blacksaint

Posted by David Gladow
August 18, 2007 6:20PM

Most Saints fans you talk to only care that the team corrects errors and improves its overall play. They don't care about wins. To say that you folks understand the true concept of the preseason is an understatement. I'm looking for the same kind of improvement.

The big question is whether the team can show any improvement on special teams. The Bengals are notoriously bad on special teams, so improvements would have to be taken with a grain of salt, but it would still be a positive sign.

I'm blogging from Fat Harry's this go around, interacting with the fans and taking some video that will be posted later tonight. I must say I enjoy the local watering holes in this town - y'all have got a lot of good here, and it's important not to lose sight of that.


Truthfully, this team has shown signs of coming around, and after last year everyone knows what the team is capable of anyway. So optimism abounds. Let's just see what happens tonight.

Here are some more pregame observations:

-- Marques Colston sitting is a good idea. Anyone with a pulse can see that. But not mentioned is the positive affect it will have on tonight's rotations - the fringe guys trying to make the team will get more time. As will rookie Robert Meachem, who needs as much time as he can get.

-- The secondary did a little better last game, but not much. An upward trend has to continue for this team to do well. Plus, it would help if they stopped giving up the big play in the running game. It's been like this for the run defense: 0, 0, -1, 2, 30. Those big gains kill all those little ones. Gotta get that under control.

-- I don't want to see too much of the playbook or regulars, but a little more face time would be fun. It makes the whole preseason experience a little easier to bear.

-- Lastly, look to the offensive line for some improvement. It's only been so-so thus far, and it would be nice to see Deuce and Reggie break some longer ones.

1st Quarter

My Jazz Burger at Fat Harry's was a confluence of taste sensations. Not sure what to think exactly, but I do know the fries are great ... The game is underway with a quick completion for Carson Palmer. This Cinci passing game will be a great test for the secondary, which needs to start performing better ... The run defense comes through again, but let's make sure they don't give up another huge gainer later before bestowing any awards.

That successful screen pass to Reggie Bush is exactly what this offense needs. It's not too fancy a call or anything that might reveal tendencies, but it's designed to get Bush in space, which is always a good thing. Plus, it can provide a needed spark to the starting offense, which could use a touchdown drive or two ... The playaction has been nice to the Saints thus far -- can we expect more of that this year? ... The quick slant to Copper was a thing of beauty, and it set up the burst up the middle for a touchdown from Deuce. Frankly, that was a drive of the kind of plays we needed to see. This is the New Orleans of 2007. Saints 7, Bengals 0.

If I were the Bengals, I would not use Rudi Johnson at all the rest of this preseason. He's looking good, but with Kenny Irons out for the year and Chris Perry hobbled (as usual), they have zero depth there ... Doug McKenzie (The Predator) breaks up the long pass on a nice play. Again, that's what we need to see ... The run defense, which has looked dominant at times this preseason, looks simply okay now. The no-huddle could be giving them problems, but the tackling needs to be better ... Well done by Jason David on the coverage. He looked to be right on time in deflecting the ball away and forcing the field goal. Saints 7, Bengals 3.

Once again, it may mean very little in the grand scheme of things (probably less than a Lindsay Lohan "rehab" stint), but it's still good to see the team do well. The kick return by Lance Moore helped re-establish the special teams and gives the team something to build on. Moore seems to have entrenched himself as a return specialist ... David Patten makes a rare appearance! Somebody must have duct-taped him back together for this game ... Olindo looked steady and solid on that kick. Nice drive. Saints 10, Bengals 3.

Game Blog: Saints vs. Bengals, 1st Quarter - David Gladow - New Orleans Sports

saint4life
(504)

maximkat

Who is this guy?

blacksaint

It's supposed to be Mike (THE PREDATOR) McKenzie

maximkat

sorry i should have put my sarcasm flag up black.

blacksaint

My bad Maxi, I should've pick that up.