We're gonna lose... :(

SaintFanInATLHELL · 09-05-2004, 09:20 AM

I guess it\'s finally time to weigh in against the haters.

Somehow there\'s the impression that Seattle\'s offensive talent is all world and the Saints have chopped liver.

I did something simple: looked at last year\'s stats. And here\'s my conclusion: the teams are very closely matched on both sides of the ball. Some numbers then some observations:

1) QB\'s are even. Same QB rating. Hasselbeck threw for slightly more yards and TDs, but had double the picks of Brooks.

2) Deuce edges out Alexander in everything but TDs.

3) Seattle\'s O had a 4 point scoring edge over the Saints last year.

On the defensive side of the ball over a 16 game season the defenses were dead even. Same scoring, Same total YPG. However Seattle gave up 40 YPG more in the air than the Saints. Of course the Saints gave up 30 more YPG on the ground.

Both teams were -1 in total turnovers.

So here are my observations:

1) It\'s going to be close with similar offenses and defenses.

2) The game is going to come down to who can control the ball, who doesn\'t turn it over and most importantly who doesn\'t give up the big play.

3) I believe that the Saints have upgraded offensively talenwise. Boo and Stallworth should be on the field for the vast majority of the game. Henderson/M. Lewis/Boo may end up being the difference in terms of the big play. I\'ll take our
4th receiver over anybody\'s nickel back or linebacker all day long.

4) It may come down to to coaching. Unfortunately for the Saints that\'s where the cupboard is most bare. But Pease can make a different all by himself if he can get his D-Line (the deepest in the league) to dominate the way we know they can.

So predictions: The offense is efficient and has the two big plays required to win the game. The defense gives up a lot of yards to Hasselbeck and Alexander but limits the big plays and counteracts with a positive turnover ratio.

Saints 24 - Seattle 17

SFIAH

09-05-2004, 09:20 AM	#15
SaintFanInATLHELL The Professor Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lithonia, GA Posts: 2,781	We're gonna lose... :( I guess it\'s finally time to weigh in against the haters. Somehow there\'s the impression that Seattle\'s offensive talent is all world and the Saints have chopped liver. I did something simple: looked at last year\'s stats. And here\'s my conclusion: the teams are very closely matched on both sides of the ball. Some numbers then some observations: 1) QB\'s are even. Same QB rating. Hasselbeck threw for slightly more yards and TDs, but had double the picks of Brooks. 2) Deuce edges out Alexander in everything but TDs. 3) Seattle\'s O had a 4 point scoring edge over the Saints last year. On the defensive side of the ball over a 16 game season the defenses were dead even. Same scoring, Same total YPG. However Seattle gave up 40 YPG more in the air than the Saints. Of course the Saints gave up 30 more YPG on the ground. Both teams were -1 in total turnovers. So here are my observations: 1) It\'s going to be close with similar offenses and defenses. 2) The game is going to come down to who can control the ball, who doesn\'t turn it over and most importantly who doesn\'t give up the big play. 3) I believe that the Saints have upgraded offensively talenwise. Boo and Stallworth should be on the field for the vast majority of the game. Henderson/M. Lewis/Boo may end up being the difference in terms of the big play. I\'ll take our 4th receiver over anybody\'s nickel back or linebacker all day long. 4) It may come down to to coaching. Unfortunately for the Saints that\'s where the cupboard is most bare. But Pease can make a different all by himself if he can get his D-Line (the deepest in the league) to dominate the way we know they can. So predictions: The offense is efficient and has the two big plays required to win the game. The defense gives up a lot of yards to Hasselbeck and Alexander but limits the big plays and counteracts with a positive turnover ratio. Saints 24 - Seattle 17 SFIAH
	Super Bowl Championships: New Orleans Saints:1, Carolina:0, Atlanta Chokers: STILL ZERO Only Atlanta choked in an unchokable situation... Life is definitely good.