Falcons 16 @ Saints 45: Saints Flummox Falcons; Win NFC South
by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 11:42 PM CST
Email
PrintThis is the textbook definition of a historic night. Drew Brees hits Darren Sproles for a nine-yard TD to break Dan Marino's season passing record with 5,087 yards on the season (and counting), and the Saints absolutely pummel the Atlanta Falcons en route to clinching their third NFC South title in the last six seasons.
It was close for a while (the Falcons actually led 10-7 early in the second quarter), and Brees' two interceptions (with a few other passes almost picked off) certainly made it interesting, as did the unusually high number of incompletions. But as the game wore on, the Saints played great complementary offense and defense to eventually overwhelm the Falcons and come away with the 29-point win.
Sproles (5 carries for 67 yards) and Pierre Thomas (9 for 53 and a TD) led the ground assault, while Marques Colston (7 for 81 and a TD), Robert Meachem (3 for 75, TD), and Jimmy Graham (4 for 42, TD) were the main aerial weapons. Lance Moore left the game early after possibly re-injuring his hamstring, so we'll have to see how that plays out.
On defense, they gave up lots of yards through the air, but made many a timely stop to force a punt or FG. Jabari Greer led the way with 8 tackles, while Scott Shanle tallied 4 along with a well-timed forced fumble that Malcolm Jenkins scooped and scored a TD with on a 30-yard dash in the second half.
Make the jump for stats and more discussion of the big win!
Saints Individual Stats
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| D. Brees | 23/39 | 307 | 4 | 2 |
| Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG |
| D. Sproles | 5 | 67 | 0 | 36 |
| P. Thomas | 9 | 53 | 1 | 12 |
| C. Ivory | 8 | 35 | 0 | 11 |
| D. Brees | 1 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| M. Colston | 7 | 81 | 1 | 23 |
| R. Meachem | 3 | 75 | 1 | 41 |
| L. Moore | 2 | 53 | 0 | 38 |
| J. Graham | 4 | 42 | 1 | 17 |
| D. Henderson | 3 | 30 | 0 | 12 |
| D. Sproles | 2 | 22 | 1 | 13 |
| P. Thomas | 2 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| Fumbles | FUM | LOST | REC | YDS |
| M. Jenkins | 0 | 0 | 1 | 30 |
| S. Shanle | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
| J. Kasay | 1/1 | 29 | 6/6 | 9 |
| Punting | NO | AVG | I20 | LG |
| T. Morstead | 2 | 52.0 | 0 | 59 |
| Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | TD | LG |
| D. Sproles | 4 | 36 | 0 | 92 |
| Punt Returns | NO | AVG | TD | LG |
| D. Sproles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Falcons Individual Stats
| Passing | CP/AT | YDS | TD | INT |
| M. Ryan | 34/52 | 373 | 1 | 0 |
| C. Redman | 6/9 | 61 | 0 | 0 |
| Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG |
| M. Turner | 11 | 39 | 0 | 7 |
| J. Rodgers | 1 | -1 | 0 | -1 |
| M. Ryan | 2 | -3 | 0 | 2 |
| Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
| J. Jones | 8 | 128 | 1 | 40 |
| R. White | 11 | 127 | 0 | 26 |
| T. Gonzalez | 5 | 41 | 0 | 9 |
| M. Turner | 4 | 36 | 0 | 12 |
| E. Weems | 3 | 33 | 0 | 18 |
| J. Snelling | 4 | 28 | 0 | 16 |
| M. Palmer | 2 | 19 | 0 | 10 |
| J. Rodgers | 2 | 19 | 0 | 11 |
| H. Douglas | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Fumbles | FUM | LOST | REC | YDS |
| J. Jones | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
| M. Bryant | 3/3 | 51 | 1/1 | 10 |
| Punting | NO | AVG | I20 | LG |
| M. Bosher | 3 | 43.3 | 1 | 56 |
| Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | TD | LG |
| E. Weems | 1 | 27 | 0 | 27 |
| Punt Returns | NO | AVG | TD | LG |
| E. Weems | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Team Stats
Falcons - - Saints
| Total First Downs | 23 | Total First Downs | 26 | |
| By Rushing | 1 | By Rushing | 7 | |
| By Passing | 21 | By Passing | 17 | |
| By Penalty | By Penalty | |||
| Third Down Efficiency | 8/17 - 47% | Third Down Efficiency | 10/13 - 76% | |
| Fourth Down Efficiency | 0/3 - 0% | Fourth Down Efficiency | 0/0 - 0% | |
| Total Net Yards | 469 | Total Net Yards | 463 | |
| Total Rushing/Passing Plays (includes Sacks) | 75 | Total Rushing/Passing Plays (includes Sacks) | 63 | |
| Average Gain per Offensive Play | 6.3 | Average Gain per Offensive Play | 7.3 | |
| Net Yards Rushing | 35 | Net Yards Rushing | 164 | |
| Total Rushing Plays | 14 | Total Rushing Plays | 23 | |
| Average Gain per Rushing Play | 2.5 | Average Gain per Rushing Play | 7.1 | |
| Tackled for a Loss (Number-Yards) | 2--2 | Tackled for a Loss (Number-Yards) | 3--5 | |
| Net Yards Passing | 434 | Net Yards Passing | 299 | |
| Times Sacked (Number-Yards) | 0 - 0 | Times Sacked (Number-Yards) | 1 - 8 | |
| Gross Yards Passing | 434 | Gross Yards Passing | 307 | |
| Pass Comp-Att-Int | 40 - 61 - 0 | Pass Comp-Att-Int | 23 - 39 - 2 | |
| Average Gain per Passing Play (includes Sacks) | 7.1 | Average Gain per Passing Play (includes Sacks) | 7.5 | |
| Kickoffs (Number-In End Zone-Touchbacks) | 5 - 3 - 1 | Kickoffs (Number-In End Zone-Touchbacks) | 8 - 7 - 7 | |
| Punts (Number-Average) | 3 - 50.0 | Punts (Number-Average) | 2 - 52.0 | |
| Blocked | 0 | Blocked | 0 | |
| Net Punting Average | 43.3 | Net Punting Average | 52.0 | |
| FGs Blocked - PATs Blocked | 0 - 0 | FGs Blocked - PATs Blocked | 0 - 0 | |
| Total Return Yardage (excludes Kickoffs) | 14 | Total Return Yardage (excludes Kickoffs) | 0 | |
| Punt Returns (Number-Yards) | 0 - 0 | Punt Returns (Number-Yards) | 0 - 0 | |
| Kickoff Returns (Number-Yards) | 1 - 27 | Kickoff Returns (Number-Yards) | 4 - 147 | |
| Interception Returns (Number-Yards) | 2 - 14 | Interception Returns (Number-Yards) | 0 - 0 | |
| Penalties (Number-Yards) | 7 - 57 | Penalties (Number-Yards) | 4 - 46 | |
| Fumbles (Number-Lost) | 1 - 1 | Fumbles (Number-Lost) | 0 - 0 | |
| Touchdowns | 1 | Touchdowns | 6 | |
| Rushing | 0 | Rushing | 1 | |
| Passing | 1 | Passing | 4 | |
| Interceptions | 0 | Interceptions | 0 | |
| Kickoff Returns | 0 | Kickoff Returns | 0 | |
| Fumble Returns | 0 | Fumble Returns | 1 | |
| Punt Returns | 0 | Punt Returns | 0 | |
| Extra Points (Made-Attempted) | 1 - 1 | Extra Points (Made-Attempted) | 6 - 6 | |
| Kicking (Made-Attempted) | 1 - 1 | Kicking (Made-Attempted) | 6 - 6 | |
| Two Point Conversions (Made-Attempted) | 0 - 0 | Two Point Conversions (Made-Attempted) | 0 - 0 | |
| Field Goals (Made-Attempted) | 3 - 3 | Field Goals (Made-Attempted) | 1 - 1 | |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 0/3 - 0% | Red Zone Efficiency | 4/6 - 66% | |
| Goal To Go Efficiency | 0/1 - 0% | Goal To Go Efficiency | 2/2 - 100% | |
| Safeties | 0 | Safeties | 0 | |
| Final Score | 16 | Final Score | 45 | |
| Time of Possession | 33:19 | Time of Possession | 26:41 |
102 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Turning point was the Falcons/ holding penalty on third down
I believe it was when the game was 14-10. Penalties lost us the game.
those will hurt you
as will giving up 45 points
I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl
by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 11:46 PM CST up reply actions
eh, 14 garbage time points doesn't change anything.
it was a 31-16 game to me.
ok
I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl
by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 11:48 PM CST up reply actions
31 to 16! Wow, that is close!
And maybe Marlon Brando will be there by the fire,
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood, and the good things there for hire...
the scoop & score to make it 38 was "righteous" or you want..
the guy to take knee..
by the 9th plague on Dec 27, 2011 9:12 AM CST up reply actions
Man, you don't even quit when the scoreboard clearly points out what a maroon you are, do you?
Go away, putz.
Irony: an atheist Saints fan
by GSO Saints Fan on Dec 26, 2011 11:49 PM CST up reply actions
Hey, dummy
garbage points are what the winning team gives up to the “trying-to-come-from-behind-like-the-little-engine-that-could” losing team.
I suggest you watch women’s badminton.
Friends don't let friends Tweet.
by Just 'Nother Day on Dec 27, 2011 12:03 AM CST up reply actions
they dont have garbage points?
I don't miss the alcohol as much as I miss having the built in reason on why I'm nekkid in public.
They call them VT89 points.
And maybe Marlon Brando will be there by the fire,
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood, and the good things there for hire...
by Doc Boudin on Dec 27, 2011 12:26 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
ba- dum dum
(thats a rim shot) lol
I don't miss the alcohol as much as I miss having the built in reason on why I'm nekkid in public.
Sure, penalties.
That and getting your a$$ handed to you.
And maybe Marlon Brando will be there by the fire,
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood, and the good things there for hire...
Yeah, blame it all on the zebras.
Driving the blame away from your team’s crappy performance, and taking credit away from the Saints, all in one Falcony swoop…
Typical.
[disclaimer: this poster has no idea what the hell he's talking about.]
The future is bright for this Titans squad.
by fanoftheunderdogs on Dec 27, 2011 2:52 AM CST up reply actions
We are actually gonna do a poll?
Let me see…..hmmmmm….choices choices
You're such an inspiration for all the ways that I will never, ever choose to be-Maynard James Keenan
you could always write in for someone if you don't like the choices
I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl
by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 11:49 PM CST up reply actions
although I forgot the "other" option
I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl
by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 11:49 PM CST up reply actions
LoL
I think Betty White should be added….everything that woman touches turns to gold.
You're such an inspiration for all the ways that I will never, ever choose to be-Maynard James Keenan
by AcquiredPanic on Dec 26, 2011 11:52 PM CST up reply actions
What? No burger option?
And maybe Marlon Brando will be there by the fire,
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood, and the good things there for hire...
Ah, the tears of a clown...
And maybe Marlon Brando will be there by the fire,
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood, and the good things there for hire...
Ooh, please don't hurt me, daddy!
Whatever, dude, feel free to go cry it off. You’re a freakin’ troll, take it like a man. Oh, sorry, that’s right…
And maybe Marlon Brando will be there by the fire,
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood, and the good things there for hire...
My son, I am not even upset over the football game of this evening.
however the toll of years of struggle have measured upon me; upon the creases in my skin and the wrinkles of the forehead. I am an aged man, my son, with only so much time left on this Earth. I am deserving of respect in payment for my struggle.
Yeah, I've heard clown makeup will take a toll on the skin...
And maybe Marlon Brando will be there by the fire,
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood, and the good things there for hire...
by Doc Boudin on Dec 26, 2011 11:59 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
BOOM!
Doc – 7
Clown – 0
Friends don't let friends Tweet.
by Just 'Nother Day on Dec 27, 2011 12:06 AM CST up reply actions
Some folks just don't know when they're beat, eh? ;-)
VT, do yourself a favor, and go away.
Irony: an atheist Saints fan
by GSO Saints Fan on Dec 27, 2011 12:07 AM CST up reply actions
I guess at some point somebody's got to say it, and by process of elimination, I guess that somebody is me:
Bend over and blow yourself.
"Dang! The Saints won the Super Bowl!" - my wife, Meso "Happy" Hu Dat.
by Dang Hu Dat on Dec 27, 2011 12:11 AM CST up reply actions
Dang, Hu Dat!
And maybe Marlon Brando will be there by the fire,
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood, and the good things there for hire...
gotto hand it to virginia..
he trolls like a king.. been at it for 5 solid days hasn’t even slept thru christmas..
serious psycho..
by the 9th plague on Dec 27, 2011 5:29 AM CST up reply actions
VT, theres a real simple solution to your problem...
Stop being a Falcons fan.
Tasty, tasty tears.
And maybe Marlon Brando will be there by the fire,
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood, and the good things there for hire...
That was awesome.
Couple of low points with the interceptions, but otherwise, very small quantities of suckage.
And maybe Marlon Brando will be there by the fire,
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood, and the good things there for hire...
i think that was just brees getting antsy for the record
by forrestgump52 on Dec 26, 2011 11:52 PM CST up reply actions
What's the game plan for week 17?
the SF/Rams game will be played at the same time. im guessing we play the starters for a half, check the scoreboard, see the 49ers are up big time and let the starters rest the second half?
also, if tom brady plays teh whole game and brees rests hes only 300 something yards from the record.
Very impressed with the D.
completely shut down the falcons running game, held our own in the red zone (the jones TD was bad since it was on a 3rd and 11/long) and even got a turnover. a little dissapointed in our secondary. having 8 ints for the season is embarrassing
Very impressed with the D.
Agreed! That was the best tackling I’ve seen in a long time. Keep that up come playoff time.
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)
yea, lots of “almost” picks
Devery Henderson, making absurd grabs for my teams since 2001.
by Andrew Tessier on Dec 27, 2011 12:01 AM CST up reply actions
Saints were quicker, tackled better, no false starts
focused and ready to win.
You think you know, and you don't know, and you never, ever, will.-Jim Mora Sr.
I understand ....nothing.-Michael Scott
The Future is Unwritten.-Joe Strummer
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."-Mahatma Gandhi
holy chit
havent seen you around here. welcome back (secret hand shake).
I don't miss the alcohol as much as I miss having the built in reason on why I'm nekkid in public.
Lots of kudos to go around after this game
But I had to go with Brees on his record-setting night. It’s funny, he didn’t play as well as we’ve come to expect, ONLY throwing for 307 yds and 4 TDs, but nothing is going to bring down my respect and appreciation of the man on a night like tonight.
Hmmm...
I probably shouldn’t come on this. ;-)
Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!
by Dave Cariello on Aug 24, 2011 10:31 AM PDT
Dispite what he says, I think the record was on Drew's mind in the 2nd half.
That would be enough to rattle just about anybody.
I remember when I was on the verge of breaking a reco. . . . .
(Never mind.)
Friends don't let friends Tweet.
by Just 'Nother Day on Dec 27, 2011 12:08 AM CST reply actions
I remember when I was on the verge of breaking a taco...
And maybe Marlon Brando will be there by the fire,
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood, and the good things there for hire...
MVP! MVP! MVP!
\\//\\// ||-|| (()) ||)) //-\\ =||=
You wiped the floor with victory, then puked until you fell asleep - Flogging Molly
by cockynessIsWHODAT on Dec 27, 2011 12:16 AM CST via mobile reply actions
flummox
had to look it up to make sure it fit:
perplex (someone) greatly; bewilder: I was completely flummoxed by the whole thing.
I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl
the Falcons had no idea what was going on out there
I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl
by Hans Petersen on Dec 27, 2011 12:20 AM CST up reply actions
Nope they got blindsided big time! Man, a game without a heart attack! needed!!!
Expect more...you'll get more...and if you don't, start over!
by Stilljreming on Dec 27, 2011 12:22 AM CST up reply actions
dont spoil it for me.
while i hate the falcons, i like the fans ive met on here. so therefor, you must now go away and i never read your comments…..poof…..now i feel better.
I don't miss the alcohol as much as I miss having the built in reason on why I'm nekkid in public.
damn good.
we beat the falcons. now are ya just trolling, egging stuff on, stiring the pot, causing trouble, etc etc? dont make me sic just ’nother dog or snowboard Kat on ya. just give us congrats and move on. you have a good day.
I don't miss the alcohol as much as I miss having the built in reason on why I'm nekkid in public.
Maybe they were walkin' on sunshine!
“I have no idea what’s goin’ on.”
And maybe Marlon Brando will be there by the fire,
We'll sit and talk of Hollywood, and the good things there for hire...
by Doc Boudin on Dec 27, 2011 12:24 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
oh, Towelie
I’ve missed you so. You look a little flummoxed. Are you ok?
I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl
by Hans Petersen on Dec 27, 2011 5:50 AM CST up reply actions
Shock and awe
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 27, 2011 8:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Fading Fast, Safe Travels to all
Saints were lights out, and I won my first FF Championship in 6 tries, thanks in part to Jimmy Graham. See ya’ll soon. Geaux Crazy Who-Dats.
You think you know, and you don't know, and you never, ever, will.-Jim Mora Sr.
I understand ....nothing.-Michael Scott
The Future is Unwritten.-Joe Strummer
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."-Mahatma Gandhi
"good game" smack
take care man
I don't miss the alcohol as much as I miss having the built in reason on why I'm nekkid in public.
Dave's gonna' make T-shirts for your Championship!!!! Congrats!
Friends don't let friends Tweet.
by Just 'Nother Day on Dec 27, 2011 12:38 AM CST up reply actions
We made it to the 500 mark in points tonite.
502. Our record was 510 2009 Regular season.
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)
Someone wrote last year I think
If the Saints get over 500 points, they’ll probably have a great season..
"I'm in the Courtroom screaming Who Dat on the double, serving gumbo with a shovel, dog i'm on another level" -Jay Electonica
It was Bree's night in the spotlight
But man did Sproles have a hellova game. I voted Brees anyway, but any other occasion I would have probably leaned towards Sproles.
i vote for the defense
surprised myself on that one.
I don't miss the alcohol as much as I miss having the built in reason on why I'm nekkid in public.
this guy on twitter @PriscoCBS
Is really hating hard on Brees breaking the record saying we are classless for Brees breaking the record by running up the score on the Falcons. I didnt know we had to stop running OUR offense just cuz we’re up. I mean we were running the ball. He only needed 30yds. Bet he wouldnt say jack if it was Rodgers or Brady. I get tired of hacks that never wanna give Brees his due. He earned that record!
" I’ve never done drugs but I think watching Matty Ice stare blankly towards the field as Drew Brees kneels down while clock hits zero in a playoff game would be like doing cocaine off a strippers @$$#….yeah that good.
Yes my hatred for Atlanta is unhealthy/ possibly illegal" - Malbrough
by born in areacode 318 on Dec 27, 2011 1:52 AM CST via iPhone app reply actions
Oh well not everyone can see the light
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 27, 2011 2:31 AM CST up reply actions
I can maybe kind of see his point
but at the same time, seeing Drew force that first downfield pass in the second half, and seeing some other forced passes later (when they already had the game well in hand and maybe you could make a case for pulling Brees), I said to myself, “It is now strategically imperative that this record be broken TONIGHT, no matter when or how, or it will be extremely detrimental to this team.” So I really don’t care what anyone else says about it. THEY HAD TO DO IT.
Can you imagine if it rolled over into the next game and they would have had to spend the entire week talking about it more?
There is no way that monkey wouldn’t have grown to KING KONG like dimensions on his back, and then it would have messed up the start of the Carolina game…
I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl
by Hans Petersen on Dec 27, 2011 5:55 AM CST up reply actions
Ask yourself this question....
If the Saints had gotten the ball on the 50 instead of the 33, and Drew completed a pass for 35 yards to the 15 to set the record, would he have thrown another pass after that?
No. Therefore, it had nothing to do with running up the score and everything to do with getting the record out of the way.
If anything, blame Matty Ice for turning the ball over on downs at his own 33.
Exactly
The TD was just icing on the cake. Drew wouldn’t have even played that last drive at all (much less passed so much) if it wasn’t for the attempt at the record.
It wasn’t running up the score. That was icing on the cake for us fans, but it wasn’t the intent and that’s what’s critical. If they’d tackled Sproles at the 1 inch line and Drew still got the record, they’d have run up to four straight run plays at that point and if the Falcons stop them oh well no problem.
Even so
It is impossible to run up the score too much against the falcons
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 27, 2011 8:04 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
It just so happened there was no way to get the record without scoring as well.
I’ve seen too many times where the Saints have taken a knee inside the opponents 10 yard line rather than scoring to believe they would intentionally run up the score.
Bottom line
This is what Saints fans wanted to see, and they delivered. Brees said as much after the game. What ANYONE else in the whole world besides the Saints and their fans thinks about it is simply irrelevant. Well, except maybe Dan Marino – it was his record after all.
I'm not trying to stir anything up here
So I want to stress that this is just my opinion, I’m a Falcons fan, etc. You can take what I say with a grain of salt.
I thought it was kind of a jerk move. If this was Week 17, I’d absolutely understand gunning for that record, everything else be damned. But the Saints had another chance in Week 17, they had the NFC South and they were winning by three scores with not much time remaining.
It shows a fundamental lack of respect for your opponent, and when your opponent is already down 21 points on national television, it’s really not a kosher thing to do. Someone made the decision that it was more important to get Drew Brees the record on national television than to protect his health. Against a team with a more aggressive, assholish coach, someone might’ve taken a cheap shot at your quarterback, like Prisco was advocating for. For the record, I would NEVER condone that.
The Falcons were not the only team in the NFL who took note of what happened last night.
Believe it or not, I’d say the same thing if the situation was reversed, or if it was any other QB on any other team. Just leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
I respect your opinion, but
Read what Robert said above. I’m not saying we should have, or even did, tried to score. If Matty Ice can move the ball away from your 30, or if you guys punt, we still get the record and then don’t score. It was just a field position thing, not a disrespectful move.
Mark Ingram-OROY
Cam Jordan-DROY
New Orleans Saints-2012 Super Bowl Champs
TOP IS GAWD!
But as Robert noted
The Saints were going for that record regardless, even if the smart move would have simply been to pound the ball and run out the clock as much as possible. It’s not the score that I mind—though obviously I didn’t love it—it’s the underlying philosophy that leads to you put your franchise quarterback at risk to get 30 yards in a game you’ve already won when there will be an opportunity to do so a week later.
Again, I obviously come from a very different angle here, and I’m not trying to take anything away from Brees. He’s an all-time great and he’s earned that record. I just didn’t like the way it was done.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
Robert and I are saying the exact same thing. You move us back, even 10 or so yards, Brees gets the record AND we don’t need to score for him to do it. He was going to get it against the Falcons- blame your offense/head coach for not realizing that and moving the ball away from your goal line
Mark Ingram-OROY
Cam Jordan-DROY
New Orleans Saints-2012 Super Bowl Champs
TOP IS GAWD!
Trust me, I blame the team for it too
They were terrible yesterday and Brees carved them up. I still can’t decide if I should blame him more for being unstoppable or the D for not getting any pressure.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
What. The. Hell?
Were you watching the same game I was watching last night? “Blame the D for not getting any pressure”? What the hell are you smoking, and is it legal for you to be doing so? You guys were getting constant pressure on Drew. He was just doing what he does almost all the time, moving around just enough to avoid the pressure and then complete the pass anyway.
And please don’t insult our intelligence about week 17. There’s a non-trivial chance that Drew doesn’t play at all next week. (I wouldn’t. I think the Rams have exactly an 0.0000000001% chance of beating the 49ers, and without that there is no point in bothering against Carolina either.)
Now I can understand you not wanting to give up the record against your team. I understand that, I actually do. It’s still a mild sore spot for me that the Bumpkineers got their very first win ever against the Saints, and I wasn’t even born yet when it happened. I flat out cheered for the Lions to avoid breaking that Tampa record for consecutive losses back in 2009… but I would have hated for them to manage to do it against the Saints. So I can understand that you don’t like that YOUR team was the one it happened against.
But don’t insult our intelligence by coming up with that weak “week 17” argument. You just don’t like it was your team that gave it up. Fine, I can understand that, and in your shoes I’d completely agree. But be enough of a man to admit it rather than come up with pathetic excuses.
I shouldn't have even come over to comment on this
Just angry and frustrated. You’re right. My apologies.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
Understood and accepted. I said I would feel the same way in your shoes… but I did want you to admit it. Thanks.
Also understood
In your shoes, I’d think I was a real asshole for bringing that over while I was celebrating one of the coolest milestones in NFL history.
Congratulations to Brees.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
On the pressure piece
The frustration all year long has been that the Falcons get into the backfield, but they never seem to close the deal.
I’ll freely admit that Drew is one of the two or three best quarterbacks in the NFL when it comes to avoiding pressure, and I should absolutely give him more credit. But when you’re watching your team fail to get sacks or deliver timely hits all season long, it tends to be the first place you go for blame.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
That makes a lot of sense. I suspect at least part of that though is you guys played a LOT of mobile quarterbacks this year. Note that I didn’t say running quarterbacks, I said mobile. Drew is really not a running QB, and nobody wants him to be (well, except maybe y’all if you are rooting for him to get hurt). But he’s utterly exceptional at sensing the pressure and moving just enough to avoid it.
Now most other QBs aren’t on his level, but there are quite a few you played this year who are at least decent at it. (And arguably at least one is even better.) Between Chi, Phi, Sea (? maybe), GB, Car(x2), Det, NO(x2), and Min, and possibly one or two others, that’s at least 8 and probably 10 or 11 games in which you played guys who are at least decent at avoiding the pressure. That’s gotta add up to a bit of season-long frustration.
That’s something that makes playing defense such an extremely difficult proposition. And it’s one of the reasons I don’t like seeing OL players get away with holds. (Even, at least most of the time, when it’s my own guys.) It’s hard enough to play defense as it is and if you let the opponent get away with cheating it’s even worse.
Now I’m not going to tell you your DL is elite, but also don’t think it’s as bad as you seem to think Drew made it look. If we lose an OL player (or they just take the night off) before the next round, there may be a different outcome to that pressure. Obviously, of course, I hope not. But it could happen. And I think you’ve got at least some talent there, they just have a VERY tough job they have to try to accomplish.
by FriarBob on Dec 28, 2011 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Really I'm a little surprised here.
The record was getting Drew all flustered. I’m glad he got it out of the way so he can concentrate on the next game. What bothered me was, no matter what he said he was willing to risk our season, by trying to get that first down, at all cost, on the drive before that. He took on that DB, rather than run out of bounds. He was determined to keep that drive going, so he could but it to bed. I would rather he accomplished it the way he ultimately did, rather that take that hit.
Drew Brees....MVP Saint! Who Dat!!!
by cajuncommando58 on Dec 27, 2011 9:06 AM CST up reply actions
I liked it.
I’m not a fan of sissy quarterbacks(read: Tom Brady). The fact that Drew is willing to run it, to keep a drive alive, and keep the ball out of the hands of the other team with plenty of time left to make a comeback, is great. Just reaffirms his win-at-all costs mentality. It’s how I played the position, and I feel it’s the only way to truly play it. Pain is mental. Don’t believe me? Ask this guy.
Mark Ingram-OROY
Cam Jordan-DROY
New Orleans Saints-2012 Super Bowl Champs
TOP IS GAWD!
If the game is on the line yeah.
Not on that drive! Game is over, and while I love his competitive spirit, there was plenty of time left to get the ball back, without risking the season. Hit the wrong way, and we could have Chase leading us in the post season. I know it’s not in Drew to quit, and I love that about him, but that was not the smart play, in that situation.
Drew Brees....MVP Saint! Who Dat!!!
by cajuncommando58 on Dec 27, 2011 10:14 AM CST up reply actions
DC--you have always been a class guy on your visits to CSC, so no offense taken.
But I am very glad they broke the record on MNF, because I got to see it. My choices for NFL football next weekend will be:
Chargers/Raiders
Cowboys/Giants
Infomercials
So for Saints fans scattered around the country who’ve suffered 40-years of poundings a lot worse than this (including a lot of ’em from Atlanta), I think this would be a good time for you to suck it up and take it.
It only counted for 6 points
What’s the falcons excuse for the other 39?
Are they not highly paid NFL athletes as well? More was on the line that game than just a win (the record) and the falcons knew that before the game began.
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 27, 2011 8:14 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I used to actually like you qnd respect your opinion, Dave.
No longer. This loser’s limp, crybaby response just lost you my, and I expect many other Saints fan’s tolerance. The fact is that the game was indeed out of reach, but the Falcons coaching staff continued to press the issue. As has been pointed out several times already, a punt on the drive prior to the final scoring drive would have left the Saints in a position to both complete the task of getting the record broken, and then left plenty of opportunity for the Saints to run the clock out, without scoring. You want to point a finger at a “jerk move”? May I humbly suggest Mike Smith. He chose to force the issue, not Sean Payton, and certainly not Drew Brees. Smith KNEW the Saints were going to press ahead and continue to try and get Drew past the record, and HE chose to put his defense in the position of needing to defend against a scoring drive instead of just a yardage/run out the clock drive when he chose to go for it on 4th down inside his own 35. UI can bet the bank that had Smith chosen to punt instead, as soon as Brees had gotten the yards to break the record, the Saints would have pulled him, put Daniel on the field, and commenced to run the clock. Smith’s own ego, his desire to not have his name tied to the record caused this, not the ego of anyone associated with the New Orleans Saint organization. Where you can face up to this fact, and admit you are wrong about your outrageous and unfounded accusations, I’ll be happy to once again consider you a sensible and reasonable man – until that time, however, you’re just another alligator+mouthed canary-assed Failclowns fan, worthy of my ignorance at best and my derision otherwise. Good day, sir – and good riddance.
Irony: an atheist Saints fan
by GSO Saints Fan on Dec 27, 2011 9:47 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I don't know how I lost you with one comment
But I’ll freely admit I shouldn’t have brought my opinion over here. You guys were justifiably celebrating a great accomplishment, and I was in no way justified in raining on your parade, intentionally or not. I apologize.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
It's cool Dave.
We, or at least us oldtimers, understand frustration. I visited your blog, but decided to let every one cool down before trying to say anything. Really surprised me so many were calling for the Coaches heads over there.
Drew Brees....MVP Saint! Who Dat!!!
by cajuncommando58 on Dec 28, 2011 1:24 PM CST up reply actions
Thanks cajun
There is palpable frustration with the coaches, but it’s been building up all season. I think what GSO is talking about is part of the reason. When this Falcons teams desperately needs to go for the jugular, they don’t seem to know how. I don’t think the coaching staff makes it through the off-season entirely intact unless they win a couple of playoff games.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
If that's the case
It might be better to not. Hope y’all can win up until y’all meet us again.
Drew Brees....MVP Saint! Who Dat!!!
by cajuncommando58 on Dec 28, 2011 1:40 PM CST up reply actions
I am going to apologize myself, a bit.
I overreacted.
That said, I stand by my opinion of your opinion: you are flat wrong, and I think I outlined it very clearly. The sensible, smart move by the Falcons coaching staff would be to realize they were beyond any chance of winning, and when they didn’t convert on the 3rd down prior to the TD/record setting pass, they should have sent Bosher out to try and put the Saints offense as far as possible from the goal line.
Fact is, the only reason that record had a TD tied to is is the fault of the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff, and to a degree the inability of their defense to come up with a stop. Blaming the final score on the Saints, the Saints coaching staff, or worse yet, on Drew Brees is just ridiculous – OF COURSE they’re going for the record! Why would they not? It’s just blatantly stupid to put them in a position that it REQUIRED the score to complete that.
Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, even if it’s wrong, so… ;-)
My apologies for getting overly personal – you sir, are in no way “another alligator-mouthed, canary-assed Failclowns fan”, you’re a Falcons fan. For that, I respect you, and I’m sorry for getting so uppity last night, I guess I was just cranky from reading all the crap from idiot bloggers (mostly non-Falcons fans at that!) talking crap about the situation without any basis in reality.
Irony: an atheist Saints fan
by GSO Saints Fan on Dec 28, 2011 5:38 PM CST up reply actions
No worries
Emotions were running pretty high in both directions, and I shouldn’t have blundered over here and said what I said.
You’re right that the Falcons have to get the stop. To their credit, I really only heard one Falcon open his mouth, and he (smartly or stupidly, depending on where you stand) refused to put his name on the record. I just hope it motivates them to be better.
Sign up for a free account today to join the discussion about all things Atlanta Falcons!
by Dave Choate on Dec 28, 2011 5:49 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd.
You’re good people, Mr. Choate (snicker, snicker), despite your obviously poor taste in football teams. Good to have guys like you ‘round, and if you’re ever in the GSO (Greensboro, NC), hit me up, I’ll buy the first beer.
Irony: an atheist Saints fan
by GSO Saints Fan on Dec 28, 2011 5:57 PM CST up reply actions
Final TOP
Foulclowns- 33:19
Saints- 26:41
It's just too bad that TOP means more than 45 points
Mark Ingram-OROY
Cam Jordan-DROY
New Orleans Saints-2012 Super Bowl Champs
TOP IS GAWD!
Don’t forget to include that we lost the turnover battle, too…
by BlackandGold4ever on Dec 27, 2011 9:35 AM CST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canal Street Chronicles
Related FanShots on Canal Street Chronicles
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
