WhoDat

Whew... don't know what to say about this one, except thank goodnes we won it. Here's what I think this week.

The Good
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The first props have to go to John Carney, whose aging leg won this game for the Saints - hey Jim maybe you shuold think about using him earlier.

Second, team character gets an A. Two weeks in a row the Saints were down real late and battled back to win. Maybe, just naybe, they are finally starting to believe. Ugly, close, I don't care just win baby. Keep it up boys.

Third, the offensive line gets major props for turning things around this week. They were good in pass protection and finally better in the running game. They still weren't dominating, but they opened holes for the first time this season.

Fourth, to Aaron Stecker who showed he can play as a starter in this league. Let's not anyone start thinking there's a controversy here. I saw a few plays where I thought Deuce would have bounced off a guy and gone for big gains where Stecker got tackled for minimal gains or losses. Still, the guy played well and made the Rams pay when the line opened holes. At least we have a capable fill in for Deuce and maybe now Deuce will start playing like Deuce again if he feels some heat.

Fifth, to Aaron Brooks. This was not his best game. He missed some wide open throws that would have been TDs and put this game away early - that really disappointed me b/c you get so few opportunities like that in this league you have to capitalize when you get them. However, he played poised and smart and made plays when it mattered. He captained this team with Deuce out and a defense who couldn't help him out. He gets props.

Sixth, to Charles Grant who has me saying Darren who?

The Bad
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The defense is still just bad. Say what you will about not allowing a whole lot of rushing yards but the Rams really didn't test them. Even with good pressure the secondary left people so open I could have hit them. Further, why does this feel a whole lot like deja vu? Anyone remember the 2002 season? The defense hasn't held a team under 20 yet and they collapse in the second halves of games always giving up the lead late and forcing the Saints offense to bail them out. With this weak schedule there is no reason this team cannot be 6-2 after 8 - exactly their record 2 years ago before they tanked to 9-7 finish as the offense just couldn't keep bailing the defense out and scoring 30 every week... and hopnig to have the ball last ot win.

The Ugly
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Jim Haslett you get this honor again. What the F are you thinking not kicking either tim eon 4th down in the first quarter? Carney makes one of those two and it doesn't take OT to win that one. AB and John Carney may have saved the season and saved your job today - but you don't deserve it.

Also to you Venturi. Where are all those clowns now who were talking about Venturi being head coach now? Your defense is allowing an average of close to 25 points a game and they came into todays game with the Rams ranked 29th in the league. This defense is just flat horrible and you better get it together or you will be the downfall of this team.



Overall I thought the win was a great one. The offense and special teams looked great. The run D, what little we saw looked better, but I don't know how much you can say about that. I love that the Saints are playing mistake free football, but it also scares me. I wonder if they can keep it up. If the offense starts turning the ball over or those near misses start mattering in games, we're screwed. This defense gets worse as the game wears on and gives up yards, points, and the lead like it's their job. It feels a whole lot like '02 to me right now. The good news is, this team can and should be 5-3 or 6-2 at the break.