BRIGHTER NOTE

     If anyone told me that the Saints would be 7-9 at the end of this season, I would have kindly shared my anti-depressants. Now that it is the team's reality, some things have surfaced this season that could clearly be considered the cause of such a doozy of a season. Things such as team character issues and Coach Payton chasing down and benching guys. Plus, the future of Rob Ryan is up in the air. But amid all the frustration, there are some bright spots to this roller coaster of a season. What you ask? Well, take a look at the Packers and Saints  highlights from week eight. Or how about the Saints versus Panthers in week nine. Better yet week 15 against the Chicago Bears. This team has had spurts of  greatness, but we already knew that. But at the top of my list, has to be the endurance of Drew Brees. 

And now that players are prepared to clean their lockers, Who Dat Nation should look forward to the future. First, rooting for our Pro Bowl selections, Jimmy Graham and Jahri Evans. Then, playing seek and find Saints players in Carnival parades. Soon thereafter, looking  forward to the upcoming NFL Draft. And finally, the return of Jonathan Vilma.

Saints fans should put this season behind them and Count their Blessings. We could be starting Luke Mc Cown next season......Just a thought.

A final toast of the season,

 To, Curtis Lofton for ranking 4th in the NFL in tackles this season. Lofton hasn't been given enough credit for his consistency on defense this year. 

To, Junior Galette for sacking Josh McCown in the endzone for a safety.

To, Cameron Jordan, for sacking Josh McCown in the fourth bringing 3rd and long.   

To, the Saints offensive line that kept Drew Brees intact for the most part this season. Breesus didn't miss a game this season due to injury.                                                                  

That's the last  round for 2014. Until next season,
                                                                                                  Cheers,
                                                                                                      SC

OVER AND OUT

Aside from Jalen Saunders 99-yard kickoff return, the Saints performance against the Falcons this week was such a doozy. They were punked. Drew Brees was intercepted once. Jimmy Graham fumbled at the goal line. The Saints defense gave up too many yards and the offense gave up whatever else they could give up. Their playoff chances are kaput and the division title is nonexistent The Saints haven't been swept by the Falcons since 2005. That was the year the region was uprooted by Katrina. Wish there was something I could say or do to make things better for Who Dat Nation. The fact of the matter is that this season is a reflection of who we really are. Who are we? Inconsistent, talented, powerless, talented, sluggish, talented. Here's my point, this team can have all the talent in the world but when you don't have chemistry, discipline or your intentions aren't where the planets are aligned, then you will falter. You will be good and you will be terrible! Some may think its gris-gris or that the team has run out of luck. But no matter what the reason, it has to be fixed.....for the better.

So now, with one game left in the season we look ahead to the draft and figure out what this team needs. Any suggestions? They've got talent.

It would be ugly to not raise a glass for the one person who has been waiting all season to make his debut.

A TOAST, to JALEN SAUNDERS. For the best return all season long.




                                                                                                                        CHEER UP,
                                                                                                                               SC

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

DATS STILL POSSIBLE?!?!?

Out of all the possible scenarios that would get the Saints (6-8) into the post season, there is one that is highly likely; SAINTS and Browns Win and Saints are in.  The rest is just a mix and a mingle but very likely as WWL Radio has it so eloquently laid out. Just as always, the Saints control their own destiny. It won’t be easy this Sunday as they face the Falcons (5-9) in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Shockingly, both teams haven’t played up to their talent this season and should feel lucky to even be battling for a division title and a playoff berth. Problems on defense and inconsistent play on offense is the reason that the Saints and the Falcons are sitting worse than mediocre. The previous contest between the two teams ended with the Saints on the losing end. That key first matchup this season was an overtime heartbreaking loss in Atlanta that set the tone for most of the season. Although the Falcons started the season looking much more like a championship caliber team, they too find themselves in much of the same jammer that the Saints are in.  

But Rob Ryan will have the last word…… AND HE NOW HAS THE FLOOR.

Much has been said about this newly revamped Saints secondary packed with what I like to term gnats. A gnat is a defensive player most likely in the secondary but can play other defensive positions. They are always around the ball or they are always a factor in the play bugging the heck out of a receiver or opposing quarterback. Rob Ryan has unleashed a few of them. They are Pierre Warren, Marcus Ball, Kasim Edebali, Terrance Fredericks and Jamarca Sanford. Kenny Vaccaro has already made his debut a season ago. With the exception of #killem kenny, the rest of them will be faced with the biggest test of the start to their NFL careers. If that makes any sense to some of you. 

When Matt Ryan and the Falcons starring Julio Jones enter the Dome on Sunday, those gnats will most likely be ready to swarm around a hip-injured Jones or a Roddy White and whoever else thinks they will run, carry or catch anything. Trust me on this one. Before I get too deep with these guys and before my offense gets jealous, let’s get to the keys to the game.

 

Keys to the Game:

 OFFENSE: protection, perfection and detection

Beef up Protection- Drew Brees has been sacked five times in the last three weeks. If the Saints plan to make a run for the postseason, protection has got to be on the top of their Christmas list. The Falcons will be looking to lay career ending hits on Breesus.  

PERFECTION LIES IN THE UNKNOWN- Falcons defenders will be all over veteran Marques Colston and breakout star Kenny Stills. If Payton can get the virtually unknown Jalen Saunders in the mix, the Falcons defenders will be off balanced all afternoon.

 GIVE IT TO STILLS AND PEACE will BE STILL-  In other words, while balancing the run and pass, remember there are far too many weapons on this Saints offense. Kenny Stills will be a primary target who is efficient and precise in catching the ball. I wouldn’t try and set the tone with that same opening scoring deep route that the Saints usually try against the Falcons each year. Try it later. Maybe second quarter ish but if it’s open, take it. This will shut down any trash talk of Julio and Roddy. #lettherebepeace

Detect the dunk - Drew Brees will and must find his other favorite target. Just because the game has opened up for other players on the offense in the last few weeks, don’t feel totally upset about using Jimmy Graham as a decoy. He understands. He MAY get open a couple of times this Sunday afternoon. And he should definitely throw away a few duckies in this upcoming game. How does 30,000 dollars sound? DUNK! ITS WORTH IT!

DEFENSE

FIND THE BALL- I already know that those gnats have their assignments. But with trash talking Roddy White on field with his P-N-C, Julio Jones, not only do they need to make a statement but they need to make one early. That'll be their (White and Jones) #twobit^change.


STICK IT TO HIM- If Akiem Hicks is available Sunday, he along with Cam Jordan and Curtis Lofton will need to bring down the buttress of protection for Matty ICE. "Duh." you say? In the last three weeks, Ryan has only seen the ground twice. #potatoes


Score Prediction: SAINTS 31 vs Falcons 20
                                                                                    
                                                                                            Cheers,
                                                                                                SC


Injury Report

 New Orleans Saints:

OT Terron Armstead (Neck) - Questionable

S Jamarca Sanford (Hamstring) - Questionable

DE Akiem Hicks (Ankle) - Questionable

 

Atlanta Falcons:

G Jon Asamoah (Back) - Questionable

WR Julio Jones (Hip) - Questionable

Limited - Sunday Status

S William Moore (Foot) - Questionable

DB Josh Wilson (Hand) - Probable

WR Roddy White (Knee) - Probable

WR Harry Douglas (Foot) - Probable

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

UNPREPARED TO CLIMB

      Apparently, the Chicago Bears were unprepared to climb the obstacle of Josh Hill. The Saints fullback scored a career high two touchdowns in Monday night's primetime victory. Both scores came deep in the redzone. The first for eight yards and the second, a seven yard scamper.  Hill who has lots to celebrate this Christmas is having a productive season on and off the field. This season Hill has 14 receptions for 176 yards and five touchdowns. With two games remaining in the regular season, look for the fullback to be an even bigger threat while Graham is continuously swarmed with defenders or gnats. As for his off the field blessings, Josh is expecting another football-sized gift under the tree. To find out more, check out the post by John DeShazier on the New Orleans Saints website.   

     The Saints convincing victory out in Chicago this week sent volumes to members of the bandwagon. Thanks for making the trip lighter. The drizzle and chilly temps couldn't stop the real severe weather threat in a Brees' offense. Even the defense got in on the action. Whatever changes Rob Ryan made in eight days, worked. Gnats like Pierre Warren and Marcus Ball came to show the rest of the NFL in front of a nationally televised audience that they came to play and show out. Warren, the rookie from Jacksonville State, has four pass deflections, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a recovery in the last two games. And for Ball, a Georgia native, he too has become a gnat with great potential. Ball  played in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts before signing with the Saints this season. Keep an eye on these two, especially against the Falcons. Wherever the ball is, there too will you find Pierre Warren and Marcus Ball. If they stay on board with the Saints, the defense will be a forced to be reckoned with.....again. To make my point clearly understood, the Saints will be a championship caliber team.

A toast to:

Josh Hill. Why? Read the first paragraphs. The boy is on fire. Always alert and on time.

Akiem Hicks. Why? For sacking Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

Pierre Warren. Why? The rookie had two interceptions in Monday Night's show down.

Pierre Thomas. Why? For returning to the Pierre of old. The veteran Saint running back, is credited with a 40-yard catch and run.


Great performance heading into week 15.

UP NEXT, the 5-9 Atlanta Falcons.
                                                                                                                    CHEERS,
                                                                                                                        SC




*you must be 21 years of age or older to drink. Always have a designated driver.

CRACKING THE WHIP

IF THIS HUMP DAY IS ANY INDICATION OF HOW PISSED HEAD COACH SEAN PAYTON IS IN REACTION TO THE 41-10 ASS KICKING THE CAROLINA PANTHERS HANDED THE SAINTS, I DON'T WANT TO LIVE TO SEE THURSDAY.

TODAY, PAYTON SHELLED OUT A PINK SLIP TO JOE MORGAN AND EVEN BENCHED STANDOUT, KENNY VACCARO CITING CHARACTER ISSUES.

SOME MAY AGREE ITS A LITTLE HARSH BUT THE MOVE IS THE RIGHT ONE.

IT'S A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW BUT HE'S GOT TO MAKE A STATEMENT.

THE INCONSISTENT EFFORTS OF THE TEAM THIS SEASON HAS RAISED SOME EYEBROWS. DURING PRESEASON, THE TEAM  WAS SLIGHTED TO BE A MAJOR PLAYOFF CONTENDER AND SOME ANALYSTS EVEN PREDICTED THEM TO MAKE A TRIP TO THE SUPERBOWL.  BUT NOT THIS TEAM, NOT THIS YEAR.

THE TEAM  HEADS THE DIVISON AT FIVE AND EIGHT, BUT EVEN THE WILD CARD SLOTS ARE FILLED.  NO BIGGIE. THIS TEAM HAS ISSUES. MAJOR ISSUES.

TRUTH BE TOLD, I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THEY ARE. BUT I DAMN SURE PLAN TO   FIND OUT.

SHORT AND SIMPLE. 

                                                                                                                      PHOOEY,
                                                                                                                           SC

NO CATCH, NO PROBLEM

Maybe its a good thing Jimmy Graham and Drew Brees didn't hook up in Game 12. Maybe its smart that he appeared to be more of a decoy for the Steelers defense to swarm around . But really??? No Catches? None? All 6 feet 7 inches of  orange-ginger... no stats? It's not that Drew Brees didn't see him. It's not that his performance was poor. He was ready and focused on every down he entered. But it just didn't happen. Maybe it was the gnat-style defense that the Steelers play. It wasn't a terrible thing that he didn't catch a pass. It caused some unfamiliar to the rest of the world to gain national attention. Players like receiver Nick Toon, tight end Ben Watson and fullback Eric Lorig played a much bigger role in Sunday's game. Did I mention that Patriots Rob Gronkowski reeled in seven catches for 98 yards but no touchdowns all in a losing effort? It wouldn't be characteristic of Jimmy Graham to care that much if any that he didn't get the touches he's used to. After all it was only one game and it ended in victory. But if you let him tell it, he would probably say something along the lines of "I'm good. we still won." And in addition to that, Breesus wasn't anything short of miraculous. Drew threw five touchdowns and performed like the god-like creature of old.

But, for some reason, We can't have everything we want all of the time. Apparently. The Saints are 5-7, allegations of clashes between Rob Ryan and Sean Payton have surfaced and talks of Drew Brees being traded... possibly. Of course all three aren't chatty catty little hood rats. They're professionals and deny all claims. But I guess, its as they say.... A victory makes all the bitterness and anxiety, go far away.

Let us toast,

To: #Kill'emKenny Vaccarro. Why? # 32 intercepted a pass intended for Darius Heyward-Bey.

To: Nick Toon. Why? For showing up and showing that he still can be relevant on this team after missing most of the season. Toon fought his way to the endzone and scored a touchdown.

To: Ben Watson. Why? For scoring a 15-yard touchdown. Oh and for being so vocal and accurate about the Ferguson ordeal.

TO: CAMERON JORDAN, or Rex Crushmore for tipping and intercepting Big Ben in the third.

Up next, Carolina Panthers (3-8-1)

                                                                           Cheers,
                                                                              SC
 *you must be 21 years of age or older to drink. Always have a designated driver.

DOWN AND OUT ON THIRD DOWN

 THE last three meetings between the Saints and Ravens, were anything but favorable for WHO DAT NATION. The Saints found themselves on the losing end of each of those contests. The Saints even loss in preseason.  The Ravens (7-4), on the other hand, have always given NFC teams a fit; especially the NFC South. This season, Baltimore has trounced the rest of the South by double digits; beating the Panthers 38 to 10, trampling the Buccaneers 48 to 17 and whipping the Falcons 29 to 7.  Heading into this matchup, the Ravens are coming off a bye in week 11 after defeating the Tennessee Titans in week 10.

On another note, the Saints are digging themselves out of a pit at 4-6. The usually “dome-advantaged” team is finding that the home front hasn’t been that advantageous in the last couple of games. With losses to Cleveland and San Francisco, the Saints may find themselves on a weaker end of trying to vy for a wildcard spot, if they’re lucky enough. As of now, the inconsistency on both sides of the ball and injuries will most probably make for long, sh*tty fourth quarter of the season. The biggest problem, getting the defense off the field on third downs.  The Cincinnati Bengals converted on nine-3^rd and long attempts in week 10. If the Saints want to get back on track, they’ve got to stay alert and man up this Monday night. Other than their third down issues, Drew Brees has got to get back to being the consistent leader that headed this team to the postseason numerous times.  Will the real Saints stand up on the home front? Or will the same inconsistent but talented squad give Who Dat Nation a reason to be thankful this holiday season?  Depending on the team that shows up for a prime-time duel Monday Night in the Superdome, that’s the team they will be for the rest of the season. POINT BLANK!

 

Keys to the game:

Offense:

Remember the GENIE: Instead of wishes, you only get three time outs. Use them wisely. Sean Payton called a time out after a minute of regulation.

 

Defense:

Man up: you may not be able to shut down every drive, but stick to your assignment.

 SCORE PREDICTION: SAINTS 32 RAVENS 27 

                                                                                                                    Cheers,

                                                                                                                        SC

Injuries

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Cadet, Travaris probable

Ingram, Mark probable

Knox, Kyle Out

Lewis, Keenan probable

Lofton, Curtis probable

Meachem, Robert questionable

Robinson, Khiry Out

Strief, Zach probable

Thomas, Pierre probable

RAVENS

Campanaro, Michael WR Thigh DNP DNP DNP Out

Daniels, Owen TE NIR DNP FP FP probable

Juszczyk, Kyle FB Foot - LP FP probable

Ngata, Haloti DT NIR - DNP FP probable

Reid, Jah T Hand DNP DNP DNP Out

Smith, Daryl LB NIR DNP FP FP probable

Suggs, Terrell OLB NIR - DNP FP probable

Yanda, Marshal

BROTHERS GRIM

In nine games, they have a combined 54 tackles, 11 sacks, four batted down passes and a forced fumble. They’ve dismantled blockades opposing offenses have put in place to protect their quarterback. One’s from Haiti and the other from Minnesota. Simply put, Saints defenders Cam Jordan and Junior Gallette are the duo offensive coordinators must begin to construct their game plans around.

And for Hue Jackson, the play caller for the Cincinnati Bengals, he better be expecting Andy Dalton to get tugged at, tapped on, and trampled a few times this Sunday. Dalton is coming off one of the worst performances this season against the Cleveland Browns, who might I add have been giving teams a fit this year. Dalton only completed 10 of his passes and was picked off three times against the Browns. If the Bengals think they will come into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome with their week 10 performance and leave victorious, not only will Gallette and Jordan have a performance for the ages, but the Saints secondary will have a stellar day as well.

 Sunday the Bengals will enter the field as a team looking to get back to winning. The Saints also need to get back to .500 and here’s how that will happen.

 

Keys to the game:

OFFENSE:

KEEP YOUR HEAD steady and RUN: Drew Brees seemed rattled against the 49ers and was picked off twice. Keeping calm and returning to the former god-like captain, will make for a productive performance and minimize turnovers.
 

DIMINISH CRITICAL PENALTIES: The push-off caused the game-winning Hail Mary, to be called off and ended the game with victory for San Francisco. Without that penalty, the Saints see themselves seated above .500 for the first time this season.

 Defense:

***With Keenan Lewis and Curtis Lofton listed as questionable, it may determine how aggressive Rob Ryan calls his schemes. But just in case these key factors are in tomorrow’s game…

BOMB WITH BLITZKRIEG- This season, Andy Dalton has 8 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Getting him rattled early will be the key. Expect that Saints secondary to come up big.

CHECK off the weapons: Looking at the stats, the Bengals seem to be scoring primarily on the heels of Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard and Mohamed Sanu.

 Special TEAMS:
PACK UP PACMAN- ADAM "PACMAN" JONES  has always been a threat on defense but especially as a Return Specialist. Limit his yardage on returns. target no further than the 20 yd line or a touchback. BEST THING, FIELD IT AT THE 1-yard line.

 

Score Prediction: 28-23 Saints

                                                                                 Cheers,

                                                                                                               SC

                                                                                       

Injuries:

SAINTS

Curtis Lofton LB Questionable

Keenan Lewis CB questionable

Thomas Morstead P probable  

Zach Strief T probable

Mark Ingram RB probable  

Edwin Baker RB Out  

Robert Menachem WR questionable  

Joe Morgan WR probable  

David Hawthorne LB probable  

Khiry Robinson RB Out

Pierre Thomas RB Out

BENGALS

Cedric Peerman RB probable

Terence Newman CB questionable

Taylor Mays S probable

Jermaine Gresham TE probable

Andre Smith T doubtful

Vontaze Burfict LB Out

Leon Hall CB  probable  

Mike Pollak G probable

Giovani Bernard RB Out

Rey Maualuga LB Questionable

STAY CALM, FINISH STRONG

 If you think the Saints, overtime blunder in against the San Francisco 49ers is any indication of how the rest of the season will play out, you may want to reconsider. Here’s why.

 1. The defense has shown improvement each week.

2. Sean Payton is still the aggressive play caller.

3. You can be confident the three-headed rushing Minotaur (Thomas, Ingram, Robinson) will be healthy.

4. Cooks and Stills are very reliable.

5. Kenny Vaccaro is still killin’em.

Agree? Doesn’t make much sense to piss your pants over a three point loss to a team who needed a win more than New Orleans. It’s heartbreaking to say the least but let’s move forward and finish the season strong.  Stay optimistic.

Now for a quick toast.

To, Keenan Lewis. Why? Not only did he keep Anquan Boldin in check for most of the game, but also for putting his body on the line and returning after suffering a knee injury.

To, Jimmy Graham. Why? Well, aside from the game winner called off by a slight push-off, he did manage to pull in two scores.

 

Up next, The (5-3-1) Cincinnati Bengals.

 
 

                                                                                                                                Cheers,

                                                                                                                                    SC

 

 

 

BREAKING EVEN

One thing for sure will be on the agenda for the Saints this Sunday, breaking even.  The team sits atop the NFC South at .500.  And if the Saints want to sniff the post season, this game will be the biggest test thus far. Not just any test. For the much improved Saints, who have stomped their competition in the past two weeks against the Panthers and Packers. This test comes in the form of another hungry conference opponent, the San Francisco 49ers.

San Francisco (4-4) will be desperate for a victory. The tone around the NFL is that the 49ers are a struggling team. The problem surrounds the offense.  And looking at the stat chart, something definitely is eating away at the West Coast elite. Just look at the touchdown total from Super Studs like Anquan Bolden (2), Vernon Davis (2), and Michael Crabtree (3), Steve Johnson(3) Brandon Lloyd (1), and Frank Gore (2). Even the 49ers defense is struggling, with the exception of Perrish Cox. They’re allowing teams nearly 400 yards per game, most on the pass. That’s a regular day for Drew Brees. Final word on Glenn Dorsey is that he may see some action in tomorrow’s game.  Anyhoo, for a woman with writer’s block I will get straight to the point.

 

Keys to the game

Offense-

Balance the aggression- Use the rushing game to punch down the throats of the 49ers with Mark Ingram. It won’t be easy especially when you have guys like Justin Smith. The Saints are so much better on third down than the 49ers. 

Hold on tight- Receivers beware of Perrish Cox. San Francisco has recorded four interceptions on the season. All of them by Cox. #catch#secure#run.

Defense

Zip the pocket and Limit Kap- Giving Kaepernick time to make intelligent decisions will limit his options. But then again, forcing him to run is even worse.  Make sure he stays in the pocket.

 Shut down the pass- Forty-niner receivers will be looking to increase their touchdown total. This will be a test for Keenan Lewis. If he’s not on his A- game, Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree will difficult to cover.  With the support of Corey White and Raphael Bush, that should seal the deal. Look for #Kill‘em Kenny Vaccaro to have a big game as well. The 49ers are only converting a little less than half of their third down conversions.

Use the crowd to your advantage- The Saints are already unstoppable at home. Keep the crowd in the game.

 

Score Prediction- Saints 34 - San Francisco 16

 

 

Apparently, Coach Payton didn’t read my preview and he definitely didn’t adhere to my keys to the game. Glad he didn’t. The Saints pulled out of Bank of America Stadium with an impressive 28 to 14 victory over the Panthers.

Never mind that interception on the first possession or the fumble on the second. Whatever miscues the Saints made in the first quarter, before halftime the Saints made themselves good and damn comfortable in Carolina.  Perhaps,

Rob Ryan and his troops challenged the Panthers offense. If Carolina got anything going, it would have to be on the heels of Superman, Cam Newton. It was a defensive struggle throughout the first quarter. Both teams swapped possessions and remained scoreless. But the Saints defense won that battle in the second quarter. Just minutes before the half, Junior Galette sacked Newton forcing a fumble and the Saints recovered deep in Panthers’ territory. The offense, did the rest. Drew Brees and company scored two touchdowns. The first, on the back of Mark Ingram and the second, a score by Jimmy Graham. The Graham score set up by Meachem blatantly interfered with in the endzone. The Graham score set up by pass interference. In the third, Cam Newton gave the home crowd something to cheer about. With all his options shot, he ran for 10-yards and took a dive into the endzone making the score 14 to 7. But the Saints offense responded with a drive of their own. Sean Payton’s aggressive play calling led to a Brees 4^th down dive for a score. The Saints left the home team trailing 21 to 7 heading into the fourth. That stellar defense that was missing for much of the first half of this season, held the Panthers to a just a field goal in the fourth. And for the first time this season, the Saints closed out with a victory on the road, after running back Mark Ingram put an exclamation on the night with his second touchdown. The final score, 28 to 10.

 

And now, a round for my guys……. A toast

 To:

Mark Ingram,

Corey White, Raphael Bush, Junior Galette, Akiem Hicks, Cam Jordan.

 

Up Next, San Francisco 49ers.                                                                      Cheers,

                                                                                                                               SC

Divisional Duel

NFL Analyst, Charles Davis sums up the NFC South situation like this, “The biggest mistake everyone made in the South, was to let the Saints hang around until they got their game together.” 

Truth.

With a short week for the Saints, the team can only hope that the same momentum from Sunday tail-whipping of the Green Bay Packers will travel to Bank of America Stadium Thursday Night. The Saints’ blowout victory keeps them alive and makes them a contender for control of the division.  Next up, Old divisional foe, the Panthers sit atop the NFC South (3-4-1).  

The Panthers are entering game eight with broken hearts after a disappointing lost against the Seahawks. The game was tied at six throughout three quarters. But In the fourth, with less than a minute in regulation, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson led his troops down the field and shot a missile to Luke Wilson for the score and the game. Thursday, both the Panthers and the Saints will be hungry to get to .500.

Short and sweet this week. Here are your Keys to the Game.

 

 

Offense

Know your friend from your foe: Roman Harper used to be your teammate. He will be eager to have a big game. Harper already has three interceptions this season and will show out Thursday in front of a national audience.

Stay conservative: Carolina’s secondary will be tightly covering the Saints receivers. The Panthers will force tipped balls and deflections. Just to prove how good these guys are, the Panthers defense have on record 14 sacks and eight interceptions.*

Protect the Savior: Breesus isn’t just any old quarterback. He’s an elite quarterback. With players like Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson coming after him, you better be certain you have the right protection. A defense like Panthers have the ability to END Drew Brees’s season and career.

 

Defense

#Kill’em- Utilizing Kenny Vaccaro on the right side of the opposing quarterback is where he has his greatest impact. Look for him to bat or tip a pass or two in Thursday’s game.

Stay Conservative but stay close- The Panthers have many offensive weapons. It is important not to send everyone on the blitz. Don’t blitz often. You’re dealing with a running quarterback in Cam Newton. He does most of the damage with his feet but we know he has an arm. He also has some veteran targets like Jason Avant and Jerricho Cotchery, and rookie Kelvin Benjamin. Stay close. I’m sure we’ll be good for a few interference calls in this game, especially with these three. Offensive push-offs and defensive PI calls.

 May be a safety scored in this game.

Special Teams

Stay secure- Protect the ball and if the chance to make a play is not there, don’t take it.

Score prediction: Saints 20 Panthers 18




                                                                                                     Cheers,
                                                                                                        SC

POW !!!!!!!!

 From the look on Aaron Rodgers face in the third quarter of Sunday night’s game, you would think he was constipated. Chants of Who Dat filled the dome creating a hostile environment.

And here’s how it happened….. the short dull version.

Both teams took the field and scored on their first possessions. The Packers hushed Who Dat nation with an Aaron Rodgers strike down the field to Randall Cobb. Then, on the Saints first drive, Brees sent a missile to Kenny Stills down to the three, setting up a Brandin Cooks touchdown. The Saints defense would not be embarrassed in front of a nationwide audience. Cam Jordan sacked Rodgers in the first and it would be only one of his two sacks in game seven.  Packers head coach Mike McCarthy couldn’t wait to pull tricks out of the old bag but he pulled one of Payton’s tricks. He went for an onsides kick in the first quarter and Saint Ramon Humber recovered to give the Saints the ball near midfield. The Saints defense kept the team in the game and only allowed the Packers 10 points in the first quarter. Both teams went into the locker room tied at 16.

In the second half, the bottom fell out for the Packers. Drew Brees and his many targets took advantage of Green Bay’s secondary with a 50-yard touchdown strike to Brandin Cooks. Just when the Packers thought they had something going, Sean Payton swipes their momentum with a challenge. The challenge reversed the call setting up 4^th down. Instead of punting, the Packers hand the ball off to Lacy who didn’t get anywhere near the first down marker.  The fourth quarter couldn’t have come sooner for both teams. For the Saints, their performance would seal the deal. But for the Packers, their mannerisms proved they just wanted it to be over. Corey White intercepted a deflected Aaron Rodgers pass and Edebali sacked Packers back-up quarterback and LSU standout, Matt Flynn causing a fumble.  

Other than the Saints champion-style performance, the biggest story of the night, Mark Ingram.  Which headlines our round of toasts. Flutes in the air.

A toast,

To, Mark Ingram. Why? Ingram headed the Saints running game. Most notably a 28-yarder that resulted in a touchdown. Ingram finished the game just shy of the 200-yd mark.

To, Kenny Stills and Brandin Cooks. Why? Not only did they make me feel great about being an analyst but more importantly for connecting on the first Saints scoring drive. Cooks racked up nearly 100-yards and a touchdown. Stills also brought in four catches for almost 60-yards including that stellar play in the first quarter.  

To the SAINTS DEFENSE. Why? They showed up to show out. Corey White’s heads up play in the fourth quarter, resulted in an interception. Cam Jordan sacked Aaron Rodgers twice. Saints special team specialist and defender Ramon Humber recovered the Packers onsides kick. Good defensive stance on fourth down in the fourth quarter. Those are just a few of the big plays by the defense. 

 

Up next, the Carolina Panthers (3-4-1) on Thursday Night Football.

                                                                                             Cheers,

                                                                                                                 SC

 

 

AIR SHOW

 

     Whenever I think of the Green Bay Packers playing the Saints, especially in November, I immediately jump to three conclusions: First, Aaron Rodgers is in the same elite ranks as Drew Brees. Secondly, Clay Matthews is a sack monster. And lastly, Jordy Nelson is well….Jordy Nelson.
The mere anticipation of the matchup is like awaiting the Belle Chasse Naval Air Show. And Sunday night’s game won’t be anything short of jaw-dropping. The Saints rushers are limited this week as Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson are out with injuries. Also Brees’s main source of protection, Jonathan Goodwin, is also injured.

The Packers, on the other hand, are fifth in defending the pass. Expect the Packers defense to play Saints receivers abnormally tight.  One person in particular to watch is HaHa Clinton-Dix. For the home team, there’s nothing hilarious about the safety’s performance this season. To date, Clinton-Dix has an interception of the Lion's Matt Stafford. He’s deflected 3 passes and the NFL has a sack on record. Even though, the Pack is ranked low against the run, let us not forget the strength of Clay Matthews. This season, Matthews has batted down a few passes and has an interception return for 40 yards. The Saints offensive line will have their own strength tested as protection is concerned.

‘If there’s any implication of how big this game is for the Saints, allow me to simplify it for you. If the Saints win and sit at 3-4, their playoff chances are still alive and the division is still at hand. If they lose and sit at 2-5, any rant of a post-season run should be ignored.

Keys to the game

Offense:

Control the T.O.P.: Giving Aaron Rodgers the ball is already threatening to a defense; especially a Saints defense. Prolonging the Saints drive and converting on third downs is a must if the Saints want to stay alive.

TUCK AND RUN- With Ingram returning and the other two running backs out due to injuries, it will be important for Drew Brees to make some effort to leave the pocket.

MAKE A STATEMENT- The depth chart in the backfield is thin. GET Kenny Stills AND Brandin Cooks up early. Give him the chance to be man. Get him out deep early in the first. It’s PRIMETIME. Trust fullback Austin Johnson. He showed us in game 7 that he is capable of accessorizing the Saints in the running corp. Cheers to him for a first quarter touchdown against the Lions.  

 

Defense:

DISRUPT THE FOCUS: Getting Aaron Rodgers off his rocker is difficult.  But getting Junior Galette in the guts of Aaron Rodgers is not. Make sure the two meet Sunday night in the ugliest way.

STAY FOCUSED: The Packers have been known to dismantle a defense using the “no-huddle." Make it back to the line of scrimmage and get set for the next play. Sluggish mannerisms set up the play action pass much like the running game.
 

Special Teams:

PICK A SPOT, FIELD IT : Target the 38 yd. line.  Home field advantage is a plus, but not when Drew Brees is backed up at his own 2 yard line in tight circumstances.


SCORE PREDICTION: Saints 31-28


Injuries
 
OUT
C Jonathan Goodwin (Knee/Ankle)
RB Khiry Robinson (Forearm)
LB Kyle Knox (Ankle)
RB Pierre Thomas (RIB/Shoulder)

QUESTIONABLE
Broderick Bunkley
Jimmie Graham
Ramon Humber
Keenan Lewis

PROBABLE
PATRICK Robinson

                                                    Cheers,
                                                      SC