Saints vs. Colts: A SuperBowl Victory Hinges on Saints' Ability to Contain Dallas Clark
by Andrew Juge on Feb 6, 2010 1:00 PM CST
56 comments
So much has been written about this weekend, what could there possibly be left say? I don't know about you guys, but the coverage has actually been somewhat exhausting for me. There's only so many angles you can cover. I think that every possible storyline, stat, name, and prediction has been thrown out this week. Bottom line, I'm just ready for the game to start. Once the opening kickoff happens, it's all about focusing on the Saints' improbable capping of this season with a SuperBowl victory. The most dangerous matchup, in my opinion, will be covering Dallas Clark. The Saints will need to focus on this if they want to hoist the Lombardi trophy.
Let's get a few givens out of the way:
-- Drew Brees will make plays.
-- Peyton Manning will make plays.
-- Both teams will want to put pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, exposing themselves at times to big plays.
-- No way Dwight Freeney doesn't suit up for this game, but his performance will be affected by his injury significantly.
Everyone knows these by now things by now, so I'm glad we've covered it and gotten it out of the way.
Now I know Reggie Wayne is a perennial all pro and Manning's new favorite target. I know he's put up gaudy numbers in each of the last six seasons, and few and far between are the teams that have been able to limit his effectiveness. But I'm actually not that worried about Wayne, or Pierre Garcon, or Austin Collie. While these guys have been dangerous and they've made plays all season for the Colts - we've seen over and again that Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter and Darren Sharper - to name a few - have been able to limit some of the best and most dangerous of receivers out there. I'm not saying these receivers won't make any plays won't hurt the Saints, but I don't think they'll ultimately be the difference in the game. The Saints do have an answer for those dangerous receivers, and they have the ability to limit them.
My question is this: Do the Saints have any answer for Dallas Clark? With the game on the line, can they resort to anything that can stop him? I'm not convinced the answer is yes. The Saints can throw a mix of these players in coverage on Clark: Scott Shanle, Scott Fujita, Jonathan Vilma, Roman Harper, and Randall Gay. None of these options make me fill warm and fuzzy inside. In fact, most of these options make my stomach pretty uneasy. Clark has an incredible combination of speed, hands, size and strength that's a nightmare matchup for almost any defense. Most of you that have been loyal CSC supporters long enough will know that I wrote a similar post outlining the Saints' matchup problems against the Atlanta Falcons and Tony Gonzalez. The problem with Clark is he's faster than Gonzalez, and the quarterback throwing to him might be the best in NFL history. The Saints are exposed against teams with a very good tight end because their strong safety is such a liability in coverage, and when Peyton Manning is throwing to him the problem is pronounced.
Do you think the Saints successfully limit Dallas Clark enough to win the game? If so, how do you think they'll do it?
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this is scary
i think its simply a matter of keeping an eye on him. i mean, how many times do you see a tight end completely alone? as long as someone picks him up, saints should be alright. of course, thats much easier said than done.
why are you the way that you are? honestly, every time i try to do something fun or exciting, you make it not that way. i hate so much about the things that you choose to be.
Being a Colts fan
and watching Dallas play a lot of games. It even amazes me how open he is all the time. It seems like every catch the guy is open. I would venture to say that out of all our receivers, Clark is the best route runner. I actually brought this up as a comment over at Stampede Blue. That Clark will be a huge factor in this game. It will be interesting to see what Williams has to try to slow down Clark. And I say slow down, cause it’s really, really hard to flat out stop him.
So, apparently "Adult Language" isn't allowed in sig lines, so I suppose my new sig will be clean and "G" rated so I can openly discuss football with other blogs. Shame on me for not understanding!
I don’t think it’s all that hard to stop Clark, particularly, but it seems near impossible to stop any one or two receivers for Indy without leaving two others poorly covered. Clark is very good, no question, but, like the Saints, it’s the QB’s ability to dissect coverage quickly that makes it such a chore to stop the passing attack.
"I do know that we have some unfinished business that we started a few years ago and we want to finish the deal."- Dulymus McAllister
You hit it
its so hard to cover the Colts passing game. Because you got 4 good-really good receivers and you can’t double them all. You just gotta pick and choose. Maybe the Saints will double Reggie and keep someone in to help with Clark and make the young Colt receivers earn their pay. And like you said Manning/Brees are so good at reading D’s and waiting till the last second to call the right play that it makes it so hard to defend that. But we shall soon see what happens. Maybe this will end up going opposite of what everyone’s saying and this will turn into a defensive battle. And honestly, me being a defensive guy, I wouldn’t mind that lol
So, apparently "Adult Language" isn't allowed in sig lines, so I suppose my new sig will be clean and "G" rated so I can openly discuss football with other blogs. Shame on me for not understanding!
defensive scheme
Well, the saints could go into nickel as the base package and put jenkins, gay, or young on him. Jenkins and maybe Young are big enough to be not a huge liability against the run….I hope….
This is the same thing that happened during the Patriot game
Randy Moss and Wes Welker was not effective and you know who their QB is.
My Magnificent Black and Gold Warriors
nickel
I think we’re going to see a lot of nickel out of the Saints D tomorrow. I think you’ll see a nickel corner on Dallas most of the game. The Colts are not the running threat that the Vikings were so I think the LBs will be less likely to bite on PA…that should help them with the TE.
I sincerely think Gregg Williams coming out and talking like he did was a smoke screen. I fully expect to see the Saints try to get pressure on Peyton with mostly 4 and at times 5 (5th either being a LB or a Safety). Peyton is not a threat to move around the pocket and I like the match-up with Colts line. Lots of coverage…make Peyton make quick throws, and rally to the ball.
I think
you’re probably right about Clark, and, to expand the root of our defensive woes a little, the slot receiver, whoever that is. Pretty much, pass coverage between the hash marks. I think a healthy dose of 3-4 fronts, or even a 3-3-5, with Harper lining up as essentially a LB, might be a good idea. And not blitzing so much. Maybe a lot early, to play to expectations, and possibly stifle an early drive or two, but then play a kind of cover 2 shell, with a man-on-man for the receivers, and one or two safeties covering deep zones. I think there should be three “safeties” on the field a lot, with Harper up close and Prioleau and Sharper watching the back. And Clark should be hit at the line of scrimmage on every play. Bottom line, I think we can expect to have at least one extra DB on virtually every play, and they are all going to have to tackle with purpose. Even if it’s just some of that leg-shackling they did against the RB’s out of the backfield against Minny.
"I do know that we have some unfinished business that we started a few years ago and we want to finish the deal."- Dulymus McAllister
agreed
I like the idea of being in a 3-4, 3-3-5 defense for most of the game. It’s not a new concept for them. Playing a team like the Colts with the weapons they have, it would seem most advantageous to have as many of your fastest bodies on the field as possible.
I like that and I think they will do that
"I think we agree, the past is over" - George W Bush
"The greatest enemy of knowlege is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge" Stephen Hawking
Ding-ding-ding!
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Feb 6, 2010 6:46 PM CST up reply actions
Clark Is A Matchup Nightmare
but Vilma is the best athlete at linebacker you guys have so make him the cover man for Clark and we’ll see what happens
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Feb 6, 2010 2:27 PM CST reply actions
The best defense against Clark....
is the Saints offense. Next to the turn over battle the second most important stat we want in our favor is time of possession. Clearly if the Saints offense is on the field then Peyton, Clark and company are riding the pine. Having said that I agree with FuSoYa that we rush 4 sometimes 5 and Vilma covering Clark with Harper up.
Good post, Andrew
I don’t know how many times I’ve seen clips of a QB this year finding a TE WIDE OPEN down the middle of the field with either one of our LBs trailing behind in coverage, or not even in the picture.
Dallas Clark scares me big time…I keep telling myself that even if we give up some yards, we can still be ok if we shut ‘em down in the red zone or make them cough up the ball to finish their drives, although I’d rather NOT give up any yards and have them go 3 and out EVERY TIME.
OOOOH, let’s get this game started!!
"In the end, the bread was in the pudding." Bobby McCray
I say put a DB on him.
Jenkins or Gay. If we have a body on him, Manning will be less likely to throw his way then with a LB trailing him. Getting pressure from our front 4 would be tremendous. That is one of the reasons we did so well against the Pats. Lets go Big Willy and Tony!
Well
Maybe the same system that worked against Brady might be effective against Manning. Your team almost completely faded Pats’ receivers on that scheme and forced a lot of picks against Giselle’s husband. But unlike the Pats, we have some good RBs on Addai, Brown, even Simpson and Hart, and I don’t see your DL stopping Addai so effectively if you throw all your DBs in zone coverage.
It’ll be probably the best SB of the decade. And in a few hours, we’ll know who’s the last champion of 00’s decade
Quitters never win, but cheaters sometimes do
Are you joking?
The Patriots finished 12th in the league in rushing…you guys finished last. The Patriots also rushed fairly efficiently in that game, ending with 122 yards and a 4.4 average. It wasn’t enough, because we throttled their passing game. If we throttle your passing game, you’re welcome to all the yards you can pile up at your 3.5 average.
Oh, and the first decade of the century doesn’t end until December 31, 2010. Just FYI.
"They caught me bathing and sold my clothes."
You failed in time
And screw this yardage talk.
1st, our OL isn’t build to run block, and it sucks a lot but I really hope it changes next season.
2nd, when our RBs were asked to do their job and gain yardage to pull a short or mid 3rd down situation, they were one of the best on the league.
3rd, you guys sucked at stopping the running game like we did. But we’ve allowed both top running teams on the entire league to less than 100 yds each game, which is something no one had ever done in regular season
4th, our RBs together had 19 TDs this season counting both running and receiving TDs. The Pats had 18, and they were, like you mentioned, 12th in rushing. So like I said: screw yardage, only points count
Quitters never win, but cheaters sometimes do
The 2010 Superbowl is for the championship of the 2009 season. There’s still one more season left in this decade, so there will be one more champion. And screw the Colts.
"They caught me bathing and sold my clothes."
So please, sire
Explain it to the NFL, and tell them it’s too early to define the Team of the Decade, the Player of the Decade, and everything else related and threw at our faces during the whole post-season
Quitters never win, but cheaters sometimes do
you've got the decade thing wrong
I think we all agree a decade is ten years.
2000, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09. 10 years is a decade.
2010 is the start of a new decade. So that means this is the last of the previous one.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
there was no year zero
so the years went 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
so the next decade started 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
picky, yes, but no matter how long ago it was, it can’t just be tossed aside and ignored.
seconded
2001 began the decade that we’re currently in.
2011 starts the next.
"Pigs have flown! Hell has frozen over! The Saints are on their way to the Superbowl!!" Hear the call
Are we seriously arguing the semantics of what constitutes a decade?
How exactly is that relevant to a discussion of football?
Can we stay on topic?
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Feb 6, 2010 6:52 PM CST up reply actions
well, i'm bored and can't think straight... I guess we could use an open thread, but it might not be as fun. :-)
Who Dat!
(If I add “Who Dat!” to ever post, does that make it about football?)
"Pigs have flown! Hell has frozen over! The Saints are on their way to the Superbowl!!" Hear the call
It's Saints fans vs. Colts fans
Anything goes!
"I definitely believe in destiny, and I believe in karma and what goes around comes around. We have been on the other side of this deal probably too many times. Maybe it's our time that we start catching some of the breaks, and start being the team that wins them like this in the end." -- Drew Brees
My answer is Jenkins if he's healthy. He's a big physical CB
Put him in man to man situations with him alot and don’t give him help(he got help in the Dallas game on 1 play and got burned by a pump fake). Let Sharper do what he’s been doing and Harper can sometimes play the run but hopefully help in coverage. Jenkins is big enough to play the run and can also cover pretty decently. I’d actually rather see Young in instead of Harper against a team like this but it’s too late in the season to change things up with so much on the line. I think having 2 FSs would help limit the longer passes
Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!
Isn't Young on IR?
I’d like to see him in as a dime back or “3rd safety” too, but I thought he went on IR like a month ago.
"I do know that we have some unfinished business that we started a few years ago and we want to finish the deal."- Dulymus McAllister
by FuSoYa on Feb 6, 2010 5:14 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I am pretty sure Young played vs Minnesota.
"I think we agree, the past is over" - George W Bush
"The greatest enemy of knowlege is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge" Stephen Hawking
CLARK?
Why is everybody worried about him? I think Collie is the real threat. he’s the guy that gets lost in the shuffle. Wayne and clark are gonna do what they do. both those players caught 100 balls this year. we can only hope to limit their damage. IMO, there is no coverage or scheme the is gonna be effective. Nickel, dime, quarter, zone, box and 1, or hoping jenkins turns into Deion Sanders for a game…all that seems a like wishful thinking to me.
The best way to slow down Clark and the colts passing game is to KNOCK THE SNOT out of the QB. mixing coverages can be effective, but only after the opposition is worried about the pass rush and the down and distance is in our favor.
P.S. RJ just made the HOF…GEAUX SAINTS!!!!
Good Post and I agree
but, the title could also be “Key to Victory is Colts Ability to Contain Jeremy Shockey.” But you actually could replace “Shockey” with “Reggie Bush.” And if you think about it, the Colts have Dallas Clark- we have Shockey. Theoretically that could easily be a wash. And then you go Wayne and Colston theoretically a wash (Wayne is probably slight better statistically but Colston is younger and had his first 2 seasons better than Wayne’s first 2 seasons- but really the factor that makes them a wash is Colston’s height which makes him such a unique receiver. Than you have Collie and Garcon vs. Henderson and Meachem and I think the nod goes to the Saints receivers here since they are bigger and have had more success over the entire season and last season-not just the end of this season but it’s a close matchup and coulod easily become a wash. I like the fact that we have a slight experience edge on them. Then there’s PT vs Addai which is a close matchup- I would take PT any day, but the match up is close. But, the Colts don’t really have anyone to throw out there that is as dangerous a threat to score or anywhere near Reggie Bush’s level. That could be a huge key.
Defensively, the defenses are different in that we take chances and make big plays and get takeaways and they are
more like bend don’t break. I hate bend but don’t break defenses. Good, top ranked , patient offenses usually
eat them up. And, we run the risk of getting eaten p on defense, but regardles of how bad we start or look like in the middle of the game, with our defense there is always that threat of a takeaway looming and when you have that it is very powerful. Just the thought of that is very powerful and gives the entire team hope always throught the game.
"I think we agree, the past is over" - George W Bush
"The greatest enemy of knowlege is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge" Stephen Hawking
Colts' secret is that Manning will throw
to the open guy. With four top quality receivers, a defense can be successful in taking out two but it can’t shut down the others. It’s a pick your poison type of thing. Plus both Addai and Brown are quality reveivers. After the Jets game, the press asked Manning about Reggie catching “only” three for 55 yards. His response was that Reggie was open for more but the Collie and Garcon were “more open.” Actually, it’s the same tatic that Brees uses so successfully.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Manning with his four stallions against Brees with his four stallions. The team with the fewer big mistakes wins. Of course, that’ll be the Colts.
to the open guy!
god, that’s his secret. why didn’t we figure it out sooner. if only somebody can tell the team!
I hope GW got the memo... anybody got his cell number?
"Pigs have flown! Hell has frozen over! The Saints are on their way to the Superbowl!!" Hear the call
I apologize for being unclear...
It’s not about throwing to the open man. It’s about the competitive concept of achieving “local superiority.” It applies to all competitive sports. It’s why hockey teams put their best scorers on the same line and why football teams “build around” thier best player. A team cannot be dominant everywhere so you select a phase of the game where you can overwhelm the opponent. The process of building a dominant phase can result in weaknesses elsewhere, e.g. the Colts history vs. the running game, but so be it.
For the Jets, it means having an offensive line that can block out the sun so that their RBs can lead the league in rushing.
For the Colts, it means providing Manning with so many quality receivers that an opponent cannot shut down the passing game by “containing” the top two, Clark and Wayne.
So for the purpose of this post… it doesn’t matter that the Saints contain Clark and/or Wayne. Doing so releases the others. It’s self defeating as the Jets and Ravens just demonstrated. If it makes you feel better, the Saints are also dominant in the passing game and, regretfully, they have a better running game.
don't worry about it,
i was just makin jokes. i understood your point and i’m trying to be silly to distract myself from how scared i am.
When Peyton is in a jam he goes to Clark
I say double Clark and Wayne. They are his money guys so try and shut them down. Make him check down to the other guys and take our chances. Bring some pressure up the middle with big Sed and hopefully get Manning to rush some throws while he is searching for the open guy. We are not going to shut down the Colts, lets just hope we slow them down and let our offense handle the rest.
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Feb 6, 2010 6:59 PM CST reply actions
I agree- put it on the shoulders of their rookies to win the game
"I think we agree, the past is over" - George W Bush
"The greatest enemy of knowlege is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge" Stephen Hawking
The Jets #1 D
did this and it didn’t work out so well. Garcon lit them up. Not bein an ass, just saying. Their D is just a little, ok a lot better than yours (and ours) and Clark finally got open to seal the game with a TD. It’s a tough task trying to cover 4 pretty good receivers. And couple that with Manning throwing the ball and that just makes it that much harder. Not saying it can’t be done, but you defiantly got your work cut out for you
So, apparently "Adult Language" isn't allowed in sig lines, so I suppose my new sig will be clean and "G" rated so I can openly discuss football with other blogs. Shame on me for not understanding!
Pst
Hey.
We got uh, four pretty good receivers too.
And two decent tight ends.
Just sayin’.
"I definitely believe in destiny, and I believe in karma and what goes around comes around. We have been on the other side of this deal probably too many times. Maybe it's our time that we start catching some of the breaks, and start being the team that wins them like this in the end." -- Drew Brees
#57
Is that right about Ricky Jackson? I been at work all day..
"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds" -Bob Marley
by PanheadCatahoula on Feb 6, 2010 7:13 PM CST reply actions
hey - who eliminated my post from 20 minutes ago?
"I think we agree, the past is over" - George W Bush
"The greatest enemy of knowlege is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge" Stephen Hawking
I bloweded it up with mind bullets.
"I definitely believe in destiny, and I believe in karma and what goes around comes around. We have been on the other side of this deal probably too many times. Maybe it's our time that we start catching some of the breaks, and start being the team that wins them like this in the end." -- Drew Brees
are we wearing white tops/gold bottoms?
All week the players have been in white…is this what they are wearing tomorrow? White tops and gold pants is pretty sick…oh and dallas clark will be stymeeeeeed all day. Who dat!
by BigCountryLV on Feb 6, 2010 8:46 PM CST via mobile reply actions
White over gold it is.
It’s the AFC’s turn to be the “home” team and they elected to go with their dark blue jerseys so we have our road uniforms. Yet another reason to not like the Colts.
Am I the only one who can't sleep?
Here is what I have tried to help………..
Watched HOF clips on nfl.com. By the way, check out the Emmit Smith clip, it is great. Checked the Grizzlies score. Fantastic, a loss to the Timberwolves. Watch out sub .500, here come the Grizz again. Watched an episode of Numbers. Read some of the Bible. Also worth checking out. Monitored the Italian beef in the crock pot. It will be just perfect for a Super Bowl! And finally, organized my wife’s spice cabinet. I’m a sucker for organization.
Now this, a comment, albeit a lengthy one, on the best Saints blog in all the land! So onto the Saints.
I’m always a little apprehensive of statements like “a Super Bowl victory hinges on……”. Don’t get me wrong, it was a good post and I understand it is thoughts like this that get us from one game to the next. But, after 2 weeks of wasting hours at work on Super Bowl coverage, I am convinced, more than ever that there are far too many factors in any one sporting event to say the game hinges on JUST one of them.
My first hope for this game, more than anything, is a Saints win. But now for some context. At this point I am certain you are thinking, “geez, dude, go to sleep!” I am trying! Bare with me putting my thoughts on screen and lets hope I’m tired by the end and can fall asleep.
Back to the context, I was born in Opelousas, LA almost 27 years ago. Dad and I went to a Saints game when I was in first grade. It was the first professional sporting event I had ever been to. I was hooked. We moved to IL for 7 years during which time I was in a Saints dead zone between Chicago and St. Louis. Nevertheless, I kept up. We then moved back to the South, thankful for more Saints coverage. Over the next years, I went to school in Memphis, then graduated from the real UT (University of Tennessee). Married. Had 3 children, yada, yada, yada and here I sit. The morning of the Saints first Super Bowl. I am excited beyond belief and the excitement is one of a few factors keeping me awake.
Last night, as the kiddos were going to bed, my 4 year old daughter said "Daddy, I’m excited the Saints are going to the Super Bowl. That was followed by 2.5 year old son’s, “Me too.” I SMILED!
Family was emphasized in numerous posts after the NFC Championship and I guess that’s what this post is. Sorry I’m late and sorry this is so long. Saintsational, don’t kick me off, please. But, what a absolute joy it is to hug my father after the Vikings win and hear my sweet children utter those lines intermixed with shouts of “Who Dat!”
Win or lose, today will be special. Here’s hoping with all my being for a win. I won’t be checking this site much today, but y’all enjoy the day b/c it is a Saints Super Bowl day! More so, enjoy it for those other events, like being with your family and friends, that are much more special than any sporting event.
WHO DAT?!……..and goodnight.
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