Sunday, November 1, 2015

Saints Report # 8 - November 1, 2015

In recent news:
October 21st – ESPN lays off 300 people
October 29th – ESPN says a trade of Drew Brees to the New York Jets for a 3rd round draft choice is a “trade they’d like to see.”
October 30th – ESPN shuts down their prestigious web site Grantland.

November 1st – Drew Brees goes 40 for 50 for 511 yards and an NFL record-tying 7 touchdowns.

A credibility deficiency for the World Wide Leader?

It was an all day, all Saints Day party as the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants played a classic in the Superdome.  You don’t see many 52 – 49 games that don’t include Baylor, but if you were lucky enough to be in the dome Sunday, you saw it, and you won’t forget it.  It was more exciting than the final score would indicate, if that's possible.

It was like 7 on 7 drills as Brees and Eli Manning (6 touchdowns) put on a passing display that may never be matched.  Their 13 combined passing touchdowns set an NFL record.  Back and forth the teams went up and down the field.  It was an amazing show of offensive firepower. 

Non – quarterback Key players – Willie Snead, who went from hero to goat to hero.  He caught Brees’ first touchdown pass on a flea flicker in the first quarter.  His fumble after a vicious hit was returned for a touchdown that temporarily put the Giants ahead 49 – 42 in the 4th quarter.  Then on the final punt of the game he saved the day by grabbing Marcus Murphy’s potentially disastrous fumble.  The punter grabbed his facemask for a 15 yard add-on to set up…..
Kai Forbeth, the kicker who was perfect on 7 extra points (no mean feat in today’s NFL) and the 50 yard game winner as the clock ran out.
Marques Colston who scored his first touchdown of the year, his record 69th for the Saints.  He had 8 catches for 114 yards,
Brandin Cooks, who looked for the very first time like the receiver the Saints say he is with 6 catches for 88 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Benjamin Watson.  9 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown.  Jimmy who?

It was a less than spectacular performance by the defenses as Brees and Manning were under little duress and both secondaries got toasted like stale bread throughout the game.  The game winning field goal was an abrupt end to a game that seemed to be headed for overtime.

The Saints move to 4-4 with the victory and back into the playoff conversation. 
Remember early in the year, when the pundits were saying Brees was through?
Well, he’s hot now and the receivers are improving. 
The Saints have reestablished their dome field advantage.
They’re rolling.

Now, as long as they don’t listen to ESPN. 

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