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Who the f*ck is Chris Barclay?, or, Game No. 17 Open Thread: Saints @ Bears

Chris Barkley appears without the knowledge of the Associated Press

Some of you may be asking yourselves who the Saints' new running backs are. They recently inked two runners, Chris Barclay (pictured) and Artose Pinner, second-year and fifth-year players, respectively.


Barclay joins us from Wake Forest, where he excelledt from 2002-05. He stands 5-foot-10, weighing 180 pounds. Scout.com had this to say about Barclay's college career:

Standout running back at Wake Forest, holding school records for rushing, scoring, and all-purpose yards... Was the fifth-leading rusher in ACC history when he ended his college career in 2005... Named ACC Player of the Year in 2005... First-team All-ACC in 2004 and 2005.


Pinner, a Kentucky native, was a fourth-round pick by Detroit in 2003. He also stands 5-foot-10 but is stockier than Barclay at 230. Pinner's career reminds me a bit of Stecker's -- he's always been good enough to find work as a serial backup running back and special teamer, with occasional bouts of extreme scrappiness.

This asshole first showed up in the Chicago Tribune.

The real story here is that Pierre Thomas will get a chance to carry the ball this week. With Stecker and Bush have sat during practice, Thomas has presumably played with the first teamers. Thomas has a chance to audition for playing time in 2008 against Chicago. The Bears' rush defense ranks toward the bottom of the league in both yardage per game (124) and touchdowns (17). Thomas has an opportunity to make a statement, though not Football Outsiders' All-Rookie Team. No Saints made that (big surprise).


In other news, Bears fans were poor hosts to Saints fans last season. I dunno, this story just seems a bit invented. In every group of people there will be assholes. Having known plenty of asshole sports fans -- and been one on occasion -- I know the majority of Bears fans were polite and cordial, and were probably offended by their behavior, also. Gather any large group of people and somebody's bound to be an idiot.


But, yeah, f*ck this guy. Let's hope the Saints finish off what the O' Leary's cow started.


And, of course, there is the playoff implication of this game. We all know the drill by now -- if the Saints beat the Bears in the Noon Central game and the Vikings (at Denver) and the Redskins lose at home to Dallas, the Saints win the NFC's 6th seed. Anything else, it's over.


The Saints are wounded, playing on the road in a cold-as-f*ck Soldier Field (21 degrees), though no precipitation. They are a wounded team in need of a miracle. This'll probably double as the gameday open thread, because I'm not sure how else to say it. For those of you not intersted in the game, I give you Chocolate Rain. Hey, it's been a long season; I'm running out of stuff.


SB Nation has a Chicago Bears blog, Windy City Gridiron. It's a good site, definitely worth a read.

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The one game I'd be happy to see Mare

He could kick it way out of the endzone every time to keep it away from Hester.

I honestly don't know why I keep posting about kickers.

by mazoboom on Dec 30, 2007 10:18 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Win Dammit

I thought about a bizzaro soothsayer where Jason "I Suck" David would be the mvp, but I couldn't do it.

Sunil, the way to get at Bears' fans is to say the truth: New York style pizza is better than Chicago deep dish. Ditka did a great job coaching the Saints, NOT. Suck it Da Bears.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 11:56 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Damn

Bad throw, Drew.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 12:08 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Well

This looks like one of those games where Brees turns into Rex Grossman.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 12:09 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Thank God Kyle Orton sucks donkey balls

Our secondary has a chance.

BTW great run D so far.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 12:12 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Composure

Keep it.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 12:26 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Jason David

Finding new ways to hurt the team.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 12:26 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Orton

Haha, we're gonna make him look like a Hall of Famer.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 12:29 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Always

This defense is horrible.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 12:31 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Terrible Coverage

The slip doesn't matter. The safety should have been over, but he was late.

The defense needs an overhaul: new defensive coordinator, new scheme, new players, new everything.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 12:31 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

New everything indeed. We are horrendous. Not like we were all that much better even with McKenzie healthy.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 12:35 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Scheme

I know that players have to play but they also have to be in the right position. This scheme doesn't allow that, especially when Jason David is in man coverage. Sometimes the scheme has to change for the players, although Jason David should be selling insurance or something.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 12:39 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Kick to Hester

I want to see some excitement. Just kidding.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 12:40 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Pierre Thomas

Running with power.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 12:44 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Bears D is just making good plays

Tough to say we aren't executing or something.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 12:45 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Play calling

Use the Bears aggression against them. Call more screens, draws, and play actions.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 12:46 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Thing is

We have to prove that they need to respect the run somewhat before any play action will work against this defense. And they already blew up one screen that Brees got flagged for grounding. Or maybe that was just a flat.

I'm still miffed we ran two single-back plays on the goal line against the Eagles last week, sending Karney up to the line. Has Karney been in much thus far today? I haven't paid attention.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 12:51 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Yep

Karney was in there when Brees got flagged for intentional grounding. Karney went left leaving the blitzer free to Brees.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 12:57 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

See?

There's the damn I formation, and it gets the yard we need.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 12:58 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

No chance

That play had no chance in hell of working.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 12:45 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Fuck-a-duck

Just woke up and saw the score.

Hangover or this, which is the lesser of two evils.

by Sunil on Dec 30, 2007 12:55 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I'll give it my best, coach

Don't remember much after the shots of Jager around 4, though.

by Sunil on Dec 30, 2007 1:23 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Come on now

Starting a little early for New Years parties?

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:25 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

New Years

It's really better as a festival, rather than a single night.

by Sunil on Dec 30, 2007 1:27 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Keep it going

It's easier that way.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:35 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Oh yeah

At some point, I promised myself I'd never again chase a hangover with a beer. It was Lundi Gras, 2004; I broke it the next day.

by Sunil on Dec 30, 2007 1:42 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

The good news
  1. Colston now holds the NFL record for most receptions in his first two seasons. He's now at 163, Larry Fitzgerald and Reggie Bush are tied at 161.
  1. Pierre Thomas looks pretty solid.
  1. Our Run D isn't entirely horrible.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 1:00 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

The Bears

Are attacking the right side of the O line. Run to the left and bootleg to the left.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 12:58 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Pierre Thomas

Playing his ass off to earn more PT for next year.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:00 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Those Toyotathon commercials

I love it that they have to add the disclaimer "DO NOT ATTEMPT" on the ad when it shows the family pushing a boulder off a cliff onto their SUV. Must be Raiders fans watching the game or something.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 1:04 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Man that fade to Marques is money

Brees to Colston for that play is as good as any in the NFL.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 1:05 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Linebackers

Take themselves out of too many plays.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:09 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Good drive

Gotta love those 14-play scoring drives.

by Sunil on Dec 30, 2007 1:10 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Wow Will Smith is an idiot

Composure, as you said southernsaint.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 1:10 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

WTF

Do the refs have money on the Bears?

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:10 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

You mean on the Smith call?

I thought that was appropriate. Any other player besides the QB you know that doesn't get called. But you CAN'T take cheap shots on a QB who's down and defenseless.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 1:15 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

I didn't think it needed to be flagged. Oh well, protect the pansy QBs. LOL

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:19 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

Saints football, Ain't it great!?

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:20 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

"Aww chicka chicka yeeeah"

"It's in! Oh my god it's in!"

I enjoy the resilience of Drew Brees and our passing game. In a year with all these injuries and setbacks and horrible defense and whatnot, the fact that we're still competitive does make me truly happy for our future, whether or not we crap the bed today. That is all.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 1:25 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Has Thomas earned his roster spot for 2008

I forgot to mention in the post that he is from Chicago.

by Sunil on Dec 30, 2007 1:25 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Yep

He should be number 3 on the depth chart behind Deuce and Bush.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:32 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Great Defense

Can the losers in the secondary suck more?

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:29 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Would be difficult

I mean god dammit, Kyle Orton is supposed to suck donkey balls. I have proof!

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 1:30 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Aha!

That is what you were watching when you posted a while ago.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:31 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Playoffs

We don't deserve the playoffs.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:30 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Dude

Colston is going to get killed with the passes over the middle.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:32 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Payton

Doing his Les Miles impersonation of going for it on 4th down.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:34 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Or not

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:35 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

If I'm the Bears

I roll Tecmo Bowl/SWAC ball style and just air it out to Hester deep three times in a row here.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 1:35 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

3 times?

Do it once for the TD

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:37 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Oh snap!

Sweeeeeet! Our ball our ball our ball!

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 1:36 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Second half

If it's the last half of the season, make it the best.

by Sunil on Dec 30, 2007 1:36 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Great play

I was scared because Jason David was on Hester.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:36 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Damn

Colston getting killed over the middle

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:39 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

No kidding on the Colston over the middle

He is gonna need six months in a hot tubb after today.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 1:40 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

HOLY HELL

Crazy sequence

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:42 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Do we have any sp teams TDs this year?

IIRC the two McKenzie return TDs are our only two non-offense TDs?

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 1:57 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Jason David

Had one against the Colts.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 1:58 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/teams/...

Shows Pierre Thomas and Roman Harper as well. Roman Harper's was the tipped interception return, right? I don't remember Pierre's return TD.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 2:10 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Oh right

Harper's was against the Falcons, and Thomas' was the blocked punt recovered in the endzone at the beginning of the Seahawks game.

But no kickoffs or punt return TDs for us this year. Beerman is missed.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 2:12 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Nope

Not yet, and probably not at all.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 2:15 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

You've got to be kidding me

How in the sam hell did we punt to Devin Hester.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 1:59 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Stupid

Better to punt into the stands for no net than punt to him.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 2:04 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Pierre is a gem today

That's one silver lining in this otherwise rather dour day.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 2:05 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Too late

He should have done the screens with Reggie and Stecker when they were healthy.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 2:26 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Too early

To call the game?

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 2:35 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Draft

Where will we draft? In the 14-19 range?

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 2:37 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

There are so many teams in our area

That I think it's way more than a 5-pick range, just looking at the standings. Lots of 6-9s or 7-8s sitting around. We have one of the easiest schedules in the league so we'd have the higher pick versus most anyone who'd finish with our record. Looks like there are only 8 who on a first glance at the standings would be certainly ahead of us regardless of today's outcome.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 2:45 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Good

I was thinking we would finish 8-8, stupid on my part.

Good we get a better draft pick.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 2:49 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

So probably better than 18. Good, hopefully they won't deploy the next pick like they did Robert Meachem.

You know, at the start of the season, I was afraid of all the Meacham/Meachem errors I would make.

As it turned out, I didn't make any. And for the worst of reasons.

by Sunil on Dec 30, 2007 2:54 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Projecting

Based on this: http://www.gbnreport.com/weeklydraft...

This is from whence my range came.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 3:03 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

14, not bad

I'd take a corner or safety there, possibly a linebacker.

Right tackle if there's a really good one there.

by Sunil on Dec 30, 2007 3:05 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Actually 12 at worst

We'll hop Chicago and Carolina today.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 3:10 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

It's true

Best case: Arizona loses to STL.

Detroit has it in conference record (4-8) with no head-to-head result.

by Sunil on Dec 30, 2007 3:12 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Conf record is not the tiebreak for draft

It's only strength of schedule. After that I believe it's head to head then I think a coin flip.

Oh, and we want AZ to WIN, not lose..

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 3:14 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Move up

If most of the teams above us win, we move up into single digits.

It's got to be a defensive player, either CB or LB.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 3:11 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

OH MY GOD

THE SUN WILL NOT RISE TOMMORROW!

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 2:41 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Protection

Pass protection can't hold that long. Oh wait they can hold in the endzone for a safety.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 3:03 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Devin Hester

I was half bullshitting when I said he was the best player in the 2006 draft, but he's certainly shown to be one of them.

by Sunil on Dec 30, 2007 3:07 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Pierre Thomas made a statement

Nice to finally get something from the 2007 draft.

by Sunil on Dec 30, 2007 3:15 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Technically

He was part of the undrafted rookie class. Heh. Still a fat zero from the '07 draft class itself.

by GeauxTigers on Dec 30, 2007 3:20 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Usama Young

But that is reaching.

by southernsaint on Dec 30, 2007 3:24 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

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