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Re: How bout that O-LINE

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What worked so well about the running game?

“I thought we had some good inside runs. Against a couple of the nickel fronts, we were able to get some one-back runs going. I thought we had good movement at the point of attack. We were able to run it on third down a few times, and that helped. Those are the things that stood out. I thought our guys up front did a good job of getting hats on hats and handling some of the looks that we got that were a little unique or different.”

Thanks Sean Payton in proving my point that our line did a good job run blocking.

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How pleasing was it for you to have two 90-plus-yard touchdown drives?

“I felt the first quarter of the game was played on our end and that was somewhat concerning. It seemed like we spent most of it inside our 30, so most importantly it was a chance for us to regain field position and change that. When you can come off the 1 and end up scoring a touchdown, you’re encouraged. We had good balance. We hit some plays in some play-action. We caught them in a couple of blitz looks and fortunately we were able to handle it with the protection. I thought the running backs and the offensive line did a good job with some of the oddball looks that we got defensively. Defensively, we put them on a short field when we went for it on fourth down and they came up big and came up with a stop. I thought that was important. That was an important part of the game because when you do that on fourth-and-one there is some risk involved and I’m aware of that. Our defense came out and did a good job of defending that short field. Those long drives helped, though, because generally when you have those you possess the ball for a while and the number of snaps you play on defense goes down.”

What is that Sean Payton? You thought our line did a good job picking up the blitz... helping us sustain some long drives? I see I see.

New Orleans Saints - Head Coach Sean Payton on Dec 11

Re: How bout that O-LINE

I wonder since we are tied with the Colts at #1 in the NFL at converting 3rd down should we give a little credit to the o-line. Going into the Cardinals game we are converting 50% which as stated above is tied for the best in the NFL. I think we are in managable yardage alot of the time which helps. Some of that could be because we commit the 3rd fewest offensive penalties in the NFL(good job o-line) and because we have allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL(good job human joystick Brees). So to put it in perspective on 179 3rd downs this year we picked up a 1st down 50% of the time which is tied for 1st in the NFL with the Colts thats not bad company to keep.
Well last year may be repeating itself we currently are 6th in the NFL for total offense. We are behind the cream of the crop Pats, Cowgirls, FudgePackers, and Colts. Broncos are 5th but after the game tonight I think we will pass them this weekend. I guess for all the negative talk early in the season and still now this offense is 6th in the NFL averaging 353 yds of offense per game. I guess for all the talk about needing to rebuild the o-line I just have one question. What more do you want? I'm happy with a 6th ranked offense tied for 1st in 3rd down%, allowing the fewest sacks, averaging 4 offense penalties a game. And we are doin all that with a qb with a washed out arm, 2 undrafted rbs, wr who almost made it to Mr Irrelevant, another undrafted guy at wr, and a senoir citizen as the other wr. With all that talent how could you give any credit to the o-line you were right they suck(especially the center).
Lets see if I wanted to place blame for this terrible 6-7 season I would start with dropped balls, even worse tipped balls by our wr and te that get intercepted(wish they could learn just to drop them), a big FA CB that just doesnt understand the concept of man coverage(maybe they didnt explain the concept "that is your man cover him") but in his defense for every 4 80 yd td he gives up he does get 1 interception, maybe using a kicker with a pulled groin and putting him on the field to kick 50+ yd fg.
Nah I was just kiddin. We suck because our center cant block a cornerback on a screen pass.

Re: How bout that O-LINE

remember this center was obtained in a trade with Cleveland that cost us 9 spots in the 2006 draft. Thats 35 points in value from the draft chart or 31st pick in the 4th round. I say he has played well enough to justify the trade. I am almost tempted to put the steal label on him. I would make that trade all over again in a heartbeat.
Can we get better? Yes that is the scariest part about this unit. Not by doing a lot of personnel changes but by tweaking it a bit here and there, I love were we stand after just 2 years of rebuilding.

Re: How bout that O-LINE

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I love were we stand after just 2 years of rebuilding.

Exactly. I think people tend to forget these were suppose to be rebuilding years for us. Based on the success we had last year, people are being too harsh on our players and coaches... Payton especially. He's a good coach and we've got the right man for the job. Patience... we got a glimpse last year of what we're capable of. And, the season isn't over yet.

Re: How bout that O-LINE

After the Falcons game the Saints record went to 11-0 under Payton when the Saints have at least 30 rushing attempts. Maybe this o-line can run block to if given half a chance to do so. Average 3.7 per rush attempt along with a whole handful of other teams. Vikings only team in the 5 yd / att range.

Re: How bout that O-LINE

Here's something else we're forgetting: on the other side of the offensive linemen are these guys called defensive linemen. These defensive linemen get paid millions of dollars to get to the Quarterback, just like the offensive linemen get paid millions of dollars to protect the Quarterback. My point being, BOTH LINES ARE MADE UP OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS!!! Sometimes the defensive linemen are going to win the battle...get over it.