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.