New Orleans Saints brought the wood
 

Can a baseball bat inspire during the NFL playoffs? Apparently, for the New Orleans Saints, it can.

Before the New Orleans Saints' 45-14 playoff victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Saints coach Sean Payton presented each player with a black baseball bat that included these words emblazoned on the barrel to inspire physical play:

"Saints vs. Cardinals. Jan. 16, 2010."

"Bring The Wood!"

Reggie Bush was so pumped, he hoisted the bat in his right fist as he ran onto the field before kickoff at the Superdome. The result? Five carries for 84 yards and a touchdown to complement his 83-yard punt return for a score late in the third quarter. Some even consider the performance to be the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner's best of his four-year NFL career.

"In sports, part of it is guys are motivated differently," said Dr. Patrick Cohn, president and founder of Peak Performance Sports in Orlando, Fla. "The best coaches are able to tap into that, whether they're more internally motivated or more extrinsically motivated. Good coaches know that and know how to push the buttons to get the most out of their players."

At the NFL level, Cohn said, most players are self-motivated and do not need items such as bats or trophies to provide inspiration. He also said players who are intrinsically motivated -- regardless of sport, age or competitive level -- tend to be more successful.

"There's a kind of divide in sports psychology about where you want the motivation," Cohn said. "Do you want players motivated by coaches with things such as trophies or a bat? Or do you want players who are more intrinsically motivated [and] have their own goals and are striving for their own excellence?

"[We believe] you want a player who is more intrinsically motivated."

Regardless of perceived psychological effectiveness, the bat became a symbol for the Saints' dominating victory and Bush's breakout game.

No word yet what, if any, inspiring souvenirs Payton will hand out this week.

Reggie Bush inspired by Sean Payton's New Orleans Saints baseball bat - Page 2 - ESPN

Re: New Orleans Saints brought the wood
 

I wonder if Cohen ever played in an NFL playoff game?

Re: New Orleans Saints brought the wood
 

I thought the bat thing was genius, and watching Reggie actually lower his shoulder and then stand their over the guy he just put to the ground was awesome, I just hope he keeps that same intensity this week and brings the noise

Re: New Orleans Saints brought the wood
 

Not sure if you guys watched the game on TV or you were actually at the game but prior to kickoff Moose Johnston was gushing about how focused Reggie Bush was before the game, I think he went so far as to say he'd never seen anyone in such a zone prior to a game.

I kind of brushed it off but after seeing the way he played on Saturday he was right. I'm a big USC fan and I really hadn't seen him play like that since his days at SC. It was incredible.

Re: New Orleans Saints brought the wood
 

Just imagine if they replicate that same motivation this Sunday, that they brought last week.

I'm getting giddy with excitement just thinking about it! :D

Re: New Orleans Saints brought the wood
 

Lets hope they do, If we have that kind of focus, Holy Crap Captain Favreulous is in for a treat!!

Re: New Orleans Saints brought the wood
 

It was mentioned several times how focused Reggie seemed to be. I hope that focus lasts (b-ball games with Kim may not be the way though!)

Re: New Orleans Saints brought the wood
 

How about a Saints vs. Vikings broadsword? Let's get medieval on their a$$es....


By the way, where could a rampant Saints fan get ahold of one of those bats? That would be a cool souvenir for the season.