Advantage Saints!

Belair57 · 01-10-2010, 08:33 PM

I get that, but im just not sold on the ability of our Def to pull it all back together, a week before the playoffs. The Bucs kicked our Ars for god sake. I just dont think we are as good as some may say or think. I know that sounds REAAALLLY messed up to say, and not to be a debbie downer, but HOW, someone please tell me how the Defense is going to look like they did 8 weeks ago. Its been two months, lots of injuries, and three deflating losses that has me very skeptical. I know those injured are back, and I hate even thinking like that or saying it, but there is alot of cheese being ate about our D and their is nothing that says is going to put it together when they havent in 8 weeks. It can be blamed on injuries, sure, but when a guy goes down, his backup should be able to step in. Ours didnt, that says something. or am i way off. I want to be convinced, tell me honestly if my logic is off, sell me, pleeaaaasee

AsylumGuido · 01-10-2010, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by Belair57

I get that, but im just not sold on the ability of our Def to pull it all back together, a week before the playoffs. The Bucs kicked our Ars for god sake. I just dont think we are as good as some may say or think. I know that sounds REAAALLLY messed up to say, and not to be a debbie downer, but HOW, someone please tell me how the Defense is going to look like they did 8 weeks ago. Its been two months, lots of injuries, and three deflating losses that has me very sceptical. I know those injured are back, and I hate even thinking like that or saying it, but there is alot of cheese being ate about our D and their is nothing that says is going to put it together when they havent in 8 weeks. It can be blamed on injuries, sure, but when a guy goes down, his backup should be able to step in. Ours didnt, that says something. or am i way off. I want to be convinced, tell me honestly if my logic is off, sell me, pleeaaaasee

We had no less than nine of 22 starters miss much of the last five games. All nine are back and will be starting. As with all NFL teams, there is a marked difference between starters and backups. Sure, you can replace one, but when you are missing five it is another story.

Relax!

DblBogey · 01-10-2010, 08:41 PM

By Mike Sando
NFL Nation Blog - ESPN

Three things to know about next Saturday's Cardinals-Saints divisional playoff game:

1. Kurt Warner can be the difference. Warner played about as good as a quarterback can play Sunday. The Cardinals might need more of the same to keep pace with Drew Brees and the Saints in New Orleans.

Sometimes the Arizona offense looks even better without Anquan Boldin. That makes little sense, but with Warner running the offense, even an unproven second-year pro such as Early Doucet can become a downfield threat.

The Cardinals had a 14-0 lead against the Packers before Larry Fitzgerald touched the football.

Give Warner much of the credit. He has repeatedly played his best in the postseason. His performance Sunday marked the sixth time Warner has passed for at least 300 yards in the postseason, tying the NFL record shared by Peyton Manning and Joe Montana.

2. Arizona should be able to pound the ball on the ground. The Saints were at their best when they jumped out to big leads and prevented opposing teams from running the ball.

The Cardinals can score enough points to keep the game close. That should help them lean on Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower and a ground game that has gained traction throughout the season.

The Saints allowed at least 131 yards rushing in eight games during the regular season. They allowed at least 161 yards four times.

3. The pressure is on the Saints in this one. The Saints were the best team in the league for parts of the regular season. They faltered late, raising doubts. A one-and-done showing in the playoffs would render their season a failure.

The Cardinals are playing with house money. They've won four playoff games since last season. Conventional wisdom seemed to suggest the Packers would beat them in the wild-card round. Green Bay almost pulled it off, but Arizona's offense could not be stopped.

The Cardinals have to like their chances.

D_it_up · 01-10-2010, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by Belair57

It can be blamed on injuries, sure, but when a guy goes down, his backup should be able to step in. Ours didnt, that says something. or am i way off. I want to be convinced, tell me honestly if my logic is off, sell me, pleeaaaasee

I think your logic is quite a bit off, actually. When Porter and Greer were healthy and starting, they were a very effective duo. It allowed Sharper to rove the field and be there for the big interceptions. Harper's number was called a lot on blitzes and run support. Turnovers were created, because the defensive schemes were a lot more aggressive.

When Porter and Greer were injured, that left the Saints starting an untested rookie who had his good moments, but should really be regulated to a nickel or dime role, at best. The third best corner on the team, Randall Gay, was battling injuries of his own (hamstring, concussion). Mike McKenzie played well in an inspired first game back against the Pats, but regressed in later games. The cornerback depth was exposed, so linebackers were having to aid against the pass more, and Sharper and Harper were having to play out of position to make up for the deficiencies at corner. Blitzing decreased and this allowed the Saints to be picked apart on the pass and bowled over on the run. As I posted in another thread, the return of both Porter and Greer in the secondary is going to be a major factor in the Saints' defense returning to their early season form.

I understand your concern, because the defense did look pretty horrendous in the last several games after the Patriots game. However, I think we may all be in for a pleasant surprise this Saturday. Look for Gregg Williams to unleash the hounds and put constant pressure on Kurt Warner the majority of the game.

Belair57 · 01-10-2010, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by D_it_up

I think your logic is quite a bit off, actually. When Porter and Greer were healthy and starting, they were a very effective duo. It allowed Sharper to rove the field and be there for the big interceptions. Harper's number was called a lot on blitzes and run support. Turnovers were created, because the defensive schemes were a lot more aggressive.

When Porter and Greer were injured, that left the Saints starting an untested rookie who had his good moments, but should really be regulated to a nickel or dime role, at best. The third best corner on the team, Randall Gay, was battling injuries of his own (hamstring, concussion). Mike McKenzie played well in an inspired first game back against the Pats, but regressed in later games. The cornerback depth was exposed, so linebackers were having to aid against the pass more, and Sharper and Harper were having to play out of position to make up for the deficiencies at corner. Blitzing decreased and this allowed the Saints to be picked apart on the pass and bowled over on the run. As I posted in another thread, the return of both Porter and Greer in the secondary is going to be a major factor in the Saints' defense returning to their early season form.

I understand your concern, because the defense did look pretty horrendous in the last several games after the Patriots game. However, I think we may all be in for a pleasant surprise this Saturday. Look for Gregg Williams to unleash the hounds and put constant pressure on Kurt Warner the majority of the game.

Im buying it. It sounds great. I guess my only other concern would be them not playing together for such a long time?? You guys dont think its a concern? You think they can pick up where they left off, and Sharper picks up where he left off? I like what you say, it makes me rethink where I stand as far as being confident.

D_it_up · 01-10-2010, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by Belair57

Im buying it. It sounds great. I guess my only other concern would be them not playing together for such a long time?? You guys dont think its a concern? You think they can pick up where they left off, and Sharper picks up where he left off? I like what you say, it makes me rethink where I stand as far as being confident.

I honestly think that the time off was needed....from an injury and a mental standpoint. Winning the first 13 games was huge, and they had to endure the pressure of a possible undefeated season from our own fans and the nation. The loss to the Cowboys could have been a blessing in disguise. The Bucs loss was uncalled for, but it looks like they put it on cruise control after the first quarter and it came back to haunt them. Not playing Brees and a lot of the starters against Carolina was a good call. They basically came out of the game injury-free. I know this may sound like a lot of excuses, but this is my logic and I stick to it. lol

Having said that, we probably won't see the same Saints as we saw in their three losses. This is the playoffs. It is a new season, a new mentality, and a new attitude. I think they all understand that 13 regular season wins is irrelevant. They HAVE to play up and be ready for this game, because they know the consequences if they don't. There is no practice the next day. There is no preparation for the next opponent. There is no tomorrow. Coach Payton will have every single player believing that.

AsylumGuido · 01-10-2010, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by Belair57

Im buying it. It sounds great. I guess my only other concern would be them not playing together for such a long time?? You guys dont think its a concern? You think they can pick up where they left off, and Sharper picks up where he left off? I like what you say, it makes me rethink where I stand as far as being confident.

Actually, someone asked Greer that exact thing and he basically said that there will be no problem with all of them not having played as a unit since they all know their jobs and when they perform their jobs the whole defense will function just as it had.

01-10-2010, 08:33 PM	#1
Belair57 500th Post Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 848	Re: Advantage Saints! I get that, but im just not sold on the ability of our Def to pull it all back together, a week before the playoffs. The Bucs kicked our Ars for god sake. I just dont think we are as good as some may say or think. I know that sounds REAAALLLY messed up to say, and not to be a debbie downer, but HOW, someone please tell me how the Defense is going to look like they did 8 weeks ago. Its been two months, lots of injuries, and three deflating losses that has me very skeptical. I know those injured are back, and I hate even thinking like that or saying it, but there is alot of cheese being ate about our D and their is nothing that says is going to put it together when they havent in 8 weeks. It can be blamed on injuries, sure, but when a guy goes down, his backup should be able to step in. Ours didnt, that says something. or am i way off. I want to be convinced, tell me honestly if my logic is off, sell me, pleeaaaasee
Belair57 500th Post Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 848

01-10-2010, 08:37 PM	#2
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 26,491	Re: Advantage Saints! Originally Posted by Belair57 I get that, but im just not sold on the ability of our Def to pull it all back together, a week before the playoffs. The Bucs kicked our Ars for god sake. I just dont think we are as good as some may say or think. I know that sounds REAAALLLY messed up to say, and not to be a debbie downer, but HOW, someone please tell me how the Defense is going to look like they did 8 weeks ago. Its been two months, lots of injuries, and three deflating losses that has me very sceptical. I know those injured are back, and I hate even thinking like that or saying it, but there is alot of cheese being ate about our D and their is nothing that says is going to put it together when they havent in 8 weeks. It can be blamed on injuries, sure, but when a guy goes down, his backup should be able to step in. Ours didnt, that says something. or am i way off. I want to be convinced, tell me honestly if my logic is off, sell me, pleeaaaasee We had no less than nine of 22 starters miss much of the last five games. All nine are back and will be starting. As with all NFL teams, there is a marked difference between starters and backups. Sure, you can replace one, but when you are missing five it is another story. Relax!

01-10-2010, 08:41 PM	#3
DblBogey 500th Post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 538	Re: Advantage Saints! By Mike Sando NFL Nation Blog - ESPN Three things to know about next Saturday's Cardinals-Saints divisional playoff game: 1. Kurt Warner can be the difference. Warner played about as good as a quarterback can play Sunday. The Cardinals might need more of the same to keep pace with Drew Brees and the Saints in New Orleans. Sometimes the Arizona offense looks even better without Anquan Boldin. That makes little sense, but with Warner running the offense, even an unproven second-year pro such as Early Doucet can become a downfield threat. The Cardinals had a 14-0 lead against the Packers before Larry Fitzgerald touched the football. Give Warner much of the credit. He has repeatedly played his best in the postseason. His performance Sunday marked the sixth time Warner has passed for at least 300 yards in the postseason, tying the NFL record shared by Peyton Manning and Joe Montana. 2. Arizona should be able to pound the ball on the ground. The Saints were at their best when they jumped out to big leads and prevented opposing teams from running the ball. The Cardinals can score enough points to keep the game close. That should help them lean on Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower and a ground game that has gained traction throughout the season. The Saints allowed at least 131 yards rushing in eight games during the regular season. They allowed at least 161 yards four times. 3. The pressure is on the Saints in this one. The Saints were the best team in the league for parts of the regular season. They faltered late, raising doubts. A one-and-done showing in the playoffs would render their season a failure. The Cardinals are playing with house money. They've won four playoff games since last season. Conventional wisdom seemed to suggest the Packers would beat them in the wild-card round. Green Bay almost pulled it off, but Arizona's offense could not be stopped. The Cardinals have to like their chances.
DblBogey 500th Post Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 538	Hey Goodell . . . This year we will kick ass for free!

01-10-2010, 09:14 PM	#4
D_it_up Faqda Falcons Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ruston, Louisiana Posts: 3,465 Blog Entries: 3	Re: Advantage Saints! Originally Posted by Belair57 It can be blamed on injuries, sure, but when a guy goes down, his backup should be able to step in. Ours didnt, that says something. or am i way off. I want to be convinced, tell me honestly if my logic is off, sell me, pleeaaaasee I think your logic is quite a bit off, actually. When Porter and Greer were healthy and starting, they were a very effective duo. It allowed Sharper to rove the field and be there for the big interceptions. Harper's number was called a lot on blitzes and run support. Turnovers were created, because the defensive schemes were a lot more aggressive. When Porter and Greer were injured, that left the Saints starting an untested rookie who had his good moments, but should really be regulated to a nickel or dime role, at best. The third best corner on the team, Randall Gay, was battling injuries of his own (hamstring, concussion). Mike McKenzie played well in an inspired first game back against the Pats, but regressed in later games. The cornerback depth was exposed, so linebackers were having to aid against the pass more, and Sharper and Harper were having to play out of position to make up for the deficiencies at corner. Blitzing decreased and this allowed the Saints to be picked apart on the pass and bowled over on the run. As I posted in another thread, the return of both Porter and Greer in the secondary is going to be a major factor in the Saints' defense returning to their early season form. I understand your concern, because the defense did look pretty horrendous in the last several games after the Patriots game. However, I think we may all be in for a pleasant surprise this Saturday. Look for Gregg Williams to unleash the hounds and put constant pressure on Kurt Warner the majority of the game.

01-10-2010, 09:34 PM	#5
Belair57 500th Post Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 848	Re: Advantage Saints! Originally Posted by D_it_up I think your logic is quite a bit off, actually. When Porter and Greer were healthy and starting, they were a very effective duo. It allowed Sharper to rove the field and be there for the big interceptions. Harper's number was called a lot on blitzes and run support. Turnovers were created, because the defensive schemes were a lot more aggressive. When Porter and Greer were injured, that left the Saints starting an untested rookie who had his good moments, but should really be regulated to a nickel or dime role, at best. The third best corner on the team, Randall Gay, was battling injuries of his own (hamstring, concussion). Mike McKenzie played well in an inspired first game back against the Pats, but regressed in later games. The cornerback depth was exposed, so linebackers were having to aid against the pass more, and Sharper and Harper were having to play out of position to make up for the deficiencies at corner. Blitzing decreased and this allowed the Saints to be picked apart on the pass and bowled over on the run. As I posted in another thread, the return of both Porter and Greer in the secondary is going to be a major factor in the Saints' defense returning to their early season form. I understand your concern, because the defense did look pretty horrendous in the last several games after the Patriots game. However, I think we may all be in for a pleasant surprise this Saturday. Look for Gregg Williams to unleash the hounds and put constant pressure on Kurt Warner the majority of the game. Im buying it. It sounds great. I guess my only other concern would be them not playing together for such a long time?? You guys dont think its a concern? You think they can pick up where they left off, and Sharper picks up where he left off? I like what you say, it makes me rethink where I stand as far as being confident.
Belair57 500th Post Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 848

01-10-2010, 09:51 PM	#6
D_it_up Faqda Falcons Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ruston, Louisiana Posts: 3,465 Blog Entries: 3	Re: Advantage Saints! Originally Posted by Belair57 Im buying it. It sounds great. I guess my only other concern would be them not playing together for such a long time?? You guys dont think its a concern? You think they can pick up where they left off, and Sharper picks up where he left off? I like what you say, it makes me rethink where I stand as far as being confident. I honestly think that the time off was needed....from an injury and a mental standpoint. Winning the first 13 games was huge, and they had to endure the pressure of a possible undefeated season from our own fans and the nation. The loss to the Cowboys could have been a blessing in disguise. The Bucs loss was uncalled for, but it looks like they put it on cruise control after the first quarter and it came back to haunt them. Not playing Brees and a lot of the starters against Carolina was a good call. They basically came out of the game injury-free. I know this may sound like a lot of excuses, but this is my logic and I stick to it. lol Having said that, we probably won't see the same Saints as we saw in their three losses. This is the playoffs. It is a new season, a new mentality, and a new attitude. I think they all understand that 13 regular season wins is irrelevant. They HAVE to play up and be ready for this game, because they know the consequences if they don't. There is no practice the next day. There is no preparation for the next opponent. There is no tomorrow. Coach Payton will have every single player believing that.

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