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

 

Magic in Dallas???

When it comes to sports collaborations, the city of New Orleans is all too familiar with unique hook-ups. For example, fans termed the chemistry of  Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler from the then New Orleans Hornets, the "Crescent City Connection." Now, the most popular collaboration in the city is none other than between a champion quarterback and his superstar tight end.   

The bond between Saints quarterback  Drew Brees and tight end Jimmy Graham is a special collaboration. 
 
The wisdom and arm power of Brees combined with Graham's size and agility are responsible for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns in the first three games of the season.
 
If the Saints want to win in Arlington, those same ingredients are necessary in Sunday's primetime matchup against the Cowboys in AT&T Stadium. 

The last time the two teams met, it was November in the Mercedes- Benz Superdome and the Saints were 6-2 entering that game. Offense and defense were clicking and hitting on all cylinders. In the end, the Cowboys galloped back to Texas in an  embarrassment over a score of 49-17. 

This time around, things are a little bit different. This time, with a record of 1-2, the Saints are looking to get back to .500 in the first quarter of the season. On the other hand, the Cowboys(2-1) are trying to avoid falling to .500. 

Thus far, the Texas team is on a roll. In week three, Jason Garrett's group trailed by 21 points against the St. Louis Rams, but came up victorious in the end. 

The Saints are favorites in Sunday night's game. But given their inconsistent play on defense and the performance of Dallas as of late, shouldn't the spread be in Dallas's favor? So what exactly are the experts saying? Well, the majority of analysts from the Dallas Morning News are picking the Saints. Down in New Orleans, specifically the Times- Picayune writer, Larry Holder has New Orleans winning by a point. 

Should be a game of many different twists and turns. Anyway, here are your keys to the game.


OFFENSE:
#1- Run early and often. Set the tone in the rushing 
      game. While Mark Ingram is out with a hand injury, Khiry Robinson is more than ready to answer the call. #feedthatboy

#2-Build a fortress. Yes, it's a bit repetitious to mention each week the importance of protecting Drew Brees. A clean secure quarterback is a high performing quarterback.

#3 Flawless receiver performance. Eliminate mistakes. Dropped passes and missed opportunities on enemy turf can be critical in Sunday's game. If the research is correct, it will be interesting to see how Nick Toon responds in his first action of the regular season. This game will also be a great showing for Kenny Stills. 

One thing worth mentioning is that defender Morris Claiborne is having some issues within the organization.The former LSU standout loss his starting spot to Orlando Scandrick. Mo will be looking to prove something to Jerry Jones. 

Defense

#1 Contain Dez Bryant and limit the passing game. The arrogant wide receiver has already voiced his opinion on former Dallas Defensive Coordinator, Rob Ryan's alleged game plan. Bryant is adamant that if the Saints double team him, running back Demarco Murray will have field day. Of course the Saints won't forget about the other options for receiver, Terrance Williams and Dwayne Harris. Don't be surprised if Kenny Vaccaro comes up big in this game.   

#2 Tight Coverage. Big play from Cornerback Keenan Lewis. Disrupting the concentration of skilled receivers is necessary for the Saints to be victorious in this game and for the rest of the season.

#3 Sack Tony Romo.
With monsters like Junior Galette and Cameron Jordan, getting to Tony Romo is definitely not impossible.


The team that wins the turnover battle, walks away with the victory.


Game prediction:  Saints 24-21

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.

          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.

Home Sweet Dome

When the Saints enter the dome for the first time this season, two things for certain will be in their favor: Home field advantage and No Adrian Peterson. All that translates to is home crowd support and a small break defending the run. The defense against the passing game is hideous considering two quarterbacks threw for nearly 700 passing yards in the last two weeks.  With the absence of Peterson, the question is can will the Saints allow running backs Matt Asiata and Jerick Mckinnon to dictate the game?

From news on the Vikes website, the purple people are interested in exploiting the Saints’ defense. It shouldn’t be hard to do given the LAST two games which both resulted in losses. The question in mind is do the Saints want it bad enough? The Saints defense have no takeaways, only one forced fumble.  

 The offense is getting out to a slow start causing them to play from behind. Both of the last two games have been decided by a field goal or less.  With both centers listed as questionable, will Drew Brees have the protection necessary to rally this team to victory?  Without further ado, here are your keys to the game.

 

OFFENSE:

 In order for Drew Brees to lead this team to a win, he may have to make a run for it. Even if it means, sliding for a first down or scrambling to make time for a receiver to get open. Receivers must be disciplined enough to get in position to make a play. #catch#secure#run

The running game must be priority. Since Mark Ingram is out and Khiry Robinson is stepping in as the number two rusher, it should make for an interesting day in the rushing attack. Expect him to break a few for big gains in front of the home crowd.

 

Defense:

STAY ALERT! The two veterans on the Saints Defense, Jairus Byrd and Keenan Lewis must step up and play a flawless game. Byrd is beginning to find his comfort zone as evident by the team’s one and only forced fumble. All the analysts are big on Vikings receiver, Cordarrelle Patterson. Of course Rob Ryan should try and contain him but no one should forget the others like former Green Bay Packer, Greg Jennings.

FORCE THE ILL ADVISED THROWS: Veteran QB Matt Cassell is barely completing half of his passing attempts. He’s been intercepted four times and has been sacked six times already in two games. If the Saints can get some pressure on Cassell this Sunday, then look for the home team to come up big. 

Keep the tight end a non-factor. Limiting Kyle Rudolph from racking up yardage will shut down the extra option. If everyone does their part on defense, then the Vikings options for big plays are limited.

Game Prediction:

SAINTS 24- Vikings 21.

Note: I try and never pick against the Saints but something tells me the Vikings are wanting to take full advantage of the Saints and any weaknesses that turn up in this game. I have been wrong before but if the Saints don’t pay big tomorrow, the Vikings will have their way.

                                                                                                                               

  Injuries:

S Marcus Ball- OUT

RB Mark Ingram-OUT

LB David Hawthorne-OUT

FB Eric Lorig-OUT

C Jonathan Goodwin – PROBABLE

LB Kyle Knox-PROBABLE

C Tim Lelito- QUESTIONABLE

LB Curtis Lofton-PROBABLE

WR Joseph Morgan-PROBABLE

 

                                                                                                                                 Cheers,

                                                                                                                                        SC

OH-AND-TWO

Final Thoughts: Saints at Browns

Even if the Saints would have pulled out of FirstEnergy Stadium with a win, multiple concerns still need to be addressed. How about the fact that the Saints defense can’t manage to get off the field on third and long situations? How about the fact that they can’t force turnovers? For the second week in a row, it appears that the group as a whole is not clicking in the most crucial moments. My speculations are evident by the heated debate between Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and Head Coach Sean Payton.

The mere fact is that the Saints had a chance to end the game on third and 12, with more than two minutes left. If I were Sean Payton, I would be constipated and would let Rob Ryan know as well. Now while it’s too soon to call the season, I wouldn’t exactly call them Super Bowl caliber after a performance like today. But there is hope.

On the bright side, minus the interception, the Saints offense put up numbers and managed to keep the group alive despite the slow start. Even better news, it’s still early in the season and even the Falcons loss to the Bengals.   

Trust me, Rob Ryan and his defense will show improvement by game three. Until then, how about a shot?

Tip your glass to:

 To punter, Thomas Morstead for pinning the Browns deep near their own end zone late in the fourth quarter to give the organization and Who Dat Nation a shot at the first victory of the season.

 

Up next, Minnesota

Eventhough the team failed to bring home a win, things should be looking up in next week's home opener against the Vikings(1-1).

 

                                                                                                                  Cheers anyhow,

                                                      SC