Saints Report #11 - 11/29/2020

The Saints went to Denver and easily disposed of the rudderless Broncos 31-3.  Any long suffering Saints fan who has seen so many breaks go against the Saints in recent years (while totally forgetting breaks they’ve gotten,) will take this win with no objection.  It helped the Saints move to an unexpected record of 9-2, leading the NFC. 

But, make no mistake, this was a ball game unworthy of “the shield.”  The Broncos were forced to play with no viable NFL quarterback, as their whole QB room had to be virus-sidelined.  It was as embarrassing as you would have thought it would be.   The NFL, long protective of competitive balance and fair play, seems to be all over the map on when to play a game and when to postpone it in the year of covid, and it’s quite possible that The Shield is reaching the point of just outright skipping games, and the revenue that goes with them.  They are resolute in sticking to their post-season schedule.  With many stadiums not allowing fans, and one team (the 49’ers) essentially banned from their county of residence, the NFL eyed the reduced stadium revenues and ame up with the only logical solution:  Add a playoff team, and a playoff game.  Thus there will be only one bye per conference, and the Saints want that bye, they need that bye. 

Taysom Hill, who was all the rage last week, was pedestrian in drop backs this week, and while he ran easily for two scores, Sean Payton did the strangest thing – he stuck to the running game, an extremely effective one.  With Alvin Kamara still slowed by injury, Latavius Murray ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowms.  Murray has been excellent all year.  With not much to watch in this game of run, run, and punt, I turned my attention to first year players who have been solid contributors:

Check out this year’s rookies:,

Cesar Ruiz (1^st round) – starting right guard, occasional mistakes, but going to be a starter for a long time.
Zack Baun – (3^rd) – limited action
Adam Trautman (4^th) - steady contributor, probably the tight end of the future
Tommy Stevens (7^th) – practice squad
Marquez Callaway (FA) – solid contributor as a kick returner and 4^th receiver
Malcom Roach  (FA) – starting DL, solid as a rock.

So, with only 4 draft picks, the Saints pick up 4 contributors in their rookie year.  Once again the scouting department adds playmakers.

Now its off to Atlanta.  The Falcons looked like a completely different team Sunday as they unexpectedly trounced the Raiders.  The Saints embarrassed them last week, so look for a dog fight.  The Saints dominated with their ground game Sunday, and a rushing attack is a fine way to get through December.  The Saints have a one game lead over the Packers, who beat the Saints so they would have the edge if they both finish with the same record.  The Saints still have to play the Chiefs and magician Mahomes.  The Saints sometimes struggle as the weather turns cold.  All this should make for an interesting December, and not just in the electoral college.