Saints Report #6 - October 13, 2013

The New Orleans Saints were eased out of the unbeaten ranks Sunday 30-27 by the New England Patriots when a frustrated Tom Brady threw a game-winning touchdown pass with 5 second left.  The story of this game was that Brady and the Patriots, down by 1, then 4, squeezed 3 possessions out of the last 3 and a half minutes.  I can’t account for an unexplained critical clock stoppage at 2:26 after a Saints running play, but the Saints just couldn’t control the clock, and it cost them when Brady led his last drive after getting the ball back with 1:13 and 70 yards to navigate with no timeouts .  He made it look easy.

Sometimes one team deserves to win and doesn’t.  Sometimes it’s the opposite.  This was a game where I can honestly say both teams played well enough to win.  Patriot’s coach Bill Belichick’s defensive plan was masterful as he took away Jimmy Graham completely by putting a cornerback on him.  Aqib Tahib shut the tight end down with no catches.  Expect this to be a blue print going forward for every team in the league. 

New Saints took up the slack.  Rookies Khiry Robinson and Kenny Stills scored, as did 2^nd year running back Tavaris Cadet.  But with Lance Moore still sidelined, Robert Meachum ineffective, and Marques Colston almost as blanketed as Graham, Brees options were limited.  Despite great protection most of the game, Brees had trouble finding open receivers.  The Saints ran the ball effectively at times, but refused to make it easy.   If I see another empty backfield on 2^nd and 4, with no threat that they might run, I’m going to throw up.  Sean (EDIAPD) Payton just can’t take what the defense gives him.  He wants more, more, more. 

The Saints were dominated in the first half and trailed 17 – 7 at the half.  As you would expect with their veteran leadership, they battled back to tie, and finally take the lead. 

Four years ago, in the magical 13-0 start on their way to their Championship, the Patriots came to the dome to provide a measuring stick for the Saints.  The Saints dominated that contest and it was a huge validation win.  This time the measuring stick yielded a different result.  The Saints are a very good team.  They aren’t great yet, but the potential is there.  A few holes got revealed, like the lack of a deep threat, and a heavy reliance on a few players who can be taken out of the game.  Their clock management was inexplicable in the last 3 minutes, but at least they fell victim to a great QB, not an average one.  That’s going to happen, but it doesn’t lessen the pain.

Now it’s a week off, and then a tough 10 games to complete the season  In the NFL, you can’t take anything for granted.