Saints Report #12 - November 29, 2018

The Answer Man is on the case.

What happened to the Saints on Thursday night in Dallas?  I’ve got questions about this 13-10 loss to the Cowboys.

Well, the Saints went into a hostile environment and got beat pure and simple.  Dallas couldn’t afford to get into a shootout, so they controlled the game.  They won the only kind of game they could win against the Saints.  A slug fest.  They earned it.  They are coming into their own and will be a force for awhile.

You don’t sound like a believer in the Cowboys.

Well, every year someone emerges with a great second half.  Maybe it will be the Boys.  But I’m not a Dak Prescott believer, yet.  I’m happy he’s done better than expected, but I confess I’m surprised.  I watched him in college and didn’t think his accuracy was good enough and he would only survive for awhile on his legs.   He’s done well, but I’m surprised.

This happened in 2009 when the Cowboys ended the Saints 13 game winning streak.  Why?

I think you have to understand the history.  Sean Payton coached for the Cowboys and has a great relationship with Jerry Jones, but a very competitive one.  It was Jones who advised Payton not to take the Oakland Raiders job when it was offered.  For some reason, probably just timing, Payton was the coach that got away, and Jones really puts the pressure on his team not to lose to the Saints.  I sense it’s very personal.  That’s two cocky dudes right there.  Jones advised him to hold out for a better organization, and so Payton became a Saint

What does the loss mean for the Saints?

Not a lot in terms of the playoffs.  They have a 2 game lead for a bye, and just have to win one of their last four to capture the division. 

Could this be a blueprint to slow the Saints down?

On offense, yes, if you’ve got the horses on your defense.  The Saints have marched right through several excellent defenses this year, but they just happened to stumble.  The Saints offensive line didn’t dominate like it has all year.  They just got outplayed.  Give the Cowboys credit.

Anything positive?

Sure, the defense only allowed 13 points.  It’s not like the Saints got blown out.  The defense gave them a chance to win.  The Saints have had many 4^th quarter game winning drives under Sean Payton.  This time, Brees got pressured and threw a bad interception.  It happens.  To every quarterback.

Is this the Sports Illustrated cover jinx?

Absolutely.

For real?

No.  Brees got a lot of “MVP” hype over the last few weeks, but he’s not the type to let that get to him.  It was the pass rush that got to him.  A lot was made of “pressure up the middle” but go ahead and name me a quarterback who likes that.  I’ll wait.

Did the officiating bother you?

Not really.  I don’t like the helmet to helmet rule, so I’m not going be hypocritical and say it cost us the game.  Sure they missed it, but we got a lot of breaks as well.

Why don’t you like the helmet to helmet rule?

Look, I understand the safety factor, but I think it should be called only when it is clearly intentional.  Two bodies running toward each other at a high rate of speed, one desperately wants to tackle the other one, heads bobbing - helmets are going to collide. 

Then, is there anything to worry about?

Actually, yes.  I thought our young receiving corps, especially the two rookies, weren’t up to the pressure.  Smith let a touchdown pass go through his fingers.  That was a game changer.  They didn’t get the quick separation needed in this offense.  I look for the veteran Brandon Marshall to make his debut soon, unless he’s not getting any separation either.  He’s no spring chicken.

I’m also worried about when Terron Armstead will return.  The offensive line showed some cracks.  That needs to get fixed.  Having said that, I don’t think we can complain about our defense.  They keep improving.

What happens now?

4 tough games.

If it comes down to the Rams and the Saints in the conference finals, which seems likely, a train to L.A. will probably be required.  The Saints final 4 are so much tougher than the Rams, and for the Saints to beat Caroline twice – I just think it’s going to be tough.  The Steelers visit the dome and who knows what they will do.  This was the first time anyone has slowed down the offense. 

My thinking is this game was a slight bump in the road.  That’s my story and it’s sticking to me.