If the Saints Win Sunday (1 Viewer)

[BGP]

Three huge holes in the Saints game:

1. Ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed per carry.

2. Ranked 22nd in red zone defense.

3. Ranked 26th in rushing yards gained per carry.

That's a lot of question marks to overcome at THIS level, the level of a conference championship or a Super Bowl.

They surrendered 8.9 ypc to Westbrook last game. Pretty hard to keep that up. I don't know how you can be expected to win 3 playoff games if you can't run the ball very well nor can you stop the run.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Nationwide, probably not.

In the stadium itself, they'll be hard-pressed to outdo the Steeler fans that flooded Ford Field for that game. That was essentially a home game for Pittsburgh, I'd never seen that before to that extent in the Super Bowl.

Why am I getting so many on this? It's not a slight against the Seahawks, the fact is, it was a heavily partisan crowd, more so than I had seen before.Here's some evidence

Before a crowd of 68,206 at Ford Field – predominantly Steelers fans – the Seahawks moved up and down the field the entire game, but penalties, dropped passes, and big plays by the Steelers offense killed them.

That's from Seahawks.com. Link : HERE

And from the Post-Gazette :

DETROIT -- Ford Field looked and sounded much like Heinz Field with a roof last night.

The crowd in the 64,500-seat indoor stadium was predominantly Steelers fans, dressed in black and gold and waving Terrible Towels.

Dan Rooney estimated that more Steelers fans were at this Super Bowl than any of their previous five, which also were well attended by them.

"I think it's tremendous," he said before the game. "And what they went through to get here -- getting the tickets, getting the hotel rooms, driving here."

Although many Steelers fans live throughout the country, as evidenced by their huge turnouts in San Diego this season and in Dallas in 2004, this is the closest Super Bowl to Pittsburgh -- 285 driving miles from Grant Street.

"We've had good turnouts at all of them, but this is so close," Rooney said. "Pittsburghers, they come to see the game."

The cheers were deafening when Lynn Swann and Franco Harris were introduced as former Super Bowl MVPs before the game. Two-time Super Bowl MVP Terry Bradshaw did not participate.

The fans lustily booed three former MVPs -- New England's Tom Brady, Baltimore's Ray Lewis and Dallas' Larry Brown.

because no where in there does it say, as steelers fans are prone to do, that this was the most partisan crowd ever in superbowl history, and that no future superbowl could ever match it.no one debates the crowd was very pro steeler

I never said either of those things.In the stadium itself, they'll be hard-pressed to outdo the Steeler fans that flooded Ford Field for that game. That was essentially a home game for Pittsburgh, I'd never seen that before to that extent in the Super Bowl

That was my statement. I had never seen a crowd that was as lopsided before, have you? I also said New Orleans would be hard-pressed to send as many fans to the game this year as Pittsburgh did last year. Number of fans, proximity, etc.. all play into that. Do you disagree with this statement?

People need to read what is written and stop assuming hyperbole just because I'm a Steeler homer.

 

[Franknbeans]

this thread is depressingWe are all quick to help out right after something happens, but be it 9/11 or katrina or anything else our attention span is short. Things that affect people, real living breathing human beings, for generations wear on us after a year. The best word I can think of is sad, this thread and the people who were bashing n'wallins in it are simply sad.As a cowboys fan who got our behinds handed to us by the saints I think it would be great for the people in that city if they got to the superbowl, and even better if they won. Residents of new orleans and saints fans, please do not take the comments of the few intellectually challenged people in this thread get you down. Most of us may not understand what you are going through, but we understand that you are going through SOMETHING.

Sorry, but life sucks all over. There are still people living in trailers in eastern NC from the hurricanes long before Katrina. I just leased a home to a family that lost their home in Florida not once, but twice.

White folks?

 

[Joe Bryant]

this thread is depressingWe are all quick to help out right after something happens, but be it 9/11 or katrina or anything else our attention span is short. Things that affect people, real living breathing human beings, for generations wear on us after a year. The best word I can think of is sad, this thread and the people who were bashing n'wallins in it are simply sad.As a cowboys fan who got our behinds handed to us by the saints I think it would be great for the people in that city if they got to the superbowl, and even better if they won. Residents of new orleans and saints fans, please do not take the comments of the few intellectually challenged people in this thread get you down. Most of us may not understand what you are going through, but we understand that you are going through SOMETHING.

Sorry, but life sucks all over. There are still people living in trailers in eastern NC from the hurricanes long before Katrina. I just leased a home to a family that lost their home in Florida not once, but twice.

White folks?

Why exactly do you ask?J

 

[nortobc]

Allow me to join those who are dispelling the myth that all the neutrals are pulling for the saints. I have no rooting interest but will be a huge Bears fan on Sunday afternoon....As far as i'm concerned, the biggest surprise from reading this thread is that so many others appear to feel the same way. Lets leave the touchy-feely stuff for Oprah, disapoint hacks across America and root for an early end to the fairytale

If all you guys want to root against the Saints, then we could really care less. Go ahead and go for the Bears and Pats/Colts if the Saints make it to the Superbowl. That will just give us that much more pride after the Saints win. All of this Saints/Katrina bashing is just fuel for the fire.

 

[guderian]

As a hardcore footguy, I'd be much more into the Saints if I'd be getting more media coverage and stories about Colston, McAlister, and Brees. I'd really like to know more about the defense and how it's going to match up against Indy's attack or how the o-line will handle Belichick's defensive schemes. Heck, I'd like to know how you turn around the second worst team to the second best sans the NFL Katrina conspriacy garbage.

Interesting, I find plenty of that stuff available...http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/s...s?series=norchi

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/c...&id=2732712

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?ga...eId%3d270121003

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/n...tory?id=2731792

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/c...&id=2731478

...and that's just from ESPN.

Suggestion: If you find a topic so annoying that you state "I definately will be rooting for whoever the Saints' opponent is. Hopefully the Bears pummel them this weekend and we don't have to hear about one of the most corrupt and filthy cities for two weeks" and "Listening to GridAss crow for a year sure beats enduring the Katrina rehash", then why don't you spend your time reading the above articles instead of being one of the top 3 posters in a thread about a subject that you can't stand to "endure"? Because you really come off as an obsessed New Orleans hater.

 

[Franknbeans]

this thread is depressingWe are all quick to help out right after something happens, but be it 9/11 or katrina or anything else our attention span is short. Things that affect people, real living breathing human beings, for generations wear on us after a year. The best word I can think of is sad, this thread and the people who were bashing n'wallins in it are simply sad.As a cowboys fan who got our behinds handed to us by the saints I think it would be great for the people in that city if they got to the superbowl, and even better if they won. Residents of new orleans and saints fans, please do not take the comments of the few intellectually challenged people in this thread get you down. Most of us may not understand what you are going through, but we understand that you are going through SOMETHING.

Sorry, but life sucks all over. There are still people living in trailers in eastern NC from the hurricanes long before Katrina. I just leased a home to a family that lost their home in Florida not once, but twice.

White folks?

Why exactly do you ask?J

A bit of a cast but he seems pissed off for no good reason.

 

[x260bm]

I seriously doubt that as many fans root for the Saints as the media would lead us to believe. I am going to root for whichever AFC team makes it.

 

[psychobillies]

As a hardcore footguy, I'd be much more into the Saints if I'd be getting more media coverage and stories about Colston, McAlister, and Brees. I'd really like to know more about the defense and how it's going to match up against Indy's attack or how the o-line will handle Belichick's defensive schemes. Heck, I'd like to know how you turn around the second worst team to the second best sans the NFL Katrina conspriacy garbage.

Interesting, I find plenty of that stuff available...http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/s...s?series=norchi

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/c...&id=2732712

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?ga...eId%3d270121003

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/n...tory?id=2731792

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/c...&id=2731478

...and that's just from ESPN.

Suggestion: If you find a topic so annoying that you state "I definately will be rooting for whoever the Saints' opponent is. Hopefully the Bears pummel them this weekend and we don't have to hear about one of the most corrupt and filthy cities for two weeks" and "Listening to GridAss crow for a year sure beats enduring the Katrina rehash", then why don't you spend your time reading the above articles instead of being one of the top 3 posters in a thread about a subject that you can't stand to "endure"? Because you really come off as an obsessed New Orleans hater.

 

[3nOut]

this thread is depressing

We are all quick to help out right after something happens, but be it 9/11 or katrina or anything else our attention span is short. Things that affect people, real living breathing human beings, for generations wear on us after a year.

I don't have a link since I read this a long time ago, but I heard that civilians donated more money to Katrina relief than the US government did, so that is a lot. The country was generous after 911 as well. For you to say that people have a short attention span is not a fair judgement. People did all they could, how much more can be expected?

The best word I can think of is sad, this thread and the people who were bashing n'wallins in it are simply sad.

Except for a very small handful here, I don't recall anyone really bashing New Orleans itself. They aren't even saying anything about Saints fans. My guess most people haven't even been in NO. This is more about the media than anything. What most people are alluding to here is that there has been already too much made by the media trying to connect Katrina and football. I think people just want to hear about football. By the way, is there an informal statute of limitations where you can connect tragedies with sports? How long was ESPN and other media still talking about 911 when televising/discussing the Jets and Giants?

 

[3nOut]

I definately will be rooting for whoever the Saints' opponent is. Hopefully the Bears pummel them this weekend and we don't have to hear about one of the most corrupt and filthy cities for two weeks.

So instead you want to hear about that paragon of integrity and cleanliness...Chicago?

You've obviously never been to Chicago. Yes, Chicago has its 'dirty' and 'unsafe areas, but so do most major metropolitan areas. If you compare Chicago's tourist area to any other city's toursit area (in the world), there would be no comparison. I've been through most of Europe and many large cities in the US and Chicago is one of the cleanest. For the amount of people going through the city each day it is unbelievable.

 

[saintsfan]

Three huge holes in the Saints game:1. Ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed per carry.2. Ranked 22nd in red zone defense.3. Ranked 26th in rushing yards gained per carry.That's a lot of question marks to overcome at THIS level, the level of a conference championship or a Super Bowl.They surrendered 8.9 ypc to Westbrook last game. Pretty hard to keep that up. I don't know how you can be expected to win 3 playoff games if you can't run the ball very well nor can you stop the run.

You haven't watched a single Saints game all year, have you?

 

[Statorama]

IF the colts could make it that would be interesting. While there are a lot of manning haters, there are a ton of people who love him. Colts vs Saints would be a very interesting superbowl.

If Manning wore that fake mustache he sports in the commercials while he was actually playing the game, that would be awesome.

 

[BassNBrew]

As a hardcore footguy, I'd be much more into the Saints if I'd be getting more media coverage and stories about Colston, McAlister, and Brees. I'd really like to know more about the defense and how it's going to match up against Indy's attack or how the o-line will handle Belichick's defensive schemes. Heck, I'd like to know how you turn around the second worst team to the second best sans the NFL Katrina conspriacy garbage.

Interesting, I find plenty of that stuff available...http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/s...s?series=norchi

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/c...&id=2732712

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?ga...eId%3d270121003

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/n...tory?id=2731792

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/c...&id=2731478

...and that's just from ESPN.

Suggestion: If you find a topic so annoying that you state "I definately will be rooting for whoever the Saints' opponent is. Hopefully the Bears pummel them this weekend and we don't have to hear about one of the most corrupt and filthy cities for two weeks" and "Listening to GridAss crow for a year sure beats enduring the Katrina rehash", then why don't you spend your time reading the above articles instead of being one of the top 3 posters in a thread about a subject that you can't stand to "endure"? Because you really come off as an obsessed New Orleans hater.

Actually I like a lot of the players from what I know. Unlike many, I like a lot of the hype leading up to the big game and was always in favor of the two week break. I enjoy hearing more about the players in depth and all the "experts" breaking down the game. If the Saints make it, I hope that is what the focus is on, not Katrina...I don't expect that to be the case though.]The orginal thesis of the thread was that a majority of people would be rooting for the Saints because of the story, Katrina, etc. I won't be a I have reasons why I like all of the other remaining teams better and Katrina is not relevent to those reasons.

Thanks for the links, I will look them over if the Saints win this weekend. I hope you enjoy the game.

 

[BassNBrew]

this thread is depressingWe are all quick to help out right after something happens, but be it 9/11 or katrina or anything else our attention span is short. Things that affect people, real living breathing human beings, for generations wear on us after a year. The best word I can think of is sad, this thread and the people who were bashing n'wallins in it are simply sad.As a cowboys fan who got our behinds handed to us by the saints I think it would be great for the people in that city if they got to the superbowl, and even better if they won. Residents of new orleans and saints fans, please do not take the comments of the few intellectually challenged people in this thread get you down. Most of us may not understand what you are going through, but we understand that you are going through SOMETHING.

Sorry, but life sucks all over. There are still people living in trailers in eastern NC from the hurricanes long before Katrina. I just leased a home to a family that lost their home in Florida not once, but twice.

White folks?

I don't keep skin color statistics for my business properties as it's not relevent and too large of a task off the top of my head. On my personal properties it's about 30% white, 70% black...pretty much the first non-felon/sex offender with a job and without a pit bull knocking at the door gets in. We did a couple of freebie rentals for Katrina victims but I don't remember much about the tenants which means they probably took decent care of the place.

 

[Doug B]

Three huge holes in the Saints game:1. Ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed per carry.2. Ranked 22nd in red zone defense.3. Ranked 26th in rushing yards gained per carry.That's a lot of question marks to overcome at THIS level, the level of a conference championship or a Super Bowl.They surrendered 8.9 ypc to Westbrook last game. Pretty hard to keep that up. I don't know how you can be expected to win 3 playoff games if you can't run the ball very well nor can you stop the run.

You haven't watched a single Saints game all year, have you?

Why should he, when he's got the stats?

 

[Doug B]

They surrendered 8.9 ypc to Westbrook last game. Pretty hard to keep that up.

Whoa, boy. 8.9 yards might have been his mathematical average, but Westbrook wasn't churning out a bunch of 7-10 yard carries all night ... and it's important that he wasn't doing so. Let me explain.Westbrook padded his rushing stats on one 62-yard TD. That's great ... the Eagles scored six points on that drive. Thing is, though, for the entire rest of the game, Westbrook was bottled up (and severely so in the first half).

If, instead of getting all those yards on one run, Westbrook had actually created a bunch of 2nd-and-short opportunities for his team, the Eagles probably score more than that one Westbrook TD and win in a walk. Sure, the final stats look great, but I'd bet if you asked Westbrook if he thinks he had a successful game, he'd probably say "No way". He got stuffed repeatedly, especially in the fourth quarter when they needed to sustain drives ... and on top of that, his team lost. The 62-yard run and the resulting TD ended up being academic, making a 10-point loss into a 3-point loss.

This is a case where a fantasy perspective and a real-football perspective differ. In fantasy ball, getting the yards in clumps is fine. But in real football, a long TD doesn't usually redeem a game full of 1-yard runs.

 

[Doug B]

 

[Monarch]

this thread is depressingWe are all quick to help out right after something happens, but be it 9/11 or katrina or anything else our attention span is short. Things that affect people, real living breathing human beings, for generations wear on us after a year. The best word I can think of is sad, this thread and the people who were bashing n'wallins in it are simply sad.As a cowboys fan who got our behinds handed to us by the saints I think it would be great for the people in that city if they got to the superbowl, and even better if they won. Residents of new orleans and saints fans, please do not take the comments of the few intellectually challenged people in this thread get you down. Most of us may not understand what you are going through, but we understand that you are going through SOMETHING.

Sorry, but life sucks all over. There are still people living in trailers in eastern NC from the hurricanes long before Katrina. I just leased a home to a family that lost their home in Florida not once, but twice. More New Englanders lost family members permanently from 9-11. Katrina pales in comparsion to the Tsunami a couple of years ago. I don't have any facts to back this up, but I think that New Orleans probably doesn't even have the homeless issues many other cities have. Winning a football game is going to do jack about any of that.Funny how a couple of the posters above state that they don't want the sympathy and then go off with the woos us stories. As a hardcore footguy, I'd be much more into the Saints if I'd be getting more media coverage and stories about Colston, McAlister, and Brees. I'd really like to know more about the defense and how it's going to match up against Indy's attack or how the o-line will handle Belichick's defensive schemes. Heck, I'd like to know how you turn around the second worst team to the second best sans the NFL Katrina conspriacy garbage.

Life sucks all over!!!! Are you kidding me!!! This statement shows your ignorance. People have houses that are still unlivable a year after the storm. Some because the government tells them they need to raise the house three feet which means they need to tear it down. Oh! tearing it down is not paid for and your insurance company tells you you are not covered because the damage was an act of God rather than the levee failure that was an act of man. Oh and construction costs have tripled. So you have to spend $200K to get the $100K back. You obviuosly have no idea what the people of New Orleans have and are still going through. You should restict your arguments to something else.The Saints story may be the best story ever. Katrina is a part of that. The players say that it matters to them and gives them incentive to play harder. This makes it relevant. I for one and happy and appreciative for the support of all out there that support the city and the Saints. Join the Who Dat Nation band wagon. There is plenty of room. Even you Bass man can join after your Bears become the next victim.

 

[saintsfan]

They surrendered 8.9 ypc to Westbrook last game. Pretty hard to keep that up.

Whoa, boy. 8.9 yards might have been his mathematical average, but Westbrook wasn't churning out a bunch of 7-10 yard carries all night ... and it's important that he wasn't doing so. Let me explain.Westbrook padded his rushing stats on one 62-yard TD. That's great ... the Eagles scored six points on that drive. Thing is, though, for the entire rest of the game, Westbrook was bottled up (and severely so in the first half).

If, instead of getting all those yards on one run, Westbrook had actually created a bunch of 2nd-and-short opportunities for his team, the Eagles probably score more than that one Westbrook TD and win in a walk. Sure, the final stats look great, but I'd bet if you asked Westbrook if he thinks he had a successful game, he'd probably say "No way". He got stuffed repeatedly, especially in the fourth quarter when they needed to sustain drives ... and on top of that, his team lost. The 62-yard run and the resulting TD ended up being academic, making a 10-point loss into a 3-point loss.

This is a case where a fantasy perspective and a real-football perspective differ. In fantasy ball, getting the yards in clumps is fine. But in real football, a long TD doesn't usually redeem a game full of 1-yard runs.

That's why I asked him if he had seen the Saints play. Westbrook was not effective in that game, period. He had the one big run, but other than that, Philly was throwing the football because the Saints stuffed the run.

I don't expect this week will be a similar problem because I'm not sure Jones or Benson are capable of ripping off a huge run like that. They are both good backs, but not legitimately in Westbrook's class.

 

[CalBear]

That's why I asked him if he had seen the Saints play. Westbrook was not effective in that game, period. He had the one big run, but other than that, Philly was throwing the football because the Saints stuffed the run.

I don't expect this week will be a similar problem because I'm not sure Jones or Benson are capable of ripping off a huge run like that. They are both good backs, but not legitimately in Westbrook's class.

After you throw out the big run, Westbrook still averaged 4.5 yards per carry.

 

[saintsfan]

That's why I asked him if he had seen the Saints play. Westbrook was not effective in that game, period. He had the one big run, but other than that, Philly was throwing the football because the Saints stuffed the run.

I don't expect this week will be a similar problem because I'm not sure Jones or Benson are capable of ripping off a huge run like that. They are both good backs, but not legitimately in Westbrook's class.

After you throw out the big run, Westbrook still averaged 4.5 yards per carry.

I didn't average it, but all I can tell you is that Westbrook was not effective running the football for the vast majority of that game. The Eagles were constantly playing 2nd and 8 or 2nd and 9. Look at the time of possession. We controlled the football.I just looked at the game stats. Westbrook only got 13 carries. McAllister got 21 carries. Hell Bush had 12 carries. If Westbrook was just lighting the Saints up, I'm sure he would have gotten more than 13 carries. If you look at the remaining 12 carries, I'll bet Westbrook had a 12-15 yard carry somewhere that skewed the numbers.

The Saints killed the Eagles in time of possession. That means the Saints controlled the clock by running the football and the Eagles couldn't.

 

[saintsfan]

That's why I asked him if he had seen the Saints play. Westbrook was not effective in that game, period. He had the one big run, but other than that, Philly was throwing the football because the Saints stuffed the run.

I don't expect this week will be a similar problem because I'm not sure Jones or Benson are capable of ripping off a huge run like that. They are both good backs, but not legitimately in Westbrook's class.

After you throw out the big run, Westbrook still averaged 4.5 yards per carry.

I didn't average it, but all I can tell you is that Westbrook was not effective running the football for the vast majority of that game. The Eagles were constantly playing 2nd and 8 or 2nd and 9. Look at the time of possession. We controlled the football.I just looked at the game stats. Westbrook only got 13 carries. McAllister got 21 carries. Hell Bush had 12 carries. If Westbrook was just lighting the Saints up, I'm sure he would have gotten more than 13 carries. If you look at the remaining 12 carries, I'll bet Westbrook had a 12-15 yard carry somewhere that skewed the numbers.

The Saints killed the Eagles in time of possession. That means the Saints controlled the clock by running the football and the Eagles couldn't.

Just looked at the play by play status. Westbrook did nothing in the first half. Third Quarter and beginning of 4th, he had some big runs. 15, 18, 9, and 62. Last two possessions of the game, however, he got stuffed.Look, the Saints are certainly vulnerable to the big run, but all year long, when we've needed to stop the run in a big spot, we've done it. Especially with Hollis Thomas in the middle.

If we are as effective against Jones and Benson as we were against Westbrook, we will probably win this football game because neither Jones nor Benson is in Westbrook's class. Westbrook is capable of hurting us with the big play, I don't think those guys are nearly as capable.

 

[CalBear]

I just looked at the game stats. Westbrook only got 13 carries. McAllister got 21 carries. Hell Bush had 12 carries. If Westbrook was just lighting the Saints up, I'm sure he would have gotten more than 13 carries. If you look at the remaining 12 carries, I'll bet Westbrook had a 12-15 yard carry somewhere that skewed the numbers

12-15 yard carries don't "skew" the numbers; they are the numbers. "We controlled the run game, except for the times when we didn't."

 

[Monarch]

Saints Super Bowl Bound!

Here is a link for the most recent song.

Super Bowl Mambo

http://baitntackle.net/sbm.mp3

 

[saintsfan]

I just looked at the game stats. Westbrook only got 13 carries. McAllister got 21 carries. Hell Bush had 12 carries. If Westbrook was just lighting the Saints up, I'm sure he would have gotten more than 13 carries. If you look at the remaining 12 carries, I'll bet Westbrook had a 12-15 yard carry somewhere that skewed the numbers

12-15 yard carries don't "skew" the numbers; they are the numbers. "We controlled the run game, except for the times when we didn't."

In this case the numbers are deceptive.If you looked at just the numbers, you'd say Westbrook was far more effective than McAllister. Westbrook had a much higher average. But in this case the numbers lie. Anyone who saw that game saw that Deuce was MUCH more effective than Westbrook.

BTW, the Bears gave up some rushing yards last week too. Why don't you go break down their numbers?

 

[CalBear]

I just looked at the game stats. Westbrook only got 13 carries. McAllister got 21 carries. Hell Bush had 12 carries. If Westbrook was just lighting the Saints up, I'm sure he would have gotten more than 13 carries. If you look at the remaining 12 carries, I'll bet Westbrook had a 12-15 yard carry somewhere that skewed the numbers

12-15 yard carries don't "skew" the numbers; they are the numbers. "We controlled the run game, except for the times when we didn't."

In this case the numbers are deceptive.If you looked at just the numbers, you'd say Westbrook was far more effective than McAllister. Westbrook had a much higher average. But in this case the numbers lie. Anyone who saw that game saw that Deuce was MUCH more effective than Westbrook.

BTW, the Bears gave up some rushing yards last week too. Why don't you go break down their numbers?

Alexander gained only 4.2 yards per carry against the Bears, even before you throw out his longest run. (It goes down to 3.8 ypc if you do that).Certainly Philadelphia didn't do a good job stopping McAllister; I don't think anyone is arguing that.

 

[Doug B]

12-15 yard carries don't "skew" the numbers; they are the numbers. "We controlled the run game, except for the times when we didn't."

Well, fine. Westbrook did well on two drives, and was stuffed the rest of the evening. The Eagles running game was controlled enough ... how's that?

 

[Sidewinder]

Eagle runs from scrimmage, in order (from play by play):

-2, -1, 1, 5, 1, 1, -1, 4, 1, 62, 18, -2, 15, 9, 0, 0, 1

 

[saintsfan]

I just looked at the game stats. Westbrook only got 13 carries. McAllister got 21 carries. Hell Bush had 12 carries. If Westbrook was just lighting the Saints up, I'm sure he would have gotten more than 13 carries. If you look at the remaining 12 carries, I'll bet Westbrook had a 12-15 yard carry somewhere that skewed the numbers

12-15 yard carries don't "skew" the numbers; they are the numbers. "We controlled the run game, except for the times when we didn't."

In this case the numbers are deceptive.If you looked at just the numbers, you'd say Westbrook was far more effective than McAllister. Westbrook had a much higher average. But in this case the numbers lie. Anyone who saw that game saw that Deuce was MUCH more effective than Westbrook.

BTW, the Bears gave up some rushing yards last week too. Why don't you go break down their numbers?

Alexander gained only 4.2 yards per carry against the Bears, even before you throw out his longest run. (It goes down to 3.8 ypc if you do that).Certainly Philadelphia didn't do a good job stopping McAllister; I don't think anyone is arguing that.

You're just looking at the numbers. Did you see either game?The numbers say Westbrook was more effective against the Saints than Alexander was against the Bears. If you watched the games, you would know that the numbers are deceptive.

I'm not saying the Saints are great against the run. What I am saying, however, is that Westbrook wasn't nearly as effective as his numbers indicate. If the Saints do the same kind of job against the Bears, they will probably win this game. First, because Jones and Benson are not as good as Westbrook. Second, because if the Bears are unlikely to get the QB play necessary to overcome just an OK outing running the football. The Eagles stayed in the game because Garcia is good. Much better than Grossman.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I definately will be rooting for whoever the Saints' opponent is. Hopefully the Bears pummel them this weekend and we don't have to hear about one of the most corrupt and filthy cities for two weeks.

So instead you want to hear about that paragon of integrity and cleanliness...Chicago?

Chicago is better at concealing it.Besides, Da Bears and mini-Ditka shtick never gets old.

I'm with you BnB. I hope the Saints get crushed by the Bears and/or the Pats. (Saints-Colts would be a nightmare for me personally).Hell, I'm a Steelers fan and dont like the Pats much either, although I certainly would pull for them over the Saints.

That's alright. You see, we don't need an invitation to your exclusive club. If we win two more games, we get a lifetime membership.GO SAINTS

I'm surprised at how loud Saints fans are being on here and how quiet (seemingly to me at least) Bears fans have been.What exclusive club are you referring to? The 5 time Super Bowl club has 3 members . . . Steelers, 49ers, and Cowboys. That would mean that if the Saints won the Super Bowl this year, the Steelers (and 49ers and Cowboys) would still have one more SB trophy than the Saints have post-season victories in their history.

 

[Hamstring]

The Eadles D looked like they did against Indy. Total garbage.

 

[Sideline Sage]

When I saw this thread, I actually thought I would see some more feel good stories about the Saints. Being a NO native, enjoying the Saints best season ever, I can't get enough. Unfortunately this thread did the opposite.

I can fully understand being tired of hearing about Katrina stories. I am tired of hearing the news, media, newspaper and all myself. I am living it everyday. New Orleans is one of the greatest, unique cities in the world. Some of the greatest impacts from Katrina is loss of community. NO is so full of unique culture and heritage. Now all of your communities are torn apart. Many of the people who have jobs are working 12 hours a day, 6-7 days per week trying to rebuild the city. Then they go home and work on rebuilding their home. Through this all, you are filing endless forms with FEMA, insurance, RED Cross etc hoping to get some help. You are trying to find a contractor to rebuild your home. Of course all of the contractors are overloaded and can't find skilled labor. So very little work gets done, and the labor is so bad, the work is shoddy, wrong etc. so you have to keep on the contractor to get it done right. Which now slows the process even more. The costs for materials and labor has doubled or tripled, so then you have to fight with insurance to get more money. Hopefully, the foreign labor working at your home doesn't steal what little you have left. While rebuilding your home, you are living with several other family members, brothers and sisters families going thru the same turmoil. So you have 12 people, 6 pets living in rented 3 bedroom. These are the lucky people. Others have to move away while commuting to work 60-70 miles each way, and pay double the normal rent. Then you have to try to insure your rebuilt home and the insurance has jumped 300% or more. How about the fun things to do. Your favorite restaurants have limited menus and limited hours because they can't find help. The cost for everything has risen because they have to pay higher wages. Of course all of your friends and family are scattered all over the place. This is the tip of the iceburg.

Through this all, there is one thing in this community that has brought us all together, the Saints. Football fans or not, everybody is talking Saints. You can't go anywhere and not hear Saint talk, see shirts, jerseys, flags etc. This season has uplifted all of the citizens. There is a common thread for your new community. The Saints players are playing for more than themselves. These millionaires feel the passion and electricity of the fans and are playing at a higher intensity and focus than they probably thought they could. They are playing for NO, trying to lift our spirits. We in turn are so much behind them, lifting the Saints to higher goals and exalting in their success. The team gives Westbrook a big TD, but comes right back with a TD. Bush fumbles late, but the Defense rises to the occasion during the loudest stadium ever. The Saints spirit can't be broken and they continue to win. They have proven time and time again this season an intensity and passion gained from playing for more than themselves, but a team playing better than their individual talents will allow, focused on one goal. Every game, every play they have given full effort. The players do not have to be from NO to feel this electricity. Brees, Payton, Colston, Bush etc may not have endured this disaster but have made homes here and became part of our community. So how are they helping rebuild NO. Positive excitement in the new communities, with new friends, talking football lifts everybody's spirits and gives them the energy to continue. This is why the fans are behind them and has become one of America's favorite team. Aside from the particular fans from the other teams, how can you not like the Saints.

This is why the Saints will be fan favorites.

I BELIEVE.

 

[guderian]

When I saw this thread, I actually thought I would see some more feel good stories about the Saints. Being a NO native, enjoying the Saints best season ever, I can't get enough. Unfortunately this thread did the opposite.

I can fully understand being tired of hearing about Katrina stories. I am tired of hearing the news, media, newspaper and all myself. I am living it everyday. New Orleans is one of the greatest, unique cities in the world. Some of the greatest impacts from Katrina is loss of community. NO is so full of unique culture and heritage. Now all of your communities are torn apart. Many of the people who have jobs are working 12 hours a day, 6-7 days per week trying to rebuild the city. Then they go home and work on rebuilding their home. Through this all, you are filing endless forms with FEMA, insurance, RED Cross etc hoping to get some help. You are trying to find a contractor to rebuild your home. Of course all of the contractors are overloaded and can't find skilled labor. So very little work gets done, and the labor is so bad, the work is shoddy, wrong etc. so you have to keep on the contractor to get it done right. Which now slows the process even more. The costs for materials and labor has doubled or tripled, so then you have to fight with insurance to get more money. Hopefully, the foreign labor working at your home doesn't steal what little you have left. While rebuilding your home, you are living with several other family members, brothers and sisters families going thru the same turmoil. So you have 12 people, 6 pets living in rented 3 bedroom. These are the lucky people. Others have to move away while commuting to work 60-70 miles each way, and pay double the normal rent. Then you have to try to insure your rebuilt home and the insurance has jumped 300% or more. How about the fun things to do. Your favorite restaurants have limited menus and limited hours because they can't find help. The cost for everything has risen because they have to pay higher wages. Of course all of your friends and family are scattered all over the place. This is the tip of the iceburg.

Through this all, there is one thing in this community that has brought us all together, the Saints. Football fans or not, everybody is talking Saints. You can't go anywhere and not hear Saint talk, see shirts, jerseys, flags etc. This season has uplifted all of the citizens. There is a common thread for your new community. The Saints players are playing for more than themselves. These millionaires feel the passion and electricity of the fans and are playing at a higher intensity and focus than they probably thought they could. They are playing for NO, trying to lift our spirits. We in turn are so much behind them, lifting the Saints to higher goals and exalting in their success. The team gives Westbrook a big TD, but comes right back with a TD. Bush fumbles late, but the Defense rises to the occasion during the loudest stadium ever. The Saints spirit can't be broken and they continue to win. They have proven time and time again this season an intensity and passion gained from playing for more than themselves, but a team playing better than their individual talents will allow, focused on one goal. Every game, every play they have given full effort. The players do not have to be from NO to feel this electricity. Brees, Payton, Colston, Bush etc may not have endured this disaster but have made homes here and became part of our community. So how are they helping rebuild NO. Positive excitement in the new communities, with new friends, talking football lifts everybody's spirits and gives them the energy to continue. This is why the fans are behind them and has become one of America's favorite team. Aside from the particular fans from the other teams, how can you not like the Saints.

This is why the Saints will be fan favorites.

I BELIEVE.

Ignore the naysayers, they are just a very vocal minority that are bitter in their own lives and try to make themselves feel better by knocking others down.

 

[Sideline Sage]

Amen brother Amen.

We sure don't have a QB who takes a week off because it's New Year's Eve.

 

[ATC1]

When I saw this thread, I actually thought I would see some more feel good stories about the Saints. Being a NO native, enjoying the Saints best season ever, I can't get enough. Unfortunately this thread did the opposite.

I can fully understand being tired of hearing about Katrina stories. I am tired of hearing the news, media, newspaper and all myself. I am living it everyday. New Orleans is one of the greatest, unique cities in the world. Some of the greatest impacts from Katrina is loss of community. NO is so full of unique culture and heritage. Now all of your communities are torn apart. Many of the people who have jobs are working 12 hours a day, 6-7 days per week trying to rebuild the city. Then they go home and work on rebuilding their home. Through this all, you are filing endless forms with FEMA, insurance, RED Cross etc hoping to get some help. You are trying to find a contractor to rebuild your home. Of course all of the contractors are overloaded and can't find skilled labor. So very little work gets done, and the labor is so bad, the work is shoddy, wrong etc. so you have to keep on the contractor to get it done right. Which now slows the process even more. The costs for materials and labor has doubled or tripled, so then you have to fight with insurance to get more money. Hopefully, the foreign labor working at your home doesn't steal what little you have left. While rebuilding your home, you are living with several other family members, brothers and sisters families going thru the same turmoil. So you have 12 people, 6 pets living in rented 3 bedroom. These are the lucky people. Others have to move away while commuting to work 60-70 miles each way, and pay double the normal rent. Then you have to try to insure your rebuilt home and the insurance has jumped 300% or more. How about the fun things to do. Your favorite restaurants have limited menus and limited hours because they can't find help. The cost for everything has risen because they have to pay higher wages. Of course all of your friends and family are scattered all over the place. This is the tip of the iceburg.

Through this all, there is one thing in this community that has brought us all together, the Saints. Football fans or not, everybody is talking Saints. You can't go anywhere and not hear Saint talk, see shirts, jerseys, flags etc. This season has uplifted all of the citizens. There is a common thread for your new community. The Saints players are playing for more than themselves. These millionaires feel the passion and electricity of the fans and are playing at a higher intensity and focus than they probably thought they could. They are playing for NO, trying to lift our spirits. We in turn are so much behind them, lifting the Saints to higher goals and exalting in their success. The team gives Westbrook a big TD, but comes right back with a TD. Bush fumbles late, but the Defense rises to the occasion during the loudest stadium ever. The Saints spirit can't be broken and they continue to win. They have proven time and time again this season an intensity and passion gained from playing for more than themselves, but a team playing better than their individual talents will allow, focused on one goal. Every game, every play they have given full effort. The players do not have to be from NO to feel this electricity. Brees, Payton, Colston, Bush etc may not have endured this disaster but have made homes here and became part of our community. So how are they helping rebuild NO. Positive excitement in the new communities, with new friends, talking football lifts everybody's spirits and gives them the energy to continue. This is why the fans are behind them and has become one of America's favorite team. Aside from the particular fans from the other teams, how can you not like the Saints.

This is why the Saints will be fan favorites.

I BELIEVE.

Ignore the naysayers, they are just a very vocal minority that are bitter in their own lives and try to make themselves feel better by knocking others down.

Both

 

[Sideline Sage]

This was just sent to me.

I just wanted to share this article with everyone. I am from a mid -sized town 1 hour south of Pittsburgh Pa. by the name of Morgantown West Virginia. Last night my mother told me that she was watching the evening news and they referred to the Saints as the new America's Team. My wife then told me that there was an article in one of the local papers (The Dominion Post) about the Saints. I told her to make me a copy and here it is. I think this will lift everyone's spirits.

Hard not to root for New Orleans

By Tim Dahlberg

The streetlights still worked. No one had to worry about mold or rotting timber. And there wasn't a FEMA trailer in sight. The scene late Sunday night in San Diego seemed entirely normal for a city shaken by the loss of a team most thought was headed to the Super Bowl. The biggest worry might have been whether the surf would be up the next morning. Life isn't so easy in the Big Easy, where the Saints are carrying a city on the shoulders. Those who are still there worry about more mundane things like were there will be living six months from now.

Others are scattered about the country wondering whether they will ever make it back. To them, the Saints represent a link to a life they no longer know. One of them wrote a colleague of mine the other day to tell her just how deep that link is: "My family has been in Austin, Texas since Katrina with a five-year plan to move back to the city we love," he wrote." We wept when the Saints played Monday night football in the bands played" When September Ends." I even pray to God about something as silly as football team. Our hurt is deep and the Saints soothe our sadness and turn our tears to joy." If only it was that simple. If only New Orleans could be reborn like the Saints. The Saints play the Chicago Bears on Sunday, and nothing that happens at Soldier Field is going to get houses rebuilt any sooner or put families back together in a quicker. A trip to the Super Bowl may rest on the outcome, but in the end its just a game like any other. Still, if ever a city needed a team in the Super Bowl, it's New Orleans. "It's in the back of your head and you know it," Reggie Bush said Wednesday," you just see the effects from when we when, how big it lifts these people's spirits." In San Diego the other day I watched as some 68,000 fans left quickly and quietly after the Chargers blew a golden opportunity against New England. Naturally, they were bitterly disappointed that a team with an open path to the Super Bowl was done for the season. But they did not have to go home to a neighborhood they still don't recognize. I wasn't in New Orleans to watch the Saints beat the Eagles. The last time I was there, it was a disaster. Literally. The National Guard was just arriving in force and we drove over a deserted bridge into a city ravaged by Katrina. The streets were littered in broken glass and were covered in water, and bodies still lay rotting in the heat. I usually write about sports. A world full of feel-good stories, like the one the Saints look to write at the NFC championship game. This was real, though. And really ugly. Two female police officers who had been trapped in the Superdome for five days with 25,000 refugees took me in there. We drew through flooded streets, past downed power lines, and finally up the ramp to the parking garage where they would take refuge at night. Inside, and darkness illuminated only by sunlight shining through a hole in the roof, the scene was unimaginable.

So was the stench as we walked up to owner Tom Benson's suite, trying our best not to step in the rotting garbage and human waste. The Superdome is all cleaned up now, and I presume Benson's suite looks better than the day I saw it with its plugged up toilets and ransacked liquor cabinets. Unfortunately, the same can't be said about big sections of the city. Some may never be rebuilt, others will never be the same. New Orleans needed the Saints like no other team has ever been needed by a city. Almost magically, a team that couldn't deliver for 40 years finally did. I don't normally root for teams. In my job, you really can't. That will change this Sunday. Because I'll be rooting for an entire city.

 

[Doug B]

I don't like those kinds of articles, though. Being anointed "America's Team" just puts a big target on the Saints' back. And whatever Dahlberg feels personally, it's just not right to shame people -- however obliquely -- into supporting the Saints. I'd much prefer that people root for the Saints because of the accomplishments of the players and coaches, and the potential recognition that they are winners (cf. respect for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady) ... not out of a sense of sympathy.

 

[DPRugby]

I'm a Chargers/Bears homer. I was born in Chicago but lived my formative years in San Diego (from age 11 to 25). Obviously I was pulling for a Chargers/Bears SB but now that the Boltz went and ###### all that up I'll be pulling for a Bears/Indy SB, and hoping the Bears win it all. That said I think the Saints will win on Sunday and I'll certainly be pulling for them in the SB if they make it. I like the idea of it being their first time at the dance, I like Brees (former Charger) and I like Reggie too. I'm a Payton Manning fan and that angle is interesting if it's Colts/Saints but I still think I'd root for the Saints because of Brees.

 

[BassNBrew]

I don't like those kinds of articles, though. Being anointed "America's Team" just puts a big target on the Saints' back. And whatever Dahlberg feels personally, it's just not right to shame people -- however obliquely -- into supporting the Saints. I'd much prefer that people root for the Saints because of the accomplishments of the players and coaches, and the potential recognition that they are winners (cf. respect for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady) ... not out of a sense of sympathy.

 

[BassNBrew]

What an absolute route. Oh well...it was a hypothetical question to begin with.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Who dat bein all quiet now?

 

[guderian]

Who dat bein all quiet now?

Who Dat's have been taking their medicine in the game thread, thank you.

 

[guderian]

What an absolute route. Oh well...it was a hypothetical question to begin with.

Hey, you got your wish...you don't have to "endure the Katrina rehash".

 

[BassNBrew]

What an absolute route. Oh well...it was a hypothetical question to begin with.

Hey, you got your wish...you don't have to "endure the Katrina rehash".

I really think you missed my point. Here's a prime example...poster in this thread grips about people trying to poach or steal the Saints franchise when NO just did this to get a basketball franchise. Also, I wasn't downplaying what you guys have been through, but you need to realize that others outside of NO have been hit just as hard over the last several years without all the press about it. Anyway...hope you enjoyed the run and good season...look forward to another two victories against you guys next year.

 

[guderian]

What an absolute route. Oh well...it was a hypothetical question to begin with.

Hey, you got your wish...you don't have to "endure the Katrina rehash".

I really think you missed my point. Here's a prime example...poster in this thread grips about people trying to poach or steal the Saints franchise when NO just did this to get a basketball franchise. Also, I wasn't downplaying what you guys have been through, but you need to realize that others outside of NO have been hit just as hard over the last several years without all the press about it. Anyway...hope you enjoyed the run and good season...look forward to another two victories against you guys next year.

Like, I said. You got your wish, you don't have to "endure the Katrina rehash". That's what you said, so not sure how I missed your point. As far as the Hornets, they were gone from Charlotte. They made a stadium proposal, it was rejected, they filed paperwork to move to Memphis which was subsequently awarded a franchise. So they were gone from Charlotte, regardless of what happened in NO. San Antonio's mayor and many leaders actively campaigned and ripped on NO all last season. Hardly a good comparison, but apparently your source of bitterness toward the city since you've mentioned it many times.

 

[gump]

For the record...Conference Champ sales are 5-to-1 for the Bears.

The NFL is right now.