WHATCHA TALKIN' BOUT, NO EJ MANUEL?

Okay so maybe I didn’t check my sources regarding E.J. Manuel when I wrote the tease to the post, “Who is this E J Manuel?”

It doesn’t matter because he won’t be playing anyway.  He was injured weeks ago and is still out. So Saints fans can breathe a sigh of relief for fear of a rookie quarterback putting us to shame like back in the day.  (For example, do you recall Atlanta Falcons Mike Vick, pre-dogfighting?  How the entire front line of the defense chased him around in the then Louisiana Superdome and the Georgia Dome. Then all of a sudden the secondary has to come up to try and grab him right before he shoots a cannon to his wide receiver for a big play.)

Well, unless the injury report changes Manuel won’t have a chance to act like an elite quarterback on Sunday. However, there is this Thaddeus “Thad” Lewis. He may be starting in the Dome in place of Manual or it could be the more familiar Matt Flynn who just signed last week.

So if Thad Lewis is starting, what should we know about him? How about he is a veteran. Yep.  Lewis was member of the St. Louis Rams during the 2010 season and in 2011 he became a member of the Cleveland Browns. Never touched the turf or took a snap from the center in either of those seasons until former Colt McCoy went down in 2012. He was picked up by the Buffalo Bills earlier this season and got his start his when E.J. Manuel went out with an injury to his knee.

So here’s what he’s done thus far. Since week six, Lewis has two touchdowns, has been sacked nine times and has one interception. In week seven against the Miami Dolphins, Lewis led the team to a 23-21 victory completing 21 out of 32 passes for 202 yards.*   

We’ve heard the old cliché, “stats don’t lie,” but viewing his numbers on paper is nothing compared to watching Thad Lewis play.  Now granted, he has only played two games this season but his style is much like Drew Brees when dropping back in the pocket. Just watch his form. He seems to be finding his rhythm with this Bills offense. The scary aspect: he is not afraid to run. He appears to know when to tuck and take the ball himself when opportunities shut down. One notable point is that he is a little banged up. Not hard to believe after being sacked nine times in two weeks.

Keys to the game: Simple

Offense: Protection. Keep Brees clean. Mario Williams appears to have something to prove still. Analysts were sizing him up asking if he or Reggie Bush was the biggest bust of their draft class.  He may be having flash backs. Keep the ball out the reach of CB Leodis McKelvin and FS Jim Leonhard. Mc Kelvin has been batting down passes lately and Leonhard is highly capable of intercepting Drew Brees. Continue to give Khiry Robinson the ball while Ingram is out. #feedthatboy  The more you feed him the better he will become. He will learn how to maneuver and wait for holes to open.  LMeezy might be back. Lance Moore that is, so the Saints could have another weapon on offense but will Jimmy Graham play? He is listed as questionable.  #ballsecurity

Defense: Make Thad stay in the pocket. Blitz. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.  Getting pressure on the quarterback has been working for the most part this season. Lewis hasn’t played an experienced defense on the same level as the Saints. Please don’t blow coverage coverage against wide receivers. That last second touchdown in week six against the Patriots was disheartening to think about during the bye week. Check the run. Tashard Choice is not a stranger to the Saints. It’s been years since Choice faced New Orleans but it will be interesting to see how much he has emerged. Stats aren’t showing breakout for he only averages 3.6 yards per carry. Runningback Fred Jackson is suffering from a knee injury but from the looks of it, he may be playing. The Bills are averaging more than 140 yards on the ground while the Saints defense only allows on average about 114 yards per game. Buffalo’s receiving corp is energetic and has some experience with veteran receiver Steve Johnson leading the pack.  One person the Saints may not have to worry about is C.J. Spiller. He is nursing an ankle injury. The Saints defense should win the lottery Sunday with a few pick six scenarios.

#kill'emkenny#32

Special Teams: field position, protect the ball.

How about a toast to surviving the bye week…Beber hasta…… The boys are back in town!

                                                                          

DE Tyrunn Walker - Out           

 S Roman Harper - Out       

 CB Rod Sweeting - Out

 T Zach Strief  - Questionable

 DE Cam Jordan - Questionable

 TE Jimmy Graham - Questionable

 RB Mark Ingram - Questionable

 WR Lance Moore - Probable                           

 S Malcolm Jenkins  - Probable

 

Buffalo Bills

QB E.J. Manuel  - OUT

RB C.J. Spiller - Doubtful

LB Manny Lawson - Doubtful

RB Fred Jackson - Probable

DT Kyle Williams  - Probable

Score prediction: bills 17 vs SAINTS 31

Season Prediction: 11-5                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                             Cheers,

                                                                                                                                                   SC

 

****please drink responsibly. Age 21 and older. Always choose a designated driver.

                                                                                                                                

 *stats courtesy of the NFL http://www.nfl.com/

 

EXPOSED?!!?!!?!!?

      In last Sunday’s stunner against the New England Patriots, first downs were hard for the Saints to achieve in the first half.  Drew Brees and his offense couldn’t seem to click managing only one first down in the entire first half. Marques Colston and the usually reliable Jimmy Graham were shut out for most of the game.  Did the Patriots Defense expose the Saints offense?

Payton’s group wasn’t all that bad though. Before game six, the Patriots had not allowed an offensive touchdown in the opening quarter until the Saints running back Travaris Cadet caught a three yard touchdown pass. That was just before the half ended.  Most of the first half belonged to New England. To illustrate just how dominant the Patriots played during the first half, the Saints accomplished one measly first down going into halftime and the lone touchdown. The score at half time: 17-7 in favor of New England. The defense sacked Tom Brady five times. The rushing game picked up in the second half with Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson sharing most of the load. Robinson also scored three yard touchdown to tie the game. Brees also hooked up with Kenny Stills for a 34-yard touchdown pass.  Unfortunately, the Saints undefeated record is now blemished. In the final seconds, Quarterback Tom Brady tossed a pass to rookie wide receiver, Kenbrell Thompkins stunning Who Dat Nation.

Although the game is the only loss for the Saints, it still leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of fans. Today the Saints have a bye. So, fans have to drown in their sorrows for another seven days.

But there’s still plenty of reason to toast… We’re 5-1, Top of the NFC South and still better than the rival Atlanta Falcons who are ……... 1-4!!!!!!!  That is a good enough reason to drink.

A toast:

To: Who Dat Nation. Why? For keeping their sanity this week.  It’s all good!

To: Pierre Thomas. Why? For giving the Saints a boost with a superb run in the third quarter. In previous weeks, Thomas has not received enough credit for his rushing effort. After all each yard is hard to come by. Nothing is a given in this league. 

To: Khiry Robinson. Why? For tying the game at 17 and sharing the rushing load with Pierre Thomas. He will be one of the keys to the next game against the Buffalo Bills.*

L'Chayim

*Stay Tuned. Next post will contain the Keys to the Game against the Buffalo Bills. And we will finally answer the question, “Who is this E J Manuel?”

Season Prediction: 11-5 and a trip to the playoffs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                            Cheers,

                                                                                                              SC

                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 ****please drink responsibly. Age 21 and older. Always choose a designated driver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEAR-ing DOWN and Playing UNPATRIOTIC

While Who Dats along the Gulf Coast dodged remnants tropical depression Karen, fans at Soldier Field had no idea Tropical Storm Sean Payton would sweep through the Windy City and leave Bear Nation in awe. The talk surrounding the sloppy turf had minimal affect. It was the flood of Rob Ryan’s gang that consumed the Bears weapons on offense. The Saints stingy defense led by veterans Malcolm Jenkins and Jabari Greer held the Bears to 18 points. Its worth mentioning Cutler’s bunch only scored a single touchdown in the entire first half. The Saints and their fan base are one of three teams that remain undefeated. The other two: Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos.  The last time the Saints started the season 5-0, they won the Superbowl. Can they do it again? If the team continues to hit on all cylinders, then Who Dat Nation may want to begin looking into tickets to the Storm Bowl.

And now for a brewski…… A Toast:

      To: Garett Hartley. Why? The kicker put up more points than any other Saint, kicking four field goals from 47, 19, 36 and 48 yards.  It was Hartley who put the first points on the board giving the team a boost.

 

     To: Saints defense. Why? Ryan’s gang virtually shut down the Bears running game and limited the passing game.  The pass rush defense rattled Jay Cutler.   

Next Up……… New England Patriots (4-1)

The Patriots are coming off a week five loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.  Bengals QB Andy Dalton led his team to victory with the help of a stingy defense that only allowed the Pats six points. Brady and his offense appeared to struggle against the young Bengal defense. So what do the Saints have to do to claim victory in week six? When the Saints march on to Gillette Stadium, one thing to remember is that the Pats play well at home. One thing the Patriots must remember is that the Saints are virtually unstoppable Under Coach Sean Payton in the month of October. 

Keys to the game

Offense: If Drew Brees and his powerful offense can control the time of possession and keep the Ball out of Tom Brady’s hands, then the Saints have a greater chance of winning in Foxborough.  Brees’s protection still needs improvement.  A quarterback who has a veteran O-line should not be sacked three times. The running game must improve. Pierre Thomas carried 19 times for only 36-yards. In game five, Thomas appeared to be a better receiver than running back.  Khiry Robinson must be able to carry the ball and wait patiently for the front line to open an opportunity for a big run. Fans have already seen what he can do after dodging the first tackle. #feedthatboytheball#29

The team is without their second receiver, Lance Moore but his absence has left the offense unaffected for the most part. However, rookie receivers Kenny Stills and Nick Toon need to do a better job of catching the ball. New England Cornerback, Aquib Talib, will have a field day if passes slip through these rookies hands. Brees must throw where only his target has the ability to catch the ball. #Ballsecurity

Defense: Rob Ryan must continue to go after the quarterback. Tom Brady is no different. Brady is known to get rattled when pressured. The Saints’ defense must remain aggressive. In week five, Tom Brady was sacked five times. Shut down Brady’s options: (TE) Rob Gronkowski, who may not play on Sunday, suffered an injury to his back;  (RB)Brandon Bolden; (RB) LeGarrette Blount; (WR) Austin Collie;(RB) Stevan Ridley; (WR) Julian Edelman. Shutting down the run and focusing on eliminating the big pass play should lead to getting Brady’s offense off the field and a few interceptions. Safety Kenny Vaccaro should have a big game on Sunday. #killemkenny#32

Special Teams: When two elite teams play, field position can play a major role. As previously mentioned, when Brady or Brees play with a short field, they can do major damage in as little as one strike to the end zone.  On kick or punt returns, ball security is crucial. Something costly as a fumble and an extra possession for the Pats may be unfavorable for Who Dat Nation and may determine the outcome of the game. 

Score Prediction: Saints 34   Patriots  17

Season Prediction: 11-5 and a trip to the playoffs

Notable Injuries:
DE Tyrunn Walker Out
S Roman Harper Out
WR Lance Moore Out


Limited
CB Keenan Lewis  Questionable
S Malcolm JenkinsQuestionable
LB Ramon Humber Questionable
T Zach Strief Questionable
DT Brodrick Bunkley Questionable
RB Mark Ingram  Questionable 

Patriots Injuries:
DNP  
DL Tommy Kelly-Out
RB Leon Washington-Out

Limited  
WR Danny Amendola - Questionable
RB Brandon Bolden - Questionable
TE Rob Gronkowski- Questionable
RB Stevan Ridley - Questionable
WR Matthew Slater  - Questionable
CB Ryan Wendell - Questionable
DB Tavon Wilson - Questionable

Score Prediction: Saints 34   Patriots  17

Season Prediction: 11-5 and a trip to the playoffs

                                                                                    CHEERS,

                                                                                       SC

****please drink responsibly. Age 21 and older. Always choose a designated driver.

The Saints are coming

The last time the New Orleans saints faced the Chicago Bears, the Saints trampled Chicago 30-13 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. That season the Saints went on to win the NFC South but lossed in the divisional round.  The odds haven’t always been the black and gold’s favor. In the last three attempts, the Saints are 1-2. Both losses come down to eight points or less. 

With Coach Payton’s return and a defense that seems to be improving, this time around the team will be hoping to even the score and keep their untainted record perfect. To do that the Saints must pass the hurdle of the Bears tough defense. The (3-1) Bears are coming off a loss in week three. It will be interesting to see how the Saints perform on all cylinders. Will they go up to Soldier Field and lay an egg? Or will they continue to play as a complete team looking to define themselves as one of the elite?

Keys to the game

Offense: Drew Brees must stay hot! His numbers are nothing out of the ordinary. The veteran seems to be performing at a surgical level. Keeping the ball out of (CB) Charles Tillman’s reach is one key thing to remember. Brees is becoming more mobile in the pocket when options become unavailable.

#protection #ballsecurity

In the last two weeks, Khiry Robinson is proving that he is capable of being a premier ball carrier if called upon. Get him the ball as often as possible. Let him get more comfortable with longer playing time. In other words, #feedthatboy the ball.

Defense: The Saints’ defense will have their hands full. The Saints must stay alert and energetic The Bears have plenty of offensive weapons. Jay Cutler’s performance has been the topic of discussion lately. So far the quarterback has eight touchdowns and six interceptions in four games. The Saints must eliminate his options and get him to move. Those options seem to be endless. Former Tulane running back, Matt Forte, is a powerful runner who waits for holes to open. Forte and Michael Bush along with Tight End Martellus Bennett have the potential to wear down a defense. Blitzing can be dangerous. A coordinator runs the risk of leaving a player open. Not that we should be overly concerned with Rob Ryan’s scheme. How can the Saints shut down an explosive receiving corp like Brandon Marshall and Devin Hester? Can the Saints’ defense pick apart Cutler and expose more weak spots in the offense?

 Special Teams

If the Saints’ special teams targets only one aspect this Sunday, it should most probably be stopping Devin Hester. Hester’s averaging more than 30 yards on kick returns with his longest of 80-yards and less than five yards on punt returns. He is capable of racking up yards to give his team great field position. With a stingy Bears’ defense, the Saints will need to win the battle of field position.

      How about a round? After a blowout of the Miami Dolphins in week four, the Saints’ playmakers deserve a toast. 

A toast: Drew Brees. Why? The Saints’ captain was damn near perfect against the Dolphins. Brees completed 30 out of 39 passes for 413-yards and four touchdowns.

A toast: Junior Galette. Why? The outside linebacker sacked Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

A toast:  Jabari Greer. Why? The veteran cornerback intercepted Tannehill and returned the ball 22-yards.

Notable injuries:

G Tim Lelito PROBABLE

CB Keenan Lewis QUESTIONABLE       

DE Tom Johnson QUESTIONABLE

DT Brodrick Bunkley OUT

RB Mark Ingram OUT

DE Tyrunn Walker  OUT

S Roman Harper OUT

WR Lance Moore OUT

Score Prediction:  Saints 31 vs Chicago 27

Season Prediction: 11-5 and a trip to the playoffs.

                                                                                                            Cheers,

                                                                                                               SC

****please drink responsibly. Age 21 and older. Always choose a designated driver.