3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

Three thoughts from the Saints’ 31-23 win over the Texans:
1) Pierre Thomas' first action of preseason shows he still has "it"
Pierre Thomas doesn’t necessarily get lost among Saints fan. But because he’s so consistently solid, his value sometimes gets forgotten in the larger landscape of things.

But on his 51-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, he showed exactly why he needs to be a bigger part of the Saints’ offense. Not only is he sure-handed, his open-field running is among the best in the league and we saw that. Thomas not only allows his blockers to do their job, he’s spectacular at reading those blocks.

He finished his day against Houston with 19 yards on four carries and the one catch for 51 yards. He’ll provide, once again, a tremendous changeup to Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles.

The key for Thomas is getting him in the game and getting him touches.
Thomas hadn’t seen the field yet in a preseason game until Sunday. He showed that he needs very little game-work to be game-ready. If he can stay healthy, the one-two-three punch of Ingram, Sproles and Thomas could help the Saints recapture the NFC South.

2) Saints defense shows some issues defending hurry-up offense
Three different times this season the Saints’ first-team defense has faced a hurry-up or two-minute offense. Three different times they were under three different situations. And yet, the results were all nearly the same – three long drives that ended in points for the opponent.

Against Kansas City, the Saints weren’t exactly expecting a hurry-up offense right out of the gate. The Saints didn’t even have their entire defensive playbook installed. But Kansas City drove 80 yards in 14 plays, putting up seven first downs on their way to a touchdown.

Oakland’s lone positive drive with the first-team came with 3:03 to play in the first half. Matt Flynn, running the two-minute offense, guided the Raiders 78 yards in nine plays, the last of which was an 18-yard touchdown pass. But the Saints were using backup inside linebackers and had safety Malcolm Jenkins calling the defense.

Sunday, though, all was set – Curtis Lofton was in the game, calling the defense against Houston’s first-team offense. And still the Texans drove. Matt Schaub led the Texans 77 yards in 10 plays with just 1 minute, 14 seconds to go in the first half, the last of which was a 21-yard field goal.

It’s something to keep in mind as the real season gets underway.

3) Tanner, Parker giving Payton, Loomis tough decision to make
Andy Tanner and Preston Parker are giving Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton headaches. The good kind, of course. But headaches nonetheless.

Tanner finished Sunday’s game with three catches for 33 yards and two touchdowns. Parker had one catch for eight yards. Tanner’s third game stats were nearly identical to Parker’s preseason opener, when he caught four passes for 43 yards and two scores.

But these two won’t make the team because of what they can do on offense. It’s what can they do on special teams and Sunday, both showed they’re plenty valuable there, too.

Parker brought a kickoff return back 52 yards. Tanner was in on several stops on kickoff, including after both touchdown catches.

The Saints are set at receiver with Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Nick Toon and Kenny Stills. There’s likely only one position open if you consider Courtney Roby’s spot safe. After Sunday, though, it’s not as easy to say Roby’s spot is solid.

In what is one of the hardest things they’ll have to do all year, Payton and Loomis will have to figure out the bottom of their 53-man, piecing together all the moving parts into a living puzzle.

It’s conceivable that they find a way to keep all three on the roster. But it’s unlikely.

Regardless, Tanner and Parker have done enough that they’ll be able to find a spot somewhere if they do get cut.

3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it' | wwltv.com New Orleans

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

Cut Roby, keep Tanner and Parker. Roby will never be a legit WR and there has to be someone that can play a position and return kicks on the team. What about Sproles or even Parker.

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

For all the handwringing here about our defense, can you imagine what the Texans' fans are thinking? They got shredded at home by the likes of Luke McCown and Ryan Griffin.

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

Lol

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

No Doubt!

McCown - 10/14 118 yards 2 TDs
Griffin - 8/13 86 yards 1 TD

Not too mention they gave up some big passes to the backs

PT had a 51 yard TD pass
Ingram had one for 28 yards

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

Good stuff...

My takeaways
1. Our defense wasn't bad, but they still need some more time to jell, Also, we're still without our top 3 OLBs (Butler IR, Galette and Wilson still hurt)

2, Is it just me, or does the combo of Hawthorne/Humber look like the top 2 ILB's on this team. I really like this combo more and more

3. In two years Stills and Toon will be our #1 and #2 WR. We have 7 WR's that will be on an NFL roster this year.

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

Danno has all valid points. We did not look that bad. Could do w/o giving A Johnson 130 yrds. But we are known for giving up mega yards to #1 WRs & Rookie QBs.

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

#2, Lofton as much as I like him and I do, looks out of place. I agree with you on this. On #1 I thought our secondary looked the worst, all but V. Someone has to step up and become a true leader in the secondary or bring in a very good vet to lead. V is a rookie, and needs someone to teach him better than what we have.

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

Tough choices. Looking like this is going to be our best rookie class of all time. I'm willing to bet all our scouts will be gone next season. They made it look easy.

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

my thoughts on the game....

1. Andy Tanner deserves to make a roster even if its not with us. You won't be able to stash him on the practice squad a third year in a row.

2. Can you imagine a four wideout shot gun offensive set where Colston, Moore, Toon, and Stills are your wideouts, Sproles or Pierre is the back on one side and Jimmy Graham is lined up as the back on the other side of Drew Brees.... Wow.... that is the crazy scary for any defense alive.

3. The 3-4 was just as confusing to watch in person as it must have been for the players on the field playing the defense (at times) I don't care what defense it is, in no defense is Will Smith ever, ever supposed to be shade covering Andre Johnson... that part scares me that is all

4. Cam..... oh Cam, you can tell he is coming into his own but without extra help on pressures it looks like he is the only one getting to the qb with any
regularity...

5. On Houston radio they were happy with the offense, but disappointed that a career backup was able to work over parts of their first team D.

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

Let's hope he does NOT land on the roster of a division rival.

McCown is definitely our backup QB and his performance under Sean Payton has been extremely impressive.

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

+1. The guy's motor never stops....

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

This offense is so good that I think a smart vet QB could score enough points to be a threat in the playoffs. Add Drew Brees and it's historically good.

Ah for a defense!

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

Defense: The fact we held them to a couple of long field goals on drives was encouraging. We got gashed a couple times, but I'm excited to see Gallette and Wilson back soon. They should sure up the pass rush. There was some missed turnover opportunities. That's got to be corrected. Our LB's look like the weakness. Our DL was commanding the double teams, the LB's just weren't getting to the ball carrier. And of course, they don't look good in pass coverage. I want Will Smith off the field. Cameron Jordan...best defensive player on the team hands down. All in all I'm not comfortable with our defense, but I'm also optimistic of certain things I've seen.

Offense: We've looked a little rusty all preseason. We need more of the big play. We got it today. We have to be consistent with it. I'd like to see us get back to always scoring on our 1st drive. And we've always been a 2nd half team. Stills and Toon? Steals. Imagine Colston, Moore, Stills, Toon, and Graham all on the field together. I'm excited. We threw passes to Ingram. Thank you. Him and PT look ready.

Overall, I'm optimistic and ready to see us in real action. We need to win the 1st game of the season. We're lacking confidence and swagger. We just don't look deadly like we used to. A week one victory against the division favorite will change that in a heartbeat.

Who dat?

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

Griffin - 8/13 86 yards 1 TD, great job.

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

1. The O-Line other than Evans is not a strength.
2. The Saints need to keep McNown and Griffin but probably can't due to the injuries at LB.
3. Parker is the best #5 WR in the NFL and Tanner is good.
4. Watson was a great pickup.
5. The OLB talent on the field this preseason has been bad.
6. Vitt needs to go. The Saints are and have been the worst team in the NFL against the cutback run since he's been there.
7. The RB rotation will continue it appears. That's good for Thomas and Sproles. Not good for Ingram.
8. I can see the Saints keeping 5 RB's due to Cadet's ability on special teams and as a reciever. That means no Tanner.
9. Stills was a steal in the draft.
10. Jordan looks like a different player. A playmaker.
11. I can see Griffin and Robinson clearing waivers and making it to the practice squad.
12. Breaking bad is a great show.
13. The secondary is not a strength without Vaccaro on the field.
14. I hope Colston is fresh and healthy on the 8th.
15. I liked the run/pass ratio when Brees wasn't in the game.
16. It was nice to see CB Robinson's coverage ability on display. But, he has always flashed that ability. Consistent effort young man.
17. #16 in the power rankings per BB with the Falclowns at #4. What a joke.

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

Yes I can imagine that. It would be called 12 man on the field and not only cause a flag but also a rise in blood pressure all over the WHO DAT Nation!

:-D :-D

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

1. Look what happens when you use ingram on a screen against an overly aggressive team, big gain
2. PT is the man
3. Keenan lewis bites on double moves a hell of a lot, houston knew that and beat lewis by doing it. I hope he improves by regular season because he looks very average at the minute
4. Kenny vaccaro is all over the field, not afraid to hit and sometimes makes it look like he's the leader because he shows the most fire
5. Kenny stills is awesome, cant wait to see what he can do with colston back
6. Ramon humber is a great ILB, consecutive weeks it has been humber stopping the RB on 4th and short
7. Payton pulled brees early because he couldnt trust the O line, not a great sign, hope jahri is okay
8. Cam Jordan - i constantly talk this guy up, he backs it up every week, he will be a leader on our D
9. Mcmahon needs to go, we got very lucky the punt return TD was called back, once again horrible lane discipline and horrible tackling, 3 years of this is too much
10. Our D struggled against play action/bootleg plays, the TP reporters saw this in training and the texans used it all night. Also need to tackle better on running plays

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

Yeah the young gun looked good. I hope we can stash him on the PS.

Re: 3 thoughts on Saints game: Pierre Thomas 'still has it'
 

Saints are installing a new defense so the fact they're struggling against hurry-up defenses is not a surprise...

Andre Johnson is gonna get his; now, did we take away the other weapons and stop the run is the real question...

With the exception of Barry Sanders, I've never seen anyone run screens better in the NFL than Pierre Thomas...

Did I see Kevin Reddick with the ones on a goal line defense package?!? Now that was interesting...

See what the Saints ThinkTank sees in Patrick Robinson; he needs to cut the hair, lose the Hollywood, and just ball...

It's a shame we've got bad contracts in Roman Harper, Will Smith, and (yes) Jon Vilma, because better players have been, are on the bench as of now...

Tanner made a great catch and then followed with a post score let-down saving tackle; now his size and special teams play are disappearing as roster elimination points...

Remember when we only needed another receiver on some good Saints teams; now depth is amazing and, though it's preseason, the Saints WR corps is six deep right now; if Roby catches two touchdowns next week, wow...

Could Lance Moore become expendable?!? Sounding disloyal, but as free agents cite, it's a business and Saints still have needs at Outside Linebackers, Offensive Tackle...

Not ready to jump on the Ryan bandwagon, but how a year and new talent make a difference; "(Foster is) gonna compete, not just to make this team but to compete for playing time..." was a great post-game quote...

Only because Ryan's a rookie, but we are probably keeping three (3) quarterbacks on the roster this season; McCown looks like a solid Backup QB...

Could Payton have designed to have his own college (Tulane, Curtis Johnson) to prep his quarterbacks...

The front three are fine, and despite the additon of Keenan Lewis, we definitely need both outside linebacking positions able to pressure when just rushing four (3DL and one OLB); this was the year to trade back in to the first round, second round and this time, make the right grab in a 34 OLB...

Not sure if it's scheme, coaching or some recipe of both, but Payton should have made a change in the offseason at special teams; understand having a friend, confidant staff member, even at a limited game phase, but despite having the best punter, kickoff specialist in the game the special teams have become a big liability...

We've got some good drama developing for the final pre-season game; it'd be more suspenseful if we didn't have those three bad contracts...