4.5 + 4.5 = 9

Not a first down.

The difference between the Panthers and the Saints has always been our defense. We’re better than them now, and we should win. In fact, we should blow them away.

Oh, and one last thing. I hate Sheryl Crow.

At least you didn’t use “all I wanna do is have some fun”

Let’s just beat the Panthers and Delhomme – it’s that simple. We all want to do that

It’s time to show Jake and some of those fans that can’t let go (my mother being one) that we don’t need Jake. Who dat?

but I expect the saints to have more of those moments. Smith is good and the Saints always struggle against the Panthers O-line in stopping the run. The Panthers defense is really good, too. I’m not sure what to expect here. I keep going between a huge and small margin of victory for the Saints. Either way the Saints should win. If we were going to lose we should have done it earlier because we can’t afford to drop division games.

I don’t have anything against Sheryl Crow. She seems to be a polarizing figure. But I’m still on the fence.

I think the Panthers will gamble by playing their safeties closer to the line in run support – betting that the rush will get to Brees before he can uncork a long throw. Would love to run right at Peppers to wear him down and slow down his rush. He’ll get some sacks, just have to limit the damage. We’ll get our points regardless of what they do though.

Much more worried about stopping their run tandem and not getting the back on offense. They’ll want to shorten the game and use clock. Could be a frustrating day unless we can shut them down on 3rd down.

I think we need to run the ball until they start stopping it then some play actions deep, repeat… then when they get behind and throw… make sure we get 3 int for td and boom… the fat lady will sing

We used to employ that. It sucks. It is like the casette tapes of defenses..no…it’s the 8 tracks of defenses. Maybe it’s the VHS of defenses….no it’s the Beta of defenses. Tell me, sir, of a noteworthy defense in the NFL that uses Bend, don’t break. Pittsburgh? Eagles? Ravens? Minnesota?? How about this one NO Saints 2007-2008? Yes. Bad idea. We sucked. NY Giants superbowl champs 2007?? Sorry if that’s your best stab at it, you lose. Bend but don’t break. That’s a recipe for disaster and if you don’t see it now , you will soon. It’s like saying I want to win big at the casino and I amgoing to bet this brand new shiny quarter because that’s all I’m willing to risk.

But, you have to have the personnel to do it. Some teams understand it and embrace it, some teams understand it and are to cheap to do it. Some teams don’t understand it. Which one are you?

Your best defensive player is Peppers. Does he play bend but don’t break? I think not. That’s why he is good. He takes risks and goes for the jugular. But, bend don’t break, even with one or two players..well it’s like having Kevin Kaesviharn… does that ring a bell to you???

but I meant no malice to Carolina fans. I just wanted anyone who thinks "bend but don’t break " is the way to go, well just to listen to what I have to say. But, I do agree, the Panther fans have been pretty cool overall.

I don’t see it as a defensive strategy. More of a defensive hope. Does it mean no blitzing, play coverage all game, hold to short yardage, keep offenses to field goals? I would think that’s the wish of every defense, except for the blitzing part, maybe. But I’m sure everybody wants to pressure the qb with 4 guys consistently, if they could. Just seems meaningless for anybody to say “that’s our defensive strategy”. Or, in the case of the ‘07-’08 Saints, a way of explaining why your defense has so few sacks and takeaways.

but for foot I have to agree with Philin