SaintFanInATLHELL

I was very optimistic to the naysayers in the last couple of weeks relative to the Colts. The game isn't over, but it's clear at 34-10 that the game is over.

The defense was overmatched. It's clear that David isn't yet ready to handle the responsibility of being on the island yet. He (or McKenzie for that matter) didn't look any better than GameShow (that would be Fred Thomas).

In addition I now have serious serious doubts about Simineou. When the Colts were running the ball down our throat, the guy wasn't getting off blocks and getting the back before he got to/past the second level.

But I'm most disappointed in the offense and the playcalling. It's clear to me that Coach Payton still has not learned his lesson from the Chicago game last January. The Colts were content to fall in that 2 deep shell and force Brees to throw underneath. The solution to that is to pound the ball. Don't be cute. Just hand it to Deuce and keep running it.

If you want to see how effective a strategy it is, simply look at the Colts tonight. Nothing was working in the first quarter. Then in the second they started pounding the ball. That opened up the passing game deep, and doomed our defense.

The Saints defense isn't yet talented enough to control a game. The offense is supposed to be. But once again they allowed the opposing defense to dictate their game strategy. I don't mind mixing it up, but when in doubt just run the ball downhill.

So I guess I'll suck up the loss and take a bit of shine off my optimism. It's certainly not the end of the world. It's the first game. It's an AFC team. The most damaged things that come out of the game are ego and perceived reputation.

I hope that Coach learns his lesson. I've learned mine.

I tip my hat to ssmitty in particular tonight. You called it perfectly.

SFIAH

Super Bowl Championships: New Orleans Saints:1, Carolina:0, Atlanta Chokers: STILL ZERO

Only Atlanta choked in an unchokable situation... Life is definitely good.