Vrillon82

Something we just dont see often is some real hard nosed football discussions.

But I like to hear everyones take as it related to the Saints vs NFC South opponents this season and the replacement officials.


Last time the Saints got a new defensive coordinator they pretty much ran the table with the Division, only losing to Tampa and Carolina at the end of the season but they also held all opponents to some low pt totals in those games to.

Does Spags defense give the Saints advantage vs these teams offenses this season since we talking about new schemes?

Since Atl has bought in Mike Nolan, can the same be said about them? Or is their 1 qtr of play vs Baltimore just a smoke bomb?



As for replacement officials, does anyone believe that teams are doing more holding, contact, that normally results in a penalty because the officials are not calling it?

If we had the strike officials in the game, do you think the Saints defense would be more dominant? Or would we continue to see blown calls (like possibly some penalty on the Brady hit?) Which is what the Strike officials the last couple of seasons been famous for?

My opinion stands, Replacement officials get the calls right when its called, Strike officials blow almost every call it seems, although they tend to see more than what the replacement officials do.


Thoughts?

|Mitch|

Spags has a more bend but don't break defense, of course this will help with all the passing attacks around. You really can't pay to much attention to the preseason games, but you can definately tell our DBs are playing better and the Line is definately getting a lot more pressure...

Like I said, can't put too much faith in the preseason, but you can only do so much with a scheme change. And unlike us, they did absolutely nothing to improve the defense; except Asante.

They tried with Lofa, but that didn't work out. They have a 2nd year penciled in as the starter at MLB, one with 17 tackles in his career.

Our D-Line have been totally switched around from last year. We will have all new starting LBs this year and our depth in the secondary has went up significantly...

The Dude

Agreed. We have a totally revamped defense and we are DEEP at more positions than we have been in the past. Especially CB. I think we have what it takes to continue playing at a high level even if the injury bug hits which will help us down the stretch. I don't see anything the Falcons have done to improve other than hire Nolan and acquire Samual.

Clarke

Saints 11-5
Falcons 9-7
Panthers 8-8
Bucs 7-9

I would say those predictions should remain accurate within a game on either side. I think 11 wins will clinch us the division this year, no team is going to really run away with it.

pherein

pherein

Its a good post, and understand what you mean, but how can you say replacement ref are doing ok?

Watch the HOF game.

Vrillon82

I think the whole NFL is being hit by a double edge sword when it comes to officiating, I believe though one side of that sword might just be a little more dull than the other.

For example the Brady hit and fumble in the game Thursday night, I flat out crossed my fingers on flags being thrown when that happened, I would of expected it from the strike officials, even though it was all clean and legal, the strike officials are flag happy with plays like that. But we didnt see it with the replacement refs.

On the same token, replacement refs missed plenty of holding calls.


I am only saying they doing ok for the fact you cant complain about what calls they have made in these games. Strike Officials would call something stupid like they always do, you get some moron like Hochuli in there who likes to get camera time and botch a game altogether. I will agree the HOF game was a mess though.

Danno

I didn't notice much difference between the refs. The replacements were just as bad as the regulars.

SaintsBro

People need to get out there and really raise a stink about the strike officials blowing calls. Not just for the Saints but for everybody. Get on Facebook, other forums, post comments under news articles, go on other message boards and talk about it with friendly fans on other teams. Because THAT is what is actually more likely to get Goodell fired,than his mishandling of Bountygate.

They even lied about how much experience these scab officials had -- what does that tell you about Goodell, and also about their evidence in Bountygate? They're willing to stretch the truth to prove their point. Point this out to people if you are ever arguing with somebody about Bounty stuff sometime. They said they had Big 10 experience and they didn't. They said one of them was a ref for a year with the "Lingerie Football League" (I know, right?) but it turns out he was canned after only half a season with them.

No one should have ANY illusion about it, the Saints are going to be playing against the refs EVERY WEEK, as well as the other team, next season. Either by them being biased against the Saints, or just plain unintentional bungling. We will have to overcome a LOT to win.


They missed a SAFETY (holding in the end zone) and a TD by Ingram. If Ingram doesn't get it on the next play, that's a swing of 9 points which could have affected the outcome, if the game had been real. They missed a low late hit on Brees' ankle during the Patriots game -- they're horrible.

What the scab refs do is, and I really noticed this happening a lot -- something happens in the play, you have three refs right there, and they all LOOK AROUND AT EACH OTHER -- waiting for the other guy to do something or make the call. None of them want to call a touchdown unless the other one signals touchdown, too. Or throw flags. Or even spot the ball. It's totally wack.

Danno

The NFC South

I think the Saints personnel got better, but losing their coach probably puts them back to an 11-12 win team.

I don't think Atlanta got any better. The improved CB but downgraded LB. I see them staying a good but not greatteam. If they're hit by some injuries they could fall apart fast

Carolina should be better, but the common sophmore slump should keep them around 6 or 7 wins. A better team, but probably the same results record wise.

Tampa got a lot better, but they had a long way to go to start with.

Saints 11-5
Falcons 10-6
Carolina 7-9
Bucs 6-10