Re: Observations from the Saints Loss to the Cardinals
 

Let’s not forget that D really didn’t stop Cards all game. They didn’t punt until 3rd or 4th qtr.

Re: Observations from the Saints Loss to the Cardinals
 

I forgot one thing:

* Cesar Ruiz is a different player than last year (yeah I know I keep saying it), much improved in the pass but especially in the running game. A lot of our longer gains inside seems to happen behind him. I especially like him when he pulls because he can move.


I liked the way he hustled after the ball on the INTs. Especially this one even thou he didn't get there.

Re: Observations from the Saints Loss to the Cardinals
 

If you wish to think so, so be it. I'll go on believing in my team, supporting my team, and cheering them on in my seats. I fully believe once we start getting back key players next weekend we'll get on a roll.

:bng:

Re: Observations from the Saints Loss to the Cardinals
 

When you lose key pieces on the backend (Lattimore, Alonte Taylor, Adebo, Maye & PJ Wiliams), it changes things on defense.

Re: Observations from the Saints Loss to the Cardinals
 

My Post Mortem Monday takeaways...
I’ve had a lot of pondering (and sobering up) to do after last week’s TNF debacle. Here are my thoughts:
The Uppers
- Shaheed is a rising star. Less is not more. Get him out there and stretch the field.
- Our DB’s. Say what you will about the score. The fact remains that these 2nd and 3rd string guys actually played a game without its starters and still manage to keep Murray to 204 yds passing and only 1 TD. You lose your top 3 DB’s and still come away with those numbers and it’s a plus in my eyes.
- Olave is legit. Expecting great production weekly now and he delivers.
- I’ve seen enough to safely say that Ruiz finally gets it. Not sure what changed, but I love the transition from turnstile to roadblock.

The Downers
- Not one but TWO Pick 6’s! Remove that from the score and the Saints win! Doesn’t matter who’s responsible for them anymore. The TO’s are murdering any chances we have of winning.
- STILL no pressure on the QB. The amount of time these opposing QB’s have when we only rush 4 DL’s is absurd and basically giving chances to make something out of nothing, which is essentially good coverage on passing plays.
- Why wasn’t there double coverage on DHop? You leave a backup out on an island in man on what is arguably one of the best players in the game (post suspension rust or not). We were lucky not to get burned for a lot more than his 103 yds.
- AK 41 is the best weapon we have. But we are now 7 games in and he has ZERO TD’s. What gives Beav? Statistics show that when he scores, the Saints win. Period. Make the call and put the ball in his hands!

Mixed Bag
- The NFC (Dirty) South sucks and at this point anyone can win it. That means that this season is far from over. Saints need to play like it.
- In the words of Donald Rumsfeld, addressing a soldier’s complaint about a lack of equipment going into battle: “You go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have at a later time.”
Complaining about the loss of Ceedy and others, future draft currency or bemoaning the good ol’ days of Drew gone by, is losing sight of what can be controlled, which is this team now! Only time will tell if this team will actually start to gel, or if this is a rework in progress. I’m not a cheerleader and never been a ‘glass-half-full’ guy, but I’ve always been a realist. Personally, I like our talent. I see a league that Brady and Rodgers are struggling, yet friggin’ Geno Smith, and back up QB’s are playing winning football. We still have a shot at making some noise. Stranger things have happened in the NFL!

Re: Observations from the Saints Loss to the Cardinals
 

It's abundantly obvious we don't have the D from last year. That's 100% on management and coaching .

Re: Observations from the Saints Loss to the Cardinals
 

I agree with ALL of that! Excellent takes!

Re: Observations from the Saints Loss to the Cardinals
 

- I realize that there didn't seem to be a lot of pressure on Murray at QB, but I believe that was by design. We looked to have basically the same plan we used on Mariota early in the season by trying to contain him instead of trying to sack him. Our defense limited Murray to 30 yards rushing with him coming off a 100 yard game a few days earlier.

- I believe the lack of touches for Taysom had to do with how the Saints seem to design plays tailored to specific players. I expect that both Taysom and now Shaheed fall into that category. Once we got down by two scores in likely took their designed plays out of play and we just don't draw up plays in the dirt.

Re: Observations from the Saints Loss to the Cardinals
 

Re: Observations from the Saints Loss to the Cardinals
 

I have an alibi:
- Force feeding Callaway was a costly mistake! He's got potential but needs work. I wonder if we can bring in Colston to coach him up?