buzwa

Redemption for Saints
Peter King, SI.com

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...nnsi&type=lgns
I'll tell you the one thing I noticed about the football side of it: The Saints were smart to deal Donte' Stallworth to Philadelphia. Not that Stallworth isn't good; he is. But in getting a fourth-round pick for a guy they weren't going to re-sign (which turns into a third if the Eagles sign Stallworth to a contract extension this year), the Saints also added a very useful piece, middle linebacker Mark Simoneau.

He was a backup in Philly, but he has all the value of Harry Carson to these Saints. Add two rough-and-tumble, gap-plugging overachievers acquired from Dallas, Scott Shanle (for a seventh-round pick in August) and Scott Fujita (in free agency this offseason), and the linebacking corps has gone from one of the worst in the league to respectable. The evidence: Atlanta's Mike Vick and Warrick Dunn came in averaging 221 rushing yards combined. They had 101 on Monday as Simoneau, Shanle and Fujita combined for 17 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and four or five quarterback pressures of Vick.

Passion and a defensive backbone won that game.

\"Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.\"

neugey

That was the best defense the Saints have played since the first 3 quarters of the playoff win (Ron Zook's last game, I think) against the Rams. The defense swarmed and players helped each other out. Our linebackers were patient in tackling Vick. Our gap discipline was excellent. Hollis Thomas was the anti-Sullivan last night, for a DT his size he was all over the field. Bullocks was everywhere too. And best of all, time of possession was in our favor and we didn't even hardly have to sub-out defenders.

daviddrake2

Our D played an inspired game last night. I was thoroughly impressed with the way they shut down Atlanta's formidible rushing game and Michael Vick in particular. If they can keep up that high level of pressure throughout the season, this team could surprise everyone.

daviddrake2

Our D played an inspired game last night. I was thoroughly impressed with the way they shut down Atlanta's formidible rushing game and Michael Vick in particular. If they can keep up that high level of pressure throughout the season, this team could surprise everyone.

saintsfan1313

so good he had to say it twice...haha! just joking with ya david...anywho....then defense played as a whole, which is the most important part. Everyone knew their role in the gameplan and stayed with it. We may actually have a probowler on defense this season. My vote goes to Fujita or Young, if they can keep it up.....