Cleveland vs. New Orleans (1 Viewer)

[amnesiac]

first off, this is not a bash the fbg rankings thread.

but they have Hillis top ten, and Thomas top 15.

anyone else nervous about starting these guys? (other than the obvious health issues.)

seems to me that Brees is going to absolutely shred the Cleveland D, which in turn is going to force Colt to try to keep up.

now, both Hillis and Thomas are useful in the passing game as well, but these seems like a game where both of these guys could disappoint.

thoughts?

PS: might be obvious, but i think Watson and Moore are going to see a ton of targets this week.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

I was watching Browns Town yesterday, and they came up with quite a stat:

In Sunday's game, against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, the Colt McCoy led Browns had only one 3 and out. Daboll did as good as can be expected calling the game for McCoy, and the whole staff must recognize now that keeping the Saints offense off the field is the key to keeping this thing close.

They are going to run Hillis into the ground, and we may see more of Mike Bell considering his knowledge of the Saints systems. I like Hillis for 10-12 points rushing/receiving.

As for Thomas, I think they'll work him back in slowly if he plays as Chris Ivory has been tearing it up.

 

[Addai's Adidas]

They seem so sure Thomas will start. I don't think he'll even play.

 

[John 14:6]

They seem so sure Thomas will start. I don't think he'll even play.

They'll update the rankings as the game gets closer. I have both him and Ivory, I'm guessing Ivory will start...

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

The Saints' DST might be a good pickup. I realize McCoy did well in his last game but.... will he do it again?

Scott Fujita has some insight into the Saints offense by the way.

The Saints have been kind to opposing RB's this year, but look at the roster (ADP, Gore, Williams, Turner), they may get up early turn on the gas and look for their first 40+ point game this year. This would be the opportunity. Maybe they just let the Browns get their dinks down the field like the Steelers did, the key is to win the game.

Contrarily the Saints' defense is still heavily banged up - Will Smith, Gay's IR'd, Porter's out, Greer might be out, no Sharper still, Harper's banged up, LB's hurt.... but still they continue to play good pass defense. I think they've allowed maybe 1 passing TD this year and rank something like 7th overall vs the pass?

I am not so sure Pierre is rushed back, not for this game. Even if he is Ivory might get the 3rd RB slot and the Saints might see if he can turn into a game closer like they had with Bell at the end of last year. They really need that. Ivory might be a decent play no matter what. He has come close to breaking long ones vs ARI and TB; he may get one vs CLE.

Lance Moore and Meachem might be good plays too.

 

[Harrassment Panda]

I don't think PT will play either. Ivory/Betts has been pretty effective and Payton has a history of not rushing people back.

 

[footballnerd]

McCoy will rely heavily on check down to his TE and RB in the passing game.

Saints will have tons of opportunities in the red zone, goal line and when they are up will be running the clock out.

RBs will produce