Saints 42 @ Vikings 20: Top 5 Defensive Plays

by Dave Cariello on Dec 21, 2011 10:00 AM CST

Defensive Play #1 - Patrick's Pass Breakup

1st Quarter

3-15-MIN 30 - (:42) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder pass incomplete short left to 12-P.Harvin (21-P.Robinson)

Early in the game on a key third down play, Robinson made a sweet sidestep to get out of the way of his blocker then went straight at Harvin and hit him right as he was about to catch the ball. The agility Robinson showed was impressive.

Defensive Play #2 - Brees Saves a Touchdown

2nd Quarter

2-7-NO 45(14:27) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees FUMBLES (Aborted) at NO 45, RECOVERED by MIN-97-E.Griffen at NO 30. 97-E.Griffen to NO 21 for 9 yards (9-D.Brees)

This one wasn't technically made by a defensive player but it was a defensive play. After the ball flew past him unexpectedly following a premature Brian de la Puente snap, Drew Brees reacted quickly and turned around to take down Griffen, who had recovered the fumble, and save an inevitable touchdown. The bad news: Brees is better at wrapping up ball carriers than half of the Saints defense.

Defensive Play #3 - Johnson Pounds Ponder

4th Quarter

1-10-MIN 20 - (12:50) 7-C.Ponder sacked at MIN 14 for -6 yards (96-T.Johnson)

With very little hope left in the early 4th quarter, the Vikings offense would take over following a Pierre Thomas touchdown. But all remaining hope would fade immediately with a drive killing Tom Johnson sack on the first play of the drive. Minnesota gave the ball right back to the Saints via punt two plays later, effectively ending the game. Chase Daniel checked in for the Saints on the subsequent drive.

Defensive Play #4 - Patrick's Pickoff

4th Quarter

4-3-NO 35 - (:05) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder pass deep left intended for 19-D.Aromashodu INTERCEPTED by 21-P.Robinson at NO -2. Touchback.

This final play of the game wasn't important to the outcome whatsoever but it was the defenses only turnover of the day and it gives me another opportunity to highlight the play of Patrick Robinson, the team leader in interceptions.

Defensive Play #5 - Saints Stand Strong

2nd Quarter

2-10-NO 21(14:17) 28-A.Peterson left end to NO 27 for -6 yards (41-R.Harper)

3-16-NO 27 - (13:44) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder sacked at NO 31 for -4 yards (97-J.Charleston)

After a Saints botched snap gave Minnesota the ball in their own territory for the second time, the Saints defense was again forced to make a stand. Adrian Peterson had nowhere to go on a second down run, losing six yards. Jeff Charleston followed that up with his first sack of the season. The Vikings were forced to settle for another field goal and the Saints had successfully minimized the damage.

Poll

What was the top defensive play of the game?

Patrick's Pass Breakup

15 votes

Brees Saves a Touchdown

106 votes

Johnson Pounds Ponder

10 votes

Patrick's Pickoff

10 votes

Saints Stand Strong

70 votes

211 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

There was a 3rd and 1 where peterson lost 6 yards

It was epic! A toss in the backfield. The Saints D read it the whole way.

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 Dec 21, 2011 10:07 AM CST reply actions

You sure you're not referring to this play?

2-10-NO 21(14:17) 28-A.Peterson left end to NO 27 for -6 yards (41-R.Harper)

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by Dave Cariello on Dec 21, 2011 11:12 AM CST up reply actions

Dave. I could have sworn there was a 3rd and 1 where Charleston or smith

Read the pitch and stuffed Peterson for a 5 yard loss. Of course, i had a few beers in me.

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 Dec 21, 2011 12:22 PM CST up reply actions

Correct Jricky, that was Charleston.

by tommy v on Dec 21, 2011 6:48 PM CST up reply actions

My bad Jricky, Charleston had a sack. That's in # 5.

by tommy v on Dec 21, 2011 6:51 PM CST up reply actions

Lol. I was tipsy that game but still remembered the play

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 Dec 25, 2011 12:19 AM CST up reply actions

Really wanted to vote for Brees...

but I had to give #5. The D held the Vikings to 6 points off of two turnovers in our own territory. Not to often our D is the one bailing the offense out. Although, to is credit, the Offense kicked into gear after that.

by sammasaaron on Dec 21, 2011 10:29 AM CST reply actions

Same here....

Brees tackle was HUGE!!! But the Saints defense holding the Vikes to no yards gained and forcing them to kick 2 field goals after the 2 Saints fumbles was EPIC!!! The defense is playing much better just when we need them the most.

Our fat punk kicker, Garrett Hartley, missed a game-winner and we lost for the second week in a row - Scott Fujita in 2009

by Ragin Who Dat on Dec 21, 2011 10:45 AM CST up reply actions

yeah #5, the defense played very well and although I understand it’s ponder, the pass d was awesome. He’s put up some decent numbers in previous games so it wasn’t out of the question that he could gash our struggling secondary who has given up 400+ passing yards several times this year. Great job all around for the D.

The problem in the world today is communication. Too much communication. - Homer Simpson

by WestBank on Dec 21, 2011 10:52 AM CST up reply actions

How was the PRob INT a good play?

Wouldn’t it have been smarter to just slap the ball down on 4th down?

Just because we have chiseled abs and stunning features, it doesn't mean that we too can't not die in a freak gasoline fight accident.

by Fat Punk Kicker on Dec 21, 2011 10:38 AM CST reply actions

He was just showing the rest of the D how to catch the football

Now go eat a donut and watch Zoolander.

by sammasaaron on Dec 21, 2011 10:49 AM CST up reply actions

Who said it was good? If you’re asking why I included on this list, I’m pretty sure if you actually read the post you’ll find an answer.

but it was the defenses only turnover of the day and it gives me another opportunity to highlight the play of Patrick Robinson, the team leader in interceptions.

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by Dave Cariello on Dec 21, 2011 11:13 AM CST up reply actions

What is this reading that you speak of?

Just because we have chiseled abs and stunning features, it doesn't mean that we too can't not die in a freak gasoline fight accident.

by Fat Punk Kicker on Dec 21, 2011 12:37 PM CST up reply actions

Ha

Exactly.

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by Dave Cariello on Dec 21, 2011 12:47 PM CST up reply actions

I chose #5

Prob is on the come up, and thats proven by having 2 plays in the top 5 chosen but I think that defensively that top play was how the #5 Because it was basically a summation of how the D played all game. Lights out. They almost looked like the 2009 saints, gettin dat swagga back. I’m hyped for the hotlanta game. Matty ice gets picked twice imo.

The problem in the world today is communication. Too much communication. - Homer Simpson

by WestBank on Dec 21, 2011 10:58 AM CST reply actions

The bad news: Brees is better at wrapping up ball carriers than half of the Saints defense.

Sad… but true.

by FriarBob on Dec 21, 2011 11:22 AM CST reply actions

Brees for defensive coordinator in charge of tackling!

"Well, that sucked."-stujo4 on Rams vs. Saints

by BRSaintsFan on Dec 21, 2011 1:01 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

I hope Williams uses that as an example of proper tackling technique in practice this week. That oughta light a fire under some of the defenders.

by sammasaaron on Dec 21, 2011 4:09 PM CST up reply actions

I voted #5

Immediately after reading about the -6 yard Peterson run, all I could think of was how he thought it was so dirty of us to go where we thought he’d be running the ball. You know…kinda like somebody might try to hit and injured body part to slow down an opponent.

by BlackandGold4ever on Dec 21, 2011 11:51 AM CST reply actions

how about giving it to Roman Harper for the play

where he twisted Peterson’s sore ankle? That will give us another year’s whining to respond to and rekindle all the discussion from the past!! LOL…..just k-i-i-i-i-i-ding!

"We've established the run; we've established the pass. Now all we have to establish is another championship!"

by Philinwood on Dec 21, 2011 3:55 PM CST reply actions