Advantage Saints!

Belair57 · 01-10-2010, 08:19 PM

The cards put up51 points on the #2 rated Def....how the heck is our 20 something ranked D going to stop them? I think they only punted once? Its going to be hard for them to match us point for point if we are on our game, but if they are on like they were today, It may be tough for us to match them point for point...

DblBogey · 01-10-2010, 08:23 PM

ESPN Rank 'Em: NFL Playoff Teams

(Votes)
* 1 Colts (102)
* 2 Chargers (79)
* 3 Cowboys (25)
* 4 Vikings (28)
* 5 Saints (13)
* 6 Cardinals (41)
* 7 Ravens (4)
* 8 Jets (8)

Go vote . . . List Ranker - Rank 'Em: NFL Playoff Teams - ESPN

AsylumGuido · 01-10-2010, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by Belair57

The cards put up51 points on the #2 rated Def....how the heck is our 20 something ranked D going to stop them? I think they only punted once? Its going to be hard for them to match us point for point if we are on our game, but they are on like they were today, It may be tough for us to match them point for point...

First of all, three of the touchdowns were direct results of turnovers. It was not totally the Cardinal offense. Secondly, the Packers defense was extremely overrated. They faced the Lions and Bears twice and the Rams, Browns, Bucs, Seahawks, and Arizona (when they rested all their starters in week 17). Green Bay gave up over 30 points five times this season. Six times counting today.

DblBogey · 01-10-2010, 08:28 PM

By Pat Yasinskas
Quick Take: Cardinals-Saints - NFL Nation Blog - ESPN

Three things to know about Saturday’s divisional playoff game between the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints:

1. New Orleans coach Sean Payton has taken some heat for giving his team almost all of last week off. The critics say Payton should have had his team practicing more because the Saints have no momentum after losing their last three games of the regular season. So what? I think the break was a good idea. The Saints were banged up and probably mentally drained after a season in which there was lots of pressure as they were winning their first 13 games. They had some injured guys that needed rest. They’re healthy guys needed rest, too. The Saints are going to be refreshed for this game, which is more than you can say about the Cardinals after their shootout against the Packers and a short week.

2. Cornerbacks Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter are healthy after missing a lot of the second half of the season with injuries. That’s great news because the defense wasn’t nearly as good once Porter and Greer went down. But just having them back isn’t going to solve all of New Orleans’ defensive problems, especially with Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and company coming to town. It’s not easy to shut down Arizona’s passing game even when you have good cover guys. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is going to have to get back to his aggressive approach from early in the season and send a lot of blitzes at Warner. The Arizona quarterback isn’t very mobile and a strong pass rush could help the New Orleans secondary from being stuck too long in coverage.

3. Say all you want about the defensive problems New Orleans had over the last couple months. I’m more concerned about the offense. Forget the season finale against Carolina because the Saints weren’t playing quarterback Drew Brees and most of their starters. But the two games before that were losses to Tampa Bay and Dallas and the Saints were held to 17 points in each of those games. They won’t win in the playoffs unless the offense is a lot more prolific. This game with Arizona is shaping up as an offensive shootout and the Saints have to get back to playing the kind of offense that can outscore anybody.

Belair57 · 01-10-2010, 08:33 PM

I get that, but im just not sold on the ability of our Def to pull it all back together, a week before the playoffs. The Bucs kicked our Ars for god sake. I just dont think we are as good as some may say or think. I know that sounds REAAALLLY messed up to say, and not to be a debbie downer, but HOW, someone please tell me how the Defense is going to look like they did 8 weeks ago. Its been two months, lots of injuries, and three deflating losses that has me very skeptical. I know those injured are back, and I hate even thinking like that or saying it, but there is alot of cheese being ate about our D and their is nothing that says is going to put it together when they havent in 8 weeks. It can be blamed on injuries, sure, but when a guy goes down, his backup should be able to step in. Ours didnt, that says something. or am i way off. I want to be convinced, tell me honestly if my logic is off, sell me, pleeaaaasee

AsylumGuido · 01-10-2010, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by Belair57

I get that, but im just not sold on the ability of our Def to pull it all back together, a week before the playoffs. The Bucs kicked our Ars for god sake. I just dont think we are as good as some may say or think. I know that sounds REAAALLLY messed up to say, and not to be a debbie downer, but HOW, someone please tell me how the Defense is going to look like they did 8 weeks ago. Its been two months, lots of injuries, and three deflating losses that has me very sceptical. I know those injured are back, and I hate even thinking like that or saying it, but there is alot of cheese being ate about our D and their is nothing that says is going to put it together when they havent in 8 weeks. It can be blamed on injuries, sure, but when a guy goes down, his backup should be able to step in. Ours didnt, that says something. or am i way off. I want to be convinced, tell me honestly if my logic is off, sell me, pleeaaaasee

We had no less than nine of 22 starters miss much of the last five games. All nine are back and will be starting. As with all NFL teams, there is a marked difference between starters and backups. Sure, you can replace one, but when you are missing five it is another story.

Relax!

DblBogey · 01-10-2010, 08:41 PM

By Mike Sando
NFL Nation Blog - ESPN

Three things to know about next Saturday's Cardinals-Saints divisional playoff game:

1. Kurt Warner can be the difference. Warner played about as good as a quarterback can play Sunday. The Cardinals might need more of the same to keep pace with Drew Brees and the Saints in New Orleans.

Sometimes the Arizona offense looks even better without Anquan Boldin. That makes little sense, but with Warner running the offense, even an unproven second-year pro such as Early Doucet can become a downfield threat.

The Cardinals had a 14-0 lead against the Packers before Larry Fitzgerald touched the football.

Give Warner much of the credit. He has repeatedly played his best in the postseason. His performance Sunday marked the sixth time Warner has passed for at least 300 yards in the postseason, tying the NFL record shared by Peyton Manning and Joe Montana.

2. Arizona should be able to pound the ball on the ground. The Saints were at their best when they jumped out to big leads and prevented opposing teams from running the ball.

The Cardinals can score enough points to keep the game close. That should help them lean on Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower and a ground game that has gained traction throughout the season.

The Saints allowed at least 131 yards rushing in eight games during the regular season. They allowed at least 161 yards four times.

3. The pressure is on the Saints in this one. The Saints were the best team in the league for parts of the regular season. They faltered late, raising doubts. A one-and-done showing in the playoffs would render their season a failure.

The Cardinals are playing with house money. They've won four playoff games since last season. Conventional wisdom seemed to suggest the Packers would beat them in the wild-card round. Green Bay almost pulled it off, but Arizona's offense could not be stopped.

The Cardinals have to like their chances.

Belair57 · 01-10-2010, 08:43 PM

Im trying asylum...it sucks man!! the wait is killing me and the spankin at the hands of Romo is still eatin at me, the loss the yucs..ugghh.

I just want a superbowl so bad, Im trying to convince myself we arent good enough in case we lose I wont get crushed like 06, or the opening game of 07 against the Colts when they demolished us.

Im not going to watch any sports shows this week..

CheramieIII · 01-10-2010, 08:44 PM

No mouth poopies to be had until after the game is over

MatthewT · 01-10-2010, 08:52 PM

Saints do have an advantage by having long rest to get players healthy, but I mean freaking Warner was on fire today, and there is no reason to expect him to cool down any. Especially with the rumor going around that this is his last season. Dude is very motivated to try and go out on top.

01-10-2010, 08:19 PM	#11
Belair57 500th Post Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 848	Re: Advantage Saints! The cards put up51 points on the #2 rated Def....how the heck is our 20 something ranked D going to stop them? I think they only punted once? Its going to be hard for them to match us point for point if we are on our game, but if they are on like they were today, It may be tough for us to match them point for point...
Belair57 500th Post Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 848

01-10-2010, 08:23 PM	#12
DblBogey 500th Post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 538	Re: Advantage Saints! ESPN Rank 'Em: NFL Playoff Teams (Votes) * 1 Colts (102) * 2 Chargers (79) * 3 Cowboys (25) * 4 Vikings (28) * 5 Saints (13) * 6 Cardinals (41) * 7 Ravens (4) * 8 Jets (8) Go vote . . . List Ranker - Rank 'Em: NFL Playoff Teams - ESPN
DblBogey 500th Post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 538

01-10-2010, 08:26 PM	#13
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 24,394	Re: Advantage Saints! Originally Posted by Belair57 The cards put up51 points on the #2 rated Def....how the heck is our 20 something ranked D going to stop them? I think they only punted once? Its going to be hard for them to match us point for point if we are on our game, but they are on like they were today, It may be tough for us to match them point for point... First of all, three of the touchdowns were direct results of turnovers. It was not totally the Cardinal offense. Secondly, the Packers defense was extremely overrated. They faced the Lions and Bears twice and the Rams, Browns, Bucs, Seahawks, and Arizona (when they rested all their starters in week 17). Green Bay gave up over 30 points five times this season. Six times counting today.

01-10-2010, 08:28 PM	#14
DblBogey 500th Post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 538	Re: Advantage Saints! By Pat Yasinskas Quick Take: Cardinals-Saints - NFL Nation Blog - ESPN Three things to know about Saturday’s divisional playoff game between the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints: 1. New Orleans coach Sean Payton has taken some heat for giving his team almost all of last week off. The critics say Payton should have had his team practicing more because the Saints have no momentum after losing their last three games of the regular season. So what? I think the break was a good idea. The Saints were banged up and probably mentally drained after a season in which there was lots of pressure as they were winning their first 13 games. They had some injured guys that needed rest. They’re healthy guys needed rest, too. The Saints are going to be refreshed for this game, which is more than you can say about the Cardinals after their shootout against the Packers and a short week. 2. Cornerbacks Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter are healthy after missing a lot of the second half of the season with injuries. That’s great news because the defense wasn’t nearly as good once Porter and Greer went down. But just having them back isn’t going to solve all of New Orleans’ defensive problems, especially with Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and company coming to town. It’s not easy to shut down Arizona’s passing game even when you have good cover guys. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is going to have to get back to his aggressive approach from early in the season and send a lot of blitzes at Warner. The Arizona quarterback isn’t very mobile and a strong pass rush could help the New Orleans secondary from being stuck too long in coverage. 3. Say all you want about the defensive problems New Orleans had over the last couple months. I’m more concerned about the offense. Forget the season finale against Carolina because the Saints weren’t playing quarterback Drew Brees and most of their starters. But the two games before that were losses to Tampa Bay and Dallas and the Saints were held to 17 points in each of those games. They won’t win in the playoffs unless the offense is a lot more prolific. This game with Arizona is shaping up as an offensive shootout and the Saints have to get back to playing the kind of offense that can outscore anybody.
DblBogey 500th Post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 538	Hey Goodell . . . This year we will kick ass for free!

01-10-2010, 08:33 PM	#15
Belair57 500th Post Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 848	Re: Advantage Saints! I get that, but im just not sold on the ability of our Def to pull it all back together, a week before the playoffs. The Bucs kicked our Ars for god sake. I just dont think we are as good as some may say or think. I know that sounds REAAALLLY messed up to say, and not to be a debbie downer, but HOW, someone please tell me how the Defense is going to look like they did 8 weeks ago. Its been two months, lots of injuries, and three deflating losses that has me very skeptical. I know those injured are back, and I hate even thinking like that or saying it, but there is alot of cheese being ate about our D and their is nothing that says is going to put it together when they havent in 8 weeks. It can be blamed on injuries, sure, but when a guy goes down, his backup should be able to step in. Ours didnt, that says something. or am i way off. I want to be convinced, tell me honestly if my logic is off, sell me, pleeaaaasee
Belair57 500th Post Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 848

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01-10-2010, 08:37 PM	#16
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 24,394	Re: Advantage Saints! Originally Posted by Belair57 I get that, but im just not sold on the ability of our Def to pull it all back together, a week before the playoffs. The Bucs kicked our Ars for god sake. I just dont think we are as good as some may say or think. I know that sounds REAAALLLY messed up to say, and not to be a debbie downer, but HOW, someone please tell me how the Defense is going to look like they did 8 weeks ago. Its been two months, lots of injuries, and three deflating losses that has me very sceptical. I know those injured are back, and I hate even thinking like that or saying it, but there is alot of cheese being ate about our D and their is nothing that says is going to put it together when they havent in 8 weeks. It can be blamed on injuries, sure, but when a guy goes down, his backup should be able to step in. Ours didnt, that says something. or am i way off. I want to be convinced, tell me honestly if my logic is off, sell me, pleeaaaasee We had no less than nine of 22 starters miss much of the last five games. All nine are back and will be starting. As with all NFL teams, there is a marked difference between starters and backups. Sure, you can replace one, but when you are missing five it is another story. Relax!

01-10-2010, 08:41 PM	#17
DblBogey 500th Post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 538	Re: Advantage Saints! By Mike Sando NFL Nation Blog - ESPN Three things to know about next Saturday's Cardinals-Saints divisional playoff game: 1. Kurt Warner can be the difference. Warner played about as good as a quarterback can play Sunday. The Cardinals might need more of the same to keep pace with Drew Brees and the Saints in New Orleans. Sometimes the Arizona offense looks even better without Anquan Boldin. That makes little sense, but with Warner running the offense, even an unproven second-year pro such as Early Doucet can become a downfield threat. The Cardinals had a 14-0 lead against the Packers before Larry Fitzgerald touched the football. Give Warner much of the credit. He has repeatedly played his best in the postseason. His performance Sunday marked the sixth time Warner has passed for at least 300 yards in the postseason, tying the NFL record shared by Peyton Manning and Joe Montana. 2. Arizona should be able to pound the ball on the ground. The Saints were at their best when they jumped out to big leads and prevented opposing teams from running the ball. The Cardinals can score enough points to keep the game close. That should help them lean on Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower and a ground game that has gained traction throughout the season. The Saints allowed at least 131 yards rushing in eight games during the regular season. They allowed at least 161 yards four times. 3. The pressure is on the Saints in this one. The Saints were the best team in the league for parts of the regular season. They faltered late, raising doubts. A one-and-done showing in the playoffs would render their season a failure. The Cardinals are playing with house money. They've won four playoff games since last season. Conventional wisdom seemed to suggest the Packers would beat them in the wild-card round. Green Bay almost pulled it off, but Arizona's offense could not be stopped. The Cardinals have to like their chances.
DblBogey 500th Post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 538	Hey Goodell . . . This year we will kick ass for free!

01-10-2010, 08:43 PM	#18
Belair57 500th Post Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 848	Re: Advantage Saints! Im trying asylum...it sucks man!! the wait is killing me and the spankin at the hands of Romo is still eatin at me, the loss the yucs..ugghh. I just want a superbowl so bad, Im trying to convince myself we arent good enough in case we lose I wont get crushed like 06, or the opening game of 07 against the Colts when they demolished us. Im not going to watch any sports shows this week..
Belair57 500th Post Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 848

01-10-2010, 08:44 PM	#19
CheramieIII Fan Since 1967 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Nomad Posts: 7,460 Blog Entries: 3	Re: Advantage Saints! No mouth poopies to be had until after the game is over

01-10-2010, 08:52 PM	#20
MatthewT 1000 Posts + Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,705	Re: Advantage Saints! Saints do have an advantage by having long rest to get players healthy, but I mean freaking Warner was on fire today, and there is no reason to expect him to cool down any. Especially with the rumor going around that this is his last season. Dude is very motivated to try and go out on top.