Hibernation.
We’ve heard about it.
The last thing we expected was to see the Saints offense go
into it.
In a stunning reversal of fortune, the Saints have pivoted
themselves unlike any other time in the Brees/Payton era.
Oh, we’re used to getting outscored in shootouts. It’s been part of the expectation that
occasionally that is going to happen.
But not a 16 – 11 loss to Tampa Bay.
Not another no-show by the offense.
Yet for the second game in a row the offense was participating in a sleep study. This time they
could only manage 3 field goals. While
Drew Brees has been far from sharp, throwing 3 interceptions in each of the last 2 games, in this game he was victimized by two
dropped touchdown passes, a running game that has completely vanished, and the
Tampa defense which was content to sit back in zone coverages and jump routes. The Saints offense set a record for futility
by gaining only 11 yards in the first quarter. Zzzzzz.
What makes this especially aggravating is that the defense
is actually improving. First round draft
pick Sheldon Rankins is the real deal.
Daneel Ellerbee has gone a couple of games without an injury. Vonn Bell looks good. Coach Dennis Allen has turned the defense
into a respectable unit.
The offensive hibernation is mystifying, coming after the Rams massacre. Mired at 5 – 8 with even a .500 record a long
shot, could it be that the Saints are headed for their third straight 7 – 9 finish? At this point that would be a surprise.
The winless Cleveland Browns would like to play
the Saints.
That’s how bad it is. Wake me when it's over.
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