Saints Report # 13 - December 9, 2018

After 6 straight quarters of lethargy, the Saints desperately needed a game changing play.  It did not seem likely.  But, it was Taysom Hill who went from being a cult player to a full-impact one with a blocked punt that was by far the biggest play in the Saints 28-14 division-clinching win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's a hallmark of the Saints that every now and then they block a punt at just the right time.

The first half was a continuation of the disaster in Dallas as the Saints wouldn’t run the ball, couldn’t run the ball, and once even reverted to some of the inexplicable play calling of their 7-9 seasons when they lined up in an empty backfield on 2^nd and 6.  The defense continued to play well though and with the Bucs holding a 14-3 lead half way through the 3^rd quarter, Taysom burst through on a 4^th down and blocked the punt.  Suddenly, it was Saints Alive.  They reeled off 25 straight points, highlighted by one of Brees’ patented fourth down up and over touchdowns, and one of the best touchdown runs of Mark Ingram’s career.  The defense held the Bucs without a second half score, putting 2 jobs in jeopardy:  Quarterback Jameis Winston and Coach Dirk Koetter.  It is doubtful that the Saints will face that pair next year.

The first 3 months of the season are warm ups.  December is different.  The weather is colder, the defenses are finding themselves and catching up with the offenses.  It’s harder to throw the ball in the chilly wind.  Raymond James Stadium was rain soaked and sloppy. It was up to the Saints to win differently, and unlike their last game, they gathered themselves and turned it on to close it out. 

Ironic that after a pinball-like first three quarters of the season, it is the Cam Jordan led-defense that is keeping the Saints in these late season games. Yes, December is different.

The Saints thus win their division for the 2^nd year in a row, a franchise first.  They are now fighting for playoff positioning and hold a 2 game lead for a first round bye.  They play their third straight road game next Sunday at Carolina.  It looked like the Saints closing stretch of 2 with Carolina and 1 with Pittsburgh would be of major importance, but those teams are mired in losing streaks, and the other three NFC South teams could finish not just out of the playoffs, but with losing records.  Who saw that coming? 

Sunday, prospects that were looking dim at 2 pm brightened up considerably by midnight. The last game of the day brought the Rams down to earth, as they lost to the Bears 15-6, apparently having their “Dallas” moment. This put the Saints back in the top spot for home field advantage throughout the playoffs, with 3 games to hold on to that position.    There is no doubt that a home dome advantage like the Saints had in 2009 is their goal. 

One more thing about these last 3 games.  Michael Thomas will expand on his records.  He caught 10 passes for 98 yards to set the “first 3 years” reception total record.  He now has 298 catches for 3600 yards.  Thomas is Brees’ first pro-bowl receiver, just one more reason to marvel at Brees’ records.

Should the Saints win out to finish 14-2 it will be their best regular season record ever. 

Wouldn't that be something?

Saints Report #10 - November 18, 2018

Unprecedented.  The New Orleans Saints hosted the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles in the Mercedes Benz Superdome and put a mammoth whipping on them, an unprecedented 48 – 7 trampling. 

Let’s start with this.  With 25 touchdown passes and 1 interception, Drew Brees is on track to have the greatest quarterback season of all time.  He has been flawless. Sunday he was 22-30 for 360 yards with 4 touchdowns.  A routine day at the office.

The Saints take a 9 game winning streak into a Thanksgiving night matchup with the struggling Atlanta Falcons. 

The Who Dat nation finally has the attention of the national media and all the NFL.

The Saints offense is marching at an unmatched level.  They are threatening the all-time NFL scoring record.  The running back tandem of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara are chewing up scrimmage yardage.  For the first half of the season, Michael Thomas carried the receiving corps, but Sunday, the rookie 3^rd round draft pick Tre’quan Smith had a breakout game with 157 yards receiving.  The Saints have been dabbling in the free agent receiver market, first signing Dez Bryant, who immediately got hurt, then veteran Brandon Marshall.  Well, he may never see the field because the Saints had to bring up Keith Kirkwood from the practice squad when Dez got hurt, and he has been productive.  So, suddenly the Saints have support for the extraordinary Thomas.  Sean Payton has a history of stashing receivers away until he thinks they’re ready.  First round draft choice Robert Mechem never saw the field his first year.  Lance Moore waited years to get his chance. It now appears that the entire receiver corps is terrific.  They’ve got three good tight ends.  Yep, the offense is loaded.

It's the offensive line that is setting the pace.  They are the best in the NFL.  They protect Brees and they blow holes open for the running game. 

And just as suddenly the defense is clicking.  In the last 2 games the Bengals and the Eagles each could only score one touchdown. 

So, let me calm myself down.  There’s 6 games to go in the regular season.  Then at least 2 playoff games, and possibly a Super Bowl.  So, we are just over halfway home.  The consensus is that if the Saints get home field advantage, they will be tough to keep out of the Super Bowl. Still remaining are 4 games within the division plus Pittsburgh in the dome.

I’m trying not to get ahead of myself.  Stay calm and keep watching

Saints Report # 9 - November 11, 2018

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 2^nd 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.