The Glow

December 27, 2006

 

In the preseason they looked so bad.

During the season they've looked so good.

Saints fans are in rarified air.

We're just not used to this.

We don't know how to act.

 

I hear our fans thanking the visiting fans for coming.  Does that happen in any other stadium?

Absolutely not, I can assure you.

It's something special that's going on in New Orleans.  Something that happens to every franchise at one time or another - a magical year  It's just that it's never happened to us.  But there is a special glow to this team.

 

And it's not just that we could go to the Super Bowl.  There's more to it than that.  This team and this organization, for the first time, are for real.

It's the realization that we actually have an opportunity to be good for the next several years.

So, the excitement is deeper and more palpable.   We have a chance to actually witness a period of competitiveness that could last awhile.  Another good draft, help at a few positions - and who knows.

We could get spoiled.

 

That's as long as the core of the team keeps their heads on straight and their priorities right.  After seasons like this, ego's chase free agent contracts, often missing the big picture of what its like to build a dynasty, rather than a swimming pool.  The former is a legacy - the latter is all wet.  Here's hoping that the players recognize what they're a part of - one of those once in a lifetime glows.

 

This level-headed, talented, well-lead team dispatched the Giants Sunday.  It's a Giant team rife with a bunch of hot heads and loud mouths in a divided locker room.  Pity that their attitude can't match their talent.  So many Saints teams we are used to pulling for had neither talent nor attitude.  This team's got both and could be, could be, beginning a Patriots-type run of competitiveness.  As we watched the game we remarked on how much fun it was to just watch a team that was well-coached, with talent, and discipline.  Suddenly the defense rose up and didn't allow the Giants to run a single play in Saints territory, and I can never remember seeing that in a football game.  But, it's indicative of the next month, in that when the opposing team runs the ball they are running it against a defense of not just 11 players, but another million or so fans on the field, stomping, barking, and filling the holes.

 

We're not sure how to act.

 

But, we can get used to it.

 

Predictable

Predictable

December 18, 2006

 

You could see that coming a mile away.

A letdown following a big win, a lot of media distraction, accolades going to your head, up against a legendary coach ready to provide a blueprint on how to defense a high scoring offense.

 

Yet, despite all that the Saints put themselves in a position to win and almost pulled it off.

So, they played a bad game but I see a lot of positives:

• Gave up a lot of yards but only 16 points
• Colston is back
• A great defensive design by the Redskins that will undoubtedly be copied, but that the Saints will now have a chance to dissect.
• Still kept the game close and could have pulled it off.
• We won the division!!!

However, that doesn't mean we need to see it again this week.  We need to see a strong finish in the last 2 games as we ramp up for the playoffs.

 

Speaking of which:

 

This Sunday we will have an open house from about Noon til 5, including the Saints viewing.  Rick & Liz will provide a wild array of snacks and foods.  Please stop by.

A regular Christmas Eve extravaganza, and maybe our last viewing party, depending on what transpires in the playoffs.  (I'll be at any home games and the Super Bowl when the Saints play.)

Tuna Cooked

 I'm sure I'm the first one that's ever used that one.

 

Sure enjoyed the Super Bowl bound Saints slice and dice America's old team..

Is there any doubt that Drew Brees is the MVP?  Looks like a 2 horse race between him and LT.  And they're both horses.  But Drew has elevated this team like no one else could have.

 

The only intelligent thing Jerry Glanville ever said was that the NFL stood for "Not for Long" and that has never been more evident than the progress made by the Saints between the last time they played the Cowboys and last night.  That Shreveport massacre (30-7 on August 21st, if you've forgotten) is a distant memory.  Drew's Krewe just executes an offense that is well designed and multi-layered.

 

Unfortunately the national media can no longer keep the Saints under the radar.  Let the hype begin. 

 

Here's how the rest of the season will play out - just as I predicted before the season began (and you laughed). The Saints will cruise through the NFC playoffs - the NFC is terribly weak.  The AFC, vastly superior, will beat itself to a pulp in their playoffs and the Chargers will emerge.  The Saints will beat the Chargers in the Super Bowl.  We will be there.  We will drive all night from Miami to New Orleans just in time to see the city slide off into the Mississippi River during the ensuing party.  Who wouldn't want to be in the French Quarter on that night?

 

Speaking of hype, get ready for our next away game party.  It will be the greatest Christmas Eve party ever.  December 24th - Noon when the Saints travel to play the New York Nerfball Giants.  Or am I the only one that can't stand it when someone calls them the New York Football Giants?

 

So, plan on visiting us Christmas Eve, even if you've never made it to a party before.

Jump on this bandwagon before there's no room.

Take A Nap

 As I sat watching the Saints Sunday, the fans began to file out early - this time because the game was out of reach in a good way.

I chose not to leave, but instead to just drink it in right up to the final snap.

Is this the best team - team - the Saints have ever had?

Probably.

What does it mean?

Not a Thing.

There's a long way to go.

 

But it just proves that turnarounds can be quick in the NFL when you answer the question we always have asked ourselves as we sat there year after year.

Why can't we get some better players?

 

Last year, as every year,  I thought we were just a few players away.

Sean Payton assessed the team and agreed.

A few players.

About 40.

 

So I marvel at how well disciplined this team is with just a short time together.

 

Now comes Dallas.  Unfortunately I have an instinct that the team that loses this game will then have the upper hand in a playoff rematch.  So, we need to go to Dallas and dominate - and leave no doubt, or play it close to the vest.  Remember, they pounded us in pre-season in Shreveport.

 

Either way, it's a great opportunity for us to have a terrific Sunday night viewing party.  We may even tailgate in the front yard - weather permitting.  Bob Richards plans on cooking a turkey, Donnie is thinking Red Beans & Rice.  It should be a great time - and you'd be foolish to miss it. 

 

If you worried about work Monday morning - take a Sunday afternoon siesta.

Take a Nap during those other boring NFL games.

See you Sunday night.

 

We've Seen it All Before

November 27th, 2006 

We've seen it all before:

 

The dropped passes

The hail mary

The obscene gestures

The blown coverages

The scrambling to no avail

The settling for field goals

The realization that playoff hopes are fading

The media criticism

The defense getting shredded by a 300 yard passing day

The upcoming firing of a Mora

 

Ain't it great that it's happening to the Falcons instead of the Saints?

 

Be at our next away game viewing as the Saints play the game of the century when they travel to Dallas on Sunday, December 10th.

 

Hmm, Who hasn't cooked yet?