Monday, November 9, 2009

Saints Report # 8 - November 9, 2009

Don’t Come a Knockin' when the Dome is Rockin’

How sweet it is.
To be 8 – 0 in America.

As the Saints fell behind 14 – 0 yesterday, there was no panic in the Louisiana Superdome. These Saints expect to win. These fans expect to win. They kept rockin’ even as Carolina had one opportunity after another to put the game out of reach. How long will this confidence last? I have no idea. With formidable home tests expected from Dallas and New England I don’t know if we’ll go undefeated, but the roll that we’re on right now is too much fun. This is the way it’s supposed to be.

Yes, the Saints showed some weaknesses yesterday. Carolina chewed up yardage with their running game and slowed the Saints attack as the Saints again turned the ball over too much. But in the end it was Drew Brees’ leadership after a shaky start that led the Saints to their first 8-0 start.

It’s cool watching Drew’s body language. Unlike some quarterbacks who slump around when things don’t go their way, Drew stands calmly on the sideline with his helmet still on, starring at the field. He can’t wait to go again, like a fighter who was been bloodied in one round, but knows there are many rounds to go. He doesn’t even want to sit on the stool.

One of the characteristics of a hot team is that they have a new hero each week. This week one hero was Anthony Hargrove. His personal struggles have been well documented, so while he seems to have turned his life around, he continues to progress on the field. With Sean Ellis out for awhile, he will be a key player for the next few weeks. He hadn’t recovered a fumble in 3 years, so when he recovered one late in the 4th quarter he enjoyed it so much, he grabbed another one and took it in for a score a few minutes later. It was the Saints 7th defensive touchdown of the year, which I’m told is more than Cleveland’s offense. Seven in Eight games! That’s an incredible streak that has to slow down, doesn’t it?

Another hero was Robert Meachum, who made several key grabs, including a long touchdown run after catch. With Marquis Colston having an off day, and Lance Moore on the mend, Meachum stepped up.

My personal favorite was Pierre Thomas who scored and refrained from doing the bogaloo. (See last week's blog)

So now, 4 road games in the next 5 weeks represent a new kind of challenge. Hopefully the Saints will not get caught looking ahead to a Monday Night shoot-out with the Patriots. But I sure am.

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