Offensive Line
 

It was nice to see our offense move the ball against the Steelers, especially in the second half, on Sunday. Lots of reasons could be given for the improvement, but one thing that stood out was that Drew Brees wasn't running for his life on every passing attempt. That definitely hasn't been the case all season long. Hats off to the offensive line and to the backs who stayed back to protect the pocket. Things are beginning to look like they did a year ago.

They played well in the game vs the steelers, despite the 2 sacks they got on Brees. Gotta remember that the steelers are like no 1 in defense this year, that sack fumble they got on brees was because Ladell Betts missed the pickup and gave their guy a straight shot at brees, so that can't really be put on their head.

Frankly I don't think they played that well at all.

I know, I know. The Steelers have a great "D". Still, we ran for what, 30 yards? They got pretty consistent pressure rushing 3 and 4 people.

They don't suck, but they aren't worthy of much praise IMO.

i agree. havent been good all year

They are not near what they were last year vs better teams
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2009 OFFENSIVE LINES

But they were #20-22 on this stat chart 2-3 games ago this season. That caused some of our problems.
FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2010 OFFENSIVE LINES

They moved up to #6. That is an excellent improvement. Im pretty psyched about the progress. It shows that the HC was aware of the problem and they are actively trying to fix it.

When the OL was playing at a #22 level, it effected our run and long ball pass game. I think we all saw a better long ball game vs the steelers, a very good D.

With the improvement of the OL I expect the return of Bush/PT to make a significant improvement in our overall offense. Were before they didnt, because they probably couldn't with the OL playing at a #22 level.

The media has missed the mark again by saying that our problems were because Bush/PT were out. Bush/PT where in for the beginning games and didn't make much difference.
Because the OL was sucking. Now that the OL is getting back to its old form the Saints O will start to play well.

They looked much better but there's still room for improvement.

IN preseason you could see something didn't look right but most of us just let it go. Brees was scrambling around a lot, making sidewinder throws.
The screens though, that to me covered up their flaws last season.

I could see Tomlin on the sidelines yelling "screen" "screen" in the second half. If you watch the game you can see him waive a flat hand in front of his face numerous times. Once they started focusing on that Brees had more time.

agreed there is much to improve. But I do think that the improvement so far has shown measurable results and proves the HCS is aware, and the stats show we are going in the right direction. Many teams dont have turnarounds this quick.
I think it is cause for optimism. Im amazed at the turnaround. Its what we needed and it happened. Lets hope it continues until our OL is #1 again.

For our offensive line ...