Whew! We Dodged Some Serious Bullets In That Game!

by Jricky70 on Nov 13, 2011 5:41 PM CST

That was stressful! Honestly? I don't know we came out with a win that game. But what matters is: we came out with a win thanks to the 4th and inches stop in OT. Obviously I don't know what they were thinking 2 things. Going for it deep in their own territory, and the horrific playcall by their O' Coordinator. But regardless, any way you look at it, we are 7-3. Sometimes I'd rather be lucky than good. And I felt that way during the game. It could have gone either way. There were tons of mistakes, penalties, and dropped balls on both sides. The good news? We're heading into the bye week before we play the Giants at the Dome. This would be a great time to rest and clean up some of the God awful mistakes they're making.

The Positives? Colston was clutch this game and came up crucial plays when needed. Robert Meachem! Where have you been all this time? Thank you for showing up today for a Much Important needed win for the division. The offensive line? Did a remarkable job protecting Drew Brees. Roman Harper and Jabari Greer were the best players on defense.

The negatives? 3rd down was atrocious. 4-13 is unacceptable. I saw some of the most bone headed play calling on 3rd down today. I hate that 90 degree pass where we lose yards or get no gain. Mr. Payton, please remember to remove that from the playbook. The defense smells it every time. And remember this: on 3rd down, throw PAST the markers, not short of it. The running game? Atrocious. 41 total yards from scrimmage. Big difference from 200 yds a week ago against Tampa Bay. 5 punts. Way too many. This offense should only punt once a game. Too many FG's. Results in lousy play on 3rd downs. Penalties 8 for 79 yards. Way too many. Atlanta had 10. It was a slugfest out there. And don't forget there were a lot of drops out there.

And guys I'm not trying to sound negative in any way shape or form. We are 7-3 and leading the division yes, and I'm glad we got the win. A Big win against a heck of a good Falcons football team with a stout run defense. However, we are not playing Elite football like we should be. I'm hoping they can clean these mistakes during and after the bye. We got a tough 6 game stretch coming ahead. We must improve. This division isn't locked up yet, we must play better. Stress level was Red high today. But we got the Win Baby!

Let's clean up these mistakes down the stretch and improve for the playoffs.

This FanPost was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.

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Good post and as far as our running game goes

I just don’t think there was a thought of using it passed keeping the ATL D honest. I do agree that 41 yards off of 16 attempts is horrid. @ just 2.6 yards a carry thats well below what ATL is allowing this year, 4 yards per attempt, and shows the SAints weakness when playing a solid run defense. Thank god for Drew Brees, our solid receiving corps and our up and coming Defense.

And I was a bit worried in the beginning when Turner was bowling over us, glad that got corrected.

Whats for dinner, dad?
Wookie Steak.
Is that good?
It's a little chewy.

by WestBank on Nov 13, 2011 8:04 PM CST reply actions

Agreed Westbank. Atl has a very solid Run D

We have a tough stretch after the bye. Giants, then Detroit. Gonna be tough! There were a lot of mistakes and still got the win. Very important to clean up the penalties, and bad 3rd down plays to the end. This team has the offense to score 40 plus points at will per game. I would love to see that “Eliteness” down the stretch and the playoffs.

The win today was incredibly crucial!

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 13, 2011 8:16 PM CST up reply actions

We did keep the Burner under 100 yards!

I calls dat a win. Even if it took a stuff or two to accompish it. We gave up some good yards to the rookie RB, but all in all the D played better good for most of the game. Have a problem with the way we let Atlanta drive the field, and tie the game, but we held them in the trenches.

R.I.P. Andy Rooney

by cajuncommando58 on Nov 14, 2011 5:46 AM CST up reply actions

The Red Zone D played very well indeed. They played a very hard game not knocking that at all. Just the penalties drops and 3rd downs need some improvement. I believe we will be alright.

That 4th and inches stop was Epic as hell!

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 8:09 AM CST up reply actions

Is Brees checking down more this year than he ever has with the Saints?

It seems he’s going to the swing pass an awful lot.

Oh yea, and they suck!

Trying to open a can of beer with a corkscrew only scratches the surface.

by Just 'Nother Day on Nov 13, 2011 11:30 PM CST reply actions

LOL JND

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 8:07 AM CST up reply actions

66 yards in two plays ???????

That game was sickening…………..Where the hell was the defence in the fourth quarter?
That game was in control untill it fell apart in the fourth quarter. Never should have gone to OT. I am so tired of hearing that each team knows each other so well it always comes down to who schores last. What ever happened to the element of surprise. What ever happened to not being predictable. Atlanta is not better than us but it sure looks like the play calling is designed to keep it close and win it in the end. That nobody reciever ??? ran all over the field…….BY HIMSELF. I could not believe that happened !!!!! Never should have gotten to the 4th and 4 inches. I was in disbelief that our defence could allow them to come back and tie the game on such shotty coverage. If something is not done soon, we will not be in the playoffs this year. Cudos for the stop on fourth down but everybody knew what was about to happen. Turner had been getting huge chunks all day long and I would have gone for it too. Our defence is pourus and looks like the Keystone cops at times. This is not conducive to a playoff team. Another peeve I have is somebody needs to teach the guys how to catch and tackle. That game was closer than it had to be and we were lucky to come out with a win,
Just sickening. As much as I love my Saints, I just dont see it happening this year unless they show improvement on defence. Thank god for Brees, Mechum and Colston.

My Magnificent Black and Gold Warriors

by saint-sly on Nov 14, 2011 8:54 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

Yep

And what about the horrific 3rd downs? 5 punts? We have the greatest offense in the league and was 4-13 on 3rd down. And that dumb swing pass needs to be taken out of the playbook.

We should be scoring 40 points with this offense. But hey, we got the win. Thank God for Atlanta’s mistakes yesterday. We could have very easily lost that game. Sloppy mistakes need to be cleaned up down the stretch.

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 9:58 AM CST up reply actions

the swing pass that doesn’t include any blockers, should be removed for sure.

as a dump off… you gotta do what you gotta do, but don’t design a play and run it when there are 3 defenders and ZERO blockers.

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

by Dan Kelly on Nov 14, 2011 11:36 AM CST up reply actions

And throw past the markers on 3rd down, not 3 plus yards behind it

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 12:11 PM CST up reply actions

yeah… those plays are straight out of the Old Saints’ playbook.

We need 8 yards, so let’s throw a 6 yard hook. It pissed me off then, it pissed me off now.

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

by Dan Kelly on Nov 14, 2011 1:19 PM CST up reply actions

Thank you Dan

Time for different creativity. Every defense remembers the old play book

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 1:54 PM CST up reply actions

I have no problem with the swing pass on 3rd down

But you have to call it against the right defense. ATL did their homework on Sproles and went into man coverage when he was on the field. Screens and swing passes don’t work against man coverage. Get him some blockers out front against zone coverage and they won’t ever touch him. If defenses keep going to man coverage when they see Sproles, exploit it by going deep.

"I want to hand this trophy to the MVP of the Super Bowl -- and the MVP of the entire league.''
-- Saints coach Sean Payton, handing the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Drew Brees after Super Bowl 44.

by VAsaintsfan on Nov 14, 2011 10:51 AM CST reply actions

Well Said Va Saintsfan

When they tried it multiple times, that’s when I got annoyed. I was fuming when it was 3rd and 5 on Atlanta’s 25, the swing pass to sproles was for no gain. FG unit comes out and misses. Our offense should have no problem converting on 3rd downs. That’s where I was frustrated. We’re kicking way too many FG’s and not TD’s. Too many punts as well.

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 10:55 AM CST up reply actions

ATL did their homework on Sproles

They have a stout run defense as well.

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 10:58 AM CST up reply actions

Problem is we are too predictable.

They are starting to know when to key in on Sproles. Same with Ingram. And explain why we aren’t using PT more. PT has the same play breaking abilities as Sproles catching those safety dump offs. You can almost call the plays based on who we have in the back field. A good dose of PT/ Sproles reminiscent, the Bush/Deuce days, would cause some mismatches. Maybe would also open up some of our receivers down-field.

R.I.P. Andy Rooney

by cajuncommando58 on Nov 14, 2011 11:19 AM CST up reply actions

Very true

And speaking of RB’s. I never saw Ivory in the lineup the whole game. Is he hurt or is Payton saving him for the Giants game?

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 11:24 AM CST up reply actions

I never saw Ivory in the lineup the whole game. Is he hurt or is Payton saving him for the Giants game?

Both. rotoworld.com:

Chris Ivory (hamstring) is inactive for Week 10 at Atlanta. Ivory is healthy enough to play, but the Saints are going back to Mark Ingram as the early-down runner.

Welcome to the party, we're all just papers in the wind

by stujo4 on Nov 14, 2011 11:26 AM CST up reply actions

I can always count on you Stujo

Much thanks. It will be good to get Ivory back in the mix. And they must use Pierre more often. When he get’s the ball, he usually makes good things happen.

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 11:30 AM CST up reply actions

With Payton being a Master at Play calling..............

Why is he so predictable now? Has he lost interest, has he lost faith, has he gotten soft ?
Those quick outs three yards behind the LOS never went anywhere but he kept it up. The screens to PT have always worked well but they were thrown forward behind the defensive front. What happened to Jimmy Grahm yesterday ? Did he sleep late or lost his energy in the sack. There were just too many “What If’s” in this game.
1. What if Jimmy had caught all the passes he dropped?
2. What if Greer had caught the interception in the endzone ??
3. What if Sproles was used as a decoy (ala, Bush) to free up other recievers ?
4. What if the defence had some coverage on a man running free in the secondary and caught two (Not one, but two) passes for thirty yards each?
5. What if our offencive line had made holes in Atlantas defence (Like they said they love to do) so someone could run through them?
6. What if our defence had not allowed a 98 yard drive in umpteen plays to get within 3 points in the 4th quarter?( From hte Atlanta 2 yard line no less)
What if our defence could stop a 3rd and 10 inside there own 10 that went for 17 yards and a first down?
I could go on and on but I’m getting pissed again………….Deep breath. GO SAINTS !!!!!

My Magnificent Black and Gold Warriors

by saint-sly on Nov 14, 2011 12:52 PM CST reply actions

I've noticed predictability since the 2010 season

It’s definitely not since 09 and prior on offense. I’m not seeing the creativity like I used to sly. With this offense there’s no excuse why we shouldn’t put up 35 plus a game easily. I’m pissed at the mistakes too. And WTF happened to Devery? He’s been non existent for a long time. Could it be we may need a couple of young very fast receivers? Joe Morgan anyone? Could a couple of our current receivers losing some speed?

There’s a lot of what ifs yes.

Has he lost interest, has he lost faith, has he gotten soft

I pray to God you’re wrong.

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 1:53 PM CST up reply actions

its not necessarily that we are predictable its just that the probability of calling a pass play is higher this year so the opposing team feels comfortable playing the pass or calling zone blitzes. One thing that could also be said is that the opponent may have a solid D line, that they feel can stop the run and so no matter if they feel we are running or passing they will play the pass and take the short yardage from our running play. Depends on a few factors but the probability of a pass is for sure higher this year.

Not trying to start the run pass discussion.

Whats for dinner, dad?
Wookie Steak.
Is that good?
It's a little chewy.

by WestBank on Nov 14, 2011 7:32 PM CST up reply actions

Not trying to start it?

Does it ever stop?

By Grabthar's Hammer... What a savings.

by Doc Boudin on Nov 14, 2011 9:20 PM CST up reply actions

Is it possible

that our offensive line is doing something to telegraph our run plays?

It sure seems like it but, not being in a three point stance next to the center, I can only guess.

Trying to open a can of beer with a corkscrew only scratches the surface.

by Just 'Nother Day on Nov 14, 2011 3:26 PM CST reply actions

These are not mistakes that sit well with me. These guys say every week they learn from their mistakes but keep on making them. We are in game 10 now and if you aint cleaned it up by now, it aint going to get cleaned up. Glad we won but DAMN !!!!!

My Magnificent Black and Gold Warriors

by saint-sly on Nov 14, 2011 3:29 PM CST reply actions

And.........Me and JND can tackle better than what I've seen

My Magnificent Black and Gold Warriors

by saint-sly on Nov 14, 2011 3:32 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

And………Me and JND can tackle better than what I’ve seen

Rec’d!

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 4:01 PM CST reply actions

Here's a what-if.........

What if the refs had called that horse-collar interference on the Falcons final drive down at the goal line? I think we finally got some pay-back on the refereeing. Now if we could just figure out how to win a coin toss.

by Ship on Nov 14, 2011 4:50 PM CST reply actions

Now if we could just figure out how to win a coin toss.

We used to win the coin toss all the time. Strange

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

Good one.

You are now certified to enter the run/pass debate between CP and 9th/et al.

by Ship on Nov 14, 2011 6:37 PM CST up reply actions

I think I'll pass on that one. Thanks though

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 14, 2011 6:47 PM CST up reply actions

I was just thinking of a different name you could have used

like “Whew!! What was that smell??!?!”.

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Nov 17, 2011 6:29 PM CST reply actions

Lol

Next time if needed? I will gladly use that title.

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 17, 2011 8:04 PM CST up reply actions

Glad to be of service!

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Nov 18, 2011 8:11 AM CST up reply actions

not a dream season.. but not too shabby either..

at the current pace the saints offense is averaging 436.9 yards/game.. at that pace with more home games remaining than away, we would be knocking around 6990..
considering the NFL record for a season is:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Football_League_records_(team)#Yards_Gained

and we sitting here:

http://www.nfl.com/teams/neworleanssaints/profile?team=NO

we moving the ball.. lil’ bit..
we must be tough customers to demand the perfect offense..
as it is.. it’s not sublime..
but certainly not sucking..

by the 9th plague on Nov 18, 2011 7:06 PM CST reply actions

Not sucking at all

Just ready to see more consistency. The next 2 games are at home. Win those 2, we’ll be sitting pretty.

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 18, 2011 10:19 PM CST up reply actions

Are you telling me that Sunday's game didn't smell?

I didn’t get to see the game but it sounded like we pretty much stumbled into a win. Is that inaccurate?

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Nov 18, 2011 10:43 PM CST up reply actions

meant to replay to you, below.. nofear

by the 9th plague on Nov 19, 2011 9:22 AM CST up reply actions

[reply..] that's it.. the plague is going to bed..

by the 9th plague on Nov 19, 2011 9:23 AM CST up reply actions

pretty much stumbled into a win. Is that inaccurate?

That is inaccurate. Unless a good game is only defined as the Saints blowing out their opponent. The betting line on this game was pick ‘em, too close to call. It was two evenly matched teams punching it out toe to toe and it took overtime to resolve it. Watch the highlights here and look at that game fan rating: You don’t see it that high very often.

"He’s a stupid person’s idea of what a smart person sounds like." -E. Klein

by stujo4 on Nov 19, 2011 9:26 AM CST up reply actions

That exactly is my problem, I guess. I don't want to think that we are evenly

matched against anyone, but I’m getting used to the idea. Not liking it, but getting used to it. Abhorring it, but getting used to it. Growling and snarling in my sleep, but getting used to it….Ok, I’m NOT getting used to it.

I guess, when I said stumbled into it, I guess I just don’t like that we won because of a very strange call on Smith’s part. But, I’ll retract the “stumbled” and just snarl about it in my sleep.

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Nov 20, 2011 8:11 AM CST up reply actions

not what i would call a stinker..

it looked a lot like it has against atl.. we appear to be the incumbent team.. where they wanna be.. what they strive to become..
they throw the kitchen sink at us.. out-gaining us with a solid game plan.. but we put order with a couple of mini-bombs to separate by 10 points..
yes there were many weak points, on both sides of the ball.. & they did close the gap & almost beat us..
they all been close (these games).. & this one was particularly stressful.. cause it seemed we could have cruised at the end..
not our best game.. sure..

by the 9th plague on Nov 19, 2011 9:21 AM CST reply actions

The next 2 games are at the dome

Lets get to 9-3 and TAKE CONTROL BABY!!!!!!!!!

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 19, 2011 7:47 PM CST up reply actions

Let's hope so.

Detroit worries me, especially, because of the short week.

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Nov 20, 2011 7:51 AM CST up reply actions

Another worry. Atlanta is only one game behind us. Maybe that will motivate us even more to focus focus

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 20, 2011 9:35 PM CST up reply actions

Well, since I didn't see it, I guess I have a hard time disagreeing, but

even what you say….? It’s just so seldom that we ever seem in control of a game.

I guess that’s not unusual for the NFL, though…. So, rather than just say that, blithely, I decided to go take a look at Green Bay’s box scores. They seem to be almost always in control. They seem to do what I keep thinking that we should be able to do. Get a cushy kinda lead and, then, put it on cruise control (ok, that’s an overstatement but I think you know what I mean). Probably the closest they ever got to losing control of a game was against us. And, even saying that seems to be stretching it.

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Nov 20, 2011 7:59 AM CST up reply actions

If I remember correctly

Carolina gave them a good game right after us. Yeah, they only loss by 7 and lead at the half.
Review

R.I.P. Andy Rooney

by cajuncommando58 on Nov 20, 2011 9:54 AM CST up reply actions

Yes, that was the other one

The Panthers actually had the lead but the Packers pulled away and stayed there. I’m not saying that there was no nail-biting but they just seem to dominate with little confusion about who is in control.

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Nov 20, 2011 10:28 AM CST up reply actions

Geez, and Tampa Bay seems to be giving them fits.

Now, that’s cool! So, of course, I had to go back and check and, yes, so did Atlanta!

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Nov 20, 2011 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

I decided to go take a look at Green Bay’s box scores. They seem to be almost always in control.

Yep, just like the 2009 Saints.

I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.

Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)

by Jricky70 on Nov 20, 2011 9:36 PM CST up reply actions