Saints 34 @ Bengals 30: Saints Nearly Bungle the Bengals

by Dave Cariello on Dec 5, 2010 3:48 PM CST

Today's game was a tale of two halves. Though it might not have reflected so much on the scoreboard, the Saints were in control of the game throughout the first half. But it was the Bengals who dominated after halftime, eventually taking the lead late in the fourth quarter thanks to a Chad Ochocinco awakening.

And while penalties were a killer for the Saints today - 11 penalties for 100 yards - it was their ability to draw an offsides penalty from the Bengals in the red zone with under a minute to play. Credit Payton with genius playcalling and the offense with great showmanship. I doubt they were ever going to snap that ball.

Great games for Chris Ivory, Robert Meachem, Jimmy Graham, Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Jonathan Vilma and Roman Harper.

Make the jump for just a few quick bullet-point notes and stats from the game. Be sure to listen to our live post-game podcast at 4:30 CST and hang out in our Atlanta @ Tampa Bay open thread while you watch that crucial NFC South matchup.

Reggie Bush looked markedly better running the football and more confident this week. Good sign there. Still nothing spectacular, though he wasn't given much opportunity.
With a 52-yard pass to tight end Jimmy Graham in the 2nd quarter Drew Brees became the Saints all-time leading passer with 21,789 yards.
Chris Ivory had another superb game. Glad I started him on my fantasy football team. And while I hate to admit it, I think Larry Holder actually said it best in a tweet during today's game:

Chris Ivory's gain is Pierre Thomas' ticket out of town next season.

"Hey Jahri, here's an ass-load of money, making you the highest paid offensive guard in the history of the NFL. Can you please start leading the league in costly holding penalties? Thanks, that'd be great."
The entire offensive line should be on Santa's naughty list and getting coal in their stocking this Christmas. Not only was Jahri a liability but Carl Nicks took a holding penalty and Jonathan Goodwin was flagged for the rare snap infraction.
The Saints offense was abysmal on 3rd down (1/8 - 12%).
Hartley was again perfect. Things are looking better for the kicking game. I'm feeling slightly more confident.
Remember when the Saints offense just couldn't put together a big play? Yeah, they don't have that problem anymore. High five!
Speaking of high fives, this win makes five in a row for the Black & Gold.
For the love of all things holy, can somebody please tell John Lynch how to properly pronounce New Orleans. My ears are still bleeding. It really hurts.
Check out this picture of Gregg Williams doing the "suck it" gesture, stolen from Larry Holder's Twitter account...

Top Performers

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Passing	Cmp	Att	Yds	TDs
D. Brees	24	29	313	2
Rushing	Car	Yds	Avg	TDs
C. Ivory	15	117	7.8	2
R. Bush	5	26	5.2	0
Receiving	Rec	Yds	Avg	TDs
R. Meachem	3	106	35.3	1
J. Graham	3	72	24	0

CINCINNATI BENGALS
Passing	Cmp	Att	Yds	TDs
C. Palmer	23	33	249	1
Rushing	Car	Yds	Avg	TDs
C. Benson	19	49	2.6	2
B. Scott	6	43	7.2	0
Receiving	Rec	Yds	Avg	TDs
C. Ochocinco	5	96	19.2	0
T. Owens	6	47	7.8	1

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
	FG	G.Hartley 48 yd. Field Goal (8-65, 4:21)
2nd Quarter
	FG	C.Stitser 29 yd. Field Goal (13-42, 7:08)
	TD	C.Ivory 55 yd. run (G.Hartley kick) (3-68, 1:01)
	FG	C.Stitser 23 yd. Field Goal (4-50, 2:21)
	FG	G.Hartley 24 yd. Field Goal (11-88, 3:15)
3rd Quarter
	TD	C.Ivory 1 yd. run (G.Hartley kick) (11-66, 5:54)
	TD	T.Owens 5 yd. pass from C.Palmer(kick failed, wr) (9-60, 5:12)
4th Quarter
	TD	C.Benson 1 yd. run (C.Stitser kick) (7-46, 3:36)
	TD	R.Meachem 52 yd. pass from D.Brees(G.Hartley kick) (3-69, 1:25)
	TD	C.Benson 4 yd. run (C.Palmer-J.Gresham pass) (8-59, 4:05)
	FG	C.Stitser 47 yd. Field Goal (5-15, 1:38)
	TD	M.Colston 3 yd. pass from D.Brees (G.Hartley kick) (7-68, 3:54)

Team Stats

New Orleans		Cincinatti
Total First Downs	19	Total First Downs	21
By Rushing	8	By Rushing	7
By Passing	10	By Passing	11
By Penalty		By Penalty
Third Down Efficiency	1/8 - 12%	Third Down Efficiency	5/14 - 35%
Fourth Down Efficiency	0/0 - 0%	Fourth Down Efficiency	2/3 - 66%
Total Net Yards	436	Total Net Yards	311
Total Rushing/Passing Plays (includes Sacks)	53	Total Rushing/Passing Plays (includes Sacks)	62
Average Gain per Offensive Play	8.2	Average Gain per Offensive Play	5.0
Net Yards Rushing	146	Net Yards Rushing	96
Total Rushing Plays	22	Total Rushing Plays	26
Average Gain per Rushing Play	6.6	Average Gain per Rushing Play	3.7
Tackled for a Loss (Number-Yards)	2--3	Tackled for a Loss (Number-Yards)	2--5
Net Yards Passing	290	Net Yards Passing	215
Times Sacked (Number-Yards)	2 - 23	Times Sacked (Number-Yards)	3 - 34
Gross Yards Passing	313	Gross Yards Passing	249
Pass Comp-Att-Int	24 - 29 - 1	Pass Comp-Att-Int	23 - 33 - 0
Average Gain per Passing Play (includes Sacks)	9.4	Average Gain per Passing Play (includes Sacks)	6.0
Kickoffs (Number-In End Zone-Touchbacks)	7 - 0 - 0	Kickoffs (Number-In End Zone-Touchbacks)	7 - 0 - 0
Punts (Number-Average)	3 - 45.3	Punts (Number-Average)	2 - 56.5
Blocked	0	Blocked	0
Net Punting Average	35.3	Net Punting Average	55.5
FGs Blocked - PATs Blocked	0 - 0	FGs Blocked - PATs Blocked	0 - 0
Total Return Yardage (excludes Kickoffs)	2	Total Return Yardage (excludes Kickoffs)	37
Punt Returns (Number-Yards)	1 - 2	Punt Returns (Number-Yards)	2 - 30
Kickoff Returns (Number-Yards)	7 - 116	Kickoff Returns (Number-Yards)	6 - 179
Interception Returns (Number-Yards)	0 - 0	Interception Returns (Number-Yards)	1 - 7
Penalties (Number-Yards)	11 - 100	Penalties (Number-Yards)	7 - 43
Fumbles (Number-Lost)	1 - 0	Fumbles (Number-Lost)	1 - 0
Touchdowns	4	Touchdowns	3
Rushing	2	Rushing	2
Passing	2	Passing	1
Interceptions	0	Interceptions	0
Kickoff Returns	0	Kickoff Returns	0
Fumble Returns	0	Fumble Returns	0
Punt Returns	0	Punt Returns	0
Extra Points (Made-Attempted)	4 - 4	Extra Points (Made-Attempted)	2 - 3
Kicking (Made-Attempted)	4 - 4	Kicking (Made-Attempted)	1 - 2
Two Point Conversions (Made-Attempted)	0 - 0	Two Point Conversions (Made-Attempted)	1 - 1
Field Goals (Made-Attempted)	2 - 2	Field Goals (Made-Attempted)	3 - 3
Red Zone Efficiency	2/3 - 66%	Red Zone Efficiency	3/6 - 50%
Goal To Go Efficiency	2/2 - 100%	Goal To Go Efficiency	3/4 - 75%
Safeties	0	Safeties	0
Final Score	34	Final Score	30
Time of Possession	27:27	Time of Possession	32:33

Poll

Who was the Saints player of the game?

Chris Ivory

266 votes

Robert Meachem

43 votes

Drew Brees

82 votes

Roman Harper

7 votes

Jonathan Vilma

8 votes

Marques Colston

7 votes

413 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 93 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Didn't get to see the whole game...

But I agree, I think PT is gone. But I don’t think he’ll have a problem finding a place to play. That being said, how did we allow Cinci back in the game?! We need to BEAT these type of teams and although a win is a win, I’m not liking us playing according to the level of play the team we’re playing at the time. We have to tighten it up if we want to beat ATL. But was good to see the last 2 minutes and watch the Brees to Colston connection! That dude Colston is a beast. If he was a little faster, he’d be up there on that Megatron level—love that dude oh and btw…

First!

2010 is cuzzin's breakout year...run with that chip bruh!

by TAYDIGGA on Dec 5, 2010 4:03 PM CST reply actions

another question how is he saying New Orleans?

I’ve always heard it two different ways. I thought it was a regional accent thang that determined how people said it.

2010 is cuzzin's breakout year...run with that chip bruh!

by TAYDIGGA on Dec 5, 2010 4:06 PM CST reply actions

He says, New Or - leeeeeeens.

Not New Or-luns. Or New Or-leuns.

Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!

by Dave Cariello on Dec 5, 2010 4:13 PM CST up reply actions

Still better than...

N’Awlins.

"Gowin on fourth and 14 will punt it away. He hangs it very high, angling it for the near sideline...HAKIM DROPS THE BALL!!! HAKIM DROPS THE BALL!! Brian Milne might've fallen on it at the ten yard line! It's the New Orleans Saints' football! Brian Milne, the most unlikely hero of them all, falls on the fumble, the muff by Hakim! There is a God after all!" -- Jim Henderson

by hakimdropstheball on Dec 5, 2010 4:26 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Or even...

N’Awleee-uns.

by hakimdropstheball on Dec 5, 2010 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Nawlins is awesome

Week 13 matchup: Bengals
Week 13 motto: Keep in the race, keep in the fight

by Jon Banks on Dec 5, 2010 4:41 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

My personal favorite

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!
WHO DAT?!
TWO DAT!!

by LA_No1_SaintFan on Dec 5, 2010 8:53 PM CST up reply actions

Sharper said it that way

At least once that I heard.last season.

I agree with everyone that Nawlins is the worst.

by CrazyforColston on Dec 5, 2010 7:23 PM CST up reply actions

wherey'at dawlin?

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 5, 2010 8:00 PM CST up reply actions

The second word does not have three syllables

unless you’re from France

by HB-NOLA on Dec 5, 2010 7:19 PM CST up reply actions

non-existent pass rush and special teams were the main issues today.

I know that penalties were ugly, but the bengals consistently started on our side of the 35. Then, time after time, Palmer was able to stand in the pocket and wait for receivers to come open. Pass rush like that isn’t going to beat the falcons.

That being said, some credit must be given to cincy. They came to play, and their o-line in particular played well. They have been in a lot of close games and are much more talented than their record would indicate. Saints got their best shot today and still came out with a win.

"But tonight the Superbowl belongs to the City of New Orleans" - Roger Goodell 2/7/2010

by SaintBevo on Dec 5, 2010 4:59 PM CST reply actions

the starting field position discrepancy was huge

and with our stupid penalties/poor play-calling early on we couldn’t really get anything going in the first half, or we’d have been up by more points…

It's gonna be a great year.

by Hans Petersen on Dec 5, 2010 6:43 PM CST up reply actions

Special teams

Kickoffs-Returns NO 7-116 (16.5 yd/KR) TB 6-179 (29.8 yd/KR)

Can we get some blocking on special teams please?

"I hear the question, and I'm not going to answer it," Gregg Williams

by CoachOfEarl on Dec 5, 2010 6:49 PM CST up reply actions

BENCH REGGIE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll be your huckleberry- Doc Holliday to Ringo

by KilnBill on Dec 5, 2010 5:07 PM CST reply actions

Pick one.

Pick one. Right now.

Reggie Bush or Chris Ivory.

(Unfair question, but asking anyway.)

In the immortal words of Socrates, "I drank what?"

by SaintSooner on Dec 5, 2010 5:16 PM CST up reply actions

Tusk!!!!

"If you ask ME, though, any game without push-ups, hits, burns or noogies is a sissy game" Calvin to Hobbes

by maybetoday on Dec 5, 2010 5:33 PM CST up reply actions

2 questions...

What exactly did Bush do today (or not do) to merit that? He ran strong and hard when he was out there.

Secondly, Bush more or less was 2nd-3rd string today, so what’s your issue?

"But tonight the Superbowl belongs to the City of New Orleans" - Roger Goodell 2/7/2010

by SaintBevo on Dec 5, 2010 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

My guess is he’s digested too much Pizza.

by Drew-Dat on Dec 5, 2010 7:13 PM CST up reply actions

The inside implications of that….heh, are just gross.

"Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not 'every man for himself.' And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked 'em up."

by jeff.l.b on Dec 6, 2010 10:57 AM CST up reply actions

2 questions

How much money is Reggie getting a game to rush for 26 yards, and does he merit that kind of money?

I'll be your huckleberry- Doc Holliday to Ringo

by KilnBill on Dec 6, 2010 1:07 PM CST up reply actions

2 questions

Are you writing the checks?
Does having him on the bench reduce his pay?

by HB-NOLA on Dec 6, 2010 1:21 PM CST up reply actions

No Bucko

I’m not personally. That would be the fans that buy tickets. And maybe he should’nt be on the bench. I’m sure they lost every game he didn’t play,

I'll be your huckleberry- Doc Holliday to Ringo

by KilnBill on Dec 6, 2010 5:48 PM CST up reply actions

right, because Reggie's 5.2 yards per carry just didn't get it done today

No, the defense was fantastic, but somehow Bush sucked enough to allow the T.O. and 85 to shred the Saints secondary.

by HB-NOLA on Dec 5, 2010 7:22 PM CST up reply actions

My thoughts exactly

Obviously there’s another agenda besides the SAINTS having the best team possible. We’re a 2 – 3 back team. And Reggie,playing his role, makes us a better team.

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!
WHO DAT?!
TWO DAT!!

by LA_No1_SaintFan on Dec 5, 2010 8:57 PM CST up reply actions

Pierre Thomas

One thing that Pierre can do thought Ivory doesn’t is catch the ball out of the backfield. I’ve gained such an appreciation for how good Pierre makes the Saints screen game, and how lackluster it has been since he has been out. That reason alone should give the Saints reason to bring Pierre back.

You can’t compare Reggie to Chris. They are two different types of backs. Don’t worry, you’ll be cheering Reggie soon enough :-)

by brock38 on Dec 5, 2010 5:37 PM CST reply actions

You're right about Pierre's screen plays

It’s just a shame they won’t run the same play with Reggie. For Bush, it’s always a naked screen, and he’s expected to haul in a poorly thrown pass and gain ten yards. On the other hand, Pierre gets two linemen and a tight end in front of him to block. It may be that Reggie’s speed suggests that he would out run blockers, but I am sooooo tired of seeing that naked screen pass to Bush. It never works, even when Drew does throw him a decent pass.

by HB-NOLA on Dec 5, 2010 7:27 PM CST up reply actions

exactly

ivory doesn’t catch the ball—at all. Not even in the game on passing situations. He’s going to have to develop that part of his game if he is going to be the man. Its a big part of our offense.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 5, 2010 8:02 PM CST up reply actions

Wasn't it a screen that Ivory score on in preseason?

I've tasted the Kool-Aid and it's damn good!

by cck781 on Dec 5, 2010 9:13 PM CST up reply actions

He caught one preseason pass for 76 yards (can’t remember if it was a screen)
He caught one pass for 17 yards during regular season.
I’d love to see him catch more passes. Perhaps he isn’t in on passing situations because of his blocking skills? I don’t know, but for some reason he isn’t being utilized in passing situations.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 5, 2010 9:22 PM CST up reply actions

Thought = Though that on that First sentence.

sorry for the typo

by brock38 on Dec 5, 2010 5:38 PM CST reply actions

Tusk was awesome, but Reggie played well--both were very decisive and ran straight ahead.

We need as many healthy backs as we can get in case of injury which always seems to happen. O-line run blocking was very good, pass protection went from awful to OK. Defense was a mess from no pass rush even with blitzes a lot of the time to secondary getting abused all day—bad tacking also. But, great win—good teams find a way and the Bengals fight hard every week and lose the close ones. The off side penalty helped out a lot—thanks Bengals. Who Dey? The Saints. Go Cream sickles, beat them Dirty Birds.

"Wizard: Look at it this way. A man takes a job, you know? And that job - I mean, like that - That becomes what he is. You know, like - You do a thing and that's what you are...One guy lives in Brooklyn. One guy lives in Sutton Place. You got a lawyer. Another guy's a doctor. Another guy dies. Another guy gets well. People are born, y'know? I envy you, your youth. Go on, get laid, get drunk. Do anything. You got no choice, anyway. I mean, we're all f*****. More or less, ya know."

From the movie "Taxi Driver"

by mjtig on Dec 5, 2010 5:51 PM CST reply actions

Stupid Bucs

It was worth the wait.

by MtnExile on Dec 5, 2010 6:35 PM CST reply actions

yeah

From the movie "Taxi Driver"

by mjtig on Dec 5, 2010 6:42 PM CST up reply actions

Two thoughts on the Falcons/Bucs game:

The Buc’s throwbacks are possibly the ugliest uniform in the history of organized sports.

The Falcons are without doubt the luckiest bast*rds to ever step foot on a football field.

by Drew-Dat on Dec 5, 2010 6:47 PM CST reply actions 2 recs

Poll:

Do the refs favor the falcons, or are the calls JUST right?

by Ezio_Auditore on Dec 5, 2010 6:49 PM CST up reply actions

that's for sure!

If Pro is the opposite of Con, what is the opposite of Progress? Congress!
-Men's Restroom - House of Representatives, Washington, DC

by Philinwood on Dec 5, 2010 6:59 PM CST up reply actions

that final ‘interception’ clearly touched the ground before possession was established. Can’t believe it wasn’t overturned.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 5, 2010 8:03 PM CST up reply actions

It was a catch

If you have possession, the ball can touch the ground. He had possession. Even pinning the ball with one hand against your leg counts.

It was worth the wait.

by MtnExile on Dec 5, 2010 8:15 PM CST up reply actions

disagree

ball can’t be moving around and still have position. By rule it can’t move. Pierra agrees with me. Should have been overturned.
Of course it wouldn’t have mattered if their kick team could have just pushed the return man out of bounds. not even tackle him, just a shove out of bounds would have been enough.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 5, 2010 8:37 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

*possession

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 5, 2010 8:39 PM CST up reply actions

He lost the ball, then pinned it against his leg before it touched the ground. While it was pinned against his leg it didn’t move.

It was worth the wait.

by MtnExile on Dec 5, 2010 9:03 PM CST up reply actions

I get what you are saying, it’s just not the way i saw it.
I think the ref fell back on the not enough evidence to overturn the ruling on the field cop out.
I’ve got it tivo’d. I’ll go watch it again.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 5, 2010 9:14 PM CST up reply actions

On the Fox broadcast former head official Mike Pereira said it should have been called incomplete.

But since it was called on interception on the field it was upheld.

I've tasted the Kool-Aid and it's damn good!

by cck781 on Dec 5, 2010 9:17 PM CST up reply actions

It was a catch.

"Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not 'every man for himself.' And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked 'em up."

by jeff.l.b on Dec 6, 2010 10:58 AM CST up reply actions

The Falcons are without doubt the luckiest bast*rds

That’s what EVERYBODY said about the Saints all the way to the end of the super bowl game last year.

It’s not ALL luck.

The best things in life are free
But you can keep 'em for the birds and bees

by stujo4 on Dec 5, 2010 8:44 PM CST up reply actions

It's not ALL untrue either.

They have won at least three games this year by extrememly lucky breaks. Just because EVERYBODY said it about the Saints last year, doesn’t make it an inaccurate assessment of the Falcons this year.

And, I’m not implying they’re not also good.

I didn’t realize you were such a Falcons fan. :-)

by Drew-Dat on Dec 5, 2010 9:26 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs

rec'd

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 5, 2010 9:29 PM CST up reply actions

In contrast, the Saints had no lucky breaks at all in 2010.

I want a short haired girl who sometimes wears it twice as long.

by stujo4 on Dec 5, 2010 10:10 PM CST up reply actions

The problem with the Falcons...and we need to start admitting it...they Lucky...AND Good.

"Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not 'every man for himself.' And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked 'em up."

by jeff.l.b on Dec 6, 2010 11:00 AM CST up reply actions

agreed

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 11, 2010 1:49 PM CST up reply actions

I believe with greater skill comes, undoubtably, more luck.

"Now you see that evil will always triumph because good is dumb."

by jack_casse on Dec 5, 2010 9:39 PM CST up reply actions

Falcons

Piss me off….WTF…!

by Saintsfan4life on Dec 5, 2010 6:52 PM CST reply actions

refs seemed to call everything against Tampa and in Atlanta's favor.

If Pro is the opposite of Con, what is the opposite of Progress? Congress!
-Men's Restroom - House of Representatives, Washington, DC

by Philinwood on Dec 5, 2010 6:59 PM CST reply actions

Just like in the Ravens game..

That’s quite a coinquidink

Week 13 matchup: Bengals
Week 13 motto: Keep in the race, keep in the fight

by Jon Banks on Dec 5, 2010 7:01 PM CST up reply actions

Well I just hope that when we end up forced to go to their crappy dome in the playoffs the NFL remembers to assign honest refs with eyes that work.

If we lose in the playoffs to these twerps on bad calls I will seriously lose it.

by FriarBob on Dec 5, 2010 7:15 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Even the former head of officiating that’s now on Fox said the “interception” would be overturned initially and then began to backtrack a little so he wouldn’t make one of his former employees look bad after they screwed it up.

by Drew-Dat on Dec 5, 2010 7:02 PM CST up reply actions

and Pereira's never wrong

…except when the refs are paid by atlanta
Brent Grimes sneaks a ten to the ref “hey yo do me a lil favor won’t ya? You see, refs have been helping us forever this season, and the streak can’t stop now can it?”

The Easter Bunny is a savage...

by ShadowFlash on Dec 5, 2010 7:18 PM CST up reply actions

The irony of this, of course

Is that last year Falcons fans were saying the same things about the Saints: That you guys were lucky, that you got penalties, that you got all the breaks.

Obviously, it was a lot more than that, because you won the Super Bowl. I can only hope we’re able to point to that in by the end of the season.

by Dave Choate on Dec 5, 2010 8:51 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs

The interesting thing to note here......

Is that the Falcons – SAINTS have the potential to become one of the best rivalries in the NFL, if both teams can stay on top for an extended period of time. We both are her now, but can we stay here.

The point, when your really good rival does well, it can only be luck. LOL

I mean other people can be good, but not your rival. With your rival (and a deserved rival) even when you suck, they suck with you, not matter what the facts may say, they can’t be good.

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!
WHO DAT?!
TWO DAT!!

by LA_No1_SaintFan on Dec 5, 2010 9:03 PM CST up reply actions

Dave, you guys won fair and square

After the game my wife commented, “Atlanta played four quarters, and Tampa only played three.” And that’s what happened. Luck happens to good teams who make it for themselves.

It was worth the wait.

by MtnExile on Dec 5, 2010 9:04 PM CST up reply actions

Or the way I heard (read) it

The harder I work, the luckier I get. Yeah the falcons won it. that’s why I’m concerned about the less than 60 minutes that we’ve been giving lately. 59 minutes will not beat those guys, but I guarantee you, 6o minutes will.

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!
WHO DAT?!
TWO DAT!!

by LA_No1_SaintFan on Dec 5, 2010 9:07 PM CST up reply actions

It didn't the last time we played

60 minutes was only good enough to tie them.

It was worth the wait.

by MtnExile on Dec 5, 2010 9:09 PM CST up reply actions

I beg to differ

The minutes we took off before the game was over is what sent us into overtime

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!
WHO DAT?!
TWO DAT!!

by LA_No1_SaintFan on Dec 5, 2010 9:18 PM CST up reply actions

BOOM rec'd it

I want a short haired girl who sometimes wears it twice as long.

by stujo4 on Dec 5, 2010 10:11 PM CST up reply actions

you've got a good team this year, dave

But they are more like the 2006 Saints than the 2009 Saints.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 5, 2010 10:25 PM CST up reply actions

Really?

So you expect them to lose their final four games?

"In fact, Sterger claims that, in one of the photos Favre allegedly sent her, he's masturbating — while wearing a pair of Crocs"

by J of the F on Dec 6, 2010 2:02 AM CST up reply actions

no

I expect them to end up with a season to be proud of, as a really good team that played beyond their talent and expectations, but ultimately weren’t good enough to reach the superbowl.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 6, 2010 6:58 AM CST up reply actions

You guys are good Dave.

You just can’t expect most Saints fans to admit that. I still hope we meet you guys in the playoffs, preferably the NFC Championship game. But honestly….if the Saints get beat out and you’re still in it. Represent the South well…it’s time our division go the respect it deserves.

"Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not 'every man for himself.' And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked 'em up."

by jeff.l.b on Dec 6, 2010 11:03 AM CST up reply actions

Hmmm

Well. We better not be caught with holding penalties against them. Especially number 73

Your one and only..Professional Sports Blogger!

by Jricky70 on Dec 5, 2010 7:03 PM CST reply actions

Jahri

hes way over penalized….wtf….happened to this guy?

by Saintsfan4life on Dec 5, 2010 8:58 PM CST up reply actions

his heavy wallet has slowed him down this year

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 5, 2010 9:25 PM CST up reply actions

Who in the hell is Larry Holder?

The best things in life are free
But you can keep 'em for the birds and bees

by stujo4 on Dec 5, 2010 8:45 PM CST reply actions

Larry Holder

Last time I checked, he is the guy who covers the Saints for the Sun Herald.

by brock38 on Dec 5, 2010 9:39 PM CST up reply actions

and CBS Sports

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by Dave Cariello on Dec 5, 2010 9:44 PM CST up reply actions

Never heard of him.

I want a short haired girl who sometimes wears it twice as long.

by stujo4 on Dec 5, 2010 10:12 PM CST up reply actions

What the hell is the Sun Herald?

I want a short haired girl who sometimes wears it twice as long.

by stujo4 on Dec 5, 2010 10:12 PM CST up reply actions

Its the Newspaper of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

by brock38 on Dec 5, 2010 10:15 PM CST up reply actions

the power of google

Biloxi-Gulfport and South Mississippi. Obviously I’m not from around here.

But my daughter is moving to Jackson MS. She’s impressed with how friendly everyone is.

I want a short haired girl who sometimes wears it twice as long.

by stujo4 on Dec 5, 2010 10:19 PM CST up reply actions

That's Jahri Evans' false name when he wants to check into a hotel incognito

It's gonna be a great year.

by Hans Petersen on Dec 6, 2010 8:11 PM CST up reply actions

the above reply goes with the question "Who is Larry Holder?"

It's gonna be a great year.

by Hans Petersen on Dec 6, 2010 8:12 PM CST up reply actions

AGAIN with the words

But that’s a good one. HA!

I want a short haired girl who sometimes wears it twice as long.

by stujo4 on Dec 7, 2010 9:35 AM CST up reply actions

Physically sick

at the thought of a bunch of Falcons fans sitting around watching their game against the Bucs, cheering and high-fiving each other. Bluuuuuuuh!

"Relax, have a homebrew."

by CajunCavern on Dec 5, 2010 8:51 PM CST reply actions

That pic of Gregg Williams

Made my day. It even made up for slightly disturbing ST play and offensive line play.

by Jabbadahut99 on Dec 5, 2010 9:42 PM CST reply actions

Matt Ryan has a giraffe neck

You think you know, and you don't know, and you never, ever will.-Jim Mora Sr.
Bears, Beets, Battlestar Galactica-Jim Halpert

by metryman on Dec 5, 2010 10:02 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

Does anybody know where I can go to listen Jim Henderson's calls (highlights)

I loved it when NFL Network put the radio calls with the highlights, but they have stopped that this year. I don’t get Jim since I live in Tampa, but I can’t find him on the internet either.

by brock38 on Dec 5, 2010 10:09 PM CST reply actions

you can pay for NFL.com's Audiopass (about 40 bucks per year, I think)

I live in DC, and with Audiopass I listen to Jim Henderson and Hokie every week.

by iiAndyiiii on Dec 6, 2010 10:11 AM CST up reply actions

Game shouldn't have been close

We kept Cinci in it with penalties, then they somewhat figured out the defense. Still, finding a way to win tough games is the mark of a champion. Another great game for Meachem and Jimmy Graham too the future is looking bright.

by kitsunegari on Dec 5, 2010 10:53 PM CST reply actions

in regards to the argument that the Falcons are very lucky and the Saints were lucky last year....

we blew a lot of teams out last year, we played with large leads often, especially in the beginning and middle of the season. Atlanta’s games are almost all close. Their games, a LOT more than ours last year, boil down to one play often- like Hartley missing a FG, or a 49er fumbling an int with seconds left that has the game locked up, or an INT vs Bucs that looks to be a non- interception and the head of officials agrees only to have it not reversed, or a fumble on the 1 yard line. I know we had some close games last year, and we had some luck, but it seems Atlanta’s situation is unprecedented with the amount of luck.

Also, if you check the Falcons injury situation, they have been very lucky. We had tons of injuries last year and we overcame them. This year too. But, from what I can see re: the Falcons, they may have the least amount of injuries of any NFL team.

If Pro is the opposite of Con, what is the opposite of Progress? Congress!
-Men's Restroom - House of Representatives, Washington, DC

by Philinwood on Dec 5, 2010 11:32 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

that's all I'm saying too Phillinwood

They are very good, but for many reasons they aren’t as good as thier record.
The clock will strike midnight eventually.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 6, 2010 7:03 AM CST up reply actions

Very well stated.

Also, don’t forget the non-flag for offensive pass interference on the winning touchdown against the Ravens in the final seconds of the game.

“Luck” has always been a factor in football. If a team gets a lucky break or two in a game, but wins by 14+ points and has the game well in controll for the last 10 minutes of play, it’s usually a stretch to say it was a lucky win. However, if a team gets a lucky break in the final moments of a game due to an unlikely miscue by their opponent or a missed call, the luck factor plays a much more significant role in the win. Seven of the Falcon’s ten victories have been by 7 or fewer points and most of those were comeback wins late in the fourth quarter or overtime.

One of the most overworked cliches in football is “Great teams win close games.” The truth of the matter is a truly great team would rarely be in a position for the game to be that close to begin with. It might be true to say, in this year of parity, there aren’t any “great teams” in the sense there are probably 6-8 teams that could beat the other on any given Sunday without it being considered a major upset.

Like any other team in NFL history that recorded a 13-3 regular season record and won the Super Bowl, the Saints definately had their share of luck during the course of last season. But the vast majority of times, it was not the single determining factor of the game. In the nineteen games the Saints played last year, “luck” played a significant role in only two victories….. the Redskins and the Vikings. In the twelve games the Falcons have played thus far, “luck” has played a significant factor in five wins…. against the Saints, 49’s, Ravens, Packers and Buc’s.

While I would agree the Falcons are perhaps as good or better than any other team in the league, they are definately the luckiest. That’s not a criticism; it’s just a fact.

by Drew-Dat on Dec 6, 2010 4:47 PM CST up reply actions