Third TIME'S the CHARM

Final Thoughts:  Saints 20 Vikings 9

Last Sunday's game in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome wasn't anything short of a tall glass of water for the New Orleans Saints organization and their fans. A record of 1-2 looks and sounds better than 0-3. If it hadn't been for a protected Drew Brees, the team may not have taken an early lead over the Minnesota Vikings with two of their touchdowns scored in the first quarter. If it weren't for Pierre Thomas and tight end Josh Hill, it may have been a disastrous Sunday in front of the home crowd. Before Vikings Quarterback Matt Cassel left the game with an injury in the second quarter, the football gods appeared to be in the Saints favor, well almost. Two scores on offense, dominant in the time of possession and an improved defense. But when rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater entered the game in place of Cassel, Saints fans most probably shared the same reaction, "Lawd have mercy!" Bridgewater, has a style most comparable to Michael Vick and he nearly had a field day on enemy turf in his first professional start. But that's usual for Saints fans. Not a factor for the better-prepared Saints defense.The Saints held Bridgewater and the Vikings to three field goals in Sunday's game.

That stellar performance is worth a toast.


TO: Rob Ryan and the Saints Defense. For rallying the troops and preventing a major slump. Not only did the defense not allow a touchdown, but they also held both Vikings receivers to less than 80 receiving yards.

TO: Drew Brees. The nine on his chest stands for 9th ward. That's exactly what came out of him when he was body slammed by a Vikings defender in what looked to be a WWF style move. His O-line couldn't get in position fast enough. Brees got up in fight mode. Oh and he completed all but eight of his passes.

TO: Marques Colston. Finally! There is still some left in the tank. Colston pulled one in from Drew Brees to let us know he is still the Saints leading receiver of all time.

WHO DAT! TWO DAT!

Up next, the Tony Romo-led Dallas Cowboys (2-1) in AT&T Stadium.
Stay tune for my first quarter analysis on the Saints season thus far.

   Season prediction: 11-5; trip deep into the post season; maybe a SB Championship.
                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                             Cheers,
                                                                                                                                 SC 


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