USA TODAY - NFL Computer Rankings

foreverfan · 10-07-2010, 11:43 AM

This is a pretty fair analysis of the teams.

Saints ranked #9 and has played the #30 hardest schedule so far.

# 6 Atlanta
#20 Tampa
#28 Carolina

NOTE: The Baltimore Ravens 3-1 have played the hardest schedule so far and are ranked #4.

pherein · 10-07-2010, 01:20 PM

The truth is Saints are still #1. I have done break downs and comparisons of OL,QB,WR core,RB Core, TE, SP, DS, DL, and LB core, on many sites, and apart from a mediocre LB core and DL there really isn't a team , objectively, with as much proven talent, depth and consistency, then the Saints.

Even with a struggling OL,DL, and concentration problems the Saints are winning games the way most teams do in the NFL. We are playing like a normal Good team and not like the legend our offense has amassed over 4 years.

As proof of this statement I submit exhibit A: Every team and fan forum site I visit easily accepts that the Saints will score 30-40 pts on them. If you were a fan of a different team, people would laugh at you if you posted that. Not the Saints, every team is terrified of our offense because of the 4 years of doing it.

Now every team is just afraid the sleeper will awaken, because they all know the team hasn't changed. We are being down graded because we are winning like a normal good team. Ive watched the packers , they don't look amazing, they just look like a normal good team.

All of these are rated above us:
Ravens 17 Steelers 17
Colts 28 JAC 31 ( I mean really and they are ranked higher?)
Texans 31 Raiders 28
Failclowns 16 whinners 14

I think we all know the Failclowns are not better than the Saints. Apart from a fluke FG, and even with 3 TO's , we beat that team. We'll prove that later in the season, they know it also.

My point is, the Saints have a history ( not one season) of playing amazing offense, and its not uncommon to have a string of normal games after playing at such a high level.

I agree with the power rankings, except for the Colts and Falcons, that just doesn't make sense.

But I would warn the NFL about making snap judgements and not understanding that our bad play is equil to most of the NFL's top ten normal play. Nothing changed, and the sleeper will awaken, it always has for 4 years and always will with this team.

JKool · 10-07-2010, 03:20 PM

I guess, I agree that we are a pretty darned good team. This is always a bit odd for me to say after the number of years you would have to defend even a milder version of this sort of claim.

I do, however, think we have some areas of serious concern (even without the injury bug). Of course, I'm interested in hearing opinion on the following, but here are my worries:

(1) Outside of Vilma, our LBs are mediocre at best. We did nothing to improve here and we needed some work even last year.

(2) If Ellis hadn't stepped up his game, the DL would look much worse than it does. Outside of Smith (and "new" Ellis) this group is certainly not in the upper 60% of DLs in the league.

(3) We are not strong on OL outside of our guards. Being great at guard does not usually translate to having a great OL. Both tackles are passable in my opinion (i.e. there are far worse, but there are also far better). Also, Goodwin is ok, but not great. He gets by on quick thinking as much as physical ability.

(4) I'm confused by our offensive play calling this year. We seem to focus on what has worked for us the last three years, rather than adapt to actual game dynamics. E.g. short pass isn't working in the first quarter to supplement the run. Rather than adjusting our strategy, we just keep trying to make it work. Of course, Brees, et. al., are just that good that we can squeak by.

On an unrelated note: I think I missed something. Why are we sitting Heartly? Because he missed one critical kick? I'm just not feelin' the switch back to Carney. Someone make this ok for me. =D

Halo · 10-07-2010, 03:35 PM

FIRST - JKOOL WHERE THE HECK HAVE YOU BEEN??

Good to see you. Miss you man.

Hartley missed a game winning field goal against the Falcons. He missed a few against the Vikings and kicked the game winning FG against the 49ers, but it was tipped which was probably the only reason why it went in.

1) I agree, we actually downgraded that position (IMHO) when we let Fujita head off the the Browns.

2) I think our DL is doing a good job because our defense has so many looks and realistically we contained Atlanta and stuffed Carolina. Everyone points to the Atl game that we gave up 220 plus yards on the ground, but that was over 5 quarters, 4 quarters and overtime. The offense kept the Defense on the field all game long (3 and out).

3) totally agree, o-line took one step backwards this year. I'm seeing Drew scramble and have half the time he had last year in the pocket.

4) I agree to a degree, but we also have dropped passes and turned the ball over more than people would suspect. I agree our offense is either run, short pass, DEEP BALL DEEP BALL - and I'm not a fan of that myself.

Originally Posted by JKool

I guess, I agree that we are a pretty darned good team. This is always a bit odd for me to say after the number of years you would have to defend even a milder version of this sort of claim.

I do, however, think we have some areas of serious concern (even without the injury bug). Of course, I'm interested in hearing opinion on the following, but here are my worries:

(1) Outside of Vilma, our LBs are mediocre at best. We did nothing to improve here and we needed some work even last year.

(2) If Ellis hadn't stepped up his game, the DL would look much worse than it does. Outside of Smith (and "new" Ellis) this group is certainly not in the upper 60% of DLs in the league.

(3) We are not strong on OL outside of our guards. Being great at guard does not usually translate to having a great OL. Both tackles are passable in my opinion (i.e. there are far worse, but there are also far better). Also, Goodwin is ok, but not great. He gets by on quick thinking as much as physical ability.

(4) I'm confused by our offensive play calling this year. We seem to focus on what has worked for us the last three years, rather than adapt to actual game dynamics. E.g. short pass isn't working in the first quarter to supplement the run. Rather than adjusting our strategy, we just keep trying to make it work. Of course, Brees, et. al., are just that good that we can squeak by.

On an unrelated note: I think I missed something. Why are we sitting Heartly? Because he missed one critical kick? I'm just not feelin' the switch back to Carney. Someone make this ok for me. =D

Halo · 10-07-2010, 03:39 PM

Sure would be nice if we could have a link to it so we could actually read it...

Originally Posted by foreverfan

This is a pretty fair analysis of the teams.

Saints ranked #9 and has played the #30 hardest schedule so far.

# 6 Atlanta
#20 Tampa
#28 Carolina

NOTE: The Baltimore Ravens 3-1 have played the hardest schedule so far and are ranked #4.

JKool · 10-07-2010, 04:01 PM

Heya Halo!

(Been busy with job related moves and etc. I do check in somewhat regularly, but haven't had a lot of time to really say anything. Miss you all, of course.)

Thanks for the thoughts on Hartley. I haven't been able to actually see all the games, so that makes me feel much better about the decision.

Seems that we are in agreement (perhaps not surprisingly) with regard to the current trouble spots on the team. Are there others that you see that I didn't list?

As long as we're winning, it is hard to be too concerned. However, I am just still scratching my head that we didn't try to upgrade the LB position. I know there are some promising youngsters (some of whom are injured), but when we blitz as often as we do, we really need an upgrade here. We can't just keep sending DBs.

Also, I'm a bit confused by the constant praise our OL gets. Yep, they're tough and scrappy, but we are just not strong at T or C. I'm not sure how (what I think is) an obvious weakness is kept so well hidden. Of course, in part, it is Brees ability to get rid of the ball and our (usual) skill in the short passing game that hides the problems. I think though the OL will start to show its troubles over the course of the season. I also expect we will try and get at least one OT at some point next offseason.

Halo · 10-07-2010, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by JKool

I'm not sure how (what I think is) an obvious weakness is kept so well hidden.

SHHHHHHHHHH don't tell anybody!

exile · 10-07-2010, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by JKool

Also, I'm a bit confused by the constant praise our OL gets. Yep, they're tough and scrappy, but we are just not strong at T or C. I'm not sure how (what I think is) an obvious weakness is kept so well hidden. Of course, in part, it is Brees ability to get rid of the ball and our (usual) skill in the short passing game that hides the problems. I think though the OL will start to show its troubles over the course of the season. I also expect we will try and get at least one OT at some point next offseason.

I hate to agree JK but I do. Our OL is a worry but the weapons hide that fact. Bush and Pierre being out have hurt the OL in the past few weeks. Next year's draft has to include a stud LT.

foreverfan · 10-07-2010, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by Halo

Sure would be nice if we could have a link to it so we could actually read it...

OOPPSSS...

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/nfl10.htm

10-07-2010, 03:35 PM	#4
Halo Site Donor MONTHLY Join Date: May 2002 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 20,602 Blog Entries: 45	FIRST - JKOOL WHERE THE HECK HAVE YOU BEEN?? Good to see you. Miss you man. Hartley missed a game winning field goal against the Falcons. He missed a few against the Vikings and kicked the game winning FG against the 49ers, but it was tipped which was probably the only reason why it went in. 1) I agree, we actually downgraded that position (IMHO) when we let Fujita head off the the Browns. 2) I think our DL is doing a good job because our defense has so many looks and realistically we contained Atlanta and stuffed Carolina. Everyone points to the Atl game that we gave up 220 plus yards on the ground, but that was over 5 quarters, 4 quarters and overtime. The offense kept the Defense on the field all game long (3 and out). 3) totally agree, o-line took one step backwards this year. I'm seeing Drew scramble and have half the time he had last year in the pocket. 4) I agree to a degree, but we also have dropped passes and turned the ball over more than people would suspect. I agree our offense is either run, short pass, DEEP BALL DEEP BALL - and I'm not a fan of that myself. Originally Posted by JKool I guess, I agree that we are a pretty darned good team. This is always a bit odd for me to say after the number of years you would have to defend even a milder version of this sort of claim. I do, however, think we have some areas of serious concern (even without the injury bug). Of course, I'm interested in hearing opinion on the following, but here are my worries: (1) Outside of Vilma, our LBs are mediocre at best. We did nothing to improve here and we needed some work even last year. (2) If Ellis hadn't stepped up his game, the DL would look much worse than it does. Outside of Smith (and "new" Ellis) this group is certainly not in the upper 60% of DLs in the league. (3) We are not strong on OL outside of our guards. Being great at guard does not usually translate to having a great OL. Both tackles are passable in my opinion (i.e. there are far worse, but there are also far better). Also, Goodwin is ok, but not great. He gets by on quick thinking as much as physical ability. (4) I'm confused by our offensive play calling this year. We seem to focus on what has worked for us the last three years, rather than adapt to actual game dynamics. E.g. short pass isn't working in the first quarter to supplement the run. Rather than adjusting our strategy, we just keep trying to make it work. Of course, Brees, et. al., are just that good that we can squeak by. On an unrelated note: I think I missed something. Why are we sitting Heartly? Because he missed one critical kick? I'm just not feelin' the switch back to Carney. Someone make this ok for me. =D
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10-07-2010, 03:39 PM	#5
Halo Site Donor MONTHLY Join Date: May 2002 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 20,602 Blog Entries: 45	Sure would be nice if we could have a link to it so we could actually read it... Originally Posted by foreverfan This is a pretty fair analysis of the teams. Saints ranked #9 and has played the #30 hardest schedule so far. # 6 Atlanta #20 Tampa #28 Carolina NOTE: The Baltimore Ravens 3-1 have played the hardest schedule so far and are ranked #4.

10-07-2010, 04:01 PM	#6
JKool 1000 Posts + Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 2,423	Heya Halo! (Been busy with job related moves and etc. I do check in somewhat regularly, but haven't had a lot of time to really say anything. Miss you all, of course.) Thanks for the thoughts on Hartley. I haven't been able to actually see all the games, so that makes me feel much better about the decision. Seems that we are in agreement (perhaps not surprisingly) with regard to the current trouble spots on the team. Are there others that you see that I didn't list? As long as we're winning, it is hard to be too concerned. However, I am just still scratching my head that we didn't try to upgrade the LB position. I know there are some promising youngsters (some of whom are injured), but when we blitz as often as we do, we really need an upgrade here. We can't just keep sending DBs. Also, I'm a bit confused by the constant praise our OL gets. Yep, they're tough and scrappy, but we are just not strong at T or C. I'm not sure how (what I think is) an obvious weakness is kept so well hidden. Of course, in part, it is Brees ability to get rid of the ball and our (usual) skill in the short passing game that hides the problems. I think though the OL will start to show its troubles over the course of the season. I also expect we will try and get at least one OT at some point next offseason.
	"... I was beating them with my eyes the whole game..." - Aaron Brooks

10-07-2010, 04:06 PM	#7
Halo Site Donor MONTHLY Join Date: May 2002 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 20,602 Blog Entries: 45	Originally Posted by JKool I'm not sure how (what I think is) an obvious weakness is kept so well hidden. SHHHHHHHHHH don't tell anybody!

10-07-2010, 04:14 PM	#8
exile Cake or Death? Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3,608	Originally Posted by JKool Also, I'm a bit confused by the constant praise our OL gets. Yep, they're tough and scrappy, but we are just not strong at T or C. I'm not sure how (what I think is) an obvious weakness is kept so well hidden. Of course, in part, it is Brees ability to get rid of the ball and our (usual) skill in the short passing game that hides the problems. I think though the OL will start to show its troubles over the course of the season. I also expect we will try and get at least one OT at some point next offseason. I hate to agree JK but I do. Our OL is a worry but the weapons hide that fact. Bush and Pierre being out have hurt the OL in the past few weeks. Next year's draft has to include a stud LT.
exile Cake or Death? Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3,608

10-07-2010, 11:43 AM	#1
foreverfan 12,000 BS Posts Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metairie, LA Posts: 13,457 Blog Entries: 5	USA TODAY - NFL Computer Rankings This is a pretty fair analysis of the teams. Saints ranked #9 and has played the #30 hardest schedule so far. # 6 Atlanta #20 Tampa #28 Carolina NOTE: The Baltimore Ravens 3-1 have played the hardest schedule so far and are ranked #4.

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10-07-2010, 01:20 PM	#2
pherein failclownHunter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: N.O. and V.A. Posts: 2,260 Blog Entries: 3	The truth is Saints are still #1. I have done break downs and comparisons of OL,QB,WR core,RB Core, TE, SP, DS, DL, and LB core, on many sites, and apart from a mediocre LB core and DL there really isn't a team , objectively, with as much proven talent, depth and consistency, then the Saints. Even with a struggling OL,DL, and concentration problems the Saints are winning games the way most teams do in the NFL. We are playing like a normal Good team and not like the legend our offense has amassed over 4 years. As proof of this statement I submit exhibit A: Every team and fan forum site I visit easily accepts that the Saints will score 30-40 pts on them. If you were a fan of a different team, people would laugh at you if you posted that. Not the Saints, every team is terrified of our offense because of the 4 years of doing it. Now every team is just afraid the sleeper will awaken, because they all know the team hasn't changed. We are being down graded because we are winning like a normal good team. Ive watched the packers , they don't look amazing, they just look like a normal good team. All of these are rated above us: Ravens 17 Steelers 17 Colts 28 JAC 31 ( I mean really and they are ranked higher?) Texans 31 Raiders 28 Failclowns 16 whinners 14 I think we all know the Failclowns are not better than the Saints. Apart from a fluke FG, and even with 3 TO's , we beat that team. We'll prove that later in the season, they know it also. My point is, the Saints have a history ( not one season) of playing amazing offense, and its not uncommon to have a string of normal games after playing at such a high level. I agree with the power rankings, except for the Colts and Falcons, that just doesn't make sense. But I would warn the NFL about making snap judgements and not understanding that our bad play is equil to most of the NFL's top ten normal play. Nothing changed, and the sleeper will awaken, it always has for 4 years and always will with this team.
	Saints proved that pigs could fly in 2009. Now its time for another miracle SuperBowl and go where no pig has gone before. Last edited by pherein; 10-07-2010 at 01:50 PM..

10-07-2010, 03:20 PM	#3
JKool 1000 Posts + Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 2,423	I guess, I agree that we are a pretty darned good team. This is always a bit odd for me to say after the number of years you would have to defend even a milder version of this sort of claim. I do, however, think we have some areas of serious concern (even without the injury bug). Of course, I'm interested in hearing opinion on the following, but here are my worries: (1) Outside of Vilma, our LBs are mediocre at best. We did nothing to improve here and we needed some work even last year. (2) If Ellis hadn't stepped up his game, the DL would look much worse than it does. Outside of Smith (and "new" Ellis) this group is certainly not in the upper 60% of DLs in the league. (3) We are not strong on OL outside of our guards. Being great at guard does not usually translate to having a great OL. Both tackles are passable in my opinion (i.e. there are far worse, but there are also far better). Also, Goodwin is ok, but not great. He gets by on quick thinking as much as physical ability. (4) I'm confused by our offensive play calling this year. We seem to focus on what has worked for us the last three years, rather than adapt to actual game dynamics. E.g. short pass isn't working in the first quarter to supplement the run. Rather than adjusting our strategy, we just keep trying to make it work. Of course, Brees, et. al., are just that good that we can squeak by. On an unrelated note: I think I missed something. Why are we sitting Heartly? Because he missed one critical kick? I'm just not feelin' the switch back to Carney. Someone make this ok for me. =D
	"... I was beating them with my eyes the whole game..." - Aaron Brooks

10-07-2010, 04:57 PM	#9
foreverfan 12,000 BS Posts Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metairie, LA Posts: 13,457 Blog Entries: 5	Originally Posted by Halo Sure would be nice if we could have a link to it so we could actually read it... OOPPSSS... http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/nfl10.htm