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Advantage Saints!

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; 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, ...

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Old 01-10-2010, 09:14 PM   #1
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Re: Advantage Saints!

Originally Posted by Belair57 View Post
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.
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Old 01-10-2010, 09:34 PM   #2
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Re: Advantage Saints!

Originally Posted by D_it_up View Post
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.
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Old 01-10-2010, 09:51 PM   #3
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Re: Advantage Saints!

Originally Posted by Belair57 View Post
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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Old 01-10-2010, 09:51 PM   #4
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Re: Advantage Saints!

Originally Posted by Belair57 View Post
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.
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