Debunking a myth: pumped up foes won't slow down Saints
 

I can’t take it anymore.

Of all the factors that could sidetrack the Saints as they follow up on last year’s Super Bowl victory, the phoniest is the idea every fired-up opponent will play its best game against them.

No they won’t. The whole concept is a myth even thought it has been repeated ad nauseum about every defending champion in every sport since the dawn of time.

Minnesota was supbar rather than super in the season opener last Thursday, and there’s no proof San Francisco will be sharp this Monday night when New Orleans travels to Candlestick Park.

Sure, the stadium will be rocking at the start of the game. Absolutely, the 49ers will play with incredible intensity from the opening kickoff.

Here’s the hangup: high intensity does not guarantee heady execution. Actually, excessive intensity can be the enemy of execution.

Linebackers try to do too much, losing their gap responsibilities as they free wheel in an attempt to be heroes. Hyped-up quarterbacks overthrow receivers and force the ball into coverage as they look for a game-turning play. Receivers think about juking a defender out of his jockstrap before the ball arrives, and it bounces harmlessly off their chest as they forget to look it in.

read more