Which means nothing unless every down is evaluated and every defensive alignment is evaluated.

I'm sure many of you understand these concepts. NFL offensive play calls are not made in a vacuum. They are schemed upon what is felt may work the best under different circumstances against an opponent based upon their tendencies. This is called a "game plan". Part of a game plan may involve a series of scripted plays which feels out how the opponent may have adapted their tendencies. The result of these plays can quickly cause a change in approach, as can other adjustments made by the defense as the game progresses. If a defense takes away a certain subset of plays that you have designed for a specific player's skill set, you must adjust. Oh, and we used to debate, as well. LOL

Different players at the same position usually have different skill sets and at times the plays specifically designed for that player do not arise. You can't always shove a square peg into a round hole and expect it to work time after time. If the player hasn't practiced what the play caller has identified in what they believe is the best call at that time then they will not be involved.

Teddy Bridgewater explained this concept when he described coming into the game against the Rams when Brees was injured. He said he was not prepared to run the full offense. The game plan was built upon Brees' talents, not Teddy's.

Rush attempt counts, pass attempt counts, whatever, do not tell the story. There is SO much more that has to do with the flow of play calling than the very smartest of us that sit at home and watch will ever know.

As an aside, much of this input comes from my late father-in-law that is in the LHSAA Hall of Fame as a coach. I spent many an hour watching sports of all types with him and gained an understanding that isn't commonly experienced by many. He would readily point out a call that he thought was a bad choice by a coach on an individual basis, but would defend the overall play calling of a quality coach based upon game flow. Although, he put it in other terms. He taught me many of those concepts that I regularly share here.

Point 1 Niners abandon the run which was going great and chewing the clock
Point 2 That cost them the game.
Point 3 Brees has the full script to work with an aging arm.
Point 4 Bridgewater has half the script and with a good run game won 5 of 5.
My main objective is to show how the run game plays a huge roll in games and with Brees ( at 41) isn't mobile and doesn't have the best deep ball and should be surrounded by a dominating run game that can eat up the clock and a good D to compliment the aging arm he has. Without those things he's going to cost us more games with his aging arm than win in a shootout. Key nowdays with Brees under C is keeping the ball out of high powered O's we incounter, we're not that quick strike O we used to be, but the intermediate ball control tough as hell to beat team with Brees under C.

I know this may be controversial but I think Pete Carmichael calls a better game. Just my opinion though

Balance is the name of the game ..especially with a 41 year QB under center.

The playoffs are different beast entirely. Defensive lines get meaner, tougher, stronger & nasty. You have to have a mind set to destroy the man lined up (see Michael Thomas & Ramz). The Saints o line have no attitude in the trenches. Not enough dawgs, no bullies. Being flat in the playoffs and getting pushed around at home in the wild card game is embarrassing

Attitude reflects leadership. We need dawgs with a no fear mentality.

Go get another Carl Nicks type player up front with a mean streak.Otherwise it won't even matter who is running the ball for 5 carries or 15.

This team has too much talent to choke in big games.

3 consecutive years of playoff disappointment.

It ain’t like Payton’s scaring anybody anymore in fact he’s getting to predictable Will


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Guess it's time to move on from Payton. Who can we get on short order that can do better than 13-3? Is Ditka still willing to come back?

Don’t take it out on me AG I’m not the one that chokes it the playoff


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

All on Payton, right? There are 45 players in the game that have MUCH more impact on the game than the coach. But, I guess you're right. Dump the ****ty coach.