New Orleans Saints better than most 3-1 teams

Halo · 10-10-2010, 10:57 AM

If you are worried about the Saints’ less-than-pretty start, calm down.

No, New Orleans has not resembled the juggernaut that won its first five games of 2009 by double digits, averaging 38 points. Sure, Drew Brees’ average per pass attempt is down an alarming yard-and-a-half from last season (from 8.5 to 7.1). With all four games decided by five or fewer points, the Saints could be 0-4 or 4-0.

Just be glad they are 3-1. No team in the NFL is 4-0, and Kansas City, the last remaining unbeaten, won’t get there after losing at Indianapolis today.

Almost all of the eight other 3-1 teams have struggled just as much or more than the Saints and have bigger problems. Don’t believe me? Check out their results.

1) Chicago – The Bears won their first three by a combined 15 points before imploding against the New York Giants, allowing 10 sacks. They had only six first downs.

2) Green Bay – the Packers lost to the Bears and almost blew a 28-14 lead at home to Detroit last Sunday. The Lions kicked four second-half field goals to pull within 28-26 and had a first down at the Green Bay 38 with 7:00 left before stalling.

3) Atlanta – The Falcons beat the Saints in overtime only after Garrett Hartley hooked a 29-yard field goal at the end of regulation. They beat San Francisco only after Nate Clements fumbled at the Falcons’ 7 on an interception return with 1:20 left when the 49ers were leading 14-13.

READ THE REST AND FINAL ANALYSIS AT THE EXAMINER

10-10-2010, 10:57 AM	#1
Halo Site Donor MONTHLY Join Date: May 2002 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 20,860 Blog Entries: 45	New Orleans Saints better than most 3-1 teams If you are worried about the Saints’ less-than-pretty start, calm down. No, New Orleans has not resembled the juggernaut that won its first five games of 2009 by double digits, averaging 38 points. Sure, Drew Brees’ average per pass attempt is down an alarming yard-and-a-half from last season (from 8.5 to 7.1). With all four games decided by five or fewer points, the Saints could be 0-4 or 4-0. Just be glad they are 3-1. No team in the NFL is 4-0, and Kansas City, the last remaining unbeaten, won’t get there after losing at Indianapolis today. Almost all of the eight other 3-1 teams have struggled just as much or more than the Saints and have bigger problems. Don’t believe me? Check out their results. 1) Chicago – The Bears won their first three by a combined 15 points before imploding against the New York Giants, allowing 10 sacks. They had only six first downs. 2) Green Bay – the Packers lost to the Bears and almost blew a 28-14 lead at home to Detroit last Sunday. The Lions kicked four second-half field goals to pull within 28-26 and had a first down at the Green Bay 38 with 7:00 left before stalling. 3) Atlanta – The Falcons beat the Saints in overtime only after Garrett Hartley hooked a 29-yard field goal at the end of regulation. They beat San Francisco only after Nate Clements fumbled at the Falcons’ 7 on an interception return with 1:20 left when the 49ers were leading 14-13. READ THE REST AND FINAL ANALYSIS AT THE EXAMINER Attached Thumbnails