Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Did we just witness the first episode of “quantum’s leap”?

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Holy smokes. A win like that makes the Saints so much more energized and confident and makes the Falcons frustrated and depressed. So great that it happened in their stadium.
Doug Marrone has some work to do with the Saints starting RG and current starting LT.
Edit:Marrone has his work cut out for him.

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Thought this was a good video. Good class by some Falcons players. Most guys gave credit and commented on the Saints being a good/great team along with praise for JW.

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

I'm on PFF and James Hurst graded out really well. I'm actually surprised by this.

James Hurst - 75.7
Andrus Peat - 50.5
Erik McCoy - 63.6
Cesar Ruiz - 46.4
Ryan Ramczyk - 77.2

It's the Guard play that we really need to address. They might need to put a call in to Ereck Flowers. We should have never given Peat a contact and Ruiz definitely needs to hit the door.

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Ruiz yet again. 46.4 ... smdh. Ridiculous.

All of that camp talk from players on his practices was fool's gold.

Year #3 & he's not improving.

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Some more grades:

Jameis Winston - 79.6 (Great rating)
Alvin Kamara - 54.2
Mark Ingram - 49.9
Michael Thomas - 73.5
Jarvis Landry - 66.3
Chris Olave - 65.5
Taysom Hill - 68.8
Juwan Johnson - 69.6

Cam Jordan - 63.3
Marcus Davenport 65.9
David Onyemata - 61.9
Shy Tuttle - 41.9 (Call Suh)
Demario Davis - 71.4
Pete Werner - 58.1
Marshon Lattimore - 65.4
Bradley Roby - 52.7
Tyrann Mathieu - 79.2 (He looked great to me.)
Marcus Maye - 56.4
Justin Evans - 57.5

Looks like Jameis was our highest rated player with Tyrann Mathieu close behind. Interior offensive and defensive line need to be addressed. Call Suh. Call Malcolm Brown.

We got good ratings from all our receivers as well. That's definitely a position of strength and the coaching staff needs to recognize we're a passing team. Kamara is much more of a passing catch back then he is a between the tackles runner. Ingram is still good but he isn't what he used to be, so truth is we don't have that kind of back anymore. We need to throw to open up the run...not the opposite. We're not built for it.

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Thanks for the info rez. I’m surprised by a few of the grades. I thought ingram hit the holes well and with good quickness for him. His low rating must have been largely because of the fumble. It sure we be nice to have a guy like D Samuel or Patterson to help the run game. I would not mind if a 2nd or third round pick was used for a young RB stud if the right guy is out there.

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

I am glad we won, but the fact that we almost lost to what many consider the worst team in the league is strong evidence for why we should have kept our 2023 1st round pick as insurance. If the ball bounces a different way and we start the season with a loss to Atlanta, or if one of those free releases gets Winston injured instead of Prescott, its not hard to see a team that can lose to Atlanta week 1 and depends on a lot of veterans with scary injury histories ending up with the #1 overall pick. Olave was good but was our #3 receiver. Penning fought teammates in camp and then got injured. Having two first round picks was not critical, it wasn't the difference in this game. The salary one was paid could have got us another veteran who might have made similar impact, or a 2nd round pick could have made a few timely catches like Olave made. We have to keep playing to win, but I hate losing that pick because there is no consolation prize if we lose, and realistically Tampa is going to be a lot better than Atlanta. I don't buy any argument that Atlanta is very underrated, maybe they are the worst team in the league or maybe not, but they are definitely bottom 5-10. We are lucky we opened with the homecoming game.

Winston is a high ceiling QB and performed as well as any QB not named Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes. His injury scare reminds us that we need to protect him better. I continue to believe that Dennis Allen is a bigger question mark than Jameis Winston, based on their previous records with the top job in the NFL, and based on their qualifications coming into a top job in the NFL. Winston showed what he can do if the offense is suited to the personnel and the wide receivers are not all undrafted free agents and low level journeymen. Allen ran the wrong offense for 3 quarters, tried to impose a bruising running game with a makeshift oline and dink and and dunk without any dinkers or dunkers. Allen oversaw a team that committed a lot of dumb penalties and poor clock management. I did not see a team that was clean in its execution or wise in its strategy, I saw a team that was coached like a 4-12 Raiders outfit just playing ball and not sweating the details, which was then carried to a win at the end on the backs of Winston's arm and the receivers hands. Hopefully Allen will focus on the details and execution, word on discipline and clock management, and let Winston cook on offense.

Taysom Hill has always been very talented as a ball carrier. But from his history we know he has been made of glass. Every game he suits up we should consider a blessing. Building too much of the offense around him would be a mistake due to his lack of durability. The 4th quarter offense based on trusting our receivers and QB to make big plays is more sustainable. Gadget plays with Taysom will be more effective if we use them sparingly enough that that catch opponents by surprise and leave him fresh, while if we keep going back to those plays when one works, they will stop working and we will lose Hill.

Its not a plus that all of our points were scored by players coming off serious injuries. Its a risk. Maybe next week most of our points will be scored by players facing criminal charges in ongoing investigations. Not good either.

We have a lot of versatile weapons on our offense. Kamara is a threat at WR. Johnson can play TE/WR. Hill can play TE/FB/QB. Given all this versatility we shouldn't need as much depth as other teams at those positions and didn't see much need for Trainwreck Smith or Adam Troutman and neither caught a pass. I wonder if their roster spots might better be utilized on extra depth at oline. We could make Smith available for trade at the cost of a conditional 2025 7th round pick based on blocking statistics and if nobody takes him, we could offer him a job as an assistant WR coach to teach people who can get open and catch how to block better. Juwan Johnson's hurdle was awesome.

Kyle Pitts had 7 targets for 2 receptions. This is why you don't draft a TE that early. Yeah yeah yeah he could change the position blah blah blah. Playing TE in the NFL is different, you are exposed, defenseless, stretched out to make the grab over the middle, with the scariest men on the planet bearing down on you. Nobody can predict who can endure that and still perform well enough to justify that high of a pick. The odds are Pitts wont. He's more likely to change sports medicine with some surgery he has after doing some Michael Jordan bs to make an amazing catch midfield and then getting drilled.

2021 Jameis Winston > 2022 Aaron Rodgers. 2022 Aaron Rodgers is suffering due to lack a proven WR but still has a couple high draft pick WRs and mid level free agents with past success. 2021 Jameis Winston had undrafted free agents and bottom of the barrel failed journeymen who planned to retire and play Lacrosse before the Saints paid them to slap on a uniform. Jameis Winston could have made some noise last year with the receivers Rodgers has this year.

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Well, you had a lot to say there bako. Some I agree with. But, as normal, you are expressing things mostly from a glass half empty perspective IMO. Ball bounces are a part of all games. Allen needs to be credited for keeping his team focused. One of our first round picks caught a big 2 point conversion; the other will be much needed help to the O-line you just maligned.

A big part of the issue (and I heard this expressed throughout coverage this weekend) is that fewer preseason games and less participation in playing them by starters has made for “rusty” play to start the season by many teams. Some on offense, some on D. Saints scored the 6th most points in the league ALL on offense and that’s with missing a easy FG. (we’d be tied for 4th then). The RBs all averaged over 4 YPC. Atlanta games are usually slugfests. There is plenty good to take from this apart from a “W” that we got because the ball bounced our way.

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

I think Atlanta is better than what they’re being given credit for. They’re really just missing weapons at the WR position and an above average QB. Mariota is just average. More than anything styles make fights, and their style gave our defense issues early on. Offensively it was just a poorly called game until the 4th Quarter. We’re a passing team. Gotta accept that.

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

A quick video to put a bow on week #1 vs Atlanta ...

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Michael Thomas, a man possessed
 

Re: Michael Thomas, a man possessed
 

Re: Michael Thomas, a man possessed
 

:moon::rofl:

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

So it was a non-called penalty ... :bng:

Is Taysom looking for a statue next to Gleason's?

What fueled New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas after 20-month absence
 

What fueled New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas after 20-month absence

Mike Triplett
ESPN Staff Writer

https://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?im...570&format=jpg

METAIRIE, La. -- One of Dennis Allen's first acts as head coach of the New Orleans Saints was to fly to Los Angeles this offseason and get to know receiver Michael Thomas a little better.

Thomas had dinner with Allen and his wife. And they spent time learning about each other's mindsets and expectations and what makes them "tick," according to Thomas, who called it a "great bonding experience."

Allen , who previously served as Saints defensive coordinator, said it was important because he simply hadn't been around Thomas as much as other players in recent years because he was rehabbing the left ankle injury that wiped out his entire 2021 season.

Allen also identified that a healthy relationship with his enigmatic and electrifying superstar would be as important as Thomas' healthy return to the field.

Sure enough, Thomas delivered in a huge way during Allen's first win Sunday, catching two touchdown passes in the second half while New Orleans rallied for a 27-26 victory over the division-rival Atlanta Falcons . And Thomas' first words after the game were, "I love this organization, I love these teammates, I love my team."

This offseason was a far cry from last summer, when the Saints and Thomas were at odds over his decision to delay ankle surgery until June. There has been an unmistakable change in Thomas' mentality.

Thomas said he "100%" feels a greater appreciation after an absence of nearly 20 months between games.

"You can't take it for granted," Thomas told ESPN. "Once the Saints offered me my second deal [before the 2019 season], that was an agreement to be out here, to add value to this team, to keep the Saints hanging banners and competing for championships. And I have a big role on this team.

"So, to not be out there and add that value, whenever you get that second chance I always told myself to take full advantage of it and find a way to always give back."

You can see that approach in Thomas' media interviews, social media usage and interaction with teammates. Those close to him say it has been evident behind the scenes as well.

"He's in a great space," Saints quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry, who previously served as Thomas' position coach, said. "I think he appreciates the game a little bit more. Not that he didn't at first, but I think the game just means a hell of a lot to him. You know, he missed playing. You could tell that with his energy, his focus, when he's out here competing."

Allen said Thomas has "done everything that we've asked him to do."

"Mike's been great," Allen said. "... He just wants to win. And he's hyper focused on being the best he can be for this football team."

NOT MANY DOUBTED Thomas would come back with a vengeance. He has attacked his entire football career that way, earning a reputation as one of the NFL's most intense competitors, fueled by every perceived slight.
But that competitive fire is both legendary and notorious.

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees once compared Thomas to Darren Sproles as rare teammates who treated every practice rep like it was the Super Bowl. Former coach Sean Payton once joked he felt like he got hit by a car when he made the mistake of standing in as the defensive back across from Thomas during a walk-through session.

It's the mindset that led him to an NFL-record 149 catches and the Offensive Player of the Year award in 2019 -- helping the 6-foot-3, 212-pounder live up to the "Can't Guard Mike" Twitter handle he created for himself at Ohio State.

Read the rest here ...

Re: What fueled New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas after 20-month absence
 

I would have thought a 96 Million dollar contract to play football pretty good fuel. But hey, that’s just me.

Re: What fueled New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas after 20-month absence
 

I wouldn't want a player that is fueled by the money. But, hey, that's just me. Or is it? I would hope that money is the least driving force for the players on my team.

Re: What fueled New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas after 20-month absence
 

So, you don’t believe in honoring a contract. Not surprising.

Re: What fueled New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas after 20-month absence
 

Now where the hell did I say that?

:confused:

I want every player on my team to be fueled by the desire to win. I want them to be driven by the desire to be great. I want them to want to be a great teammate. I don't want them to be in it for the money. Apparently you disagree. You think the money should be their most important motivation? More so than all the other more noble motivations?

Okay.

Re: What fueled New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas after 20-month absence
 

Honoring contracts in the NFL is bunk. NFL teams sign contracts all the time that they have no intention of honoring. Teams will cut players in a hot minute as long as its expedient and doesn't damage their salary cap.

As such, I have no problem with NFL players demanding more guarantees, and bogarting their way into better situations when teams balk. It's a business and a livelihood for players, not just a slavish devotion to a team like we fans have.

And exactly where did MT13 not honor his contract. The player was injured and the recommended course of action for recovery didn't work as expected. That's not breaking a contract.

While I understand fans want to see their favorite players, the fact that they are unavailable doesn't make those players horrible people and contract breakers.

SFIAH

Re: What fueled New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas after 20-month absence
 

No, it’s called work ethic. You agree to do a job you are paid to do then you do it. None of these players play for free. They don’t play if they are not under contract. They hold out if they feel underpaid. But he is hardly underpaid. I NEVER said it was the most important factor. It’s a matter of integrity
in doing your best.

Re: What fueled New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas after 20-month absence
 

That’s why I said That’s just me. I fully well realize that I don’t work and live in the NFL world. I also fully realize that many of these players are prima donnas. I also fully realize that the billionaire owners are only looking out for themselves and trying to scam us fans of every dollar.

My point, that was apparently too subtle for some of you to catch, was that it’s fairly ridiculous IMO to write an article about what fuels a man that is getting paid that much money to play a friggin child’s game. More important people go out and do much more important jobs than that for much less money and they do it with pride and honor and don’t need to be fueled by anything much more than the paycheck.

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Re: What fueled New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas after 20-month absence
 

:rofl::moon::rofl:

:band:

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Good stuff vs Atlanta but I'm on to the Bucs, Bowles, and Brady.

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Neither.... it was what they are paid to do...:dunce:

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons
 

Yup. This is the team that our roster was built to beat. We've managed pretty successfully so far. I am becoming less and less concerned with Brady. We can get to him. We always have and his line is the weakest he has ever played behind.

Re: Observations from the Saints come-behind win against Falcons