New Orleans Saints 38 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7: Bring on the Patriots
by Dave Cariello on Nov 22, 2009 3:42 PM CST
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PrintNow that's more like it. The Saints have finally appeared to right the ship. They're back on track. They've returned to form.
Those are just a few cliche's you're likely to hear this week following the Saints dominating performance over the Bucs. Let's just quickly go over the check list of things the Saints did this week against Tampa that made them so successful earlier this year...
- Play a clean, turnover-free game. - Check!
- Have Colston return to form. - Check!
- Score lots of points. - Check!
- Get back to running the ball incredibly well with Thomas and Bell. - Check!
- Beat up on rookie quarterbacks. - Check!
- Dominate in the second half. - Check!
- Easily handle a weak team. - Check!
Things are back to normal in Who Dat Nation and we can all breathe a sigh of relief. This was the performance we wanted to see from the Saints as they head into the biggest statement game of their season next Monday night against New England. Make the jump for more notes.
On to my bullets:
- New cornerback Chris McAlister was listed as inactive for the game. I would like to have seen him play today but the good news is that he wasn't necessary. Guess we'll have to wait until next week.
- It never rained during the game but there appeared to be some field condition issues. Pierre Thomas slipped on a third down run, Hamilton fell on a run late in the game and Tampa receivers hit the turf a couple of times, one leading to the Malcolm Jenkins intercetption.
- Today was a good game for Saints players with the last name Thomas. Pierre had over 100 all-purpose yards and David had his best game yet with four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.
- This game was boring. At one point, the Saints and Bucs were simply exchanging punts back and forth. Props to Thomas Morstead who had a great game punting the ball and giving the Bucs poor field position.
- Meachem has really hit his stride. Last week Payton acknowledged he needed to get Bobby Meach more touches because good things seems to happen. Today Meachem had two catches; both were for touchdowns. Can we officially consider this his breakout season?
- Speaking of players that seem to make things happen, how about Malcolm Jenkins. Sure, he's still got a ways to go in his development as a shut down corner but the kid has got a nose for the football, whether it's special teams fumbles earlier this season or a key interception today.
- We can't knock Roman Harper because he's been flourishing this year under Williams and leading the team in tackles but damn if he could just hold onto the football just once.
- DeMario Pressley - unsung hero of the game.
- Gregg Williams eats rookie quarterbacks for breakfast. That being said, Tampa fans should be pretty happy with the future prospects of Freeman.
- With Reggie and Lance out of the game, the Saints had a revolving door of punt returners, including Darren Sharper, Devery Henderson and Marques Colston.
- There are a a few cornerbacks on the Saints roster I would rather see on the field than Leigh Torrence but we can't deny his drive and toughness. After separating his shoulder, Torrence returned to the game - possibly out of necessity - only to injure himself yet again.
- Bucs coach Raheem Morris graduated from the Sean Payton School of Throwing Challenge Flags.
- I'll be the first to admit I'm not the most knowledgeable at grading offensive linemen talent but the announcers spoke highly of Carl Nicks' play on multiple occasions so I'll just assume they're right.
- Solid game for Jonathan Vilma as he returns to form with his team-leading six tackles and an interception.
Here is today's roll call. Thanks for everyone's participation.
Total Users: 50
Total Posts: 1697
Total Threads: 2
| Name | # of Posts |
|---|---|
| cck781 | 193 |
| SaintShark | 184 |
| Mikethetiger | 122 |
| Just Some Guy | 118 |
| Just 'Nother Day | 116 |
| rustdog74 | 105 |
| saintslam | 95 |
| xen-cuts | 87 |
| metryman | 77 |
| skinnykinney | 66 |
| simone219 | 57 |
| N_O_1saintfan | 51 |
| SaintsB | 34 |
| AKAY47 | 34 |
| Jee | 29 |
| SaintBevo | 27 |
| Saintsfan4life | 27 |
| HansDat | 26 |
| saintsfan77 | 25 |
| SaintsFan-KS | 24 |
| SpindianSaints | 22 |
| VoodooGrisGris | 22 |
| andyp111 | 19 |
| WhoDatPHaltnMD | 16 |
| janepriceestrada | 14 |
| BigTMill | 12 |
| nanvinnie | 12 |
| 10up | 10 |
| Saintsational | 10 |
| ArithMattic | 10 |
| stujo4 | 7 |
| AllSaintsDay | 5 |
| Ponysaints | 4 |
| NOSFan4Life | 4 |
| TigerPaw | 4 |
| arcuate | 4 |
| HB-NOLA | 4 |
| Monkey Poop Battle | 3 |
| Brazil meets LA | 3 |
| VAsaintsfan | 2 |
| Cajun in CA | 2 |
| (AXP)HBK | 2 |
| vicvega26 | 2 |
| natde1016 | 1 |
| alcoholic_insight | 1 |
| saint-sly | 1 |
| carolinasaintsfan | 1 |
| WarWolf | 1 |
| jful | 1 |
| FrenchFreak | 1 |
68 comments
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2 recs |
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Comments
Player of the game....
Morstead was lights out!! Touch back after touch back. He put them in a hole on punts too. I know we have lots of weapons but he is overlooked way too often. Great performance today by all. WHO DAT!!!
Who Dat!! Vote the Dome Patrol to the Hall!
by FLDune Patrol on Nov 22, 2009 4:05 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Just listened to The PostGame Blogcast
That was really fun and interesting Thanks Dave…
Just one thing… I kept wanting to hear Buddy D say someone was a squirrel!
Ahhh 10-0 It feels soooooooooooooo good.
Thanks
we do two a week. You can call in as well.
Ralph, the host, was Buddy D’s producer at WWL.
Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!
by Dave Cariello on Nov 22, 2009 4:12 PM CST up reply actions
Ask Ralph
To keep a look out for squirrels! Someone has to do it. Heck I would even be one just to hear it.
Ahhh 10-0 It feels soooooooooooooo good.
by VoodooGrisGris on Nov 22, 2009 6:41 PM CST up reply actions
This probably won't get seen
But…. I keep thinking of Buddy D and hope that before we go to the SuperBowl this season someone would write a tribute story about him.
A Squirrel…
Ahhh 10-0 It feels soooooooooooooo good.
by VoodooGrisGris on Nov 24, 2009 8:01 PM CST up reply actions
Awsomeness
glad to win this one in convincing fashion……..Ready to see how we stack up against the Pats! I gave my game ball to Morstead…….the dude is a punting monster!
okay
Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!
by Dave Cariello on Nov 22, 2009 4:18 PM CST up reply actions
great game
and great game thread we had alot of people commenting got a little at end of first half but enjoyed it alot
oh yeah
“got a little at end of first half but enjoyed it alot”
I would have enjoyed it too. LOL
A SAINT in Panther country
by carolinasaintsfan on Nov 22, 2009 4:31 PM CST up reply actions
Slow is good
Super Bowl 44: "If you play in this league and it's not your goal, there's something wrong with you." -- Marques Colston
Great game and we're still kind of under the radar
Colts getting top story/billing on ESPN.com. Nice victory. This one had me worried for a let down. Let’s get ready for the Pats! And let’s get healthy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I liked 4 players
Meach is obvious – he scored a bunch. Finally got a score with less than 25 yards attached to it.
Brees was shaky but came through.
David Thomas was awesome.
Mike Bell and PT combined for some great running. I love when the announcer mentioned that PT was having an off day with only 77 yards on 10 carries. The announcers were crazy in this game.
Clear Winner of Game MVP - Inner Third of O-Line (Hicks, Goodwin, Evans)
Without question, the game co-MVP’s. Anyone that recorded the game, just watch those guys, play-after-play maul the middle.
At some point, we have to put these guys on the game MVP board. Just look at all the season’s numbers for yards rushing, yds/carry avg and TD’s rushing — and to never put these guys on the MVP board — well they have more than earned it.
Actually, all 3 along with Stinchcomb will be serious contenders for Pro-Bowl and All-Pro recognition. Time to give them their due on the #1 Saint’s fan board.
Hicks = Nicks
Before you give them their due, you might want to learn their names.
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
CP - Chill Out, 10-0 is Meant to be Celebrated.
Your animosity towards me is Palpable and clearly indicates your ability to “dish it” but not “take it”. Yes, I have questioned the theme and agenda of a couple of your posts in the past, handle it and move on!!
Wisdom and experience are usually key ingredients to maturity, which is why youth almost always dwells on the superfluous and misses the bigger target.
You hit me for a simple mistake, yet did not adress the bigger picture presented about the season-long massive contribution of the interior o-line which was never more obvious than today, even for you.
NFC South
Not that it matters at this point but, every other team in the division lost. Atl made a game of it but fell short. WHO DAT!!
Who Dat!! Get the Dome Patrol to the Hall of Fame!!
not quite
A Saints win and a Falcons loss would be needed.
Two scenarios with a Saints win OR Falcons loss:
Scenario 1: Saints beat Pats, but lose 5 remaining games, finish season at 11-5, 3-3 in division. Falcons win all 6 remaining games, finish 11-5, 4-2 in division.
Scenario 2: Falcons lose at the Jets, but win 5 other games, finish 10-6, 4-2 in division. Saints lose all 6 remaining, finish 10-6, 3-3 in division.
Frankly, I’m kinda bummed the Falcons lost today. I’d much rather see them in the playoffs than the Giants.
No Way
Falcons can go enjoy a long offseason and learn how to play real football.
by ReggieVilma on Nov 22, 2009 10:04 PM CST up reply actions
Agree w/ u
don’t want Dirty Birds in play-offs, Giants will log jam jam the NFC east, if we see them again we’ll crush’em again, in the Dome. Not concerned w/Eli like I am w/Matt Ryan.
You think you know, and you don't know, and you never, ever will.-Jim Mora Sr.
Jets get a "rude awakening" at hotel in Foxborough last night...
So everyone, find out which hotel the Pats will be staying in, call up your craziest buddy who lives in NOLA, and send ’em to pull some fire alarms at 1 AM next Sunday night!
lol
Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!
by skinnykinney on Nov 22, 2009 11:43 PM CST up reply actions
Next Week
1. What do we have to watch out for from the Pats?
2. What weaknesses do the Pat’s have we have to take advantage of?
3. Which of our players that are out might be back in for the game?
Guess that’s it for now.
Ahhh 10-0 It feels soooooooooooooo good.
tough game
1. Brady to Welker. It’s going to be hard enough to contain Moss, but teams have shown it can be done – usually at the expense of leaving Welker open.
2. I think the best matchup for the Saints is rushing offense against the Pats rushing defense. Saints are 5th in rushing, totaling 154.3 yards/game and 4.8 yards/carry. The Pats are 15th in rushing defense, allowing 109.4 yards/game and 4.4 yards/carry. Their passing defense, on the other hand, is pretty good (6th in the league), but they don’t get many sacks.
3. I think everyone except for Tracy Porter is expected to be back. Ellis, Greer, and Bush in particular, should be good to go, and the Saints definitely need them for this game.
Ya
Whose all injured for them? I think they have some D-line out. We should take advantage of that
by ReggieVilma on Nov 22, 2009 10:19 PM CST up reply actions
We gotta get to Brady
he stands back there like a statue.
You think you know, and you don't know, and you never, ever will.-Jim Mora Sr.
I'm so sick of seeing highlights
where he not only waits and watches his receivers, but has so much space that he strides into his throws like a baseball pitcher.
Yep, the Jets D actually
got him off the field only to turn it over, we aren’t the Jets, Dome crazies will have to dial it up to notches unknown to mankind. And we have to play mistake free.
You think you know, and you don't know, and you never, ever will.-Jim Mora Sr.
I voted for Meachem. The guy’s starting to come into his own as a WR and also did a nice job on running blocking downfield.
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
It makes you wonder whether the Saints will re-sign Moore at the end of the season or give the starting job to Meachem. Just a thought.
by theaxeeffect4721 on Nov 22, 2009 10:51 PM CST up reply actions
Bucs actually played pretty well
Their D-line played well in first half but seemed to wear down. And as for Freeman, after seeing him play several times in college, I was of the opinion that this was a horrible pick for Tampa. After watching him today, I’m not so sure. He showed good poise and has good skills. He made lots of questionable decisions in the 2nd half, but he has potential.
We played mistake-free football which was most important. Bring on the pats!
I...
almost fell outta of the chair when I saw Sharper returning punts!!!! I love the old man, but he should be on the sidelines resting as much as possible!
"For us, there is no spring... only the smell of fresh wind before the storm."
-Conan of Cimeria
by tlsk1066 on Nov 22, 2009 7:22 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Yeah…we were all wondering what the heck was up with that decision?
Player coming off of injury? Check.
Important player to our success? Check.
Slow? Check.
Think about it and then have him return another punt? Check.
Seriously…with that offense, just put Colston back there and have him fair catch every punt.
"Drew Breeeeeeeees!" "Oh, yeah."
Swagger is back
Given, the Saints didn’t just play the ‘72 Dolphins out there, but after conceding 7 on Tampa’s opening drive, the Saints laid out 38 unanswered points in a big win. Zero turnovers on offense, four takeaways, a power running attack and strong special teams play were the big highlights of the day.
Let’s hope the trend continues when the mighty Pats come to the Dome next Monday night in what’ll be the Saints biggest(and perhaps last serious) hurdle en route to a 16-0 regular season mark.
Heart, Max Talbot has it by the mile. The Pens are your 2008-2009 Stanley Cup Champions.
Injury status
So can we expect some people to return to action next week? Man I hope we don’t spot that Patties some points like we’ve been doing.
Best ESPN Commercial EVER...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JM-Lkucf-0
My favorite lines…
“Where ya at Who Dat?”
“Drew Breeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!”
Did anyone else notice?
Darren Sharper lobbying Payton to get back in the game at the end of the 4th quarter? Payton just shook his head and walked away. Hilarious moment, and I can’t blame Sharper wanting a chance to get another INT.
Shockey congratulating D. Thomas on the TD catch? He’s really become a great team player here. Personally, I would like to have seen Shockey getting all those passes that went to Thomas so I could’ve had a chance in Saintsational’s prediction game, but who am I to complain. ;)
DeMario Pressley stuffing the run? I don’t know if Williams has a package to use them both, but I would love to see Pressley and Ellis both lined up inside – could be the Saints version of the Vikings’ Williams combo.
Ya
Shockey is lagging on my fantasy team. haha
by ReggieVilma on Nov 22, 2009 10:22 PM CST up reply actions
I hear ya on Shockey.
I’ve been pretty annoyed the last 2 games that Wendy’s is getting so may passes and Shockey has been pretty quiet. But yesterday when I saw Shock congratulating Wendy’s on side-line, I decided it was petty of me to be mad if he’s not! It’s all about the team!! I’m sure a lot people are surprised about what a team player Shockey is.
Forget the nickel and dime, you'd better bring a half- dollar to deal with this team.--Tony Moss, NFL editor
by SaintsFan-KS on Nov 23, 2009 6:38 AM CST up reply actions
i voted
defense. Good game by Malcolm Jenkins. It’ll be interesting though how the Saints will use him in the future. Right now, nickleback is good for him, but I would like to see him start lining up some plays at free safety because he’s not going to beat out Greer and Porter for a starting CB position, but Sharper could start teaching Jenkins now so when Sharper retires, Jenkins just steps right in.
What do you guys think?
by theaxeeffect4721 on Nov 22, 2009 10:49 PM CST reply actions
Young
has looked pretty good back there. I think he has a chance of stepping up and possibly being the #2 CB in the future. Maybe a couple years. Also would like to see him trying out some FS stuff. I wouldn’t actually mind us starting using more 3 CB sets against teams with good TEs. Jenkins would fill that perfectly since he’s a big, physical corner and sound tackler. He also has playmaking ability and can cover TEs or WRs. It could take the passing game out of the picture against alot of teams if they stay in just 2 WR sets. If they move to 3 WR sets then just move Jenkins to the #3 WR. He wouldn’t be as effective in the run game as in the pass but I think he could be a good run defender. This would all be in the future though, like a couple years. You guys can laugh but it makes sense to me especially if he shows he’d be a good CB but we have Greer and Porter. :D
Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!
by skinnykinney on Nov 22, 2009 11:53 PM CST up reply actions
Our WR depth is the best in the NFL, so, I like Jenkins where he is. As we’ve seen, CB depth has been an issue and the defense is considerably worse when someone like Porter goes down. It looks like the Saints are taking the Robert Meachem approach to Malcolm Jenkins, so I would expect Jenkins to earn a starting spot either somewhere during next year or in 2012.
If the Saints had the WR depth of the Bears, then yeah, they would have to resort to using athletic defensive players on offense. Jenkins could probably fit in nicely with his speed, but I like the idea of having a lot of depth on the defensive side of the ball too.
"Drew Breeeeeeeees!" "Oh, yeah."
I think
skinnykinney was taking about Jenkins covering the #3WR, not playing as one …
great news
for a fretting fan (me) but I could see them getting up for this one
Pat's road record
It has not been very good this year,They have played 4 games on the road and lost 3
The only game they have won on the road was against the buc’s
True, but one of those losses was against Indianapolis. I guess Belicheck made a controversial call on fourth down or something in that one?
"Drew Breeeeeeeees!" "Oh, yeah."
yeah, I think I might have heard a little something about that...
"In the end, the bread was in the pudding." -- Bobby McCray
Shop as usual, and avoid panic buying.
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