When a team is having a great year, it seems there is a new hero in each game. This year’s Saints go beyond that. Yes, Jonathan Vilma has bailed them out two games in a row, but what stands out about this team is that there are so many players making contributions.
Sunday, Randall Gay, came out of nowhere on the play previous to Vilma’s 4th quarter interception to throw a Falcon reverse for a 12 yard loss, applying pressure that starting quarterback Chris Redmond couldn’t handle on the next play. Gay’s play up to that point was undistinguished, and Redmond had been unflappable.
This team reminds me of one of my favorite teams – the 1974 -75 Golden State Warriors. They pulled a monumental upset by sweeping the Baltimore Bullets in the NBA Finals. But, it was the way they did it that I’ve always remembered. They used their whole roster. All 12 players played, as I recall, and their only “star” was Rick Barry. Their intensity was incredible and they had a new hero every minute. The NBA was stunned that Coach Al Attles kept the pressure coming for the entire game, using everybody. I’ve never forgotten it.
The Saints remind me of that team. No dominant player, except for Drew Brees, they just keep coming at you in waves. This 26 – 23 victory over the hated Falcons was not in any way pretty, and as the Saints enter the home stretch, there is a lot of cause for concern, especially the way teams are moving the ball on the defense. But, as much as the defense has bent, they haven’t broken, allowing the offense to win the game with its relentless weaponry.
Now Dallas comes to the Dome in what has to be a nasty mood. In this most fortunate season the Saints get to play another big game in the friendly confines of a rocking Superdome. The Cowboys will probably move the ball, but can they stop the Saints’ offense? Can anyone? I sure hope not.
No comments:
Post a Comment