Setting a Course for The Super Bowl

September 29, 2008

Sunday in the dome with Sean was a wonderful combination of Drew’s aerial circus and a return to meaningful action by Deuce McAlister.

With sports talk shows around town providing pressure on Coach Payton, Deuce provided the bailout the Coach needed.  Adding a new weapon to the arsenal – we’ll call it “power” – McAlister repeatedly picked up the short yardage when it was needed – something lacking for the last 12 months or so.

 

Other images that stuck:  First and foremost, it’s Drew Brees, who’s playing as well as any QB on the planet right now, threading long passes (there’s 3 words you don’t see together very often) and short.

There’s Lance Moore.  Not an imposing receiver he only does two things well – get open, and catch the ball.  There’s Robert Meachum providing another deep threat and making us wonder where he’s been.

 

Say this for Payton:  It doesn’t seem like he’ll play anybody until he thinks they’re ready.  Meachum, McAlister, Mackenzie – he won’t use them until he’s satisfied.

With Dallas beaten and suddenly looking vulnerable, Washington gaining respect so that loss doesn’t look so bad in the rear view mirror, and one AFC Western Division loss (Denver) behind us, the future should look good.  The Saints should win the next 2 at home before embarking on their long road trip.  Carolina and Tampa Bay still have Denver and San Diego to face, so the division race should come down to the head to head match ups with <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Tampa and Carolina that await.  Obviously getting some bodies back will be helpful, but power wins football games, and Deuce’s return was a jolt of power for a team that needs to add a little strength to their formidable finesse.

I've always been amused when fans of a team criticize their quarterback.  "We need a new quarterback," like they grow on trees, or John Elway is going to come out of retirement.  Well, if you're a Saints fan - we've got a quarterback.  He's not going to pilot a victory every time; no one is.  But he sure is fun to watch.  Enjoy it while you can, and hope he plays as long as Brett Favre.