Saints Report #12

Don’t ask me.

If I knew when the Saints were going to show up and play a football game like that, I’d be living in Vegas and making a living with my knowledge.

But I did figure out how they did it.  Time travel.  That was the 2009 Saints that won that game.  Only possible explanation.

The Saints, (off a short week after Monday Night Football) traveled to Pittsburgh (off a bye week) and bounced the Steelers all over the field en route to a 35 – 32 victory that was only close because the Steelers scored 2 touchdowns late.  If you saw this coming, move to Vegas.

During the Thanksgiving Family Holiday we watched two things that set this up.

One night on Netflix I introduced the family to the classic Star Trek episode “City on the Edge of Forever.”  Captain Kirk and Spock have to travel back in time to undo the damage McCoy has done by changing history.  Written by famed science fiction writer Harlan Ellison, this is generally considered the best original Star Trek episode.

Then, another night we rented “Edge of Tomorrow” about a soldier, played by Tom Cruise, who keeps reliving the same day over and over.  One of the best movies of the year.

Great time travel stuff.

So Sunday, the Saints offense, defense, and special teams all played like they were in a time warp. 

It started with Drew Brees, who played mistake free, this time with the support of a running game.  He threw at all-stars like Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu with no hesitation and ended the day with another 5 touchdown game.   When I listen to the idiots who think Brees is done, I want to throw them in a time machine and sentence them to a life where the quarterback is always named Bobby Joe.

I knew I was in an alternate universe when the normally-invisible-except-when-he’s-dropping-a-pass  Nick Toon even barreled his way into the end zone for his first career touchdown.  I get the impression that Payton thinks Toon is their next Marques Colston.  I don’t see it, but what do I know.

The secondary played their best game of the year, picking off Roethlisburger twice just when he was looking like an MVP candidate.

The Saints got off to a slow start as Patrick Robinson (3 possible interceptions) Toon and Colston (who would later score) all dropped the ball early.  But, just when you thought it was going to be a long day, the Saints clicked.  Even Kenny Vacarro, who has been a disappointment this year, made as many big plays (including an interception) as he did drawing penalties.  It was as impressive as it was unexpected.

Now comes the test.  Four games to go.  Which team will show up week to week?  Wish I had a hot tub time machine so I would know ahead of time. Don’t look now, but if this starts a little winning streak, the Saints could win the division, play a home playoff game, and scare some teams that have been very good all year.  Remember when the Giants went 9-7 and rolled through the playoffs?  There’s precedent.  It’s not how you start the race, it’s how you finish it.  And a time machine helps.