Dominant. The New
Orleans Saints gave one of their most dominant road performances ever,
traveling to Cincinnati and stunning the Bengals 51-14. The Saints are now 5-0 on the road, having
traveled to difficult locales and celebrated on the plane ride home each time. The Saints only punted once, as they marched
up and down the field at will.
Mark Ingram had his biggest game of the year as he and Alvin
Kamara ran wild with handoffs and passes from Brees. Brees meanwhile was nearly perfect behind the
best offensive line in football. It is
the Saints offensive line that is controlling games. After an opening touchdown drive by the
Bengals, the defense, led by linebacker Alex Anzalone, put the hold on the chili-eaters. Marcus Williams took back an interception 78
yards right before the half, setting up a last play touchdown pass to Michael
Thomas. Wil Lutz had another perfect
day.
The second Super Bowl I went to see was January 25, 1987. It will forever be known as the Phil Simms
game as he went 22 for 25 for 289 yards in a 39-20 thrashing of John Elway and
his Denver Broncos. On this day, Brees
had a similar game, going 22 for 25 for
265 yards. He is now 2nd only
to Peyton Manning in career touchdown passes and continues to make a strong
case for NFL MVP. Not that he cares
about that. He’d like to finish with
another ring or two. Today he played a
Simsian game, but it may be an Elwayan finish he’s looking for. John Elway lost several Super Bowls, but won
two in his last two years, then retired.
That would be fine with Drew, and fine with me. In fact, one would be fine.
The quiet surgeon has overtaken the gunslinger in touchdown
passes, and has surged ahead of Tom Brady.
Manning awaits in the record books, but it’s the Saints position atop
the NFC standings at 8-1, as they covet home field advantage, that is of
immediate importance. The Eagles fly in
next Sunday. The defending Super Bowl Champs are looking desperate. We'll see what happens when desperate meets dominant.
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