D_it_up

As much as it pains me to type this, I have to give major props to the Redskins. Especially these three people:

1. London Fletcher. He had the screen sniffed out and pretty much made Darren Sproles a non-factor. What can I say about the guy? He's possibly been one of the most underrated linebackers in the NFL for a long time. He is just a cerebral player that makes plays. No flash, just substance.

2. RG3. This goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway. He looked like he's been in the NFL for years. I've heard people say that they threw everything in their offensive game plan at him and focused on the plays in which he was stronger. Whatever they did, it worked. He controlled the game from the onset. He made intelligent plays and came through with clutch passes when needed.

3. Jim Haslett. I want to break my own fingers for even typing his name, but truth be told, his defensive game plan made our Cadillac offense look like a Yugo. The Redskins were able to bust through a porous offensive line and get pressure on Brees. The secondary seemed to always be in position and played excellent coverage. I know that players should get the majority of the credit for making the necessary plays, but the scheme set up by Haslett was extremely effective. Spags had a plan, too. The Saints' defense just didn't execute.

These are some things about the Saints that really bothered me:

1. They are really going to miss Robert Meachem this year. His ability to stretch the field was obviously absent, because no one really stepped up in that category.

2. The entire team seemed almost emotionally drained. There just wasn't any fire or urgency on either side of the ball. Too many mental mistakes (false starts, holding calls, dropped passes, blown coverages, etc.).

3. As much as I hate to admit it, but the loss of Payton for the year is going to be bigger deal than I wanted to believe. None of the coaching staff looked to be chewing on as much tail as they should have when the team was making these mistakes. That needs to change. If it doesn't, and soon, it is going to be a very, VERY long season.

I'm not giving up after one game, but I do know that there is a ton of improvement that needs to be made, and they need to make those improvements YESTERDAY!

People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.