Things I learned at the Saints' last game of the season:
1) The easiest QB job in the NFL belongs to Jake Delhomme. Just fling the ball up in the air in the general direction of Steve Smith and he'll come down with it. Even if everyone in the stadium knows it's what you're going to do. Even if there are defenders in seemingly perfect position. Even if the game is on the line and he should be blanketed by 4 defenders. I've never seen anyone able to make so many clutch catches while double covered. (If you call what the Saints do "coverage." Maybe we should call it "in the neighborhood.")
2) The Saints defensive line underperformed all year. Thus, no pressure on quarterbacks, thus no turnovers, thus even worse exposure of a secondary that is slow to the ball to say the least. They also can't stop the run. Watching the Panthers much more athletic front line bounce around was a study in contrast to the stationary linemen the Saints have. Big contracts, big names, big girths - little production.
3) It's time for a big free agent signing in the secondary. We've missed the top prizes each of the last few off-seasons - it's time to get serious and get a playmaker, or two. We can't fill this need with a guess on draft day. We need 2 safeties and 2 corners before the Brees window of opportunity closes. Second tier corners like Randall Gay and Aaron Glenn are ok players but they will not take us to the next level. And just go ahead and cut the safeties now and put them out of our misery.
4) Deuce can still play. I don't care what anyone says. Maybe he doesn't have breakaway speed anymore, but the Saints have plenty of that on offense. They need the steadiness he provides. He makes the first guy miss, breaks tackles, and moves the pile. If the Saints don't re-sign him he will do damage somewhere else. In totality his game is still strong. Did you notice Bell fail to pick up a blitz? It's not that easy - we take Deuce for granted.
5) Can Reggie Bush play cornerback? Just wondering.
6) Drew Brees had an incredible game. I have never seen a defensive line walk around before the snap like the Panthers did, and he still shredded them. If Lance Moore catches the last pass, Drew is the all-time single season yardage leader, and he deserved that.
7) Drew is job security for Sean Payton. They work so well together you couldn't split them up. But the coach has to draft all defensive players again and try to improve the defense. Get to work now evaluating talent. You don't have to worry about good teams doing any scouting for the next month. They're busy. You're not.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
At the Cinema - November 2008
Movies I’ve seen lately rated on my unique 10 point scale:
Quantum of Solace - 6 – I’ve already forgotten what this was about. It was slightly better than I expected after reading the reviews – but only slightly. So much action, most of it ridiculous of course, that the fact that Daniel Craig is a good, but relentless James Bond is beside the point. Where was that gadget guy? Did he leave with the fun?
Pineapple Express – 1 – For the one time I laughed. In the great tradition of stoner movies such as Cheech and Chong, having never been stoned I didn’t get it. If you’re a stoner I’m sure you’ll find this hilarious, but only if you’re sufficiently stoned. Where can I get my money back?
Role Models – 8 – Hilarious with heart. I went just to kill time, and it killed me. Great comedy – go see it.
Cadillac Records – 8 – This historical accounting of Chess Records is a must for music lovers. Special kudos to Jeffrey Wright who gives a note perfect performance as Muddy Waters. This story of Little Walter, Howling Wolf, Etta James, and Chuck Berry and their music is beautifully done and sung. I’ll probably even buy the DVD.
Changeling - 7 – Angelina Jolie shines as she captures the 30’s all by herself. Clint Eastwood calmly drives us through another accounting of the corrupt Los Angeles police department. It’s riveting stuff, beautifully done. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - no one lights up the screen like Angelina. She is our movie star.
Journey to the Center of the Earth – 6 – Saw it in 3D and while it didn’t come up to one of the personal favorites of my youth, the Pat Boone/James Mason version, it’s fine family fare and fun enough for the money.
Synedoche New York - 7 - Complicated, brilliant and maddening. Not for the faint of concentration, and definitely not for everybody. I'll need to see it again for a final verdict - it's that complex.
Quantum of Solace - 6 – I’ve already forgotten what this was about. It was slightly better than I expected after reading the reviews – but only slightly. So much action, most of it ridiculous of course, that the fact that Daniel Craig is a good, but relentless James Bond is beside the point. Where was that gadget guy? Did he leave with the fun?
Pineapple Express – 1 – For the one time I laughed. In the great tradition of stoner movies such as Cheech and Chong, having never been stoned I didn’t get it. If you’re a stoner I’m sure you’ll find this hilarious, but only if you’re sufficiently stoned. Where can I get my money back?
Role Models – 8 – Hilarious with heart. I went just to kill time, and it killed me. Great comedy – go see it.
Cadillac Records – 8 – This historical accounting of Chess Records is a must for music lovers. Special kudos to Jeffrey Wright who gives a note perfect performance as Muddy Waters. This story of Little Walter, Howling Wolf, Etta James, and Chuck Berry and their music is beautifully done and sung. I’ll probably even buy the DVD.
Changeling - 7 – Angelina Jolie shines as she captures the 30’s all by herself. Clint Eastwood calmly drives us through another accounting of the corrupt Los Angeles police department. It’s riveting stuff, beautifully done. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - no one lights up the screen like Angelina. She is our movie star.
Journey to the Center of the Earth – 6 – Saw it in 3D and while it didn’t come up to one of the personal favorites of my youth, the Pat Boone/James Mason version, it’s fine family fare and fun enough for the money.
Synedoche New York - 7 - Complicated, brilliant and maddening. Not for the faint of concentration, and definitely not for everybody. I'll need to see it again for a final verdict - it's that complex.
Sweet Caroline
It doesn't appear New York's governor is leaning towards appointing Caroline Kennedy to replace Hillary Clinton as New York's junior Senator.
That's a shame - let me come out in support of her and here's why:
She's not a politician. She's being criticized as being unqualified. Terrific! Look at what the qualifed ones have done! She could not be called a commoner by any stretch, but she seems like a normal, caring person. What we need is more normal, regular people in Congress. Ones with common sense. The more unqualified the better.
I remember watching a Congressional hearing once. Must have been home sick that day. I watched all the Congressmen give long winded speeches followed by leading questions of some poor shmuck who was testifying. Then, suddenly, a revelation. Mary Bono (Sonny's widow who had been elected to replace her husband and still serves) gave no long speech and asked a simple and direct question - the kind of question that any American would ask (except the windbags who had been asking questions.) It was an incredible moment and I've never forgotten it. A normal person asking a real question. And it was the question every viewer would have asked. I hope she's still doing it. It actually caught the witness offguard. Beautiful.
So, let's send more regular people to Congress. They may not be able to author complex laws, but I'm thinking we can hire lawyers for that, instead of electing them. All in favor say aye.
That's a shame - let me come out in support of her and here's why:
She's not a politician. She's being criticized as being unqualified. Terrific! Look at what the qualifed ones have done! She could not be called a commoner by any stretch, but she seems like a normal, caring person. What we need is more normal, regular people in Congress. Ones with common sense. The more unqualified the better.
I remember watching a Congressional hearing once. Must have been home sick that day. I watched all the Congressmen give long winded speeches followed by leading questions of some poor shmuck who was testifying. Then, suddenly, a revelation. Mary Bono (Sonny's widow who had been elected to replace her husband and still serves) gave no long speech and asked a simple and direct question - the kind of question that any American would ask (except the windbags who had been asking questions.) It was an incredible moment and I've never forgotten it. A normal person asking a real question. And it was the question every viewer would have asked. I hope she's still doing it. It actually caught the witness offguard. Beautiful.
So, let's send more regular people to Congress. They may not be able to author complex laws, but I'm thinking we can hire lawyers for that, instead of electing them. All in favor say aye.
Friday, December 12, 2008
So Sorry
Dear Sirs,
Just a few apologies. We are dreadfully sorry.
First, we’re sorry we didn’t know how to travel to Washington. We really had no precedent. When Citigroup needed cash transferred right into their account, twice what we’re asking for, they didn’t even have to make the trip. We were naïve. We were asking for a loan, not a gift. Sorry.
Sorry, we didn’t realize the rules were going to be different for our bailout, about one 20th of what has been promised to financial institutions that made bad loans. Sorry, we didn’t realize all bad judgments weren’t equal.
Sorry, we didn’t cause this horrible economic mess. Now we get how this works – cause the blow up and you get tons of cash because of your poor business practices. Be a victim of the slowdown and you get tongue-lashed by all of America because of your 120 incompetent years in business. I’m sure this same technique will work on the millions of small businesses that are about to go under. Take them to the woodshed for not having a stockpile of cash to get them through this little credit crunch they didn’t cause.
Sorry, we built all those gas-guzzling SUV’s that kept us solvent, that you’re now chastising us for. The American consumer wanted them, but we were foolish. We should have tried to force them into tiny cars they didn’t want, that weren’t profitable. That way we could’ve come begging sooner, and we could have given up even more market share to our competition.
Sorry, we didn’t have a business plan you liked the first time. We rarely plan anything. Because it takes years of research, design, and engineering to build and market an extremely complicated piece of machinery while trying to predict the market conditions that will be present five years later – don't let that fool you. We’ll bring you a plan you like next time.
Sorry, we didn’t volunteer to give up our salaries sooner. We would never be so bold as to suggest that each Congressman do the same when they run the deficit up to say $10 trillion. Give yourself another raise and increase your pension. And please, learn from our mistake – don’t let anyone see how you fly.
Sorry we didn’t grovel more in our first trip.
Sorry we’re worried about all the jobs we provide, not just within the industry, but on the periphery. Sorry that so much sales tax revenue comes from the auto industry. If we shutter, I’m sure local governments will find a replacement for that revenue. I’m sure every GM store that closes will have no trouble placing their employees.
Sorry, we didn’t respect your business acumen more. You’re telling us we’ve been non-competitive for a long time. You’re right – it’s been a struggle. We’re not going to lie. But we’re invigorated with the thought of your oversight. Any entity that can spend $600 billion over 8 years searching for weapons of mass destruction can certainly advise us on what cars people will buy.
Sorry, we’ve honored those union contracts. You’re right - we should’ve filed bankruptcy several times and gotten those contracts broken. If we’re not going to keep the Geneva Convention, why should we worry about silly contracts that have improved working conditions and standards of living for millions of Americans.
Sorry, the public is against the bailout. We know it, and it hurts. We haven’t fulfilled our obligation to our customers and it’s obvious we’re not held in the esteem we once were. Competition came in and took our business. It’s the way capitalism is supposed to work. Sorry, maybe we should just quit and let all those jobs move overseas, or to non-unionized factories. Sorry, we’ve already moved so much of our manufacturing to other countries. It’s not what we wanted, but we kept the obligation to our stockholders to try to stay whole. Sorry, we should’ve kicked our stockholders to the curb in a bankruptcy like so many other big companies have done.
Sorry that there is no longer a "Buy American" sentiment. Remember when Wal Mart built its reputation on selling American made products. As usual, Wal Mart was ahead of the curve, abandoning that silly sentiment. What were we thinking?
Sorry, we have such a terrible business model that everyone is piling on. Why, we’re so stupid we actually provide the financing for dealers to stock our products. Then we provide financing for people to buy our product from the dealers. What other business would do such a stupid thing? Talk about risky loans. Talk about being upside down on your mortgage! You have to wonder how we've made it work this long.
I’m sure our high performing banks will snap up that business when we’re gone.
Sorry, we have so much to learn from you. We can’t wait for your conditions. This should be good.
Just a few apologies. We are dreadfully sorry.
First, we’re sorry we didn’t know how to travel to Washington. We really had no precedent. When Citigroup needed cash transferred right into their account, twice what we’re asking for, they didn’t even have to make the trip. We were naïve. We were asking for a loan, not a gift. Sorry.
Sorry, we didn’t realize the rules were going to be different for our bailout, about one 20th of what has been promised to financial institutions that made bad loans. Sorry, we didn’t realize all bad judgments weren’t equal.
Sorry, we didn’t cause this horrible economic mess. Now we get how this works – cause the blow up and you get tons of cash because of your poor business practices. Be a victim of the slowdown and you get tongue-lashed by all of America because of your 120 incompetent years in business. I’m sure this same technique will work on the millions of small businesses that are about to go under. Take them to the woodshed for not having a stockpile of cash to get them through this little credit crunch they didn’t cause.
Sorry, we built all those gas-guzzling SUV’s that kept us solvent, that you’re now chastising us for. The American consumer wanted them, but we were foolish. We should have tried to force them into tiny cars they didn’t want, that weren’t profitable. That way we could’ve come begging sooner, and we could have given up even more market share to our competition.
Sorry, we didn’t have a business plan you liked the first time. We rarely plan anything. Because it takes years of research, design, and engineering to build and market an extremely complicated piece of machinery while trying to predict the market conditions that will be present five years later – don't let that fool you. We’ll bring you a plan you like next time.
Sorry, we didn’t volunteer to give up our salaries sooner. We would never be so bold as to suggest that each Congressman do the same when they run the deficit up to say $10 trillion. Give yourself another raise and increase your pension. And please, learn from our mistake – don’t let anyone see how you fly.
Sorry we didn’t grovel more in our first trip.
Sorry we’re worried about all the jobs we provide, not just within the industry, but on the periphery. Sorry that so much sales tax revenue comes from the auto industry. If we shutter, I’m sure local governments will find a replacement for that revenue. I’m sure every GM store that closes will have no trouble placing their employees.
Sorry, we didn’t respect your business acumen more. You’re telling us we’ve been non-competitive for a long time. You’re right – it’s been a struggle. We’re not going to lie. But we’re invigorated with the thought of your oversight. Any entity that can spend $600 billion over 8 years searching for weapons of mass destruction can certainly advise us on what cars people will buy.
Sorry, we’ve honored those union contracts. You’re right - we should’ve filed bankruptcy several times and gotten those contracts broken. If we’re not going to keep the Geneva Convention, why should we worry about silly contracts that have improved working conditions and standards of living for millions of Americans.
Sorry, the public is against the bailout. We know it, and it hurts. We haven’t fulfilled our obligation to our customers and it’s obvious we’re not held in the esteem we once were. Competition came in and took our business. It’s the way capitalism is supposed to work. Sorry, maybe we should just quit and let all those jobs move overseas, or to non-unionized factories. Sorry, we’ve already moved so much of our manufacturing to other countries. It’s not what we wanted, but we kept the obligation to our stockholders to try to stay whole. Sorry, we should’ve kicked our stockholders to the curb in a bankruptcy like so many other big companies have done.
Sorry that there is no longer a "Buy American" sentiment. Remember when Wal Mart built its reputation on selling American made products. As usual, Wal Mart was ahead of the curve, abandoning that silly sentiment. What were we thinking?
Sorry, we have such a terrible business model that everyone is piling on. Why, we’re so stupid we actually provide the financing for dealers to stock our products. Then we provide financing for people to buy our product from the dealers. What other business would do such a stupid thing? Talk about risky loans. Talk about being upside down on your mortgage! You have to wonder how we've made it work this long.
I’m sure our high performing banks will snap up that business when we’re gone.
Sorry, we have so much to learn from you. We can’t wait for your conditions. This should be good.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Saints begin trip to Kiper Bowl
Close but no frozen cigar. This time the Saints actually gave the tough Bears defense all they could handle, taking them into overtime before displaying their suffering safety play. We never touched the ball in the OT.
Actually, it's a conspiracy on the part of the NFL. Hey guys, let's take a home game away from them and put them in London. Then let's make them go to Chicago every year - not too early now - wait til December - and make them play on that ridiculous turf that the Bears apparently resod whenever the Saints are coming to town.
Actually, the Saints had a much better game plan and if not for a couple of long kick returns by the Bears, one for a TD to start the game, probably would have won. The Saints played well enough to take it to OT.
Now we start our march to the Kiper Bowl. On the shopping list - Safeties, corners, more speed on defense. Two games to go. Winning record still possible. Small consolation, but considering the injuries I think they've done all they could do, We lost 3 games we gave away in the kicking game. Wait 'til next year - for the 40th time.
Actually, it's a conspiracy on the part of the NFL. Hey guys, let's take a home game away from them and put them in London. Then let's make them go to Chicago every year - not too early now - wait til December - and make them play on that ridiculous turf that the Bears apparently resod whenever the Saints are coming to town.
Actually, the Saints had a much better game plan and if not for a couple of long kick returns by the Bears, one for a TD to start the game, probably would have won. The Saints played well enough to take it to OT.
Now we start our march to the Kiper Bowl. On the shopping list - Safeties, corners, more speed on defense. Two games to go. Winning record still possible. Small consolation, but considering the injuries I think they've done all they could do, We lost 3 games we gave away in the kicking game. Wait 'til next year - for the 40th time.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Bad News, Good News on the narrowing path to the Super Bowl
Bad news – Looks like we’ll have to deal with Matt Ryan for a long time.
He’s an NFL quarterback. I remember those yearly visits from Joe Montana and Steve Young. It wasn’t fun being in the division with them back then, and this is not going to be a fun run. It seems like the only incompletion he threw today was the one the Saints needed him to throw. The rest of the afternoon was a clinic, albeit one in how to hit wide open receivers.
Good news – Pierre Thomas had the breakout game that should finally establish him as a go-to option for Coach Payton. In one of those games where it was apparent that the team that had the ball last was going to win, the Saints balanced up their attack, and offensively kept the Falcon off balance – and successfully ran the ball to run out the clock. Guess the coach got my letter. That’s the thing – the Saints weaponry on offense isn’t limited to the passing game. If you couldn’t throw the ball at all, wouldn’t you be satisfied with Thomas, Bush, Deuce, and Karney as your running backs?
So, now we’re off to do one of the things we haven’t done in a long time – win in Chicago.
Coach, let’s match the game plan to the conditions.
Please.
He’s an NFL quarterback. I remember those yearly visits from Joe Montana and Steve Young. It wasn’t fun being in the division with them back then, and this is not going to be a fun run. It seems like the only incompletion he threw today was the one the Saints needed him to throw. The rest of the afternoon was a clinic, albeit one in how to hit wide open receivers.
Good news – Pierre Thomas had the breakout game that should finally establish him as a go-to option for Coach Payton. In one of those games where it was apparent that the team that had the ball last was going to win, the Saints balanced up their attack, and offensively kept the Falcon off balance – and successfully ran the ball to run out the clock. Guess the coach got my letter. That’s the thing – the Saints weaponry on offense isn’t limited to the passing game. If you couldn’t throw the ball at all, wouldn’t you be satisfied with Thomas, Bush, Deuce, and Karney as your running backs?
So, now we’re off to do one of the things we haven’t done in a long time – win in Chicago.
Coach, let’s match the game plan to the conditions.
Please.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Saints sputter in last trip to Tampa
Dear Coach,
Don’t get us wrong – we really appreciate the fact that you have brought the Saints up to a competitive level. We sat through many a 4 – 12 season wishing we had a coach and a quarterback that could mount a passing attack. It's ironic and rather funny to listen to Bobby Hebert pontificate after games when he and Jim Mora masterminded so many first half wins that turned into coulda shoulda woulda's by playing Rush Limbaugh second halves. No one can accuse you of that. You've got that gas pedal floored going into the curve.
The problem is that it’s not a video game. It’s real football and it’s sometimes played in real weather. I just don’t understand a couple of things. First, you’re from Chicago. So I know you must know what it takes to win in slop. Secondly, you coached with Parcells who certainly believed in smash mouth football and wearing the other team down.
You really believed you could throw the football 50 times in that rain last weekend and win? If ever a game called for Deuce up the middle this was it. Some speculate he’s finished. I don’t know how anyone can tell. When he goes in the game it’s the Stecker effect all over. Everyone knows he’s going to get the football. He can’t be effective for 10 plays a game. Neither can Pierre. Neither can Reggie. I know you’re enamored of all the weapons you have, but maybe you need to land on one.
Speaking of Reggie, it’s time to commit to Pierre. The next hole Reggie hits will be his first. He’s dancing with the stars and he’s going to end up just like the 2 players he reminds me of – Barry Sanders and Gale Sayers. They never won a championship either. Scatbacks don’t win championships. Big backs do – John Riggins, Larry Csonka, Jerome Bettis, need I go on? So think long and hard before you put Deuce out to pasture. The big ones are hard to find and he still moves the pile. I know you’ll still find use for Reggie and he’ll scare the other team as much as he scares me.
So, I’m sure you’ve heard the word “balance” about a million times this week. Ask me who’s going to win any game and I’ll tell you about 80% of the time it’s the team that’s running the ball in the 4th quarter. Maybe that’s why that come from behind stat has gotten so much play. Just remember that you can’t run the ball in the 4th quarter if you haven’t run it in the first 3.
The Giants and Steelers wear people down. They’ve got it. We want it.
Let’s put the controller down and play some football.
Don’t get us wrong – we really appreciate the fact that you have brought the Saints up to a competitive level. We sat through many a 4 – 12 season wishing we had a coach and a quarterback that could mount a passing attack. It's ironic and rather funny to listen to Bobby Hebert pontificate after games when he and Jim Mora masterminded so many first half wins that turned into coulda shoulda woulda's by playing Rush Limbaugh second halves. No one can accuse you of that. You've got that gas pedal floored going into the curve.
The problem is that it’s not a video game. It’s real football and it’s sometimes played in real weather. I just don’t understand a couple of things. First, you’re from Chicago. So I know you must know what it takes to win in slop. Secondly, you coached with Parcells who certainly believed in smash mouth football and wearing the other team down.
You really believed you could throw the football 50 times in that rain last weekend and win? If ever a game called for Deuce up the middle this was it. Some speculate he’s finished. I don’t know how anyone can tell. When he goes in the game it’s the Stecker effect all over. Everyone knows he’s going to get the football. He can’t be effective for 10 plays a game. Neither can Pierre. Neither can Reggie. I know you’re enamored of all the weapons you have, but maybe you need to land on one.
Speaking of Reggie, it’s time to commit to Pierre. The next hole Reggie hits will be his first. He’s dancing with the stars and he’s going to end up just like the 2 players he reminds me of – Barry Sanders and Gale Sayers. They never won a championship either. Scatbacks don’t win championships. Big backs do – John Riggins, Larry Csonka, Jerome Bettis, need I go on? So think long and hard before you put Deuce out to pasture. The big ones are hard to find and he still moves the pile. I know you’ll still find use for Reggie and he’ll scare the other team as much as he scares me.
So, I’m sure you’ve heard the word “balance” about a million times this week. Ask me who’s going to win any game and I’ll tell you about 80% of the time it’s the team that’s running the ball in the 4th quarter. Maybe that’s why that come from behind stat has gotten so much play. Just remember that you can’t run the ball in the 4th quarter if you haven’t run it in the first 3.
The Giants and Steelers wear people down. They’ve got it. We want it.
Let’s put the controller down and play some football.
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