Fleur-de-Links: January 3, 2012

by David "Satch" Kelly on Jan 3, 2012 4:00 PM CST

TWEETS:

A small crowd gathers as the record-setting uniform worn by @Official_Saints QB @drewbrees is placed on display. pic.twitter.com/rywH7w4H

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Stafford credited Malcolm Jenkins with covering WR Calvin Johnson well in Week 13 "He kind of stalked him all around the field."

JonVilma51 Jonathan Vilma

All lions all week...go hard or go home

JonVilma51 Jonathan Vilma

I hav the highest win pct in my mogoball fantasy league but I'm 2nd behind @scottfujita99 wth?!?

NFLPlayerNews NFLPlayerNews

#NFL #SPORTS Chargers coach Turner, GM Smith to keep jobs: Coach Norv Turner and general ma... es.pn/wAtz6J bit.ly/6WGcRd

JasonLaCanfora Jason La Canfora

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie says it's "incredibly, incredibly disappointing," to be 8-8, but he thought going in NO and GB class of the NFC

AdamSchefter Adam Schefter

As @danpompei reported, Mike Martz resigns from Bears over philosophical differences. His contract was up and this was expected.

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Lions QB Matthew Stafford on playing in New Orleans "Their fans are great. The team gets them in the game early & gets them excited."

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

I'll be surprised if neither of the #Saints personnel guys - Rick Reiprish or Ryan Pace - receive an interview for a GM job this offseason.

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Reiprish and Pace are two of the most underrated factors in the Saints' recent success. Both are excellent.

ZachStrief Zach Strief

Funny how many different explanations I got on Stanford. Cardinal the color, not the tree, the tree is a member of the band, no mascot.

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

One underrated factor in Miami's pursuit of Jeff Fisher. Like JJ, he's an avid angler. Gotta work in MIA's favor compared to, say, St. Louis

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

RT @Official_Saints: Brees, Payton & other Saints will sign lithographs to raise money for @Team_Gleason. More info: bit.ly/vh2fn4

mortreport Chris Mortensen

#Bears GM Jerry Angelo has been relieved of his duties, per league source. #NFL32

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Steve Gleason was at our facility yesterday to sign lithographs of his famous blocked punt twitpic.com/82nhz5

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

VIDEO: Brees talks about facing the Lions with @NBCSportsTalk on.msnbc.com/vN7736

sharper42 Darren Sharper

For the 100,000 follower I will give away personsl autographed football jersey. Good luck and follow away!

GregRomeus91 Greg Romeus

Got a lot of respect for Luck.. Team player

NFC WILDCARD WEEK - LIONS @ SAINTS:

Saints remember Seattle game, hope experience helps | wwltv.com New Orleans
Less than a year ago, Gregg Williams sat in the stands of Fairhope Municipal Stadium on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay depressed and saddened that the Saints lost to Seattle and he was working on the draft instead of preparing for the Super Bowl.

Saints Have Best Super Bowl Odds Among NFL Teams in First Round - Businessweek
The New Orleans Saints haven’t lost in more than two months and boast the best odds to win the Super Bowl among the eight teams playing in the first round of the National Football League playoffs.

Saints have best odds among first-rounders to win Super Bowl | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
The Saints enter the postseason ranked 5-1 to take the Super Bowl. The Lions, New Orleans' first-round opponent, are 25-1. But cheer up, Lions fans - Detroit opened the season with 60-1 Super Bowl odds.

moosedenied " Blog Archive " Welcome To The (Mercedes-Benz) Terrordome

Blitz struggles concern Lions | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
The blitz has not been much of a weapon for the Lions this season: Packers quarterback Matt Flynn treated it like a power hitter who's been tipped off on the pitch selection - he hit home runs off it.

After getting burned vs. Packers, Lions cornerbacks face a strong Drew Brees | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
If Flynn can tear your defense apart like that - on a cold, wet and windy day outdoors - shudder to think what Brees might be able to do in the climate-controlled confines of the Superdome.

Rematch with Brees, Saints is a defining moment for Matthew Stafford - Shutdown Corner - NFL Blog - Yahoo! Sports
Comprehensive National Football League news, scores, standings, fantasy games, rumors, and more

2012 NFL playoffs full of storylines, interesting stats, things to watch - Don Banks - SI.com
It's not quite the same success story in the NFC, but still, New Orleans is back in the tournament for the fourth time in six years, Atlanta is making its third trip in four seasons, while Green Bay (eight) and the Giants (seven) have been to the postseason plenty of times since this century began. And did we mention the Packers, Saints and Giants have won three of the past four Super Bowls?

Wild-Card Games: What the Film Says - NYTimes.com
The Lions must have the mind-set that it will take 40 points for them to win. Deep passes should be commonplace. It helps that a majority of this offense operates out of the shotgun; that creates spacing that naturally takes some of the sting off Gregg Williams’s aggressive six-man blitzes.

Brees talks Lions and more on NBC SportsTalk | ProFootballTalk
The first-ever show on the new NBC Sports Network was NBC SportsTalk. The first-ever guest on the first-ever show on the new NBC Sports Network was Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

Nate Bussey says he is being promoted to New Orleans Saints active roster - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Two possible moves to be made by the Saints

Transcript from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees' conference call with Detroit media - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Brees looks ahead to Saturday's playoff game against Detroit Lions

LAGNIAPPE:

Aaron Rodgers is the Most Valuable Player Based on How He Has Played and Historic Precedent | The Big Lead
Aaron Rodgers, MVP.

Inside slant: Saints primed to topple Pack? – USATODAY.com
Sizzling New Orleans squad enters playoffs with a more potent offensive unit than the one that faced the Packers on Sept. 8.

New Orleans Saints took a gamble that paid off against Carolina: film study - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Jeff Duncan's weekly breakdown of the Saints game

NFL Power Rankings: Saints finish No. 2 - NFC South Blog - ESPN
The final edition of ESPN.com’s Power Rankings is out and two NFC South teams finished in the top 10. The New Orleans Saints are No. 2 and the

Brees, Rodgers tops in Total QBR - NFC South Blog - ESPN
In yet another way, it looks like Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees were pretty much even this season. According to Total QBR, Rodgers and Brees were by f

Out of Bounds by Jabari Greer "Does Life Come With TiVo?" - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Saints defensive back's blog, exclusive to The Times-Picayune

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Under the Cap: 2012 Offense Tag Projections
Drew Brees is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent, but there is no chance the Saints let him leave New Orleans. If a long-term extension is not reached by end of February, Casserly reported that they will use the franchise tag to continue negotiations on a long-term contract. Brees is coming off one of the best quarterback seasons in NFL history, passing for an NFL-record 5,476 yards and leading the league with 46 touchdown passes. Brees has not missed a game due to injury during his six seasons in New Orleans and turns 33 on January 15, the same age Tom Brady was when he signed his four-year, $72 million contract extension in 2010 that included nearly $50 million in guarantees. Brees' agent is Tom Condon of CAA Football, who negotiated Peyton Manning's contract in July and who secured a record $50 million guaranteed from the St. Louis Rams for 2010 first overall pick Sam Bradford. Manning and Brady's guarantees were $48 million apiece. It would not be a surprise if Brees tops $50 million in his next deal.

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Comments

"Aaron Rodgers is the Most Valuable Player Based on How He Has Played and Historic Precedent | The Big Lead"

WTF?

“It’s fine to put up those marks, by the way. I have no problem with that happening. I have a problem with then taking those marks as the impetus to now make Brees the MVP over Aaron Rodgers.”

Uh, I am not Sean Payton but I am pretty sure the main focus was on breaking the record, not on making Drew MVP because the general concencous is that Rodgers is going to be MVP. So shove it up your a**.

by SarahT on Jan 3, 2012 4:59 PM CST reply actions 5 recs

rec'd!

So shove it up your a**.

I don’t think anyone could have summed it up any better, Sarah!

"Move over Marino, there's a new Brees coming through town!"-Jim Henderson

by BRSaintsFan on Jan 3, 2012 5:25 PM CST up reply actions

Rec'd

Agreed

by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 3, 2012 6:10 PM CST up reply actions

Made it green

I completely agree. These lazy people in the media made up their minds to anoint Rodgers several weeks ago and are now annoyed that Brees made it a contest. No one including Rodgers outplayed Brees during the second half of the season. Still, because the people voting are so lazy and stubborn, I expect Rodgers to be anointed by a large margin. I remember the same thing happening in 2009 when they anointed Peyton Manning. I just hope Brees is eventually named Super Bowl MVP again.

This MVP vote should not include votes from the media. I don’t know why they are included. They’re very lazy in their analysis and are too easily steered into voting however they think their peers will vote. Life simply isn’t fair.

"As soon as Tony (Dungy) said we had no chance, I knew we had 'em right where we wanted 'em"--Coach Sean Payton right after Super Bowl XLIV with the Lombardi Trophy firmly in hand. WHO DAT!!

by David "Satch" Kelly on Jan 3, 2012 7:30 PM CST up reply actions

If I remember correctly.....

In 2009, Manning and Brees were comparable, and they gave it to Peyton because of his entire body of work, rather than just a couple of great seasons.

In 2011, Rodgers and Brees were comparable, and they’ll give it to Rodgers because of a couple of great seasons, and disregard Drew’s entire body of work.

Guess Drew will just have to settle for that Super Bowl XLVI MVP. Hmmm, that’ll be kinda nice… XLIV and XLVI. Bookends.

by RobertM320 on Jan 3, 2012 8:34 PM CST up reply actions

I love bookends!

It’s not the size of your TOP, it’s how you use it!
Want scientific proof? Read this paper by Dr. Jeremy Arkes.

by Dan Kelly on Jan 3, 2012 10:31 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

Rodgers became the MVP favorite when you guys didn't nail the Packers back in week 1.

So shame on you for not beating down those smug bastards.

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Jan 3, 2012 10:54 PM CST up reply actions

We’ll make up for that in a few weeks…

by BlackandGold4ever on Jan 4, 2012 7:05 AM CST up reply actions

As I keep saying...

…who CARES about this “voted Miss Popular” contest?

What Drew wants is ring #2, trophy #2, and Super Bowl MVP #2. Let Mr. Discount Double Check have this one, with our blessings….

Irony: an atheist Saints fan

by GSO Saints Fan on Jan 4, 2012 7:41 AM CST up reply actions

And Mr. Cam Jordan can give him a couple of discount double checks when we meet them again…just like he did with Cam Newton (although he failed to close out on one of them…he learened his lesson, though).

by BlackandGold4ever on Jan 4, 2012 10:34 AM CST up reply actions

Rec'd and...

Hans will be so proud you have learned to truncate A** so well.Harrr de har, har

Drew Brees....MVP Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 4, 2012 9:21 AM CST up reply actions

thanks for pointing that out - good work, Sarah T.!!!

and for throwing in the pirate laugh!!

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 Jan 6, 2012 8:14 PM CST up reply actions

Say it LOUD and say it PROUD!

WRECKED!

Jason Cole is a A-HOLE : KilnBill

by KilnBill on Jan 3, 2012 7:13 PM CST reply actions

Let me say something here, Jeff, as the creator of "Beyond the Visor" here on CSC from this summer...

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan
I’ll be surprised if neither of the #Saints personnel guys – Rick Reiprish or Ryan Pace – receive an interview for a GM job this offseason.

…and having exhaustively studied both Pace and Reiprish’s bios in the media guide, I’ll say that Reiprish had his shot with a bigger Job in Jacksonville, and he won’t get another look from anyone…Pace though, is pretty young and could be considered a “rising star” so he might.

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 Jan 3, 2012 7:57 PM CST reply actions

exhaustively studied

was supposed to look like this

exhaustively studied

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 Jan 3, 2012 10:12 PM CST up reply actions

Anyone getting worried about depth @ WR?

From Duncan’s Film Study Piece:

If serious, Meachem’s injury could prove problematic since Moore isn’t expected to be available any time soon with his hamstring injury. Adrian Arrington filled in well for Meachem and Moore but the Saints are suddenly getting thin at the position after a series of good fortune. Only three healthy receivers are on the active roster. Consequently, it wouldn’t surprise me to see special teams captain Courtney Roby get some work at wide receiver in practice this week as insurance.

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 Jan 3, 2012 9:54 PM CST reply actions

Yuck

by SarahT on Jan 3, 2012 10:07 PM CST up reply actions

Jeff, I don't even know what you mean here

An excellent block by rookie cornerback Johnny Patrick allowed Sproles to beat the first wave of defenders, then Turf Smurf dropped a dime on J.J. Jansen at the Saints 42-yard line en route to a nifty 24-yard return to put the offense back in business for their next series at the Panthers’ 44-yard line.

Dropped a dime means "called someone using a pay phone" doesn’t it? What does that have to do with football?

Turf Smurf? Really?

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 Jan 3, 2012 10:08 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe he threw spare change at the guy to distract him?

Maybe he informed on him to the FBI?

This isn't about rules, it's about manners. Now there's no rule that says that I cant come over here and fart on your entree. But I don't do it. Why? Because it's not good manners.

by Doc Boudin on Jan 3, 2012 10:12 PM CST up reply actions

Haha but it's so true, totally confusing

It reminds of Cosmo magazine – they use these weird words and sayings that no woman in the real world uses, like they made up thier own language. It bugs me so much. Sorry just reminded me of it lol.

by SarahT on Jan 3, 2012 10:20 PM CST up reply actions

I thought drop a dime, meant threw a beautiful pass into right coverage…that’s how Trent Dilfer uses it.

It’s not the size of your TOP, it’s how you use it!
Want scientific proof? Read this paper by Dr. Jeremy Arkes.

by Dan Kelly on Jan 3, 2012 10:34 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

Drop a dime? Turf smurf?

I prefer to use that phrase like, “Oh, sorry. I dropped a dime on you. It’s so unfortunate that you were underneath me while I was counting change. I apologize.”
I have nothing for “Turf Smurf”.

"Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. " -Carl Sagan

by crescendo2020 on Jan 4, 2012 12:12 AM CST up reply actions

DROPPING DIME

is either spending big $$$ or ratting someone out….

by BigCountryLV on Jan 4, 2012 1:16 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Wow, I'm surprised at y'all... Turf Smurf is pretty obvious...

Darren Sproles is short and low to the ground. His entire body is close to the turf and he’s small like a smurf. Oh and he’s chewed up an enormous amount of turf over the course of the season as well.

The dropping dime bit is more confusing. But I think the intent is in line with BigCountry and the “ratted out”, although here I guess he means “faked out”…

by FriarBob on Jan 4, 2012 11:56 AM CST up reply actions

I just think Turf Smurf is stupid

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 Jan 6, 2012 8:13 PM CST up reply actions

Naw, I've always liked AA

And Meach hasn’t really done all that much this season. He’s a little scared of taking the hits and look what it got him.

Drew Brees....MVP Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 4, 2012 9:24 AM CST up reply actions

I have to agree

Plus people forget Drew’s been working in the no-names from among the other eligible receivers for weeks now, the second and third TE, the extra FB, etc. And AA looks like he’s coming along VERY nicely.

Plus I’m pretty sure Roby can step up as well.

The only real potential problem I’d be at ALL worried about is run blocking. Meachem is pretty good at that. But so are some others as well.

by FriarBob on Jan 4, 2012 11:52 AM CST up reply actions