It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope?

08-28-2017, 05:04 PM

Yes it's ONLY preseason BUT I see improvement in areas that were huge weaknesses over the past 3-4 years. That's what I look for in preseason. We can get to the QB, which we haven't seen in preseason for years. The individual players are doing their jobs and don't look sloppy. I see intensity in the defense which I haven't seen in years.
The DBs look better. Not only does it look like we have better and more experienced players in the backfield it looks like they will do their job better because of the guys up front.

Also, all things considered the injury bug has not hit us as bad so far.
Armstead was to be expected, I never had much hope for Breauxs miss diagnosed vagina, and I figured Lattimore would be out a good bit. Unger was my main concern but it looks like he will be back in time.
Am I excited we are winning in preseason? No not really. I do think the players needed some wins for confidence and to break the losing streak but as far as winning, I'm not taking too much from it.
The sacks and blowout has me excited.
I just hope the offense does what it's been doing the last 10 years. If so we can sneak into the playoffs.

Papa Voodoo · 08-28-2017, 05:13 PM

I have no stats or data, but my eyes are telling me from seeing them play that this team is going to be good and fun to watch. They look like the 09-11/13 teams.

AsylumGuido · 08-28-2017, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by Papa Voodoo

I have no stats or data, but my eyes are telling me from seeing them play that this team is going to be good and fun to watch. They look like the 09-11/13 teams.

The eye test. Yup. That what I pointed out too, Papa. It doesn't matter who they are playing, what I am seeing is speed and intensity that I haven't seen in years.

Danno · 08-28-2017, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by SaintFanInATLHELL

Point is that 3-1 or even 2-2 may not be too damaging depending on the mix of wins and losses.

The Saints season is the final 7 games. 4 division, 6 conference, 5 common opponents. That's winning time.

SFIAH

Looking at the schedule objectively 2-2 after four is probably the odds on bet.

I'm thinking 10-6 is likely, 11-5 wouldn't surprise me, 9-7 would be disappointing.

So if we go 2-2 after 4, I expect 8-4 after that easily (barring excessive injuries like last year)

spkb25 · 08-28-2017, 07:02 PM

Wait and see approach but we have never looked this good in preseason. The Defense always seems to be in better position than in the past. Never can tell by preseason, really, but at the same time there is reason to like what we see. If we looked bad I'd be talking about that too. There is hope, really good reasons to believe we are better than we have been the last 3 seasons.

SaintFanInATLHELL · 08-28-2017, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by Danno

Looking at the schedule objectively 2-2 after four is probably the odds on bet.

Probably, even though the best 2-2 would be losses in the 2 AFC games, which I believe is unlikely. I also wouldn't be thrilled with either starting 0-2 with a must win situation on the road against Carolina, or any scenario that includes a Carolina loss.

So while 2-2 may be an objective peak, I'm pinning my hopes on a 3-1 start with wins both in Minnesota and Carolina.

I'm thinking 10-6 is likely, 11-5 wouldn't surprise me, 9-7 would be disappointing.

Agreed. 9-7 means faltering down the stretch. That would not be good.

So if we go 2-2 after 4, I expect 8-4 after that easily (barring excessive injuries like last year)

I'm going with 3-1 to start and 9-3 to finish with at least a 5-1 record in the division. I agree with others that the defense is passing the eyeball test. I don't see the Saints having 4 minute drill problems this season as in the past. More of those "Oops!" losses will be "Yeah Baby!" wins.

SFIAH

WillMacKenzie · 08-28-2017, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by Danno

Looking at the schedule objectively 2-2 after four is probably the odds on bet.

I'm thinking 10-6 is likely, 11-5 wouldn't surprise me, 9-7 would be disappointing.

So if we go 2-2 after 4, I expect 8-4 after that easily (barring excessive injuries like last year)

I think 2-2 out of the gate is the key, no less for sure. And I think they may even surprise with more, the way they're improved on special teams as well!

SaintFanInATLHELL · 08-28-2017, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by WillMacKenzie

I think 2-2 out of the gate is the key, no less for sure. And I think they may even surprise with more, the way they're improved on special teams as well!

Maybe some are giving Miami more props than they deserve. I just don't chalk up playing Cutler on a neutral field as an L.

Given that, and the presumption of a L to the Pats (which personally I'm not ready to concede), then a 2-2 record means a loss to either the Panthers or the Vikes. Both are tough as they are road games. And both have formidable defenses. But what exactly do the 2-2 callers see in these two squads that chalks up either as a definite loss?

That's why I believe in the 3-1 start. While I concede that the game against the Pats is going to be tough, I'm not giving up on any of the three road games until the final score is in. Looks to 2013. Brees' offense + improved defense = wins.

3 road wins point up with a bullet.

SFIAH

WillMacKenzie · 08-28-2017, 07:36 PM

I keep forgetting about the run game as well, if the D holds up in the 2 minute periods AND we can run out the clock, I don't think any road game scares me

jeanpierre · 08-28-2017, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by AsylumGuido

The eye test. Yup. That what I pointed out too, Papa. It doesn't matter who they are playing, what I am seeing is speed and intensity that I haven't seen in years.

Bingo! Team is responding to the message, and part of that is getting new, inspired messengers (assistant coaches) to deliver the team message and keep the troops focused and on-task!

08-28-2017, 05:04 PM	#21
Threaded by The Dude 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 9,048 Rating: (0 votes - average) Yes it's ONLY preseason BUT I see improvement in areas that were huge weaknesses over the past 3-4 years. That's what I look for in preseason. We can get to the QB, which we haven't seen in preseason for years. The individual players are doing their jobs and don't look sloppy. I see intensity in the defense which I haven't seen in years. The DBs look better. Not only does it look like we have better and more experienced players in the backfield it looks like they will do their job better because of the guys up front. Also, all things considered the injury bug has not hit us as bad so far. Armstead was to be expected, I never had much hope for Breauxs miss diagnosed vagina, and I figured Lattimore would be out a good bit. Unger was my main concern but it looks like he will be back in time. Am I excited we are winning in preseason? No not really. I do think the players needed some wins for confidence and to break the losing streak but as far as winning, I'm not taking too much from it. The sacks and blowout has me excited. I just hope the offense does what it's been doing the last 10 years. If so we can sneak into the playoffs. AsylumGuido likes this.
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08-28-2017, 05:13 PM	#22
Papa Voodoo 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,633	Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope? I have no stats or data, but my eyes are telling me from seeing them play that this team is going to be good and fun to watch. They look like the 09-11/13 teams. AsylumGuido likes this.

08-28-2017, 05:58 PM	#23
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 26,220	Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope? Originally Posted by Papa Voodoo I have no stats or data, but my eyes are telling me from seeing them play that this team is going to be good and fun to watch. They look like the 09-11/13 teams. The eye test. Yup. That what I pointed out too, Papa. It doesn't matter who they are playing, what I am seeing is speed and intensity that I haven't seen in years. Danno and Papa Voodoo like this.

08-28-2017, 06:03 PM	#24
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,720	Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope? Originally Posted by SaintFanInATLHELL Point is that 3-1 or even 2-2 may not be too damaging depending on the mix of wins and losses. The Saints season is the final 7 games. 4 division, 6 conference, 5 common opponents. That's winning time. SFIAH Looking at the schedule objectively 2-2 after four is probably the odds on bet. I'm thinking 10-6 is likely, 11-5 wouldn't surprise me, 9-7 would be disappointing. So if we go 2-2 after 4, I expect 8-4 after that easily (barring excessive injuries like last year) WillMacKenzie likes this.

08-28-2017, 07:02 PM	#25
spkb25 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 13,097	Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope? Wait and see approach but we have never looked this good in preseason. The Defense always seems to be in better position than in the past. Never can tell by preseason, really, but at the same time there is reason to like what we see. If we looked bad I'd be talking about that too. There is hope, really good reasons to believe we are better than we have been the last 3 seasons. Danno, Papa Voodoo and dam1953 like this.

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08-28-2017, 07:10 PM	#26
SaintFanInATLHELL The Professor Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lithonia, GA Posts: 2,773	Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope? Originally Posted by Danno Looking at the schedule objectively 2-2 after four is probably the odds on bet. Probably, even though the best 2-2 would be losses in the 2 AFC games, which I believe is unlikely. I also wouldn't be thrilled with either starting 0-2 with a must win situation on the road against Carolina, or any scenario that includes a Carolina loss. So while 2-2 may be an objective peak, I'm pinning my hopes on a 3-1 start with wins both in Minnesota and Carolina. I'm thinking 10-6 is likely, 11-5 wouldn't surprise me, 9-7 would be disappointing. Agreed. 9-7 means faltering down the stretch. That would not be good. So if we go 2-2 after 4, I expect 8-4 after that easily (barring excessive injuries like last year) I'm going with 3-1 to start and 9-3 to finish with at least a 5-1 record in the division. I agree with others that the defense is passing the eyeball test. I don't see the Saints having 4 minute drill problems this season as in the past. More of those "Oops!" losses will be "Yeah Baby!" wins. 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.

08-28-2017, 07:14 PM	#27
WillMacKenzie 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,627	Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope? Originally Posted by Danno Looking at the schedule objectively 2-2 after four is probably the odds on bet. I'm thinking 10-6 is likely, 11-5 wouldn't surprise me, 9-7 would be disappointing. So if we go 2-2 after 4, I expect 8-4 after that easily (barring excessive injuries like last year) I think 2-2 out of the gate is the key, no less for sure. And I think they may even surprise with more, the way they're improved on special teams as well!

08-28-2017, 07:26 PM	#28
SaintFanInATLHELL The Professor Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lithonia, GA Posts: 2,773	Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope? Originally Posted by WillMacKenzie I think 2-2 out of the gate is the key, no less for sure. And I think they may even surprise with more, the way they're improved on special teams as well! Maybe some are giving Miami more props than they deserve. I just don't chalk up playing Cutler on a neutral field as an L. Given that, and the presumption of a L to the Pats (which personally I'm not ready to concede), then a 2-2 record means a loss to either the Panthers or the Vikes. Both are tough as they are road games. And both have formidable defenses. But what exactly do the 2-2 callers see in these two squads that chalks up either as a definite loss? That's why I believe in the 3-1 start. While I concede that the game against the Pats is going to be tough, I'm not giving up on any of the three road games until the final score is in. Looks to 2013. Brees' offense + improved defense = wins. 3 road wins point up with a bullet. SFIAH spkb25 likes this.
	Super Bowl Championships: New Orleans Saints:1, Carolina:0, Atlanta Chokers: STILL ZERO Only Atlanta choked in an unchokable situation... Life is definitely good.

08-28-2017, 07:36 PM	#29
WillMacKenzie 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,627	Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope? I keep forgetting about the run game as well, if the D holds up in the 2 minute periods AND we can run out the clock, I don't think any road game scares me

08-28-2017, 10:22 PM	#30
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope? Originally Posted by AsylumGuido The eye test. Yup. That what I pointed out too, Papa. It doesn't matter who they are playing, what I am seeing is speed and intensity that I haven't seen in years. Bingo! Team is responding to the message, and part of that is getting new, inspired messengers (assistant coaches) to deliver the team message and keep the troops focused and on-task!

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