Danno

OK, we all agree we’ve played some really sloppy football lately. Its time for some Optimism.

1. We are 3-1 and tied for the best record in the NFC. There isn’t a team in the league better than we are.

2. We have found ways to win in every game but one, and we lost that game by missing a gimmee FG.

3. Our offense has been plagued by drops. That is something we all know. These same WR’s and TE’s didn’t have that problem much last season so I think it’s a problem that can and will be corrected.

4. Our O-line has not played a good game yet, and we’re loaded with pro-bowlers. It certainly isn’t a talent issue so I also think it’s a problem that can and will be corrected, and soon.

5. Our defense is built to play with a lead. This track meet pandemonium style doesn’t do well when forced into low scoring conservative game plans. When our offense is corrected, the defense will settle into their element and resemble the frenzied havoc turnover machine it was last season.

6. We play Arizona and Tampa before we get Sharper back. Those are two very winnable games even playing as badly as we are. If the old man still has some gas left, we’ll see that secondary improve quite a bit, especially considering the experience gained by Jenkins with Sharpers absence.

7. I’m not sure exactly what Clint Ingram brings to the table, but whatever it is is likely an improvement at OLB.

8. We still have a very easy schedule compared to all the other contenders, so I can’t see us falling out of the playoffs anytime soon.

9. We’ll get Bush back in a few weeks, which will help counter the sudden onslaught of Cover-4 that we’re seeing.

10. I can see the fire returning to this team. They looked lethargic so far, but towards the end of the Panther game you could see that “us against the world” type fire return to the defense. I can’t remember Gregg Williams slamming his headset down like that before. He’s just warming up. A couple road games in hostile territory is just what this team needs to regain that fast and furious attitude we had last year.


Feel free to add any positives I may have ommitted.

papz

It's so scary to think once we get in rythmn, how dangerous of a team we will be. We are playing our worst football right now and we're 3-1. Obviously there are lot of things we can complain about right now... but you have to believe things are going to click very soon.

darstep

The amount of talent that we have, we all have been expecting a better show. To be 3-and-1 the way we have played is a plus. I hope the road trips remove hometown distractions and allows them to stay focused on the task at hand. I hope there is a realization that they have not played up to their potential and they begin to look and perform like defending Champions.

Beastmode

Ha! I saw that headgear throw down. They normally do that when the defense falls apart that's what put a smile on my face.

Agree with you on all points but to be realistic, they will get players back only to lose more unfortunately or have them banged up so to me that one is a wash.

Catching the ball though, they do that and it fixes a lot of issues...mainly kicking and critical defensive stops. You don't have to worry about that as much being up by 14 points which shoould have been the case against Carolina and the Vikings. I don't think anyone thought the Saints would have that issue but it's where they are now.

poydras

Talent? Most of our talent is on the sidelines with injuries.

Danno

True, look at this sideline talent...

Reggie Bush
Pierre Thomas
Roman Harper
Randall Gay
Darren Sharper
Clint Ingram
Chris Reis
Pierson Prioleau

All of these will be back soon.


Good point. Battle tested.

xan

I agree Danno, we could be easily 0-4, losing to crappy teams who won't go to the playoffs (save the clowns, who have just as easy a schedule as we.)

One thing I am impressed with is the Defense. Despite the injuries, they are getting things done. Every D has a breakdown or two, and our D gets burned for long TD's when that happens, but how many long drives have there been? Considering how many turnovers the offense has given and how difficult the field position situation has been for the D, the d has delivered. Now let's see if they recruit any of us to play safety, because something's in the water I don't think any of us wants to drink...

Calvin: "I wish I was a Tiger."
Hobbes: "Common lament."

darstep

Moore's touchdown was a slot screen.