I posted a list of all current Saints defensive players, broken down position, along with the number of games they played with the team since 2009, in another thread. This based on the assumption that punishments will ultimately be divvied up based on tenure, i.e., time spent playing under Gregg Williams in New Orleans.

First, let's revisit that list:

DL
Will Smith - 45
Sedrick Ellis - 41
Junior Galette - 20
Cameron Jordan - 16
Tom Johnson - 13
Turk McBride - 8
Mitch King - 3
Brodrick Bunkley - 0
Swanson Miller - 0
Greg Romeus - 0

LBs
Scott Shanle - 44
Jonathan Vilma - 42
Martez Wilson - 13
Will Herring - 11
Nate Bussey - 0
Ezra Butler - 0
Chris Chamberlain - 0
Jeremiah Hunter - 0
Curtis Lofton - 0

DBs
Roman Harper - 47
Malcolm Jenkins - 44
Jabari Greer - 39
Patrick Robinson - 26
Isa Abdul-Quddus - 16
Jonathon Amaya - 16
Johnny Patrick - 9
Kamaal McIlwain - 0
Cord Parks - 0
Josh Victorian - 0

To reiterate, there are only 18 defensive players who actually played under Williams in New Orleans currently under contract. There are a few other UFAs that may or may not be re-signed by the Saints, who played for them as recently as last year. Beyond that, there are quite a number of players that could conceivably wind up being suspended and/or fined, some of which are currently on other NFL teams.

Since not many people are even discussing this, I decided to do a little digging and put together a list of those players, as well. I won't bother breaking them down by position. This is merely to illustrate what teams may be affected and to what extent. Not surprisingly, there aren't many former Saints defensive players still in the league. As such, I've also expanded upon the list of current free agents who played during that same 2009-11 period.

The Saints play both the Broncos and Raiders this upcoming season. When the hammer drops, at least we can still cross our fingers and hope Porter and Giordano's suspensions coincide with those particular contests. Giordano, as some of you may recall, has pick-sixed Brees before; in the 2007 season opener against the Colts. Conversely, I think we're all familiar with what Porter can do "against the Colts", at least when he's on his game.


BRONCOS
Tracy Porter - 38

BROWNS
Usama Young - 23
Scott Fujita - 11

DOLPHINS
Marvin Mitchell - 30

RAIDERS
Matt Giordano - 9

SEAHAWKS
Anthony Hargrove - 30
Jimmy Wilkerson - 16


CURRENT FREE AGENTS
JoLonn Dunbar - 38
Remi Ayodele - 31*
Leigh Torrence - 31
Jeff Charleston - 26
Jonathan Casillas (restricted, tendered) - 24
Darren Sharper - 22
Randall Gay - 18
Chris Reis - 17
Alex Brown - 16
Troy Evans - 16
Aubrayo Franklin - 16
Charles Grant - 16*
Ramon Humber - 16
Bobby McCray - 16*
Shaun Rogers - 16
Danny Clark - 14
Anthony Waters - 13
Stanley Arnoux - 9
DeMario Pressley - 7*
Mike McKenzie - 5
Kendrick Clancy - 2
Chris McAllister - 2
Rodney Leisle - 1
Kawika Mitchell - 1
Chip Vaughn - 0*

*has played for other team(s) since leaving the Saints

This is the play-by-play recap of the Saints' final offensive possession against the Lions:

New Orleans Saints at 3:03

1-10-DET 33 (3:03) C.Ivory right guard to DET 31 for 2 yards (S.Tulloch; J.Durant).
Timeout #2 by DET at 02:57.
2-8-DET 31 (2:57) C.Ivory right end pushed ob at DET 30 for 1 yard (A.Spievey).
3-7-DET 30 (2:50) (Shotgun) D.Brees pass incomplete deep right to M.Colston.
PENALTY on DET-A.Berry, Defensive Pass Interference, 23 yards, enforced at DET 30 - No Play.
1-7-DET 7 (2:44) PENALTY on NO-J.Evans, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at DET 7 - No Play.
1-12-DET 12 (2:44) C.Ivory left guard to DET 2 for 10 yards (N.Suh; K.Vanden Bosch).
Two-Minute Warning
2-2-DET 2 (2:00) D.Brees kneels to DET 3 for -1 yards.
3-3-DET 3 (1:20) D.Brees kneels to DET 4 for -1 yards.
4-4-DET 4 (:38) D.Brees kneels to DET 5 for -1 yards.

Question: Why didn't the clock stop immediately following Brees's 4th down kneel? This was technically a change of possession, yet the clock was allowed to run out. Not that Detroit could have possibly mounted a 17 point comeback from their own 6 yard line with 36 seconds left. I'm just curious as to why this occurred. Was some little known mercy rule enforced?

Congratulations to KilnBill, our 2011 New Orleans Saints Player Pick 'Em Contest winner!

FINAL STANDINGS

1. KilnBill - 298 pts
2. Breesus Christ Superstar - 282 pts
3. Tac Hammer - 267 pts
4. bondcrash - 255 pts
5. Drew-Dat - 242 pts
6. (tie) jeff.l.b. - 227 pts
6. (tie) saintsbrasil - 227 pts
8. mississippisaintsfan - 218 pts
9. sXe hXc AMF - 216 pts
10. carolinasaintsfan - 209 pts
-----------------------------------------------------------

11. metryman - 203 pts
12. Comp - 184 pts
13. Dan Kelly - 180 pts
14. Ship - 164 pts
15. coldpizza - 162 pts
16. MiamiSaints - 150 pts
17. Cajun in CA - 138 pts
18. HRP-SAINT - 137 pts
19. FriarBob - 129 pts
20. saint_chew - 128 pts
21. southerhemisphan - 119 pts
22. theprogrammerman - 118 pts
23. Fromalabama - 114 pts
24. (tie) BlackandGold4ever - 109 pts
24. (tie) Grumps - 109 pts
26. RyanWellness - 97 pts
27. JAM13 - 91 pts
28. BRSaintsFan - 90 pts
29. Saintsfan75 - 82 pts
30. HB-NOLA - 80 pts
31. Ponysaints - 77 pts
32. skinnykinney - 74 pts
33. William Stern - 71 pts
34. Jimbo03 - 62 pts
35. SainsFanMD - 61 pts
36. jray2000 - 49 pts
37. (tie) snowboard_kat - 41 pts
37. (tie) viper4dx - 41 pts
39. DeenaC - 39 pts
40. Northfan - 36 pts
41. (tie) cajuncommando58 - 35 pts
41. (tie) GSO Saints Fan - 35 pts
41. (tie) SaintsFan-KS - 35 pts
44. (tie) cscmember - 32 pts
44. (tie) Dang Hu Dat - 32 pts
44. (tie) Jay Preece - 32 pts
47. WestBank - 31 pts
48. (tie) Dan 39465 - 27 pts
48. (tie) hooahsaint2.0 - 27 pts
50. Heaven is Painted Black and Gold - 25 pts



WEEK 17 RESULTS (23 contestants)

1. (tie) Grumps (C. Ivory) - 22 pts
1. (tie) KilnBill (D. Sproles) - 22 pts
3. (tie) BlackandGold4ever (M. Colston) - 20 pts
3. (tie) Breesus Christ Superstar (J. Graham) - 20 pts
3. (tie) carolinasaintsfan (M. Colston) - 20 pts
3. (tie) jray2000 (J. Graham) - 20 pts
3. (tie) mississippisaintsfan (M. Colston) - 20 pts
3. (tie) Tac Hammer (J. Graham) - 20 pts



ALL-TIME CONTEST RECORDS

Most weekly contestants - 64; Week 2, 2010 (@49ers)
Highest weekly player point total - 70; T. Porter, Week 7, 2009 (@Dolphins)
Highest weekly contestant point total - 70; HB-NOLA, Week 7, 2009 (@Dolphins)
Highest season contestant point total - 298; KilnBill, 2011

Did you happen to watch the Saints game today? If you did, you might have noticed the dominant performance the Saints turned in today, both on the scoreboard and in TOP. Know what's funny, though? They won by 22 points. That means those last three TDs didn't contribute squat to winning. Sure, they rendered the victory more comfortable. You know what else did? The TOP on those three drives. As well as the TOP on all non-scoring drives, as those didn't contribute to the number of points necessary to win this game either.

In truth, only three scoring drives contributed directly to this victory. The first three TDs. Those drives produced 21 points. As long as the ensuing starting field position for the Vikings remained the same, every other drive could have ended in a giveaway and the Saints would have been no worse off. Those first three scoring drives represented 14:11 in TOP. The Saints finished the game with 38:49 seconds. That means that 24:38 of the Saints total TOP was spent on either failed scoring drives or superfluous scoring. That said, it was still 24:38 the Vikings weren't afforded on offense. I'm pretty sure any team in the league is at least capable of scoring 22 points in 24:38, if given that opportunity. Therein lies the value of TOP.

What you have to understand is, I'm not saying the 4th, 5th and 6th DRIVES themselves were superfluous. I'm saying the TOP that was accumulated in those drives is the only thing that made them important in hindsight. The TDs that were tacked on at the end of those drives were just icing on the cake. Think about it. If Brees pass to Gilmore is intercepted in the end zone and is returned to the 25 yard line, we're truly no worse off in the long run. That's where the Vikings took over on the ensuing kickoff anyway. Of course, there's no way of assuring the DB gets tackled. He could run the INT back for six and then we're definitely worse off. I'm not suggesting that Brees shouldn't be trying to score in that situation. A more commanding lead is always better. That doesn't lessen the importance of TOP. The TOP accumulated on the drive is present regardless. It contributed directly to the victory. The 4th, 5th and 6th TDs did not. They merely padded the final margin of victory. Again, not saying that's a bad thing.

Regardless, you could have conceivably had nine drives END in turnovers -- i.e., exactly as they played out, with the exception of the last play of each being a giveaway, with no advantage gained in field position by the Vikings -- and we still would have ultimately won a nail biter, 21-20. Two of those nine actually DID end in turnovers, so we're talking about the last three TD drives, the missed FG and three punts. The punts would obviously have to be long passes, either intercepted or fumble by the receiver upfield (a la Graham), in order to maintain the same field position for Minnesota. Of course, the odds of a 9:1 turnover ratio advantage NOT paying dividends on the scoreboard are astronomical and that still holds true in this hypothetical scenario, albeit NOT in the form of more points on the scoreboard for Minnesota. Instead, the advantage would lie in thwarted scoring opportunities for the Saints. With the benefit of hindsight, we know that to only be 21 points. It could have possibly been as many as 49 (56 with 2 pt conversions), but that's neither here nor there. As with tacking on more points, I'm not suggesting we should be turning the ball over more often. All I'm saying here is turnover ratio doesn't amount to jack in terms of winning, if you fail to take advantage of them. The Vikings actually would have cashed in on one, no matter how you slice it, on the late TD to Gerhart. And in truth, I'm sure they would have gone for two there, if the score is 19-21. So yeah, I'm glad we had at least one of those three TDs to fall back on.

In any case, although I'm sure you won't openly admit it, our 17:38 edge in TOP was HUGELY advantageous in today's victory. As was the other 7 minutes we spent d*** king around on offense. As was the 14:11 we spent driving to score the only 21 points that truly mattered. In short, along with many other factors, all TOP accrued today proved advantageous, just as it does in any victory. Roughly half the scoring cannot be included among those many other factors.

That's all from a Saintly point of view. From the Vikings' side, they failed to move the ball efficiently throughout the game, which ALSO led directly to the huge TOP advantage for the Saints. Unlike you, I'm not going to sit here and pretend I'm unaware of the big picture. I am FULLY aware that not every aspect of TOP stems from simply controlling the clock on offense. That doesn't mean it isn't beneficial to do so, be it while maintaining a lead (as the Saints did successfully today) OR while establishing one (as I'd kill to see them work towards doing more consistently). As usual, the balance wasn't there throughout and we DID struggle at times because of it. Both giveaways transpired in the passing game. Brees was driven to the ground at least a couple of times, which could have been catastrophic. That's not to say the running game doesn't need work, as well. I truly think we should strongly consider going after the best blocking fullback in the draft next year, whoever that may be. Those guys usually fall somewhere in the 3rd or 4th round. Not like we're going to land a more immediate impact player in that range otherwise. While Heath Evans was deplorable as a lead blocker, this Collins kid may be even worse. How often has he gotten flagged for holding this season? I'm going to go the FriarBob route and say at LEAST fifty.

Speaking of hyperboles, looks like PRob forgot to cash in on that 40 yard pass surrendered he's supposedly good for every week, AGAIN today. What's the excuse this time, Danny? Games played in twin cities don't count as weekly? Three passes defended, one interception. What did Tracy Porter's numbers look like? Oh, that's right. He doesn't appear on the stat sheet whatsoever. Do you know what ELSE he didn't do today? He didn't START! He's been SUPPLANTED on the depth chart by PRob. GEAUX TRACY! Gosh, what an unusual move by Gregg Williams, demoting the better player and going with the guy who gets toasted weekly bi-monthly. GW must not subscribe to the DK Quarterly. He really should, you know. So much valuable insight to be had there.

Like, how teams that lose the TOP battle are EXPECTED to win. Editor's note: even though TOP is supposedly "meaningless", having less TOP somehow carries expectations, according to this week's DK game predictions. A fascinating study in contradiction, to be sure. Also, how 38-12 victories are bound to be grossly pass heavy, because PASSING MOAR is what ultimately wins games. This despite the fact that passing has been mathematically proven to have less correlation with victory this season, than a so-called "meaningless" statistic! I'm not making this up, folks. Turnover ratios are said to be more telling than TOP, as well ... just not today. ;-) Seems like an awesome publication. I think I'll save up, buy the swimsuit issue and let my dog christen it with a nice big steamy turd. GEAUX FIDEAUX!

Nah, I'm just messing around. I would never buy Dan's swimsuit magazine. I WOULD buy Jeff Duncan's swimsuit magazine, though. He's a lot more intelligent in a bikini. Or on any topic pertaining to football.

I decided to put together a spreadsheet based on this season's NFL statistics, in order to gauge the correlation between specific raw statistics and winning. In doing this, I inverted the current league rankings in the six statistics that most interested me, thereby giving each team a value within each of those six statistics.

For example, the Saints currently lead the league in points scored, so their scoring value is 32. The Rams are currently ranked last in this category, so their value for points scored is 1. Make sense? I then multiplied these values by the number of wins each team has accrued to this point, to arrive at an extended category value. The Packers have the most wins with 13, so a perfect extended value in any given category would be 416, i.e., 32 x 13.

Once an extended category value for each team was attained, I then added them all up to arrive at an overall value for each statistic, as it applies to Ws in the win column this particular season.

For any teams tied within a certain statistic, I ranked them according to wins, thereby giving the importance of all six statistics an equal benefit of the doubt. The Colts, who are currently winless, were obviously incapable of contributing any value to any of these categories, as zero multiplied by any value equals zero. Fortunately, the highest Indianapolis ranks in any of them is sixth from the bottom, so there's very little skewing based on that.

Here are my findings:

As expected, points scored was the grand daddy of them all, with a cumulative total of 4048 correlation points.

Coming in second was turnover ratio with 3958 correlation points. Keep in mind, this is takeways LESS giveaways, not simply cumulative takeways.

In third, total yards from scrimmage with 3863 correlation points. This is passing yards + rushing yards, less yardage lost on sacks. It does not take penalty yardage into account.

In fourth, (drumroll) time of possession with 3859 correlation points. While this is a bit lower than I expected, I'm sure it's much higher than a few others would expect. Please note how closely the 2011 value of this so-called "meaningless" statistic compares to offensive yardage, the importance of which is never questioned.

In fifth, passing yardage with 3828 correlation points. So wait, let me get this straight. Merely possessing the ball is more congruent with winning, than chunking it down the field? Things that make you go hmm. I can't imagine that has anything to do with the inherent risks of the passing game itself.

In sixth, rushing yardage with 3536 correlation points. Not only are fewer teams than ever running the ball regularly, one out of every two teams that square off in head-to-head competition is guaranteed a win, no matter how they choose to advance the ball. As such, it stands to reason that the correlation between this statistic and winning would have dropped off, as passing heads in the opposite direction almost by default.

That said, pounding the rock still holds a considerable amount of importance in terms of offensive balance, as it figures into the two statistics listed immediately above passing. It also helps offset some of that yardage lost on sacks. Lastly, it should be noted that 6 of the league's top 10 rushing teams remain in the thick of the playoff race, including our beloved Black and Gold at numero ocho.

Just to illustrate how effective this spreadsheet method truly is, I decided to grab a statistic from the other end of the spectrum: points surrendered. While I'm fully aware that an effective offense can offset virtually any amount of points given up, especially if afforded the time with which to do so, I seriously doubt this is a statistic that anyone closely associates with winning. Can we all agree on that? Wonderful.

Points surrendered carries 2992 correlation points. Now, I'm not saying this is without a doubt the most "meaningless" statistic in all of football, when it comes to winning. Mathematically speaking, if you simply rank the teams from fewest to most wins, a lower correlation point total of 2626 is possible. Still, when time of possession is being lumped in with what we all know to be near-worthless by certain individuals, when in fact it's rubbing elbows with the big boy statistics nearly a thousand points up yonder, I think it's safe to say that certain individuals are completely full of sh**.

Ranking the teams from most to fewest yields a high correlation point total of 4238, by the way. With this information, we can actually set up a scale and grade these statistics out on a curve. The difference between the highest possible score (4238) and the lowest possible score (2626) is 1612. By subtracting the lowest possible score (2626) from each correlation total, then dividing that difference by 1612, we arrive at the following percentages:

Points scored - 88.2% (B+)
Turnover ratio - 82.6% (B)
Total yards from scrimmage - 76.7% (C+)
Time of possession - 76.5% (C+)
Passing yardage - 74.6% (C)
Rushing yardage - 56.5% (F)
Points surrendered - 22.7% (F)

I don't know about you, but I sure feel sorry for Dan Kelly's children. Assuming they come home with a "meaningless" C+ on their report card, they're liable to be grounded for life.

The draft must consist of one player each from the other 31 NFL teams.  I will periodically update the three sections below the jump of this original post to reflect what is still needed, in regards to positions and/or teams.  I will also comment on the most recently updated selection, so everyone knows where we stand.

Each participant will have 24 hours from the time of the pick before his/hers in order to make their selection.  If I have yet to update the depth charts and/or NFL team list from the pick(s) prior, be sure to keep those selections in mind when making your own pick.  You may include a picture of the player, if you wish.  You may also give a brief explanation as to why you chose that particular player, if you wish.  Neither is required.

Continue reading this post »

The draft must consist of one player each from the other 31 NFL teams.  I will periodically update the three sections below the jump of this original post to reflect what is still needed, in regards to positions and/or teams.  I will also comment on the most recently updated selection, so everyone knows where we stand.

Each participant will have 24 hours from the time of the pick before his/hers in order to make their selection.  If I have yet to update the depth charts and/or NFL team list from the pick(s) prior, be sure to keep those selections in mind when making your own pick.  You may include a picture of the player, if you wish.  You may also give a brief explanation as to why you chose that particular player, if you wish.  Neither is required.

Continue reading this post »

Thought this would make for an interesting group activity.  Below, I'd like everyone to list the 22 Saints players they'd most be interested in retaining.  You're free to include any current free agents who played for the Saints in 2010.  You're also free to include any unsigned draft picks.  These 22 players should represent the present and future of the franchise, not necessarily the best 22 current players based on their individual achievements as NFL players.  For example, while Darren Sharper is a likely future Hall of Famer, you may want to think twice about his overall worth moving forth. 

Read on...

Continue reading this post »

 

While looking over statistics, I noticed Tony Galbreath had played exactly five seasons with the Saints, so I decided to run a comparison between he and Reggie Bush. 

Continue reading this post »

As some of you know, I subscribe to Mike Detillier's Draft Report, an extensive draft guide published each year.  I was able to go through it and weed out all of the players selected in last week's NFL Draft.  What remains are the best undrafted free agents available.  After the jump, I'll cover the top five at each position, as well as give an overview of where the Saints currently stand in their never-ending pursuit of roster perfection. 

Numbers indicate each players' overall rank at his respective position going into the draft.

Continue reading this post »

via i844.photobucket.com

Exterior shot of Radio City Music Hall, NYC on the night prior to the 2011 NFL Draft.

via i844.photobucket.com

Exterior shot of Radio City Music Hall, NYC on the night prior to the 2011 NFL Draft.

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Waiting in line for wristbands, which are required for entry.  The line wrapped around the block.

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Still waiting in line the night prior.  The line started at the Radio City Music Hall sign pictured and was broken up into what I'd estimate to be 10x10 yard barricaded blocks.  This is the view from three corrals deep.  Within my block alone, roughly half the league was represented in various fan jerseys. 

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell signing autographs.  He was heckled quite a bit.  Ravens QB Joe Flacco was also in attendance.  They handed out draft towels and bags of Doritos that night. 

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Main stage on the night of the draft.

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Mel Kiper, Jr., Jon Gruden and Chris Berman offering their expert analysis on the ESPN set.

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The lower mezzanine in which I was seated.  They handed out free knapsacks loaded down with a bunch of draft literature, coupons, etc.  Also, a single earpiece radio, that allowed everyone in attendance to listen to the broadcast on either NFL Network or ESPN.

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Jumbotrons for the tragically nearsighted.

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NFL Draft central.  The Saints' table is visible in the center of this photo, three monitors up and one to the left of Mel Kiper, Jr.'s hair helmet.

Since I'm sure we've all had our fill of reading about who the Saints SHOULD take in this year's NFL Draft, I thought it might be fun to throw together one horrifically bad mock.  Five stomach-turning picks that will leave you wishing we had traded them all for the right to draft Texas RB Vondrell McGee in the Top 5.  While all are at least somewhat plausible selections based on the players' current draft stock, none hold a lick of rhyme or reason outside of that.  Of course, that won't keep PayLoo from slathering each decision with their own brand of rose-tinted rhetoric.  Think you've seen the worst?  Read on.

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24.  Mikel Leshoure, RB Illinois  - It's been said that the Saints shouldn't spend a first round pick on a RB, unless it's a player with the potential to be perennial Pro Bowler.  In my opinion there are only two such RBs in this year's draft:  Mark Ingram and Leshoure.  Ingram will likely be gone.  Leshoure may be a slight reach here value wise, but he definitely won't be around at 56 and Mickey Loomis has never exhibited a willingness to trade down, much less out of the first round.  The RBBC approach continues, only now -- for the first time in years -- there's a legitimate NFL starter amidst that rotation.  Say hello to the second coming of Deuce McAllister.




56. Jabaal Sheard, DE Pittsburgh - For those who cannot fathom the Saints passing on an opportunity to improve their front seven, here's a trio of target selections designed to do just that.  While not the pure pass rusher Ryan Kerrigan or Adrian Clayborn is, Sheard is fully capable of bringing the heat in passing situations and grades out better against the run than either.  One of Dave Wannstedt's favorite players at Pitt, Sheard has remained somewhat overshadowed by four year starter Greg Romeus throughout his career, but truly came into his own in 2010, garnering Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors.  Anyone remember the last time the Saints opted for the second best overall Panthers' defensive player in the second round?  Here's a hint:  it was a year ending in a 1 and his beloved "hometown" was a coastal community in southeast Florida.



72.  Mason Foster, SOLB Washington - Foster could very well wind up going in the late second, but I have a feeling either he or Nevada's Dontay Moch could slip through to us in the third.  I'm going with the lower rated of the two here as the more likely scenario.  If for some reason BOTH are still on the board, we should undoubtedly snatch up WOLB Moch (the better pure pass rusher of the two), then cross our fingers, hoping that Foster slides 16 more slots.  As is, this pick should solidify our pass coverage against opposing TEs, which becomes even more critical this season, considering Jeremy Shockey's new home address within the division.  Foster is a high motor guy, who is an absolute terror on special teams.  Though his straight line speed is suspect, he compensates for it well with excellent recognition skills, and excels at forcing turnovers.  He can also play inside in both the 4-3 and the 3-4, something that should not be taken for granted, with neither Marvin Mitchell nor Stanley Arnoux under contract.




88.  K.J. Wright, WOLB Mississippi State - Again, I'd love to land both Moch and Foster.  I just don't see it happening.  Here's someone I do see lingering on the board in the late 3rd.  Wright would be an immediate upgrade over Scott Shanle, who could still conceivably be retained as a backup with starting experience.  Wright is considerably underrated as a pass rusher and has performed well against top flight SEC competition.  On the whole, he represents the best "disruptor" likely to be available this late.  Along with Sheard and Foster, I feel his acquisition would more than adequately compensate for our earlier reach on offense.




215.  Dwayne Harris, WR/KR East Carolina - The seventh round is a complete crapshoot.  I'm basically just going with someone who I think:  a.) could still be available, and b.) would immediately help the team in some capacity.  In truth, there are a number of RBs and WRs that double as return specialists.  One in particular, Jeremy Kerley of TCU, falls in that late 4th to early 6th round window, in which we do not currently have a pick.  If we DO somehow manage to trade back into the 2nd, still land Leshoure and recoup a pick or two within that range, Kerley is someone I'd strongly consider, as I feel he could also be a dynamic playmaker on offense.  While Harris doesn't possess that sort of all-around upside, he's clearly a step up from Courtney Roby as a receiver, as well as a legitimate threat in the return game, both on punts and kickoffs. 

I've mentioned the importance of a balanced attack many times.  Let's take a closer look at that trend over the first five years of Sean Payton's tenure in New Orleans.

2006 - 580 passing plays (55.1%), 472 rushing plays (44.9%), 10 wins
2007 - 652 passing plays (62.5%), 392 rushing plays (37.5%), 7 wins
2008 - 636 passing plays (61.5%), 398 rushing plays (38.5%), 8 wins
2009 - 544 passing plays (53.8%), 468 rushing plays (46.2%), 13 wins
2010 - 661 passing plays (63.5%), 380 rushing plays (36.5%), 11 wins

As you can see, from one season to the next, for every INCREASE in the percentage (and number) of passing plays, there was a DECREASE in the number of wins.  For every DECREASE in the percentage (and number) of passing plays, there was a INCREASE in the number of wins. 

For every INCREASE in the percentage (and number) of rushing plays, there was a INCREASE in the number of wins.  For every DECREASE in the percentage (and number) of rushing plays, there was a DECREASE in the number of wins.

That's what is known as a DIRECT CORRELATION.

Common Counterpoint #1:  Our RBs were injured this year.  You can't expect the same level of success with lesser backs.

ORLY?  Let's take a look at the statistics behind that argument.

Continue reading this post »

1.  What is the first Super Bowl you remember watching live? 

2.  What team did you root for and why?

3.  What team have you rooted for in each Super Bowl since? 

Super Bowl I (1967) - Packers over Chiefs
Super Bowl II (1968) - Packers over Raiders
Super Bowl III (1969) - Jets over Colts
Super Bowl IV (1970) - Chiefs over Vikings
Super Bowl V (1971) - Colts over Cowboys
Super Bowl VI (1972) - Cowboys over Dolphins
Super Bowl VII (1973) - Dolphins over Redkins
Super Bowl VIII (1974) - Dolphins over Vikings
Super Bowl IX (1975) - Steelers over Vikings
Super Bowl X (1976) - Steelers over Cowboys
Super Bowl XI (1977) - Raiders over Vikings
Super Bowl XII (1978) - Cowboys over Broncos
Super Bowl XIII (1979) - Steelers over Cowboys
Super Bowl XIV (1980) - Steelers over Rams
Super Bowl XV (1981) - Raiders over Eagles
Super Bowl XVI (1982) - 49ers over Bengals
Super Bowl XVII (1983) - Redskins over Dolphins
Super Bowl XVIII (1984) - Raiders over Redskins
Super Bowl XIX (1985) - 49ers over Dolphins
Super Bowl XX (1986) - Bears over Patriots
Super Bowl XXI (1987) - Giants over Broncos
Super Bowl XXII (1988) - Redskins over Broncos
Super Bowl XXIII (1989) - 49ers over Bengals
Super Bowl XXIV (1990) - 49ers over Broncos
Super Bowl XXV (1991) - Giants over Bills
Super Bowl XXVI (1992) - Redskins over Bills
Super Bowl XXVII (1993) - Cowboys over Bills
Super Bowl XXVIII (1994) - Cowboys over Bills
Super Bowl XXIX (1995) - 49ers over Chargers
Super Bowl XXX (1996) - Cowboys over Steelers
Super Bowl XXXI (1997) - Packers over Patriots
Super Bowl XXXII (1998) - Broncos over Packers
Super Bowl XXXIII (1999) - Broncos over Falcons
Super Bowl XXXIV (2000) - Rams over Titans
Super Bowl XXXV (2001) - Ravens over Giants
Super Bowl XXXVI (2002) - Patriots over Rams
Super Bowl XXXVII (2003) - Buccaneers over Raiders
Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004) - Patriots over Panthers
Super Bowl XXXIX (2005) - Patriots over Eagles
Super Bowl XL (2006) - Steelers over Seahawks
Super Bowl XLI (2007) - Colts over Bears
Super Bowl XLII (2008) - Giants over Patriots
Super Bowl XLIII (2009) - Steelers over Cardinals
Super Bowl XLIV (2010) - Saints over Colts

4.  Have you ever attended a Super Bowl?

5.  If so, which one(s)?

6.  Have you ever watched a pre-Super Bowl era NFL Championship game in its entirety?

7.  If so, which one(s)?

8.  Aside from Super Bowl XLIV, what was your favorite Super Bowl and why?

9.  Aside from Super Bowl XLIV, what was your favorite Super Bowl MOMENT and why?

From the Saints Predict-A-Poll: Records and Standings thread, here are my predictions going into the 2010 season.  Omitting the playoff results, I graded out each pick.  The first letter or number indicates how accurate the W-L record prediction was.  The second letter or number indicates how accurate the position in standings prediction was.  I didn't nail any team 100% right, but if I had, the grade would read "E/E" (even/even).  For example, the Jets finished 11-5, just as I predicted, but finished 2nd, not 1st.  So I was E (even) on the record, 1 (1 spot off) on the standings.  Make sense?

My total score:  102/40.  I have no idea how that stacks up to anyone else's score.  If you participated and feel like grading your own picks, feel free to post your results. 

The AFC East was my most accurate division (6/2).  I also did pretty well in the NFC South (10/2).  Considerably better in the AFC (46/18) than in the NFC (56/22) overall.  A lot of that had to do with the unexpected collapses of Dallas and Minnesota, which will likely prove to be the bane of most everyone's picks.


For the sake of discussion ...

My top 6 "Cinderella" teams (teams that exceeded my expectations):

1. New York Giants
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. St. Louis Rams
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
5. Chicago Bears
6. Jacksonville Jaguars


My top 6 "Chokerella" teams (teams that failed to live up to my expectations):

1. Minnesota Vikings
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. San Francisco 49ers
5. Houston Texans
6. Washington Redskins




AFC East
New York Jets (11-5)y  E/1
New England Patriots (10-6)x 4/1
Miami Dolphins (8-8) 1/E
Buffalo Bills (3-13) 1/E

AFC North
Baltimore Ravens (12-4)z E/1
Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) 6/2
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) 4/2
Cleveland Browns (3-13) 2/1

AFC South
Indianapolis Colts (13-3)z 3/E
Houston Texans (10-6)x 4/2
Tennessee Titans (8-8) 2/E
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) 4/2

AFC West
San Diego Chargers (11-5)y 2/1
Denver Broncos (8-8) 4/2
Kansas City Chiefs (5-11) 5/2
Oakland Raiders (4-12) 4/1

NFC East
Dallas Cowboys (12-4)z 6/2
Washington Redskins (10-6)x 4/2
Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) 1/1
New York Giants (4-12) 6/3

NFC North
Minnesota Vikings (13-3)z 7/2
Green Bay Packers (12-4)x 2/E
Chicago Bears (7-9) 4/2
Detroit Lions (4-12) 2/E

NFC South
New Orleans Saints (11-5)y E/1
Atlanta Falcons (9-7) 4/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10) 4/E
Carolina Panthers (4-12) 2/E

NFC West
San Francisco 49ers (10-6)y 4/2
Arizona Cardinals (9-7) 4/2
Seattle Seahawks (5-11) 2/1
St. Louis Rams (3-13) 4/3

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Breesus Christ Superstar - 269 pts
2. KilnBill - 226 pts
3. Comp - 212 pts
4. MiamiSaints - 194 pts
5. (tie) Cajun in CA - 173 pts
5. (tie) jray2000 - 173 pts
7. sXe hXc AMF - 167 pts
8. carolinasaintsfan - 159 pts
9. alcoholic_insight - 147 pts
10. bondcrash - 129 pts
-----------------------------------------------------------
11. cscmember - 127 pts
12. coldpizza - 108 pts
13. metryman - 105 pts
14. Dan39465 - 104 pts
15. HB-NOLA - 91 pts
16. JAM13 - 90 pts
17. SaintsFanMD - 87 pts
18. (tie) Joseph William Stern - 86 pts
18. (tie) superbowl bound - 86 pts
20. Dan Kelly - 65 pts
21. (tie) Drew-Dat - 57 pts
21. (tie) whodatone - 57 pts
23. mississippisaintsfan - 55 pts
24. Andrew Tessier - 52 pts
25. (tie) GRIZZ - 39 pts
25. (tie) Jay Preece - 39 pts
27. (tie) AJG - 31 pts
27. (tie) Saintsfan75 - 31 pts
27. (tie) saintsfan77 - 31 pts
30. Ponysaints - 30 pts
31. Grumps - 29 pts
32. BlackandGold4ever - 28 pts
33. jeff.l.b. - 27 pts
34. BRSaintsFan - 25 pts
35. theprogrammerman - 20 pts


WEEK 17 RESULTS (24 contestants)

1. (tie) carolinasaintsfan (J. Graham) - 20 pts
1. (tie) Dan Kelly (J. Graham) - 20 pts
1. (tie) sXe hXc AMF (J. Graham) - 20 pts
1. (tie) theprogrammerman (J. Graham) - 20 pts


ALL-TIME CONTEST RECORDS

Most weekly contestants - 64; Week 2, 2010 (@49ers)
Highest weekly player point total - 70; T. Porter, Week 7, 2009 (@Dolphins)
Highest weekly contestant point total - 70; HB-NOLA, Week 7, 2009 (@Dolphins)
Highest season contestant point total - 269; Breesus Christ Superstar, 2010


 

Congratulations to this year's contest winner, Breesus Christ Superstar!


 

And to the top-scoring Saints player of the 2010 season, WR Lance Moore.


Special thanks to everyone who participated in this year's contest.