5 keys to success
 

I would like opinions on the keys to a successful Saints season this year -- I can't stop those who will try to be funny like score more points -- A player or an action can be considered a key -- Here are mine (in no particular order)

1) Average 7 points in the first quarter
2) Improved leadership and consistency from AB
3) Average under 125 yards per game runnig defense
4) Average 100 + yards per game running
5) Average 1 defensive turnover per game

RE: 5 keys to success
 

-Getting an early lead doesn't hurt at all
-no you need to average 100 yards or less run D.

Re: 5 keys to success
 

Me likes, but we averaged two defensive turnovers a game last year, so we should expect no less this year with Smith and Bullocks, and improved LB play hopefully. So I want 2.5 turns per game. Number 3 will be hard without a DT willing to step up and do the dirty work to make that happen. Let's hope Leisle, Jefferson or Green can do it, cause I have no hopes for Sullivan doing it. But me likes what you did here.

Re: RE: 5 keys to success
 

I did not want to be too optimistic on our run D

Re: RE: 5 keys to success
 

On what planet? Only 6 teams did that last year, and New England was at 98.2. Philly was at 118.9. I don't think we need to or can expect to hold teams to under 100 yards rushing a game.

RE: Re: RE: 5 keys to success
 

I think a major key to success for the Saints will be how the team plays in the first quarter of games. The defense needs to be stout early, and the offense needs to be far more efficient. If the Saints can establish the running game early, and get a score in the first 15 or 20 minutes, they should rarely be far behind, like they often were last season. Likewise, if the defense can get nasty and hit teams in the mouth early, it should set the tone of the game.

That said, the O and D lines are maybe the most important parts, IMO.

Re: 5 keys to success
 

I would extend that to average 7 points every quarter. That would require an improvement of 3 or so PPG from the team.

I'll just be frank. I don't think you're going to get any more intangibles from Brooks.

I'm going to take the cerebral approach to all of this. Forget the rah-rah fire in the belly stuff. Work for better performances. Set objective goals and work to achieve them.

Here's Brooks' performance list:

1) Complete at least 60% of your passes for the season.

2) Limit total turnovers to under 15.

3) Have a 90+ QB rating on third down and in the red zone.

4) No red zone turnonvers.

That's it. No leadership changes. Some inconsistency allowed. However it cuts down on the critical mistakes. It also targets winning the critical offensive downs of the game (3rd and red zone). The turnover and completion numbers help protect the defense.

Deuce also gets his list:

1) Fully participate in all 16+ games. Use Smith and Stecker as needed to ensure this.

2) Average 100+ YPG.

3) Average 20 carries a game. I'd prefer 25 but that's really in NFL record territory.

4) Help Brooks win 3rd down by being a reliable outlet receiver. Stecker also is assigned this job.

The defensive focus for me is scoring. I agree that stopping the run is critical. I'd like to see the average rushing number under 120 YPG. Philly was successful at 119 YPG.

But scoring is the key. This team wins when the opponents are held to under 21 PPG. 21.0 PPG last season was 14th in the NFL. Both the defense and the offense have to participate to make this happen. The defense's mantra is to win 3rd down. However you have to stop the run to get to that 3rd down. The offenses job is not to give the ball away, especially at critical times in the game.


The pass defense will be the strength of our defense next year. We want teams to try to pass against us. We want 3rd and 5+ yards. But that will only happen if the run is contained.
Already on my list.
I think you've figured out that would be a step back. A more realistic goal would be to get the net turnovers to one per game. That would have put the team in the top 5 in the league in that category last year. I think the defense was solid last year at 2 turnovers per game. The offense needs to work a lot harder at not giving the ball back.

SFIAH

The keys to a successful Saints season is
on the success of Saints Defense!!!!

8)

1. Consitantly 7 - 10 pts in the 1st qtr
2. More 3rd and short situations.
3. Improved DT and LB play
4. Continue QB pressure we saw in last 4 games last year
5. More from Duece in the passing game. More screen plays, or at least some.

Re: 5 keys to success
 

Wow, great post SFIAH. I agree with everything you said, finally. :P

Re: 5 keys to success
 

I finally got what you were saying about how the offense needs to protect the defense. That makes sense. The defense is still going to have to step up and hold its own, especially in the run game. But the offense needs to be efficient in order to help the defense out.

I don't think that it required Brooks to be all-world. Deuce can be all world when he's in the right shape (which I hear that he is) and has the right situation (and with Brown and Mayberry it looks like he does).

My brother and I disagree on the best way for the offense to proceed. He believes in pounding the ball mercilessly. I favor the more balanced approach of using the run to set up play action down the field. But in either case the offense needs to move the chains and consistenly get the ball into the end zone.

SFIAH

We are in trouble if our Offense have to
protect our Defense!

Defense wins championships!!!
Offense only sell tickets!!!

8)

Then Dude, we are in trouble. Defenses do not change from bottom 5 to top 10 overnight.

Also even if you have the best defense in the world, it's not unreasonable to ask your offense for some ball control, limited turnovers, and some points.

SFIAH

Dude I'm not looking for our Defense to come
from bottom to top in a single season...without a doubt that
is asking for a lot :wink: But you know that been done before.
You can be sure our Defense need to impove for us to go deep
in the playoff this year!

8)

Excuses or facts? Did you watch some other Saints team play besides ours where they were scoring in the first quarter and not going three and out the vast majority of the time? And seriously, when someone says THE OFFENSE did not do such and such, they are talking about the OFFENSE, and not just Brooks. You have some kinda hang up with the guy. Trust me, on this site, when someone has a problem with Brooks, they have no problem saying it.

Bottom line is we need to improve in both areas -- It is absolutely a fact that if an offense consistently goes 3 & out the defense is on the field too long. Conversely if the defense gives up long time consuming drives the offense cannot get in a rythmn -- but to always think we are necessarily blaming Brooks when we say this is just a blind devotion to Brooks

:shock: The Keys to the Saints winning is be more aggressive defense...instead of that bend don't break SHYT!!!! Actually give the running game an opportunity to be effective and not abandon it after 3 tries. Creativity on O and D....Ingame adjustments that work...Fire Rick Venturi....Let our players play to the their strenghts and not your game plan....