QBREES9

Saints vs. Bucs -- analysis
It's almost noon on Friday and there is not a single ********* thread on the SSF about the game that's going to start in about 48 hours. Pathetic.

I guess I'll have to start one. I'm not going to try to do a ton, others need to come in and pick up the ball.

Serious analysis only please. If you have something substantial to add, or a great one-liner, please do.

Otherwise, stay in the shallow end.

Bucs overview

Really too soon for me to tell, honestly. I thought their biggest weakness last year was a non-descript and deteriorating OL, and I really don't see what they did in the offseason, other than bringing in some journeyman at marked-down prices. Until we get some more data (i.e., see some games), it will be hard to tell if the OL will let Garcia get any kind of rhythm with any of their WRs, primarily the flaky Galloway, who always seems to play well against us.

You'd like to think that our DL will have more success against the run this week, whether or not Cadillac Williams plays. Pittman is still a decent enough back if the holes are there, so I'm really thinking our DL matchup against their OL is more important than whether or not Williams plays.

The Bucs only got two FGs at Seattle last week. Hard to tell if it was good pitching or lousy hitting after one game, but it certainly looks like we'll have a chance to get some stops this week.

Defensively, the Bucs did all right. Monte Kiffin continues to show why he should be burned at the stake. Despite deterioration of their defensive talent over the years, it's still hard to blow these guys out. Brooks is still more than decent, and CB Ronde Barber played as well last year as he has in a while. I don't think they're as good as the Colts D showed last week. Our offense should get a chance to show its stuff and prove that last week was a mulligan.

While we'd love a cathartic blowout, I'd be happy with any win, although I'd prefer solid over fluky.

Saints 27, Bucs 13

If somebody else wants to do a better job of detailing/breaking down some matchups, or do a better job of reviewing the Bucs' offseason and prospects, please have at it.

patdog

No need, u did a great job. I got a feeling this will be Duece 1st 100yd game.

QBREES9

dude great AVATAR !!!!!!!!!!!!

You win thats the best

papz

24-23 Saints in a tight one.

The Bucs will score against our secondary. No one on this team has the speed to cover Galloway. Although their offensive line is weak, our ability to stop the run isn't great either. Caddy should be playing and will have a decent game against our front 7. The holes will be there because we can't afford to cheat our safeties up to help versus the run. Do not allow Garcia to make plays with his legs... keep him in the pocket. He's very dangerous when he buys extra time for his receivers to get open. When he does escape the pocket, regardless if we sack him or not, make sure we put a good lick on him. We need to do exactly what Seattle did in the second half last week.

Their defense is okay... not nearly as good as they use to be. They shouldn't be able to get to Brees as they don't have a sack artist anymore. Gaines Adams is still a rookie and from what I saw last week, he isn't ready. The commentators were talking about how sloppy his technique was. Still they have solid players with Brooks, Ruud, Barber, June, and Phillips. Their DT's are weak and we need to consistently pound the ball up the middle. Those 3 or 4 yards will add up and open things up for us downfield where we can burn their cover 2.

As far as an overview on the Saints, we all know our players and what they're capable of. No point in writing one. Mare better make his game winning field goal I have him kicking.

blacksaint

Yo my man, we covered the Bucs game about two games ago. But for a refresher, I got my boys in BLACK & GOLD winning 34 - 17, with Drew and THE DEUCE getting off. Also, the Defense is going to put their foot up Garcia's butt.

andersen

Saints win by 6 (23-17) That's three FG's or a missed XP. We are still worried at the end until Harper picks one in the fourth. Colston has big day, Deuce has 100, Reggie is used as decoy most of the day. Defense can stop this offense most of the day, but big plays to Galloway keeps them in the game.

LongTimeFan

Galloway has lost a step, I think we can cover him enough to beat them.
24-17

hagan714

He lost that step since last year? he burned us deep more than once

LongTimeFan

It won't happen to us this year hagan, I promise.

hagan714

holding you to it