safety (Phillips) robbed the middle of the field," explained Brees, who was trying to hit Marques Colston on a crossing pattern. "I didn't see him until the last minute, and he stepped in there and made a nice play.

"On the other one, I was trying to get it to Lance before (Buchanon) could drive on it and he ended up cutting in front of him. Both of them were balls that I forced in there and the first one I really didn't need to. So I wish I had it back."

-Drew Brees

"I have that much confidence in our guys on offense and our quarterback," said Goodwin. "This is definitely tough to take because we had a chance to win the game and we didn't get it done. In that situation, we want to have the ball in the end."

-Jonathan Goodwin

"After we crawled back from 10 points down, we missed some plays and they made some great plays," said Colston, who caught six passes for 106 yards. "As a whole, I think the offense felt confident in what we could do there at the end. But unfortunately, we weren't able to make the plays."

-Marques Colston

"It hurts right now. It hurts a lot because I know how well we played and deserved to win this game," said Brees, who hit on 25 of 47 passes for 296 yards with a pair of TDs and three interceptions. "I give (the Bucs) a lot of credit because they played very well. But the fact is we had a chance to win in the end, and we didn't do it."

-Drew Brees

Tampa Bay Buccaneer Transcripts

HEAD COACH JON GRUDEN

(Opening Statement)

"I would just like to say that was a great win for us, a team effort. Our defense was tremendous today, particularly at the end of the football game. I thought our offense came out and started the third quarter with back-to-back scores that were big. Clifton Smith once again made a huge impact, and I thank our fans for hanging in there today. It was a tough day. Not a great day to watch a football game but we’re happy to be 9-3. We won four straight games now in the third quarter [of the season] to set the stage for an exciting finish to the season."

(On the return of Jermaine Phillips to the lineup)

"It was big. He’s a clutch player. He made some big hits and obviously, some big plays in the passing game, but he’s got a presence about him that exudes confidence. He’s a great playmaker and it was great to see him do what he did today."

(On the defensive game plan today)

"It was a tough day to throw the ball. We couldn’t throw it very well; it was hard to grip. The wind is going sideways, the footing isn’t good and both defenses are pretty good. We tried to run it. I think we were a little bit more deliberate in trying to run the football and they put the game in Drew’s [Brees] hands, and rightfully so. I think the conditions were hard on them to throw and I thought Monte [Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin] did a great job once again mixing up his defenses. We played some man-to-man, we blitzed, played some different kinds of zone, and our guys played well. Our defense played really well and I hope they get a lot of credit. The players, they’re playing their hearts out and I’m really proud of them."

(On the play of Josh Bidwell)

"We asked him to do the impossible today. He’s a great punter and an outstanding directional punter. Sometimes we try to kick the ball left, right but we don’t ever want to kick a ‘bomb’ down the middle of the field to give these guys a great look. We asked him to do a hard thing today; directional punt in these conditions. He did an excellent job, making it hard on Reggie [RB/PR Reggie Bush] and their return guys to get great looks and set up their returns. I think he just mishit a ball, but for him to step up when we needed him most, just goes to show what kind of performer he is."

(On the performance of RB Clifton Smith in recent weeks)

"He’s the real deal. It has been a long time, for Tampa Bay fans, since we have been able to return kicks and punts like we’re doing now. I said it a couple weeks ago: ‘Clifton Smith, get a ticket if you want to see him play. He’s something else.’ He is really helping us."

(On the speculation of Monte Kiffin joining his son Lane at the University of Tennessee)

"There’s going to be a lot of speculation. That is a big job that Lane got. This was addressed to me a couple weeks ago. It’s an outstanding opportunity for Lane and I’m happy for him. He’s a good coach and a great guy. Monte can answer those questions. I know this, we don’t want to lose him. He’s my friend, and obviously, I want for Monte to handle those questions. He knows the internal work as to what’s going on. I have said all along I’m a big Tennessee fan, my wife was a cheerleader there and I’m happy for Lane Kiffin. I wish him the best."

DE GAINES ADAMS

(On knowing if he got a half a sack)

"I was not even aware of that. It was a great overall performance by the defensive line and we just got after them today."

(On the learning curve from last year to this year)

"Just being able to get more snaps under my belt and play with these veteran guys. It has been a blessing."

CB RONDE BARBER

(On Drew Brees)

"Well we knew he was going to throw the ball 45 times, that’s just what he does. I’m not sure, but I believe that the first 15 plays were passes, so you know you’re going to get your opportunities. We’ve got to relish, we feel like we’re one of the best secondaries in the league. We had the opportunities today, at least in our minds, to prove it. It’s always important to play well at home. Obviously the weather conditions helped a little bit in that regard. Drew Brees is awesome. He’s tough to deal with, he’s smart with the football, he sees the field better probably than anybody we play other than Peyton (Manning), but we just got after it. We had a good push with the front four, and in the second half of this football game, when we had to make plays, we got three interceptions and that won the game."

(On the NFC South)

"We have the situation we want. We have to do it ourselves, and we got that chance. We have Carolina this week on Monday, we have Atlanta in two weeks in Atlanta. That’s the best scenario we can ask for, because we don’t have to sit around and wait for anybody. We can take the NFC South the way we want to."

WR ANTONIO BRYANT

(On catching the touchdown pass)

"The win is what is more rewarding than anything. I am just out there playmaking, trying to make the plays. That is the types of games that we are finding ourselves in, the close games. It is great for a guy like myself, that gets up, to make the big plays but you don’t want to put yourself in that position too many times."

(On if the touchdown was a planned play or a read)

"It is a play that we probably went over maybe, two or three times in practice, but the coaches trusted us enough and when the number was called we were successful at it."

(On beating an offensive team like the Saints)

"Most definitely. Give our defense and the linemen, both offensive and defensive line a lot of credit. Those guys did some amazing things in the trenches today. If there is one thing that we are consistent at, it is team effort."

CB PHILLIP BUCHANON

(On his interception)

"I was reading his eyes. An opportunity presented itself, and it was my time to make a play to help this team win."

(On defensive performance at home)

"Pretty much at home, we definitely get the job done. Sometimes it doesn’t look good, sometimes it looks good, but Drew Brees, I have to tip my hat off to him, because he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but we just happened to get the victory."

C JEFF FAINE

(On being 9-3)

"We will take it and love it. We still control our own destiny."

(On playing Carolina)

"That is what we have to do. It is going to be a playoff atmosphere. It is going to be a huge game, everything is on the line, with division titles, playoff placement, everything. It is going to be huge."

QB JEFF GARCIA

(On if the game plan changed because of the weather)

"I don’t think so. I think it was pretty much the same, normal stuff. I don’t think coach really tried to adjust things. There is really a run emphasis here and that was something we were working to establish throughout the game. I don’t think the weather necessarily took away from what we were trying to do."

(On if the footing was bad for the receivers)

"Not necessarily. I trust that they are going to be able to make their breaks because they know where they are going. I think if anything it makes it more difficult for the defense to clamp down. New Orleans did a pretty good job today, throughout the day. They played tough. They were tight on the receivers at times. More so than anything in the second quarter when the rain was really coming down, it was probably more difficult to grip the ball than anything else. It probably took away from my accuracy or being as efficient or accurate as I need to be."

(On why he decided to run with the ball more today)

"There were a couple of times when I stepped up and probably forced a throw or tried to make a tight throw and there were lanes for me to take off and run and I probably could have moved the chains. When those opportunities presented themselves later I was able to do that and convert some first downs and pretty much do whatever I had to do to make something work. It wasn’t happening as easily through the air today so we needed to basically just battle through it and do what we could do. That’s where I just thought if I could use my legs at times then I would just go ahead and do that."

(On the touchdown pass to WR Antonio Bryant)

"He had a double move and it’s a play that we pretty much have built off of the things we have done in the past, some of the plays he has made running a similar route and their defense sat on the initial route and he broke through beyond them. I was able to just get enough on the ball to reach him, fortunately, and he made a great play to get it in the end zone. It was a big play for us at that point."

(On how big the win is)

"It’s huge. You can’t downplay the significance of this game to further separate ourselves from an explosive, scary team like New Orleans. Again, we can’t say enough about our defense here because they just have played outstanding football and did a great job today once again. But now, to put this one behind us and focus on a big game in Carolina, one step closer to potentially grabbing a division title, that’s something to be excited about. To play it on Monday night is a great opportunity for this team."

G DAVIN JOSEPH

(On getting a win in these conditions)

"It is unrealistic to think that you aren’t going to have days like today. It is going to be a sloppy game sometimes, things aren’t going to be as clean as you would like it to be, and they are going to change things up. They did a good job on defense, holding us in the fourth quarter. But really, you have to lean on your defense a little bit to make a few plays."

(On if weather was a factor)

"Not really, not really, we just weren’t converting. We weren’t getting first downs in the fourth quarter. We really got ahead and it just seemed like we took our foot off of the gas pedal a little bit and let them back into the game. The defense really stepped up, made some plays for us, big plays for us in the fourth quarter."

(On the team overcoming adversity to win)

"We have been able to overcome a lot of different things this year; on the road, playing bad with turnovers, losing the turnover battle, penalties in the red zone, we have been able to overcome a lot. When it is time to make a play, there is always somebody to step up and make a play. It is not something we take pride in doing, but it is something that if you have a good team, you can do sometimes."

LB CATO JUNE

(On the win)

"It was a team victory, and that is what it is all about."

(On your interceptions)

"It’s all about getting to the ball and on that, CB Ronde Barber made a great play on two receivers and knocking the ball down and when you hustle to the football great things always happen as you can see in our defense all year."

(On finishing the game strong)

"It’s a standard, we have a standard as a defense to score and get the ball back and when we went out there up by three we had to stop the offense and no matter where the ball is put that’s our place to stand and we will go out there and make plays. We are an opportunistic defense, and we are ready to go out and make plays and have fun hustling to the ball."

(On a big game next week)

"It will be a great atmosphere to go down there. It’s a division game and it’s for all of the marbles, for right now at least, and it’s put up or shut up time. Someone will rise up to the occasion and become a premier team in the NFC and why not us."

S JERMAINE PHILLIPS

(On the challenge of playing against Drew Brees)

"It brings out the best in you, our whole team, period. I mean the Bucs are used to having this type of game that comes with the rivalry with the Saints."

(On his interception)

"We were just in a zone coverage, and I was just looking at Drew Brees, following his eyes, and he just looked to who he was trying to throw to."

LB BARRETT RUUD

(On the defense)

"I thought when we needed to step up, somebody always did, and that was what was great about today. When somebody had to make a play; and it came from everywhere, somebody did it. That was the best part of today."

(On playing against QB Drew Brees)

"When guys needed to step up, like S Jermaine Phillips’ first game back from a broken arm, make a great play. S Tanard Jackson had a great pick in the end zone that should have stood, I thought. And then CB Phillip Buchanon made a great break and you could see him come flying across the field and makes the pick to seal the game, and those DB’s, they really stepped up today."

(On S Jermaine Phillips)

"The one thing is when he was hurt he would come into meetings. He wanted to stay in the game, and he is always a guy that works extremely hard at practice, and even when he was hurt and couldn’t practice he was out there running and stuff and he really stepped in like he hadn’t missed a beat."

TE JERRAMY STEVENS

(On the win)

"It is a huge win. We know that we have to take care of our division first to reach our goals. It was a hard fought game but our defense stepped up big, made some huge plays. Anytime you try to throw against our defense that much, they are going to get after it and that is what happened."

(On playing another close game against New Orleans)

"It just seems to be that in this series against New Orleans, it is always close. We would like it to not be so close one of these times, but as long as you get the win, and that is we got."

(On the offense)

"I think we made plays when we had to and that is kind of the way we have been all year. We weren’t really moving the ball all that well in the fourth quarter, end of the third. We came out with two big scores early in the second half but we kind of stalled out a little bit. Everybody just stepping making plays when we really needed to have it, had huge plays out of Antonio Bryant and Jeff Garcia and Cadillac Williams, everybody just stepping up when they have to."

(On the touchdown pass to WR Antonio Bryant)

"It was a huge play, especially in weather like this, you don’t expect big plays like that. We did a great job up front giving Jeff time to get that ball out to Antonio and he was wide open."

DE GREG WHITE

(On the win)

"We went out there and played Buccaneer ball and anytime we do that, it’s a W. So far so good. We are 9-3."

(On the second half performance by the Buccaneer defense)

"We went out there and kept playing relentless. Jermaine Phillips came back and made big plays. Ronde Barber is the man. Everybody is taking turns. Everybody is playing unselfish football."

(On winning games and pulling them out late)

"We find a way to win. It may not be pretty but we always find a way to win. We have been doing it a lot lately this year. So we keep finding ways whether it is high scoring, low scoring, exciting or boring, we are going to find a way to win."

RB CARNELL WILLIAMS

(On his touchdown run)

"I was just like, ‘Wow!’ It just put me back to all the hard work I had put into the rehab. For me to go out there and score, I was just ecstatic."

(On the win)

"It’s one step closer to our goal. We want to come out of the South, we want to continue to get better, we want to finish up strong. So I just feel like if we continue to get better, continue to work hard, this team can do great things."

Poll

Do you still think the Saints have a chance to make the playoffs?

Yes

8 votes

No

56 votes

64 votes | Poll has closed

Green Bay Packers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Key Players

The Bull Gator — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:24:34 -0000

I’ve switched it up a little and instead of key matchups, I’m going to be focusing on key players for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ game this week. Which really isn’t all that different, but hey, why not.

Earnest Graham, RB, Tampa Bay

The Green Bay Packers has the fourteenth ranked rushing defense in the NFC. Yes kids, that’s out of 16 teams. They’re coming off a week in which Marion Barber put up 142 yards against them. That’s what the Bucs need from their starting running back.

Graham is coming off a game in which he only produced 16 yards on 12 carries. But that was kind of expected against the Chicago Bears’ defense. Now he’s going up against a team that allows 151 yards per game on the ground and he has a chance to define the flow of the game. If Graham can get going early and often, it could be a long day for the Packers. The Bucs need to play clock control because we all know Brian Griese isn’t going to put the ball in the air 67 times again anytime soon.

Antonio Bryant, WR, Tampa Bay

10 catches?!? 138 yards?!?

Bucs fans are still in shock over Bryant’s performance against the Bears. A career underachiever who was out of football in 2007, Bryant caught a career high 10 catches against the Bears and suddenly Bucs fans had dreams of a big wide receiver that holds onto the ball.

Here’s the problem. In the previous two games, Bryant had 3 total catches. The Bucs also threw the ball only 41 and 31 times n those games – or 26 and 36 less times than they did against the Bears. The issue for Bryant is those attempt numbers from the first two games are much more likely to happen consistently than the 67 against the Bears. So expect his production to dip. However, the most important thing for Bryant to do is CATCH THE BALL! Against the Bears he looked like an All-Pro. Against everyone else, he’s looked no better than a 4th or even 5th option based on his drops.

Bryant probably won’t get 10 catches again, but if he can hold onto the ball, 6-8 is realistic and he definitely can be a game changer.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay

Repeat after me. Aaron Rodgers is not Brett Favre. Go ahead. It’s okay. Aaron Rodgers is not Brett Favre. One more time. Aaron Rodgers is not Brett Favre. Okay good. So the Bucs have absolutely nothing to worry about. They are facing the Rodgers-led Pack. Not the Favre-led Pack.

Wait. What? Rodgers is playing better than Favre so far this year? No way. You’re kidding. Rodgers has a higher rating and hasn’t thrown an interception this year? Seriously? Yes seriously. Rodgers has shown in three games that he isn’t a bad quarterback. Far from it. But like I’ve said about other players, he can’t keep this up every game. Even league MVPs have off games from time to time and the Bucs main goal is to make sure this is an off game for Rodgers. He has the receivers to stretch the field, the running game to help him move the ball, and the patience and intelligence to not make bad throws. Since Rodgers isn’t going to make plays for them, it’s up to the Bucs to force him too.

Gaines Adams & Greg White, DEs, Tampa Bay

I’m going to the mall today and purchasing a white Adams jersey and a red White jersey! Okay that’s probably not a good idea considering the poor jersey choices I’ve already made during my lifetime. But I am in love with these two.

Along with the venerable Kevin Carter, Tampa Bay has put together one of the league’s top defensive line rotations. Don’t believe me? White is fifth in the league in sacks and Adams is one of only two defensive lineman to return an interception for a touchdown. Oh and for good measure, Carter leads Bucs’ defensive ends with 9 tackles.

Anyway, Adams and White are crucial in this game. Rodgers has looked very good in three starts, but here’s the key stat: Rodgers was sacked only once in the two wins, but five times in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Anyone can put two and two together. GET TO RODGERS! Statistically speaking Rodgers had his worst game against Dallas and it’s no coincidence that the Packers lost. Adams, White, and even Carter must come at him over and over and over and over and…

Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE Greg White has a Blog! Who knew?

JScott — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:30:44 -0000

The NBA's Gilbert Arenas does it, so does MLB's Curt Schilling, so why not #91 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Big boy Greg White... That's right, our Defensive End has a Blog and he plans to update it regularly (good luck with that my man). At Greg's blog: Blitz91.com he has a section where you can send in questions to the big fella and so i did..

JScott: Greg... Big 91... Let the fan base in on your current move from Left Defensive End, back to Right Defensive End. Some call it a demotion, some wonder why Kevin Carter is starting and some wish you, Gaines, and Jovan could all start. Let us know whats up man!

Greg White: I never considered being moved to the left side as a demotion..I am glad they moved me back to the right side! As far as Kevin Carter goes, he could possibly be going to the hall of fame.. I respect him tremendously.. I have learned alot of things not just about football but life too [from him].. He is very down to earth for being a multi- millionaire (he would hate if I called him that..lol). Although, I do second the motion about Gaines, Jovan and I starting.. What do you expect me to say!? If it was Kevin he would more than likely say, he should be starting and if he didn't then shame on him!

Be sure to check Greg's blog out regularly as this opportunity to peer directly into an athletes life (on your favorite team) is almost unheard of. His first blog post was about the upcoming roster cuts and how he's dealt with them over the years. It's a struggle to read, but it's the man's first post so cut him some slack!!

I can't wait to follow his progress throughout the season, should be good...