blacksaint

Posted by Jimmy Smith,
Times-Picayune September 27, 2007


It didn't happen overnight, some in-the-dark transformation that turned the Saints offensive line into a porous, unrecognizable front.

"We're not getting the job done," offensive right tackle Jon Stinchcomb said. "Obviously our running game has struggled, and we haven't provided a pocket where Drew feels comfortable. We're three games in and we haven't figured it out yet.

"Sure, there's a constant in there. This player is breaking down on this play, and the next play it's somebody else. We just can't have that. It points to one thing on each play that just isn't happening for us. And until we clean it up, we'll struggle."

Coach Sean Payton points to circumstances that evolved in the team's first three games, all losses, that have contributed to some spotty play along the offensive front.

"I think to some degree you've seen us in situations throwing more than a year ago at this time," Payton said. "I bet if you took passing attempts after three games last year and passing attempts after three games this year, that number would be considerably different."

Through three games last season, Drew Brees had thrown 99 passes, completing 62 for 714 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Through the first three games in 2007, Brees has thrown 130 times, completing 83 for 677 yards, one touchdown and seven interceptions.

"The job description changes when you become a little bit more one-dimensional," Payton said. "That is the one area that jumps out at me. We've played some good fronts and some good rush ends. We'll continue to work on some things and detail the little things to improve.

"I have to do a better job to give us some throws that come out quicker and take a little pressure off of those guys. I don't think they've gotten bad overnight either. Partly because of falling behind early in those two games and then becoming more one-dimensional, we have to have a little bit better balance."

TIME OFF: After Wednesday's practice, the Saints have scheduled four days away from the Airline Drive practice facility.

They won't return to practice until Monday, an extra work day in preparation for the next game Oct. 7 against Carolina.

NO MEETING REQUIRED: Brees said although no formal players-only meeting has been held, there has been plenty of discussion among the group regarding the Saints' 0-3 beginning.

"We've talked a lot among our team, no coaches," Brees said. "The more we talk, the more I look around this locker room. We've got the right guys, the right type people. You see so many guys who are down after this one in particular, because it means so much to them. That's what you want. You want guys that care, who aren't going to be satisfied with the point we're at now. We all understand how good we can be."



Saints offensive struggles on going issue - New Orleans Saints Beat - Times-Picayune NFL - NOLA.com

saint4life
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mikesaintfan

perhaps keeping karney in to aid in pass protect might be a good idea

blacksaint

Good statement. Why do we have arguably the best fullback (I got to give Lo Neal his respect) in the league and he's only on the field for 45 or 50% of the offensive plays. I think we have no choice but to play Karney more with Bush being the main back now, it has to make sense to Payton and the rest of the coaching staff. PLEASE PLAY MIKE KARNEY MORE!