Saints Report #10 - November 17, 2013

Beleaguered placekicker Garrett Hartley staved off unemployment during the week, then hammered three straight 4^th quarter field goals including the game winner as time expired to give the Saints a 23 – 20 victory over the hated San Francisco 49’ers Sunday in the Superdome. 

How did they do it?  Well it sure wasn’t easy.  The Saints were uncharacteristically sloppy, committing three turnovers and two led to Niner scores.  The defense again continued its recent progress, holding the 49’ers to under 200 yards total offense.  The Dome was rocking, and so was Rob Ryan’s defense which shut down the 49’ers running game. 

Much is made of the Drew Brees – Sean Payton connection   Their synergy is truly amazing and it becomes most evident when the clock is winding down in a half.  Most fans of football teams lament poor clock management, and the Saints have not been immune from that malady.  But in this game it was magnificent clock management by Payton in the 4^th quarter that put the Saints in position to dominate the last 2 minutes.  He milked 3 plays between the 2:11 mark and the two minute warning.  The defense nearly broke the 20-20 tie with a safety, but they forced a three and out, then Brees took over.

The crispness of the Saints 2 minute offense can be directly traced to  Brees – Payton commication.  It’s no coincidence that they’ve done this over and over.  It’s a well-rehearsed drill and it’s impressive.  It’s just another thing that Saints fans shouldn’t be taking for granted.   It’s not just that Drew Brees, Marques Colston, and Pierre Thomas among others, know exactly what their job is with the game on the line, it’s that they execute it so well, so often.  This won’t last forever, but is sure enjoyable, and it’s such a contrast from the Saints first 3 decades when we watched other teams (like the 49’ers) out-execute and thus execute the Saints.   In this game Marques Colston became the all-time passing reception yardage leader for the Saints.   Having watched the well-oiled connection since Colston was drafted, is there a more underrated but more consistent player than Colston?

I’m still not sure if the Saints are good enough to go all the way.  Can the defense continue to improve, especially with what looked like a severe injury to Jabari Greer?  Can Malcolm Jenkins ever cover Vernon Davis?  Can the defensive line continue to pressure the quarterback?  Can the offensive line continue it’s much improved play?  Can Payton continue to call running plays?

Next test is a quick one as the Saints travel to Atlanta Thursday night where the Falcons will undoubtedly be trying to salvage one meaningful win out of a lost season.  The Seahawks have a bye week to get ready for the Saints.  This isn’t going to be any easier than this game was, but if the game is within reach and it comes down to the last few minutes, Brees and Payton know exactly what they’re doing.  You can’t say they aren’t battle-tested.