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

 

 

 

Running with Purpose

 

Three words that describe Khiry Robinson's running style: focused, hard and destructive.

When Saints running back Mark Ingram went down with a hand injury in week two, a humble and steadfast Khiry Robinson appeared all too eager to step out in the spotlight as the Saints second rusher. He has a vision like no other runner of his kind. Some might compare his talent with the style of some legendary running backs, but Robinson is a different breed. He's a hard runner who's tough to tackle and his sense of direction can be annihilating to a defender’s career. Plainly put, Khiry Robinson can burst through a defensive blockade tagging along defenders with him to gain extra yardage.

The way he plays, you sense that he always has something to prove. As if someone is constantly telling him, "No, you can't,” before every snap. If a bettor would sacrifice his life savings, it’s a sure bet that this underrated workhorse has the ability to carry the rushing load as the premiere back of the New Orleans Saints. #Tackleatyourownrisk. The hunger is always there. #FeedHim.

The fortunate thing for starter, Pierre Thomas is that his performance is consistently progressing.  Last week, Robinson and Thomas combined for more than 100 yards on the ground and two touchdowns to defeat the Bucs. This week with Ingram returning to the field, it will be interesting to see what Coach Payton will decide and whether Robinson will get a decent number of carries.

*For a look into Khiry Robinson's upbringing and his experiences and why Robinson's running with purpose, Check out the well written article in the Advocate by Ramon Antonio Vargas. 

The Saints running game won't be the only aspect on Sean Payton's mind while preparing for this Sunday's game against Detroit. The Lions also have their own destructive rushing tandem in former Saints, Reggie Bush and Joique Bell. Bush missed game six due to injury, but will be back against his former team. As for Bell, he too will certainly be a handful for the Saints to bring down. For Detroit, Joique Bell like Khiry Robinson, is a hard head-on runner. Not afraid to burst through gaps in the defense. Sunday's running game should be interesting.  Calvin Johnson is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Hopefully a prayer will be answered by the football gods, that Megatron will not be playing. 
*As of Sunday morning, Calvin Johnson is seen warming up for pregame warm-ups. 

With that in mind, here are your       

              “Keys to the Game”

For the Offense:

         Play your game. Take control of the game early by playing your type of offense. Control the time of possession. Playing in enemy territory will be difficult and given the fact that the Saints haven’t played well on the road this season, they need to score early and often. They also need to minimize penalties that kill momentum.

     Mix it up. Don’t be afraid to pull something out of the old trick bag. Maybe a wildcat, flea-flicker or reverse. There just might be another quarterback who isn’t listed as a quarterback. Lions Head Coach, Jim Caldwell is an aggressive play caller and will try and rack up as many points as possible.

For the Defense:

Know your role. Just because their biggest weapon, Calvin Johnson is out don’t forget to execute. The Lions have plenty of weapons, especially in Reggie Bush. Bush will be eager to put on a show against his former team. The biggest threat at the receiver position is Golden Tate. Make sure Tate doesn’t get the winning score to end regulation or in Overtime. He is the other “Mr. Reliable”. Expect Matthew Stafford to target wide receiver, Jeremy Ross and Brandon Pettigrew. Shutting the running game will on both teams' agenda.

 
Stay alert. Keep your eyes open for unsuspected fumbles. A shocking thought is that six year tight end, Brandon Pettigrew has not produced the numbers as other veterans like Jimmy Graham or the Patriots Gronkowski. #kill’emkenny#32. Look for a mistake-prone Pettigrew to try and make something happen. #fumble#jackpot. Don’t let the big play catch you off guard. Golden Tate is a beast.

 Score Prediction: 31-28

 Saints

Ramon Humber  Out

Kyle Knox ankle Out

Patrick Robinson INACTIVE

Jimmy Graham  ACTIVE 

 Keenan Lewis Probable

Ronald Powell Probable

Pierre Thomas Probable

Jonathan Goodwin Probable

Mark Ingram  PLAYING

Erik Lorig  INACTIVE

 JOE MORGAN INACTIVE
Brandon Deaderick INACTIVE
 

Lions

Joseph Fauria Out

Travis Lewis Out

Eric Ebron  Doubtful

Theo Riddick doubtful

Calvin Johnson Questionable

Ezekiel Ansah Probable

 Reggie Bush ankle Probable

 Jeremy Ross Probable

                                                                                                                       Cheers,

                                                                                                                         SC

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHEW DAT!

Just when you thought the Saints were about to drop one in the Dome, Drew Brees and Khiry Robinson secure a victory in the overtime thriller to send the Tampa Bay Bucs packing.  It was mostly a tale of two halves. Not for the Bucs, but for Brees and the Saints. The Saints started the game faster and more productive but only managed two field goals in the first quarter. The team’s first appearance in the end zone came in the second quarter off a key block by rookie receiver, Brandin Cooks and a Pierre Thomas run. The start of the second half was a bit appalling. The Saints were leading 13-10 at the half.  Then, the Bucs found a boost of momentum to go up 24 to 13 after Tampa Bay’s Lansanaugh intercepts a Drew Brees toss and scores. The Saints put together a drive with Brees finding Travaris Cadet in the end zone for a score of 24 to 20. Brees was intercepted three times in the game.  

The fourth quarter however, belonged to the Saints defense. Not perfect but they deserve some credit. The group managed to slow the Tampa offense down just enough to give the ball back to Drew. The Saints sacked Tampa quarterback Glennon in the end zone for a safety. The score couldn’t come at better time after a failed a 2-point conversion. A Shane Graham field goal tied the game forcing overtime.

The Saints won the coin toss to receive the ball post regulation. Brees managed the drive and pounded the Bucs defense with a powerful rushing attack spearheaded by Khiry Robinson and Pierre Thomas.

And now for a round,

A TOAST:

To Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson. It was a big game for both running backs. Khiry Robinson carried the ball for 90 yards and a score to win the game. Pierre Thomas found the end zone for two touchdowns, one as a receiver and the other a rushing touchdown.

To Junior Gallette, for a sack in the end zone.  

To Patrick Robinson, for intercepting a Glennon pass.

To Ramon Humber, for laying a big hit on a return specialist.  #special teams

 

Up Next,

the Saints take on familiar faces, Reggie Bush and Joique Bell when they face the Detroit Lions (3-2).

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                              Cheers,                                                                                                                 SC

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

 

 

 

 

SEASONAL SHIFT ???

The last time the Tampa Bay Buccaneers met the Saints in New Orleans, things were a lot different. It was November. The Bucs were 4-11 and the Saints were 10-5. The Bucs were coached by Greg Schiano.  Now, Tampa is headed by former Chicago Bears head coach, Lovie Smith. Both teams will enter Sunday’s game at 1-3, seated at the bottom two rungs of the NFC South ladder.

Tampa’s coming off their first win of the season in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and appear to be amped to get at the Saints. Many thought Smith would be the answer to Tampa’s troubles and be the right person to “right the ship.”

Maybe not this week. The stats are in favor of the home team.

The Saints on the other hand are looking to get back on track. Historically, the team is usually unstoppable at home in the month of October under Coach Sean Payton.  The last time the team struggled during October is in 2012 during Payton’s suspension in the bounty program. The penalties resulted in the dismissal of then defensive coordinator Greg Williams and a record of 7-9 and an early off-season. In 2013, the Saints went 2-1 in October with the inclusion of the bye week. That one loss came from the New England Patriots in Gillette Stadium.

The Saints and the Bucs have trouble on defense; especially against the pass. Neither seem to have the ability to be effective on third down. Both teams are allowing opposing offenses to convert nearly half of their third downs.  If the game were in Tampa, a “W” could go either way. But since the duel is in the Mercedes- Benz Superdome, this should be a blow-out win for the Saints. Here’s what the Saints need to do to secure a victory.

 

Keys to the Game:

Offense

Pump up the points: The team is still an offensive powerhouse but the NFL has the Saints listed as 17^th in scoring. The Saints need to find the end zone early in the game instead of trying to make an effort with third and fourth quarter heroics.

Balance Attack: Even if the Bucs are allowing teams to pass, set it up the big play with the run. Don’t be surprised if Sean Payton pulls a few tricks out of the old bag.

Possess the clock: Drew and the offense must chew up the clock keeping Bucs quarterback Mike Glennon and his targets off the field. Most importantly, keep his newly-famed receiver Louis Murphy on the sideline.

Defense

Make it, take it:  If the offense does their part scoring early and often (make it), then leave it up to the defense to strip, steal, and create turnovers (take it).

Be a HINDRANCE: Become a gnat. Pester the receivers by disrupting the concentration. Keenan Lewis stepped up in week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys in a losing effort. Make sure receivers know your presence. Force them to interfere with you.

 Game prediction: Saints 35-16
Season prediction: 11-5; trip deep into the post season; maybe a SB Championship.

Injuries

Saints

Armstead, Terron probable

Ball, Marcus  Hamstring  probable

Byrd, Jairus Out

Goodwin, Jonathan probable

Hawthorne, David  probable

Ingram, Mark Out

Lofton, Curtis ILB  probable

Lorig, Erik Out

Robinson, Patrick probable

Watson, Benjamin  probable

White, Corey probable

Buccaneers  

TAMPA BAY

Johnathan Banks Probable

Mark Barron Questionable

Larry English Out

Mike Evans Out

Mason Foster Questionable

Dashon Goldson Out

Michael Johnson Questionable

Josh McCown Questionable

Gerald McCoy Questionable

Austin Seferian-Jenkins Questionable

                                                                                                                  Cheers,
                                                                                                                SC

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

 

 

 

Final Thoughts: 1^st quarter of the season.

 If you go back and read the first post of this site before the Saints’ first game against the Atlanta Falcons, you would most probably think I was smoking something from the Caribbean. The truth is, I wasn’t on anything. My predictions and analysis were serious. Now that the Saints have started the season 1-3, my prediction appears inaccurate, but it’s too soon to tell. However, I will say that if this team doesn’t return to the style of the Sean Peyton era, it will be a less than average season. So many complicated and confusing situations have occurred this season. So many people to blame. Some will point the finger at Rob Ryan or Sean Payton. Truth is, the unit as a whole is responsible for the first quarter slump.

Here is a compilation of puzzling situations I have titled, 14 THINGS

 ABOUT THE 2014 SAINTS THAT MAKE ME CRINGE.

 

1.   Defense is inconsistent.

2.   Marques Colston is slowing down.

3.   Nick Toon is standing on the sideline in street clothes and has yet to live up to the hype from his rookie year.

4.   We cut Champ Bailey.

5.   Protection for Drew Brees is shoddy.

6.   The offense has started slow in every game except one.

7.   Kenny Vaccaro was moved to the left side of the opposing quarterback.

8.   Observations of Communication between Rafael Bush and Corey White are like watching interactions between tweedle- dee and tweedle-dum.

9.   Keenan Lewis is not playing like the Steeler he used to be.

10.    The defense can’t get off the field on third down.

11.   The defense hasn’t forced turnovers.

12.   There is nothing special about the Saints special teams.

13.   Who Dat Nation has nothing to cheer about.

14.  I am starting to look like a fool after picking the Saints to win each game. 

                                                                                   Cheers,

                                                                                                          SC