I don't think Goodell is qualified to make unilateral decisions or even to be involved in decisions that are this closely tied to actions on the field. I think he is qualified to deal with the dollars and cents of the NFL, being an Economics major and having a background in front - office things. But, when it come to things that happen within the lines of the playing field and the locker room, well for God sakes' this guy never even played college football let alone NFL football. How can someone truly know what goes through the mind and what motivates and influences NFL players and be able to look at onfield issues if he never engaged in the activity that this game is all about?

When the last time you played fooitball was high school, aren't you somewhat removed from how the game has changed over decades and how it has evolved? Isn't your perspective quite different than someone who has been in the trenches? His reality is just slightly above the level of the average fan when it comes to really having a significant, realistic working knowledge of what it is like to be an NFL player. He needs to have a panel of individuals who have been there, and done that and know the trials, tribulations, temptations, joys and agonies of actually being in the NFL that would advise him and rule on matters.

Again, when it has to do with economics, procedures, legalities, and things that are non- pigskin related, he should be considered qualified. But, and this is just my humble opinion, when it comes to knowing anything about the onfield game and what goes on and what the players experience, he needs help in that area.

So far Goodell has hurt the Saints considerably. He has sent a message- a strong one at that. The message was received loudly and clearly not only by the Saints, but by the whole league. The coaches and GM that have been suspended have been devestated in more ways than one. But, the Saints, as they stand, can still be competitive this year. Unless certain things happen or don't happen.

Now comes the really important stuff. This is where you can devestate the entire fanbase of a team. In fact it can involve many teams. I haven't tallied the numbers, but clearly there are ex- Saints defensive players around the league on many different rosters. Depending on the Saints players who get suspended and for how many games, it can make the difference if this season is a total waste or a season worth buying into with your whole heart and soul.

I am hopeful there will be fines but minimal suspensions or no suspensions. I am hoping that Goodell sees he can really screw up a bunch innocent teams' rosters and plans with suspensions. The message has been set. Perhaps the sanctions against management has been so severe because of this.

It is my opinion that the Saints offense will continue to be powerful this season (assuming Brees is signed and plays) even without Payton. I am sure that Carmichael and Brees can conspire to run the offense at a high level. And we are very lucky to have Spagnoulo who is a master defensive coach and also has head coaching experience. Joe Vitt wil be back after 6 games. If we don''t get whacked as far as defensive suspensions, we have a considerable amount of decent players on that side of the ball to be competitive. We still have a very suspect pass rush (which means Romeus has to step up- this is not an optional thing anymore), and Galetta, Will Smith , etal will have to be better than last year. I am confident Broderick Bunkley will be an big asset. And, the emphasis on trades/pickups/ draft/ undrafted free agents will be linebacker (sign London Fletcher!) . But, all things considered, if we are not in a situation where multiple starters are playing muliple game suspensions, we can survive. As I said, though, if Goodell whacks us, we are in for a long season.

When the Super Bowl occurs this year, as it will, in New Orleans, every citizen should make a point to do this: Whenever they encounter Roger Goodell- at a restaurant, at the Super Dome, at the airport, at the gas station, at Dunkin Donuts, at the Hotel, and everywhere else, (and every citizen should become immensely familiar with his picture), a dialogue such as this should occur: Mr Goodell, I respecttfully disagree with what you have done and how you have blown this out of proportion and have made Saints fans suffer. I realize there was a a transgression and Saints management needed to be sanctioned, but you handled this poorly and now you expect this city to roll out the red carpet for you, you are someone we don't care for (and some even despise you)and you are not only not welcome here but we hope you never return and you resign your position as soon as humanly possible. The NFL would be better without you.

The Saints organization appears guilty, as the case has been presented. But, how does this work? Does the NFL just get to say XYZ, and the Saints get to say but, in regards to XYX and in defense of XYZ....and the NFL says but..nothing...nada. You are guilty. The NFL, specifically me (Roger Goodell) and my cronies, we are the judge and jury; the end all and be all, and whatever we say- whatever our investigation reveals, regardless of who gathered the information; regardless of who we interviewed; regardles of our agenda, our credibility, our methods, regardles of anyone's ulterior motives, regardless of the credibility of anyone involved, this is the way it goes down. We call the shots. If you want to play, coach, or own in the NFL after this moment...then go along or go away. Regardless of what the individual's/organization's contentions are- it doesn't matter? Like when a referee makes a call? Or, is it like our judicial system, like what our country's judicial system was founded on - that you are innoncent until proven guilty? That there should be some due process. Context, witnesses, testimony, evidence. This is serious stuff. Shouldn't they have to prove something at least to a reasonable doubt standard? Am I the only one thinking this? Suppose someone disgruntled or someones (plural)disgruntled blew this way out of proportion? Suppose it was just about bounties for the first interception or fumble recovery or best hit? The best hit, the best forced fumble. Doesn't Sports Center do something like that? That may be wrong, but is that so bad? I am not saying the Saints are totally innocent or blameless. But, what is the process? Where is the process? Forget about the New Orleans fans, the ones that this will affect the most. This is what dictator Goodel has decreed and there will be no arguing. There is nothing further. This is the decree! Doesn't seem right.

I was just doing some research about the 49ers roster/depth chart, and one thing just jumped out at me off the page. I don't have any bonafide statistical evidence to back this up, but it is my impression after searching a bit, that this team could be setting a record for the team in the history of the NFL to enter the playoffs with the least amount of playoff experience under its belt.

No, this doesn't men a victory is guaranteed by us. No, far from it. Just an interesting characteristic and I would have thought that with all the media coverage , one analyst would have brought this to our attention. They are a very young team, very talented, and many of them have played for several years together- some on only this one team-careers ranging from 1 to 2 to 3 years or 5-8 years or more. Ironically, one of the few players that seems to have abundant experience, having played on at least 3 teams and has played in playoffs, is our ex- center Jon Goodwin.

I am sure Payton is aware of the lack of playoff experience and will try to find a way to take advantage of it if possible.

It could be an achilles heel for them, or it may not be. They really have nothing to lose. Whether they win or lose Saturday, no one is expecting them to win the Super Bowl. It would be great if our Saints could make itbe an achilles heel. But, again, they are a good team and it is unlikely they will just fold. The best we can hope for is they make a few "rookie-type" mistakes and we don't. I liked our chances before I knew this aspect and this just reinforces it a little bit. Anyway, I just thought that was very interesting.

This offense is so potent,clearly it needs a name. It needs to be revered like when we speak of The Dome Patrol or The Purple People Eaters or the Cincinnatti's Baseball Big Red Machine. When people say "The Greatest Show on Turf" we all know what team and players that included. It's time that this offense got the appropriate respect. No disrespect to the defense- I have been really proud of them. They are making big plays and only giving up 2 TDs per game the last half of the season. The 2nd half shutout of Carolina was impressive. I love our D. But, our offense is record-shattering and deserving of going down in the archives as a unit that has it's own name. Off the top of my head, I came up with "THE ASSAULT" because they can get you on the ground or through the air. But, I thought it would be fun to have everyone pitch in their ideas- maybe we can have a vote on it and see what sticks. What do you think?

Poll

Does Our Offense Need A Name Like The Dome Patrol Got?

77%

Hell Yeah, let's do it !

52 votes

5%

Nah, why shake things up now?

4 votes

16%

The Hamburger Helpers?

11 votes

67 votes | Poll has closed

I was just up on the website logging in my Pro Bowl votes.

 http://www.nfl.com/probowl/ballot

There were some unusual things that surprised me. The two defensive ends that are candidates from the Saints are Turk Mc Bride and Cam Jordan. No Will Smith. I know he sat out the first 2 games, but to me he is our best DE. Was the suspension the issue? Additionally, at outside LB we have Shanle and Will Herring. Will Herring? Greg Romeus has almost as many minutes and he is on IR- am I wrong? Shanle has to be there, but clearly the 2nd slot should be Casillas - possibly Dunbar I guess. Herring? It's sad- if you tally our 4 Pro Bowl DL candidates (so that wouldn't include Smith), they have 2.5 sacks between the 4 of them (that includes Abrayo Franklin and Sedrick Ellis). Cam Newton needs to get off the schnied. Nice to see PT on the list. Doubtful he will win, but at least he gets the recogniton. His 4.7 ypc is very respectable, in contrast to our DE stats. Anyway, try to take 5 minutes and vote!

We truly have four very good running backs that can all contribute substantially to this team.  But are we at our strongest using all 4 in a particular game?  Should all 4 be active?

Poll

Four Headed Monster or Three Headed Monster?

58%

a) Four Headed Monster

39 votes

14%

b) Three Headed- Sproles, PT, Ivory

10 votes

13%

c) Three Sproles, PT, Ingram

9 votes

2%

d) Three - other

2 votes

10%

e) triple burger or quadruple burger - either way it's all good

7 votes

67 votes | Poll has closed

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I happened to be thinking the other day how there is just an incredible amount of talent assembled in the NFC South at the TE position- possibly the best collection in a division of all time.  Most of you know who I am talking about- our own Jimmy Graham, Tony Gonzalez, Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow.

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 For 2 games?  He knows GW inside and out and visa versa. Is there any question he will give 110% to this team?  Is he the best DE/DT in the league? Clearly not.. Could he be the best on Thurs 9/8?  Could happen. But, he can play DE/DT in GW's scheme in a moments notice.  If we had DE/DTs that were phenomenal, would I write this?

I think if Jr Galette and Cam Jordan have futures in the NFL, he could be a GREAT mentor. They can do practice squad for now. Hargrove knows the ropes. He knows  the OL of other teams  To me it's a perfect fit. If we can do better, then we should do better. IIf we can get Jon Abraham or Osi Omeniyoria. then do it.   I would rather gamble on Hargrove than Alex Brown. Will Smith will come back and we can reasess then- re Hargrove, Brown or others. But I don't know if Cam Jordan is ready. Nobody knows. He didn't do that much in preseason.  Bring him along slowly withy veteran mentorship.. 

Watching The Saints play Oakland last night confirmed something I've been thinking for a long time. Why not just skip kicking the extra point and focus on trying to make more than 50% of of 2 pt attempts? 

Poll

Kick it or GO FOR IT?

27%

Are you CRAZY? Let's get Hartley back soon!!

19 votes

45%

GO FOR IT ! Let our offensive MACHINE do it's thing!!

31 votes

26%

How am I going to have time for a hamburger during the commercial?

18 votes

68 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

Mark Ingram seems like he will be the real deal.  He seems like he will be a great asset and in many ways just what we needed, and let's not get into the Tusk- PT-Reggie debate, let's just go with the flow on this that we needed a RB like Ingram.  I think he was a good choice. 

So, 1) why didn't we draft him at 23 instead of Cameron Jordan? 

2) why did we draft at first pick a player that is highly respected but is evaluated to never be a sack specialist? 

weren't we looking to put pressure on the QB and be able to do it without the blitz? What would be the down side of picking Ingram at 23?   Is Jordan going to be another Will Smith or Alex Brown or what's his name we cut last year? Do we really need another DE  whose specialty is stopping the run?  Dont we have that?  What makes us think he will produce sacks which is arguably this team's largest need? 

How about we all raise a glass together as a 4000 person giant toast to our Saints, the present World Champions?  We should do this, let's say, at 6:20 on Sunday night EST, (5:20 New Orleans time).  It will be the final moments of the  reign of the Saints and will commemorate the Greatest Year in the history of the franchise.  We should also include in the toast a celebration of the success of CSC, a thanks to Dave, and acknowledgement of how excellent CSC is and  and it's huge growth - included in that would certainly be kudos to Andrew, Satch, Hans, Jon and Stuart.  

I won't be able to lead it- I will be at a party and not sure if I will have interenet access.  But, I will participoate in the toast at  that time by raising a glass  and I hope someone takes up this idea and takes the lead.  Our Saints deserve it and so do we!!!

I guess I am just angry.  I like Julius Jones.  I think he's helped this team and he's much above average. But, at this point in his career I don't consider him A WEAPON.  He carried the ball 15 times and had 6 receptions. He was targeted in pass plays 9 times.  What is up with that?

With all the weapons we have- Bush, Colston, Meachem, Shockey, Moore, Henderson, heck I'll even throw in Dave Thomas and De Shawn Wynn as candidates to gain more than 4 yards per play on the ground and outside of 1 play in the air- about 5 or 6 yards, it just doesn't seem prudent. The game should not have hinged on Julius Jones and it did. Don't get me wrong, Jones had a pretty good game.  But, he's not one of our weapons and he wasn't put on the roster to carry our team and he's not really capable of doing so.  He's a complimentary back. And we tried to win the game by riding him and it was a stupid move and it didn't work.  Would we have expected victory doing the same with Ladelle Betts if Jones was on IR and Betts was playing?  Should our playoff hopes revolved around the expectation of the kind of game Jones had?  Would next week's opponent worry about the Saints chances based on Jones's abilities?  Outside of Drew Brees, this guy touched the ball the most of any offensive player (ok maybe Jon Goodwin) and that just wasn't wise.

To put the ball in his hands 21 times and expect a victory- well that just seemed stupid.  Maybe it's just me. But I think if you asked the average fan or any analyst, or any NFL player  before the game if a stategy of getting the ball 21 times to Julius Jones in this game was a recipe for this team's victory, I think every one would have said no, don't do it.   Try something else- there are other strategies more likely to work.

It was a half- hearted attempt at having a running game and it was a strategy that either wasn't thought out or it was a "wing it" approach. I would have been even more comfortable if they gave Jones 25 carries. At least that was an attempt at a commitment. But 15 rushes to a back that was there as a replacement - it showed a lack of committment and a lack of judgement. 

I've been a supporter of Reggie.  I believe in his talent- I've defended him and appreciated that he helped us get to and win the Saints only Super Bowl ever and get to the only other NFC Championship game. 

I've also criticized him at times and lobbied for him to NOT be an "every-down" back because after Deuce left it became apparent to me that he was not suited for that.  That was then.  Now is now. 

The time has come, at least for one game, for Reggie to carry this team.  Yes carry it.  This is the perfect opportunity. At a time when everyone else- teamates and opponents alike - are banged up and depleted, Reggie is healthy, fresh and should be ready and willing for the challenge.  This is a team with a defense that can be vulnerable and they are not familiar with Reggie.  I have every confidence that Payton is capable of implementing a game plan to utilize Reggie in this fashion and set the best possible stage for it to happen.  Whether or not Payton does so remains to be seen.

Reggie needs to be the "Every Down" back he hasn't been since college.  If only for this game, he needs to be it.
They need to take him off of punts and let him focus on being the best possible RB he can be.

He needs to hold onto the ball, and to run screens well, he needs to run up the middle, he needs to run outside. He needs to catch every pass that's thrown to him. Payton  needs to stay with him. We need to live or die with him. He needs to know this going in.  He is what we have.  Not that Julius Jones can't or shouldn't get some carries.  He should. But the game plan shouldn't revolve around Jones.  Nor Wynn.  And the game plan should not revolve around 45 passing atempts in the cold rain or around Colston, Graham, Shockey or Moore.  Wynn should get some carries also since we may need him if we advance and he needs to get his feet wet.  Brees should have the burden taken off of him and be allowed a shot at zero interceptions and playing in a balanced scheme where he has the luxury to throw the ball away at times. No, this one has to be on Reggie.  And, let's not go in that different direction- no RB by Committee- we've seen enough of that.  A true running back by committee leaves no one accountable or as invested as much as they need to be. No one gets any rhythm.  It's playoff time. It's time to commit.

So, it's time to find out about next season this season.  It's time to see if Reggie still has the heart of a Lion.  We all know what he CAN do, we need to see what he WILL do.   If he can carry the team this week, he will open up opportunities for all of our other weapons for this game and the following ones. Everyone will breathe a sigh of relief.  It's the BIG FIX. This is the only game he will need to carry us. In the others he will have to be a major player, but not carry us.  If he can do this, everything will fall into place.

GEAUX SAINTS!  WHO DAT!

On that fumble that Vilma recovered- did anyone notice where Matty Ice backed off and ran away from that fumble?  Cleary he didn't even attempt to get down on the ground and try to get the ball. It happened fast, it was hard for me to determine, but that's what I saw.  Anyone else notice?  Maybe he should be Matty Mice, not Matty Ice?

 

Sorry this guy is very good in the regular season most of the time.  He hasn't been tested in playoff competition.  This was his 2nd big game of his career. He was above average. Very little above average.  His other big game was a playoff game. They lost.  O for 2 in big games.  No other big games.  He can't just rely on Turner- Turner is very good.  Not great.  This is a team that is very far from great. I can't see them winning a SB. Greatness might be in Matty Mice's  future or he might just be like a Phil Simms- a guy who doesn't lose games but let' other teammates win games. Not so bad.   But not great like some are saying.  Not a guy who should be called Matty Ice.  What do you think?

 

I also think the Falcons are tired - they have had an incredible parcity of injuries which for them is good.  The down side- they all have played A LOT of downs.  No rest.  I think it will affect them in the playoffs.  We will see.

The entire NFC West ( each team) has a losing record - I think most are aware of that.  But, to make it worse is that they all have a negative point differential.  I wonder if that has ever happened before.  I've never really focused on that (as an entire division) before, but I bet it hasn't.  Usually at least one team in a division has a winning record and/or scores more than it gives up.   I think Seattle is still alive with one week left and they are at minus 107 pts!  They could win by a point next week and conceiveably  make the playoffs with a minus 106 pts diff. The whole division has scored 332 points LESS than they have given up.  That's just amazing.

As I write this, I know there are some folks who are going to jump all over this.  I am well aware.  I can even name them, but I won't.  But here's the stat- Teams that have 3 road games in a row only win all 3... 11% of the time.  They lose at least 1 game 89% of the time.  This may be associated with stats since the league realignment or it could be longer.  I saw it on ESPN yesterday.   Why do I bring that up?  It obviously has to do with the Falcons.

Now, don't get me wrong.  The Falcons could easily be in that 11%- they don't defeat themselves.  They have played well.  I don't find them overly impressive, but I do find them solid. Two things strike me about this situation.  It seems like a lot of our CSC members are ready to proclaim them as the #1 seed and are not looking at all the factors such as this 89-11 discrepancy or another big factor mentioned below. This stat clearly leaves much more room for optimism.  Or the fact that we are just a better team- more explosive on both sides of the ball.  The other is that  the Falcons (ok my research is far from scientific) have had like a factor of 1 on the injury gradient on a scale from 1-10.  Anyone have any data on that?  I know they have way less injuries than the Saints, Giants, Eagles, Packers, Vikings, Bucs, Bengals, Redskins, etc.  But it seems uncanny.  It must either mean they are due, they are beat up but holding on, or it's their year.  Playing on an artificial surface, I am amazed at how few injuries overall and how few key injuries they have suffered.  It seems like one of the less-injured teams of all times.

Is it their year? Well, they are good but a little too unexplosive and a little too vanilla for my tastes. But, they are consistent and they don't turn the ball over.  Big pluses.  Matty Ice- for my taste I think he got his nickname a little too easy-  I mean... what pressure game - I mean really important game- did he earn it on? Don't you need to earn that a little past your 3rd year and/or in an important- maybe a playoff- game?  A Super Bowl? Or, a series of important playoff games? I mean they didn't even call Montana or Bradshaw "Ice."  It's his third year and they didn't make the playoffs last year and he had a so-so season last year.  But, let's face it - he is a good QB.  If he does anything on Mon 12-26 to earn the name "ICE" I will recant.  Let's keep watching. I'm on record as opposed to him being labeled ICE so early on.  I think he needs to have more of a resume for it.

Getting back to the whole premise here, I was watching the NFL channel and one of its specials was about the 10 most difficult venues to play in the NFL.  I'll have to admit, I didn't watch it but the synopsis said that the Dome in Seattle is one of the most difficult places to play in.  I was surprised. I thought places like NOLA (modern day) KC, NY, Chicago, NE, Phila, were some of the toughest.  I never thought Seattle.  But, they say yes.

Well, anyway,   that's my story; I'm sticking to it.

Okay, we are down to 7 teams that will make the NFC playoffs- Tampa is done- lost a starting safety, a starting Rt Off Tackle, and they just really weren't that good to begin with.  I don't see them making the playoffs.  If they do, it probably bodes well for us.  Probably means they beat Atlanta. But, I don't see them being better than 9-7 - maybe...possibly 10-6, but I doubt it..  They already have 4 losses.  If they make the playoffs it would be in a tie breaker with Chicago or Green Bay. I don't see that happening, but, again, if it does it probably means they beat Atllanta.

 I am predicting Phila will be the last to fall and miss the playoffs because I see them losing @ NY with 2 games left and then they play Minn and Dallas to end the season and these two teams have nothing to lose. It will be Favre's last game vs. Phila and next to last of his career. They will do anything to win even though it's just for pride.  Dallas ripped Phila 2x last year and the last game of the season, they will love being spoilers. They hate the Eagles, they have a coach they are rallying around, and they are playing for next year. Did I say they hate the Eagles?  They have to at least split with the Eagles- if they don't they will take 3 Phila players minimum to the IR in very physical contests. .  They will know they are spoilers and Vick, with a shaky offensive line and cold, wet windy Phila weather will not be able to execute the 60 yd explosive plays that puts the Eagle on the next tier. When Minn visits Phila, AP will churn it out for the Vikings and even though Favre will throw 2 ints he will throw  2 TDs as well and the Eagles will sit the playoffs out. Remember, Favre is used to the cold weather of Green Bay, Vick is used to a dome and a prison cell. Oh, and he played at Virginia Tech.   I see him struggling in NY and Phila in December and January unless the have dome conditions.

The Giants, on the basis of their defense, will win 3 or 4   out of their last 5 ( wins vs Phil,  Wash, Wash,- maybe Minn) they will finish 10-6 or 11-5.  They are built for cold northeast weather.  Not flashy, but they can grind.

Seattle- will make the playoffs as # 4 seed. They are in a dogfight vs. St Louis.  I see Seattle upsetting Atlanta in Seattle. Atlanta is a better team but they also have 3 away games in a row. See below...  St Louis is not a playoff team  but thy will be competitive and have a good future.  Seattle is not a playoff team either but they are desperate and just talented enough- they have their moments.  They are much better at home.

Atlanta will get worn down by Carolina and Tampa- maybe Atlanta  will win, but the two games on the road will exact a big toll on them. So, they will either split in their games vs Carolina and Tampa, or win both.  Either way, by the time they travel across the country to Seattle for their third road game in a row,  they will be spent and will lose on the left coast and then come home and get spanked by a superior Saints team who will exact revenge for a bogus loss at home earlier in the season.  The combination of two physical divisional contests and then to cap it off playing on the other side of the country, this will be a big factor.  We profit from that scenario. 

Chicago and Green Bay will finish 10-6 or 11-5 - not sure about specifics there- could be a tie, but both will make the playoffs. I don't see either team as phenomenal, but both are good- especially defensively and at home and both ar bonfide playoff teams. I will be shocked if either team misses the playoffs. 

Saints will finish 12-4.  First seed in NFC with a bye. They will either lose to Cinn or Baltimore- probably Baltimore, but win the rest.  Their superior conference record after their divisional record being tied to the Falcons, will put them in the driver's seat.

By the way, Eagles could lose Thurs vs. Houston - their weak defensive secondary has been exposed and coaches will have learned how to beat the Eagles- run in Assante Samuel's direction (if he plays) , if not , pick apart any of the other 3-4-5  defensive secondary players with accurate passes.  If Samuel doesn't play,the Eagles have no hope. With Hobbs gone for the season and no Samuel, they need 7 sacks to win.  If Samuel plays, he could be partially hobbled also. Schwab has to just weather the storm as far as blitzes are concerned, because there will be a minimum of defensive secondary and they are inexperienced. He will have the opportunity to pivk them apart.   Andre Johnson should have a field day. Foster is a beast with 1247 yds and 12 TDs.

To simplify, the Saints just have to take care of business for the next 5 weeks. I hope my predictions are wrong- I hope the Saints win all 5, not just 4!!   That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

Wow, what a victory last night!  The Saints have played well under pressure, amid adversity, and under the big spotlight several times now. That's an excellent thing to have on your resume.  We won without Shockey, PT, Sharper, and with Reggie rusty and in a funk and doing more damage than good. Others were banged up.  But we won.

Now, (inevitable comparison to last year) I was 100% sure we would go to the Super Bowl in 09..  This year, even in the tough times, I have been 100% sure we would make the playoffs. As far as making it to the Super Bowl this year - well I was a ...maybe a ...possibly.  But, I never envisioned our defense playing so well this season- I thought they would be improved, but not as much as I am seeing. So I am vastly encouraged.  I know they had a kind of bad 2nd half yesterday, but I think the offense's turnovers had much to do with it. They had a GREAT first half.  And the Miles Austin reverse, if you take that away, it could be a whole different 2nd half. Where were the refs on that play?  I mean, I don't think I've ever seen a hold where it starts to be an offensive player holding a defender's jersey in the front and then continues OVER HIS SHOULDER to be a hold on the defender's jersey from the rear as the defender turns around !!  And, it was right NEXT to Austin as he raced by!!! PS-  D forced 7 fumbles yesterday. Well, maybe not forced ALL of them, but you know what I mean.  A team that fumbles that many times (ala Vikings NFC Champuionship game last year) doesn't deserve to win.

Poll

WHO IS OUR WORST MATCHUP IF WE MEET IN PLAYOFFS?

24%

Atlanta

21 votes

3%

Chicago

3 votes

16%

Green Bay

14 votes

1%

New York

1 votes

47%

Philadelphia

40 votes

0%

Seattle

0 votes

0%

Tampa Bay

0 votes

7%

Hamburgers

6 votes

85 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

Last year I made a post about how it is different in Philadelphia.  I have been a loyal Saints fan since 1984 or thereabouts because I just can't stand the atmosphere and general air of the Eagles fans, stadium, etc. But, I love NFL football!   Bear in mind I lived in Philadelphia while attending and graduating the Univ of Pennsylvnia and staying an extra year living and working on campus.  My daughter (to my dismay- even though it is a phenomenal university) attended Penn and graduated there.  But, check out this on Bleeding Green nation - give me your feedback - and I think it's obvious why this is a much better site than what WE have there and why Eagles fans have a bad reputation .  Click below and read-up

PS- Kudos to Dave....



http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2010/11/22/1829264/when-eli-was-young-archie-tried-to-beat-the-fail-out-of-him

 

I think it's pretty classless

In spite of the fact that our offense could really use Reggie's abilities right now and all that he brings to the table, Reggie should either come back after the bye week or play sparingly vs. Carolina.  Let's face it- if the fracture is healed up like it probably is, that doesn't mean Reggie is 100% re: muscles, ligaments etc as well as conditioning and timing.  He hasn't practiced.  He and the team would be much better served by bringing him back after he practices an abundant amount of time and allow him to get his timing and reflexes where they need to be. We don't need an offense misfiring because a gifted player, who everyone is hoping will help turn things around, is rusty.  No, we need to be consistent and methodical and not turn the ball over or commit mental mistakes because of being rusty.  It doesn't have to be real exciting, just a "W."   Then we can build from there.

I have every confidence that we can beat Pittsburgh, which admittedly is the best team in the NFL right now, if we come in with a good game plan, play at a very high level, and take advantage of the home field advantage situation. Not turning the ball over would actually be the # 1 priority and an X factor.  Another X factor would be exploiting their replacement for Aaron Smith at DE. Along that line of thinking,  let's use our TE's like we can and have been successful with in the past.  Both Shockey and Thomas.  I would focus both pass and run plays around those guys. I would love to see Thomas moving around more like last year where you never knew if he was a FB or a TE or a slot guy.   

We clearly will have to do all of those things and hope a few breaks go our way instead of Pittsburgh's way to win. But, to have Reggie come back and perform in a mediocre fashion in THIS game because he is just barely ready, well I think that would add to the negativity and doubt  that has crept in. I think Ivory, Betts and Jones can get the job done. I don't expect it to be a wide open run and gun game- we may have to grind a bit and take a few selective shots when we can, but it can be accomplished.  A 100% Reggie would be perfect for this game, but I just wouldn't think there is much of a chance he would be 100% so playing him in that situation could backfire.

If we don't win, it just means we come back the next week and make sure we get a win before the bye and then come back very healthy and motivated after the bye to go on a tear. But I think we can win this one- we just need the crowd to do what it does best.  Wish I could be there!!

Okay, so where do we go from here?  We are facing the best team (probably) that we will face this season.   I have some ideas as to how we fix the situation.  My opinion is that we aren't that far off the mark- some will disagree. My opinion is that where we ARE off the mark  is critical.  We need to make some changes, but not as many as it may appear to some.

As far as defense is concerned, we have been doing pretty good.  I have great confidence that GW will come up with a great game plan.  I think we need to work Sharper into the nickel packages, and hopefully we will have Greer and Porter at least in a rotation. We need to throw the kitchen sink at them on pass rush, but very descriminately.  We also need to  change it up a bit like we did vs. Minnesota with a 3 man rush at times.  Keep them guessing and not knowing what we are doing.  Play Danny Clark on running downs and downs where it is not clear they will pass.  Rotate Charleston and Wilkerson in to keep DLs fresh.  I like Marvin Mitchell on passing downs at LB. I have great confidence in our defense- I don't think they have played poorly yet.

On offense, utilize Dave Thomas more as he has been ultra dependable and they will be focused on our other weapons.  Thomas may not be a super star, but we need consistency. The key to our offense is ball security- early on it was preventing fumbles, lately it has been INTS.  Don't use Graham except in the red zone- I actually love the guy and expect big things from him in the playoffs and the future. .  But, Brees needs to be surrounded by guys he has total, 100% comfort with that he has history with.  And, if Reggie (or PT ) plays, there is a transition because he hasn't played with them in weeks. And, he may have to work with Betts, Ivory or Jones, so that's a lot of players he hasn't had the time to really gel with in a huge way.  Keep it comfortable and simple.  Minimize Henderson but when he plays go long into single coverage if possible.

Go to Colston and Shockey ( and Thomas) as your go to guys and take some shots with Meachem and Moore.  In fact use Moore as much as you like if the matchups are good.   Hopefully if PT doesn't play we have really worked out the kinks with our other backs re: screen passes because we will need them. Also, use bubble screens to Shockey and Thomas.  Run the ball , run the ball. If Ivory or any other back fumbles, well it's just the chance you have to take. 

All of that is good, but I think the main thing is cut down on the penalties and turnovers and our chances are very good.

Now about special teams....I don't really have a clue except they have to get better.  Maybe someone else can contribute there....

I watch most Saints games at a bar where 7 or 8 games are on at a time.  It appears to me EVERYBODY is missing FGs these bays, not just the Saints.  I saw a guy hit the same upright 2 times yesterday and witnessed at least 3 other misses besides Hartley.  I was curious to see if kickers were performing like usual or was my suspicion that more misses were occuring this year than other years..

Now, don't misunderstand, Hartley's misses are not acceptable.  He has to do better. Games are decided on FGs often, inspite of all of us wanting TDs.  But, it seems like the kickers are missing more this year than usual.

So, I looked into it and this year kickers have missed 70 FGs out of 340 attempts. That's a 20.58 % miss percentage.  Last year,  for the entire season, the miss percentage was less - going 17.21 % with 152 misses in 883 attempts.  Now, my analysis is not very in-depth, but it does show a higher percentage of misses this year and I would think that kicks later in the season would be tougher due to bad weather playing a part.  We haven't even gotten to the tough times yet.  However, I don't know if that's necessarily true because it is possible that in bad weather teams will not try long field goals as a result of the bad conditions. 

Anyway, I just thought this was interesting and I would welcome any thoughts.  Bottom line for us, though, is that Hartley has to be more consistent , esapecially on the ones that are well within his range. 

It isn't and it won't be.  But, seems to me the fix is apparent.  Not necessarily easy, but obvious.  You can't lose the turnover battle.  Which means you can't give the ball away.  That simple. You could try to just outdo the other team- in other words if we turn the ball over 3 times, we need our defense to take it away 5 times. Nah, no good, won't happen.  Secure the ball.  Catch the ball.  Don't drop the ball.

We just need to secure the ball.  I am not worried about Drew. The Ints will work their way out- some games they have been non-existent.  And it really is a tough thing for Betts and Ivory with limited or no playing time prior to October-  but they still have to come through and secure the ball. I think Payton would have run the ball more but he was a little worried about Ivory and Betts as far as ball security.  And the receivers have to stop the drops.

That's the recipe- that's the plan.  It may not be quite that simple, but then again it just might be.  No team is ever perfect so there will be other tweaks and improvements to make. We need to NOT MISS FGs also.  But, if we don't turn the ball over we win.

On the bright side our defense played well. P Robinson had a monster game in his first start- that's big.  The best receiver in the league (IMO- Fitzgerald) was on the field too. Jeff Charleston also played well among others. And I feel I should mention that Jenkins has done a very good job all year at his new position. Somebody will surely disagree, but I don't think you can expect anymore from Jenkins in only his second year and learning a new position. And he is playing with a revolving door of a defensive secondary.  The defense forced an INT and a few fumbles this past game ( who would've thought a forced fumble results in a TD for the freakin' offensive tackle??)   Wow, that was just bad luck.

And, we have a lot to look forward to- we have Bush, PT, Porter, Sharper, Will Smith, Ingram and more to look forward to.  It should get better.