Saints Report #4 - September 30, 2013

The undefeated Miami Dolphins came to the Superdome for a check on their progress Monday night and left dazed and confused.  They fell victim to another Monday night showcase by Drew Brees, who passed for over 400 yards in a 38-17 shellacking.   This will all be forgotten by Sunday morning when the talking heads, an average 7 per pregame show, resume rhapsodizing about Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.  That’s a shame because through 4 games Brees has kept pace with Manning.  He does everything they do. 

The bad news for the NFL is that the Saints offense for the first time looked in rhythm and in sync.  The Dolphins learned that there is just no way to cover David and Goliath, Darren Sproles and jimmy Graham.  They each had 100 yards in receiving and Marques Colston came close.  The Saints were still unable to establish much of a running game, but rookie Khiry Robinson got some playing time while Mark Ingram was inactive with turf toe.  He may be inactive for a while as Robinson makes Ingram look like he’s running in concrete galoshes.

Meanwhile the defense continues to surprise.  They continue to create turnovers and now the offense is capitalizing.  A few extra possessions a game, good red zone defense, and field position advantage gained through an efficient kicking game are all very positive indicators.

But, here’s reality.  The Saints desperately needed to start off 4 – 0, because now the schedule is brutal.  It’s not just that they have to play Chicago, Seattle, and New England, but they have to travel to do it.  Trips are ahead to play the Jets, Falcons, Panthers and Rams, and the Cowboys and 49’ers are among the dome visitors ahead.  This was the start they needed.  Four in the bank is a nice deposit.