I will be the first to admit that I was very wrong about this game. If you had listened to me on Forecast Radio or read my prediction over at The Phinsider, you would have known that I thought this game would be a blowout by the Saints. And when the Saints started the game with the ball, I thought for sure that's exactly what would happen. The Saints would drive, take the lead and never give it up for the rest of the game, much as they've done all season thus far.
Instead, something funny and unfamiliar occurred. The Saints didn't score; they punted. Something we've never seen before. And before long, the Saints were down 24-3. Not only was it the first time the Saints hadn't scored on their opening drive, it was the first time they had ever been behind. Scary territory.
The cliche says that you can tell a lot about a football team when they're down and out; when they're backs are against the wall. Today's game was just such a test for the Saints and they passed with flying colors. They passed because not only have they assembled a talented group of quality football players both on and off the field but because they also have great coaches. Coaches who have the ability to make all the necessary adjustments during a game.
After getting trounced for a quarter and a half by Miami's run-heavy offense, Williams was able to get the defense to tighten up, scoring points with a pick six and allowing the offense to get it done. Following an obviously failing attempt to pass the ball and exploit Miami's usually susceptible secondary, Payton turned to Mike Bell and the running game to put points on the board and gain some momentum. Both coaches were able to take what was given them and turn it into something positive.
At the very end of the game, I am almost positive that I saw Mark Brunell mouth to Jeremy Shockey on the sideline, "This one's special." I couldn't agree more. If there were any doubts about how great this 2009 New Orleans Saints team actually is, this game put them to bed. Forever. No matter the situation, the Saints have the ability to win any game. This was a statement of epic proportions.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce your 6-0 New Orleans Saints, the only undefeated team in the NFC. Why not us?