Saints Report # 11 - November 21, 2013

This was going to be the year.  I had budgeted myself to buy another jersey.  But not just any jersey.  I was finally going to get my Pierre Thomas jersey.  When I went to order one I was dismayed to find out they weren’t being sold this year.  Big Mistake.  With the way Pierre played Thursday night in the Saints 17 – 13 victory over the Falcons, a return to market may be in order. 

Drew Brees is undoubtedly the best player the Saints have ever had.  But it may be Pierre that best exemplifies the heart and character of the Sean Payton era.  While the Saints rarely depend on Thomas, when they do turn to him, he’s ready.  At the game I said almost nothing to the Falcon fan sitting next to me, but after one of Thomas’s clutch plays in the 4^th quarter, I turned to him and said simply, “Now that’s a football player.”  I should have added that to get him to fumble you have to knock him out.  That’s how dependable he is.  I’ll always believe that if he not been ko’d early in the 49’ers 2011 playoff victory over the Saints, New Orleans would already be a 2 ring town.

 In a league where a 35 – 31 final seems to be about average, the Saints and Falcons continue to hold a twice yearly throwback bowl that usually ends up about 17-14 or 21- 17.  Thomas gained 130 yards from scrimmage as the Saints grinded to their 3^rd victory in 12 days.  While the Saints started lethargic and fatigued, it was Thomas who seemed fresh.  Jimmy Graham continued his all-pro pace with one of his best games as a Saint.  The Saints dominated defensively, and while the absence of Jabari Greer is troublesome, if the front four led by Cameron Jordan continue to play this way, the secondary coverage time will be reduced, and that’s the secret to a great NFL defense.

Pierre has now quietly moved into 4^th place on the Saints all-time rushing list with 3460 yards.  He has passed Rueben Mayes and Chuck Muncie.  Let’s hope they keep putting the ball in his hands.  A credible running game is a must as the December stretch run begins.  It starts with the Seahawks in a Monday night matchup that has ESPN salivating.  Don't miss it.