BillyCarpenter1

Record 7-2
09/08 26-20 W at TB
09/15 35-20 W GB
09/22 29-23 W at CHI
09/29 21-26 L at DET
10/06 32-29 W PIT
10/13 43-27 W at WAS
10/20 35-27 W SF
10/27 35-37 L ATL
11/10 34-24 W at CAR


Record 2-5
11/17 17-24 L at ATL
11/24 15-24 L CLE
12/01 23-20 W TB
12/08 37-25 W at BAL
12/15 31-32 L MIN
12/22 13-20 L at CIN
12/29 6-10 L CAR


Looking at the first half of the season we beat quality teams such as: Tampa, Green Bay, and the 49'ers. The offense averaged 28.4 pts. per game and the defense allowed 23.2 pts per game.

In the second half of the season the only quality team we beat was the Bucs. The offense averaged 20.2 pts per game and the defense allowed 22.1 pts per game.


The defense actually improved in points allowed but the offense wasn't as productive. The biggest reason I see that the offense struggled is the reason most teams struggle at some point in the season. Injuries.

Look at the players that were injured on offense in the second half of the season:

1. Duece
2. Pathon
3. Brooks

While some teams can over come injuries better than others because they have better back-ups, I hardly think any team can maintain their high level of play with injuries to their starting QB, RB, and one of their best receivers.

I'm sure there were other reasons that the offense struggled down the stretch, but I don't think anyone can say injuries didn't play a big part.

Hopefully we will not have the injuries at the skill postions this year, but if we do, I do not feel comfortable with the depth at running back. The QB position I feel pretty good with, if all the good things I've read about Bouman are true. At the receiver position, we're about as deep as it gets, so I fell comfortable there.

Some teams defenses are so good that they actually win games for their teams , which was not the case last year for the Saints defense.

Given our scoring ability on offense and our great special teams, if our defense can hold teams to a respectable number, we are capiable of beating any team on the schedule.

When I look at areas of improvement this year, this is the order I see it in:

1. Defense
2. Coaching (adjustments, play calling, etc..)
3. Brooks ( must not make as many mistakes)

Realistically speaking, Brooks should have a good year if he and the other players on offense stay healthy.

Denfense is a different story. This is anyones guess, but I'm guessing they will be improved this year. They don't have to be great. If they can just bend and not break. If they can just hold the other teams to field goals most of the time, I think we will come out winners more times than not.