Fazende on Fox: After Further Review: Five takes Saints vs. Chargers

jeanpierre · 08-26-2018, 10:07 PM

jeanpierre · 08-26-2018, 10:16 PM

By Sean Fazende | August 26, 2018 at 2:40 PM CDT - Updated August 26 at 2:40 PM
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE)

Take one: Run Defense struggles

It was a tough night for the first team defense against the run. The line had trouble holding their landmarks while the linebacker trio of Manti Te’o, A.J. Klein and DeMario Davis all struggled to shed blocks and missed tackles. This was an issue last season for this team and didn’t look good early on Saturday.

Take two: Davenport’s Debut

The rookie looked solid in his preseason debut. He finished with three tackles - one for loss and a half sack. Early in his snaps, Davenport made an athletic play on the edge on an end around. The receiver stopped to cut back inside. Davenport was able to change direction with him to make the tackle. It’s a play most guys his size can’t make.

In the second quarter, he used a quick first step to get past the left tackle and was able to dip his shoulder to turn the corner. He didn’t get the sack but affected the play. All in all, I thought it was a good start for Davenport. The key now is to build on that.

Take Three: Taysom Train back on track

This is the preseason of Taysom Hill, and Saturday was no different. Hill, the complete football player, showed up against the Chargers and made a huge impact. He had a fake punt run for a first down and a special teams tackle on a kickoff. He also went 7/8 in passing for a touchdown and ran for 35 yards and another score. It was Hill’s best effort to date. For the preseason, he’s leading the team in rushing and has completed nearly 80% of his passes.

The conundrum he puts the Saints in is that he isn’t just a guy that can play special teams. He’s literally one of their best special teams players and makes a difference when he plays there.

So, do the Saints keep him at the number three quarterback and utilize his special teams ability? Or do they make him the backup and open a roster spot elsewhere? But by doing this they’d be either risking injury by playing him on special teams or risk losing his special teams impact by not playing him there.

It’s a fascinating debate and one this team has never dealt with before. One thing I can see is Sean Payton sprinkling him into the offense in certain spots this season. That zone read on the two-point conversion can be very effective.

Take Four: Austin Carr back in the conversation

If you’ve consistently read this blog you know that I was high on Carr before camp started but became disappointed with him due to his lack of production. But now, he’s fought his way back in the mix after the last two preseason games. He had three catches Saturday and displayed his sharp route-running ability. Carr’s recent emergence only adds to the intense competition in the wide receiver room. Do they keep five? Six? It’s a legitimate debate that won’t be easy to settle. Carr is the closest to Willie Snead/ Lance Moore skillset which could set him apart in this battle.

Take Five: Other Observations

I think Boston Scott has done enough to make this team. The final numbers may or may not work in his favor, but on sheer ability Scott has proven he belongs.

Jermon Bushrod has struggled at left tackle over the last two weeks and that struggle has caused concern at the position. With the injury history of Terron Armstead, the Saints need to have a key reserve there. I’m starting to have my doubts if Bushrod is that player.

Tom Savage once again had a decent game and is the safe pick at backup quarterback. However, there was one play that demonstrated his checkdown reputation perfectly. He hit Ted Ginn Jr. on a short out route. But on the play Carr, who was lined up in the slot next to Ginn, ran a corner route over the top. Carr was open but it was a more difficult throw but would have been a much bigger gain. Ginn was also open but was a higher percentage completion for a smaller gain. Savage chose Ginn without hesitation.

Euphoria · 08-27-2018, 11:30 AM

Yes going to be tough if Brees goes down in a game and you have to tap the back up to go in...

Yeah you could have Savage as your #2 but you see that #7 who has contributed everywhere on the field and has done everything you asked of him...

K Major · 08-27-2018, 11:39 AM

Take one: Run Defense struggles

It was a tough night for the first team defense against the run. The line had trouble holding their landmarks while the linebacker trio of Manti Te’o, A.J. Klein and DeMario Davis all struggled to shed blocks and missed tackles. This was an issue last season for this team and didn’t look good early on Saturday.

I hate to

but Klein isn't starter material at the position. He continues to look bad in coverage. He's been very underwhelming.

Can we please put Demario Davis at MIKE? Don't understand the philosophy to "learn a new position". Craig can handle the weak side.

AsylumGuido · 08-27-2018, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by K Major

Take one: Run Defense struggles

It was a tough night for the first team defense against the run. The line had trouble holding their landmarks while the linebacker trio of Manti Te’o, A.J. Klein and DeMario Davis all struggled to shed blocks and missed tackles. This was an issue last season for this team and didn’t look good early on Saturday.

I hate to but Klein isn't starter material at the position. He continues to look bad in coverage. He's been very underwhelming.

Can we please put Demario Davis at MIKE? Don't understand the philosophy to "learn a new position". Craig can handle the weak side.

I can only think there is some definitive method to their perceived "madness". We have no idea what Nolan and Allen are saying and doing behind the scenes.

spkb25 · 08-28-2018, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by K Major

Take one: Run Defense struggles

It was a tough night for the first team defense against the run. The line had trouble holding their landmarks while the linebacker trio of Manti Te’o, A.J. Klein and DeMario Davis all struggled to shed blocks and missed tackles. This was an issue last season for this team and didn’t look good early on Saturday.

I hate to but Klein isn't starter material at the position. He continues to look bad in coverage. He's been very underwhelming.

Can we please put Demario Davis at MIKE? Don't understand the philosophy to "learn a new position". Craig can handle the weak side.

it doesnt help when all of your DT's are getting ass slammed down the field

K Major · 08-28-2018, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by spkb25

it doesnt help when all of your DT's are getting ass slammed down the field

San Diego O line is solid ...starting with Pouncey at Center.

spkb25 · 08-28-2018, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by K Major

San Diego O line is solid ...starting with Pouncey at Center.

I have no doubt boss, but that's no excuse for that type of ass whooping

jeanpierre · 08-28-2018, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by K Major

San Diego O line is solid ...starting with Pouncey at Center.

Chargers drafted two great guards last season and now both are healthy - San Diego, err, LA is following the Saints blueprint for pass protection - Rivers could use it...

K Major · 08-27-2018, 12:17 PM

If anyone recorded the Chargers game ...

Take a peek at Ramczyk vs Ingram. I took off my black and gold goggles & Ryan is the real deal. He's Prime time and big time at tackle. Watch him solidify the O line for the next decade.

Consistently locks up the man in front of him.

08-26-2018, 10:07 PM	#1
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Fazende on Fox: After Further Review: Five takes Saints vs. Chargers Twitter

08-26-2018, 10:16 PM	#2
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: Fazende on Fox: After Further Review: Five takes Saints vs. Chargers By Sean Fazende \| August 26, 2018 at 2:40 PM CDT - Updated August 26 at 2:40 PM NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) Take one: Run Defense struggles It was a tough night for the first team defense against the run. The line had trouble holding their landmarks while the linebacker trio of Manti Te’o, A.J. Klein and DeMario Davis all struggled to shed blocks and missed tackles. This was an issue last season for this team and didn’t look good early on Saturday. Take two: Davenport’s Debut The rookie looked solid in his preseason debut. He finished with three tackles - one for loss and a half sack. Early in his snaps, Davenport made an athletic play on the edge on an end around. The receiver stopped to cut back inside. Davenport was able to change direction with him to make the tackle. It’s a play most guys his size can’t make. In the second quarter, he used a quick first step to get past the left tackle and was able to dip his shoulder to turn the corner. He didn’t get the sack but affected the play. All in all, I thought it was a good start for Davenport. The key now is to build on that. Take Three: Taysom Train back on track This is the preseason of Taysom Hill, and Saturday was no different. Hill, the complete football player, showed up against the Chargers and made a huge impact. He had a fake punt run for a first down and a special teams tackle on a kickoff. He also went 7/8 in passing for a touchdown and ran for 35 yards and another score. It was Hill’s best effort to date. For the preseason, he’s leading the team in rushing and has completed nearly 80% of his passes. The conundrum he puts the Saints in is that he isn’t just a guy that can play special teams. He’s literally one of their best special teams players and makes a difference when he plays there. So, do the Saints keep him at the number three quarterback and utilize his special teams ability? Or do they make him the backup and open a roster spot elsewhere? But by doing this they’d be either risking injury by playing him on special teams or risk losing his special teams impact by not playing him there. It’s a fascinating debate and one this team has never dealt with before. One thing I can see is Sean Payton sprinkling him into the offense in certain spots this season. That zone read on the two-point conversion can be very effective. Take Four: Austin Carr back in the conversation If you’ve consistently read this blog you know that I was high on Carr before camp started but became disappointed with him due to his lack of production. But now, he’s fought his way back in the mix after the last two preseason games. He had three catches Saturday and displayed his sharp route-running ability. Carr’s recent emergence only adds to the intense competition in the wide receiver room. Do they keep five? Six? It’s a legitimate debate that won’t be easy to settle. Carr is the closest to Willie Snead/ Lance Moore skillset which could set him apart in this battle. Take Five: Other Observations I think Boston Scott has done enough to make this team. The final numbers may or may not work in his favor, but on sheer ability Scott has proven he belongs. Jermon Bushrod has struggled at left tackle over the last two weeks and that struggle has caused concern at the position. With the injury history of Terron Armstead, the Saints need to have a key reserve there. I’m starting to have my doubts if Bushrod is that player. Tom Savage once again had a decent game and is the safe pick at backup quarterback. However, there was one play that demonstrated his checkdown reputation perfectly. He hit Ted Ginn Jr. on a short out route. But on the play Carr, who was lined up in the slot next to Ginn, ran a corner route over the top. Carr was open but it was a more difficult throw but would have been a much bigger gain. Ginn was also open but was a higher percentage completion for a smaller gain. Savage chose Ginn without hesitation.
	It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

08-27-2018, 11:30 AM	#3
Euphoria 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 7,601 Blog Entries: 5	Re: Fazende on Fox: After Further Review: Five takes Saints vs. Chargers Yes going to be tough if Brees goes down in a game and you have to tap the back up to go in... Yeah you could have Savage as your #2 but you see that #7 who has contributed everywhere on the field and has done everything you asked of him...

08-27-2018, 11:39 AM	#4
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,738 Blog Entries: 3	Re: Fazende on Fox: After Further Review: Five takes Saints vs. Chargers Take one: Run Defense struggles It was a tough night for the first team defense against the run. The line had trouble holding their landmarks while the linebacker trio of Manti Te’o, A.J. Klein and DeMario Davis all struggled to shed blocks and missed tackles. This was an issue last season for this team and didn’t look good early on Saturday. I hate to but Klein isn't starter material at the position. He continues to look bad in coverage. He's been very underwhelming. Can we please put Demario Davis at MIKE? Don't understand the philosophy to "learn a new position". Craig can handle the weak side. Rugby Saint II and ChrisXVI like this.

08-27-2018, 12:07 PM	#5
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 26,472	Re: Fazende on Fox: After Further Review: Five takes Saints vs. Chargers Originally Posted by K Major Take one: Run Defense struggles It was a tough night for the first team defense against the run. The line had trouble holding their landmarks while the linebacker trio of Manti Te’o, A.J. Klein and DeMario Davis all struggled to shed blocks and missed tackles. This was an issue last season for this team and didn’t look good early on Saturday. I hate to but Klein isn't starter material at the position. He continues to look bad in coverage. He's been very underwhelming. Can we please put Demario Davis at MIKE? Don't understand the philosophy to "learn a new position". Craig can handle the weak side. I can only think there is some definitive method to their perceived "madness". We have no idea what Nolan and Allen are saying and doing behind the scenes. K Major likes this.

08-28-2018, 08:24 AM	#6
spkb25 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 13,115	Re: Fazende on Fox: After Further Review: Five takes Saints vs. Chargers Originally Posted by K Major Take one: Run Defense struggles It was a tough night for the first team defense against the run. The line had trouble holding their landmarks while the linebacker trio of Manti Te’o, A.J. Klein and DeMario Davis all struggled to shed blocks and missed tackles. This was an issue last season for this team and didn’t look good early on Saturday. I hate to but Klein isn't starter material at the position. He continues to look bad in coverage. He's been very underwhelming. Can we please put Demario Davis at MIKE? Don't understand the philosophy to "learn a new position". Craig can handle the weak side. it doesnt help when all of your DT's are getting ass slammed down the field jnormand likes this.

08-28-2018, 08:25 AM	#7
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,738 Blog Entries: 3	Re: Fazende on Fox: After Further Review: Five takes Saints vs. Chargers Originally Posted by spkb25 it doesnt help when all of your DT's are getting ass slammed down the field San Diego O line is solid ...starting with Pouncey at Center.

08-28-2018, 08:43 AM	#8
spkb25 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 13,115	Re: Fazende on Fox: After Further Review: Five takes Saints vs. Chargers Originally Posted by K Major San Diego O line is solid ...starting with Pouncey at Center. I have no doubt boss, but that's no excuse for that type of ass whooping

08-28-2018, 09:21 AM	#9
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Re: Fazende on Fox: After Further Review: Five takes Saints vs. Chargers Originally Posted by K Major San Diego O line is solid ...starting with Pouncey at Center. Chargers drafted two great guards last season and now both are healthy - San Diego, err, LA is following the Saints blueprint for pass protection - Rivers could use it... K Major likes this.
	Last edited by jeanpierre; 08-28-2018 at 05:06 PM..

08-27-2018, 12:17 PM	#10
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,738 Blog Entries: 3	Re: Fazende on Fox: After Further Review: Five takes Saints vs. Chargers If anyone recorded the Chargers game ... Take a peek at Ramczyk vs Ingram. I took off my black and gold goggles & Ryan is the real deal. He's Prime time and big time at tackle. Watch him solidify the O line for the next decade. Consistently locks up the man in front of him.

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