New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks Playoff Thread (2 Viewers)

[Hooper31]

Thanks to all for the responses with regard to the NO defense. Appreciate your feedback.

Another question: Where do you want to see the team go with regard to your RBs? Status quo with Sproles? More of Ingram? Want to keep Thomas around? Or is it time to scrap the bunch and start over with a new crew?

 

[cacksman]

Did Kenny Vaccaro play during the last matchup?

 

[gianmarco]

Thanks to all for the responses with regard to the NO defense. Appreciate your feedback.

Another question: Where do you want to see the team go with regard to your RBs? Status quo with Sproles? More of Ingram? Want to keep Thomas around? Or is it time to scrap the bunch and start over with a new crew?

Perfectly content with the current crew. My only concern is that Sproles and Thomas are both a year older so they will have to find someone in the same mold that can be their pass-catching RB. Wouldn't mind adding someone a la Woodhead to fill that role.

The only current change I'd make is to try and get Ingram more involved in the passing game just so it isn't so predictable when he's in there. Not wanting him to catch 60 balls/year, but at least let the threat of it be there.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Did Kenny Vaccaro play during the last matchup?

yes

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Did Kenny Vaccaro play during the last matchup?

yes

More importantly and considering the general course of things, he had an excellent game.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Thanks to all for the responses with regard to the NO defense. Appreciate your feedback.

Another question: Where do you want to see the team go with regard to your RBs? Status quo with Sproles? More of Ingram? Want to keep Thomas around? Or is it time to scrap the bunch and start over with a new crew?

The dream for the Saints' offense is a top-5 RB to go with the passing game. I don't think Ingram will ever be that unfortunately.

If Ingram continues to develop, then I would love him and Khiry as a 1-2 punch, keep Pierre as a situational threat and rely on Sproles as a receiver as he has been.

So, for me, no changes. Saints fans go up and down on Ingram though, he was a marked man when he had a couple games of failing to get 1st's in key 3rd/4th and short situations. He came back from his injury and looked like a man possessed, now they love him.

 

[Hooper31]

The dream for the Saints' offense is a top-5 RB to go with the passing game. I don't think Ingram will ever be that unfortunately.

This is the sense I get from Saints fans in general. I haven't seen enough of him to make a call.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

The dream for the Saints' offense is a top-5 RB to go with the passing game. I don't think Ingram will ever be that unfortunately.

This is the sense I get from Saints fans in general. I haven't seen enough of him to make a call.

He's shown flashes of brilliance but also long periods of crapitude. I thought last year was going to be his breakout year, so I'm not sure it's ever going to come.

 

[Henry Ford]

Thanks to all for the responses with regard to the NO defense. Appreciate your feedback.

Another question: Where do you want to see the team go with regard to your RBs? Status quo with Sproles? More of Ingram? Want to keep Thomas around? Or is it time to scrap the bunch and start over with a new crew?

It's a serious problem how much talent there is in the backfield. If Ingram's starting to "get" it (and it looks like he is), I don't know what needs to be done. Thomas is so clutch it hurts, Sproles is still the fastest back on the roster for receiving, Ingram is a good pounder, and Robinson looks like a solid all-around threat with the ball who makes good cuts and hits the hole hard.

Pretty happy with the ground game the way it worked out against the Eagles. Honestly, they need to give someone the ball - either Robinson or Ingram - more than 15 times every game, and either get rid of the other one or make him a backup. Gotta get someone in a groove.

 

[Hooper31]

The dream for the Saints' offense is a top-5 RB to go with the passing game. I don't think Ingram will ever be that unfortunately.

This is the sense I get from Saints fans in general. I haven't seen enough of him to make a call.

He's shown flashes of brilliance but also long periods of crapitude. I thought last year was going to be his breakout year, so I'm not sure it's ever going to come.

I've seen enough to be intrigued, but will be careful not to assess his abilities based on the coming week. I think Seattle slams the door on the Saints running game this week. IMO if the Saints win this it will be because Brees lights it up. Seattle has been susceptible to big receiving games from tight ends and running backs this year. The Houston game comes to mind when Daniels, Foster, and Graham combined for about 200 yards.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

The dream for the Saints' offense is a top-5 RB to go with the passing game. I don't think Ingram will ever be that unfortunately.

This is the sense I get from Saints fans in general. I haven't seen enough of him to make a call.

He's shown flashes of brilliance but also long periods of crapitude. I thought last year was going to be his breakout year, so I'm not sure it's ever going to come.

I've seen enough to be intrigued, but will be careful not to assess his abilities based on the coming week. I think Seattle slams the door on the Saints running game this week. IMO if the Saints win this it will be because Brees lights it up. Seattle has been susceptible to big receiving games from tight ends and running backs this year. The Houston game comes to mind when Daniels, Foster, and Graham combined for about 200 yards.

Yeah, that was my thinking the first game.

Seattle's defense covered the whole field. They played full coverage on Graham, not just one guy.

If I had to look for a ***** it would be that Wright is out, but I'm really not counting on that in any way.

 

[Henry Ford]

The dream for the Saints' offense is a top-5 RB to go with the passing game. I don't think Ingram will ever be that unfortunately.

This is the sense I get from Saints fans in general. I haven't seen enough of him to make a call.

He's shown flashes of brilliance but also long periods of crapitude. I thought last year was going to be his breakout year, so I'm not sure it's ever going to come.

I've seen enough to be intrigued, but will be careful not to assess his abilities based on the coming week. I think Seattle slams the door on the Saints running game this week. IMO if the Saints win this it will be because Brees lights it up. Seattle has been susceptible to big receiving games from tight ends and running backs this year. The Houston game comes to mind when Daniels, Foster, and Graham combined for about 200 yards.

Yeah, I'd imagine there will be a healthy dose of Sproles and (hopefully) Thomas this week if the running game isn't working. Two backs with 70 receptions apiece is a scary proposition for a defense.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Fwiw, stat `o `dee day:

The Saints are the only team in NFL history with 4 players with 70+ catches in the same year: Graham, Sproles, Thomas, Colston.

 

[ImTheScientist]

 

[Hooper31]

Yeah, I'd imagine there will be a healthy dose of Sproles and (hopefully) Thomas this week if the running game isn't working. Two backs with 70 receptions apiece is a scary proposition for a defense.

That seems logical. Its going to take some missed tackles from Seattle to make those plays effective, but that's a rarity. Seattle defenders put people on the ground. I can't tell you how many times I've cringed this season watching Chancellor hit someone "too" hard wondering if its going to be flagged. Kam is just too big to be a real safety. He's more like an extra linebacker. Its a bit freaky. I wonder if that was what it was like to watch Urlacher in college playing safety.

 

[Henry Ford]

Yeah, I'd imagine there will be a healthy dose of Sproles and (hopefully) Thomas this week if the running game isn't working. Two backs with 70 receptions apiece is a scary proposition for a defense.

That seems logical. Its going to take some missed tackles from Seattle to make those plays effective, but that's a rarity. Seattle defenders put people on the ground. I can't tell you how many times I've cringed this season watching Chancellor hit someone "too" hard wondering if its going to be flagged. Kam is just too big to be a real safety. He's more like an extra linebacker. Its a bit freaky. I wonder if that was what it was like to watch Urlacher in college playing safety.

When the Saints' offense is firing on all cylinders, it doesn't really require missed tackles. Saints' Yards After Contact numbers aren't very high. Except Thomas.

I remember earlier this season, Jimmy Graham had less than 30 yards after contact in a game and it was a career high.

 

[Henry Ford]

Yeah, I'd imagine there will be a healthy dose of Sproles and (hopefully) Thomas this week if the running game isn't working. Two backs with 70 receptions apiece is a scary proposition for a defense.

That seems logical. Its going to take some missed tackles from Seattle to make those plays effective, but that's a rarity. Seattle defenders put people on the ground. I can't tell you how many times I've cringed this season watching Chancellor hit someone "too" hard wondering if its going to be flagged. Kam is just too big to be a real safety. He's more like an extra linebacker. Its a bit freaky. I wonder if that was what it was like to watch Urlacher in college playing safety.

Rethinking, it sounds like you think the Saints give backs these receptions by just flaring it out and hoping people miss. The Saints' blocking scheme gets set up on the outside during flare-outs, to essentially create a new offensive line in front of the back if it's caught behind the line of scrimmage, but backs also go into the slot, out on 9 routes, and just about anywhere else you can imagine. The Saints will put Thomas and Sproles in the backfield and just make them receivers who get a free release because the offensive line acts like a bunch formation and shields the back from being hit at the line. Or they'll send Sproles up the sideline and back-shoulder throw him while the linebacker plays catch-up.

It's beautiful to watch when it's working, but when it's not clicking it looks horrendous.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Yeah, I'd imagine there will be a healthy dose of Sproles and (hopefully) Thomas this week if the running game isn't working. Two backs with 70 receptions apiece is a scary proposition for a defense.

That seems logical. Its going to take some missed tackles from Seattle to make those plays effective, but that's a rarity. Seattle defenders put people on the ground. I can't tell you how many times I've cringed this season watching Chancellor hit someone "too" hard wondering if its going to be flagged. Kam is just too big to be a real safety. He's more like an extra linebacker. Its a bit freaky. I wonder if that was what it was like to watch Urlacher in college playing safety.

Rethinking, it sounds like you think the Saints give backs these receptions by just flaring it out and hoping people miss. The Saints' blocking scheme gets set up on the outside during flare-outs, to essentially create a new offensive line in front of the back if it's caught behind the line of scrimmage, but backs also go into the slot, out on 9 routes, and just about anywhere else you can imagine. The Saints will put Thomas and Sproles in the backfield and just make them receivers who get a free release because the offensive line acts like a bunch formation and shields the back from being hit at the line. Or they'll send Sproles up the sideline and back-shoulder throw him while the linebacker plays catch-up.

It's beautiful to watch when it's working, but when it's not clicking it looks horrendous.

The tackles do a lot of running here. This is one reason adding Armstead to the mix is potentially an important wrinkle, he can hustle downfield much much faster than Brown or Strief.

Also, Sproles was open on a deep route vs PHI and Brees underthrew him.

 

[Statorama]

the Cards were playing for their playoff lives.

Hmmm, as are the Saints. Interesting.

The Saints are true underdogs in this game. It'll take a miracle, for sure, to beat The NFC's best team (in their den no less)

The key in my opinion is for the Saints to get on top early and force Seattle to play from behind. Get that crowd out of the game early.

That doesn't really happen. Even when they were down 21-0 to Tampa in mid-season it didn't happen. It certainly won't happen in a playoff game.

Yeah, I don't think anyone who thinks the Saints can get the crowd out of the game really watches much Seattle football.

Like I said previously, the hope is that this is the "button up shirt" playoff crowd and not the regular joe and jane fans. Everyone has written this game off as a Seattle win, so there's a slight possibility that money talked and there's a more casual fan sitting in the seats this weekend.

I'm sure your sentiment is correct for a regular season game. Seattle fans never get down, they never write their team off, they are always in it, etc.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

the Cards were playing for their playoff lives.

Hmmm, as are the Saints. Interesting.

The Saints are true underdogs in this game. It'll take a miracle, for sure, to beat The NFC's best team (in their den no less)

The key in my opinion is for the Saints to get on top early and force Seattle to play from behind. Get that crowd out of the game early.

That doesn't really happen. Even when they were down 21-0 to Tampa in mid-season it didn't happen. It certainly won't happen in a playoff game.

Yeah, I don't think anyone who thinks the Saints can get the crowd out of the game really watches much Seattle football.

Like I said previously, the hope is that this is the "button up shirt" playoff crowd and not the regular joe and jane fans. Everyone has written this game off as a Seattle win, so there's a slight possibility that money talked and there's a more casual fan sitting in the seats this weekend.

I'm sure your sentiment is correct for a regular season game. Seattle fans never get down, they never write their team off, they are always in it, etc.

Ok Stat - what would you say if someone presented this theory to you about a Saints playoff game in the Dome?

I'd say whatever the nature of the fan, the magnitude of the game at stake is going to make them crazier than ever, not to mention every fan there will feel a personal stake in the game, like they think they are personally helping their team. And they probably are.

The fan at the gate will be like lions who have red meat dangled in front of their cages for 2 weeks (or oh say like since 1976).

 

[Statorama]

As much as I hate the sea chumps (well mostly the obnoxious ITS), the Saints need a miracle. They were so thoroughly dominated in the last game in every way that I don't know where you look to even make an argument that they have a chance. They got pounded. This is Drago vs. Apollo.

Add to that how incredibly banged up the Saints are. But there's a reason why they play the games, otherwise they would have just handed the trophy to the Colts in SB III. A pick six, a couple of fumbles go the right way....who knows, Saints might have a chance.

Did the Saints win the Super Bowl recently? You guys really don't mention that enough.

Such anger

 

[Statorama]

One of the big keys to the game, from a Saints perspective, is that they need to take what the defense gives them. All too often I've seen the Saints run what looks like scripted plays into double and sometimes triple coverage. I appreciate that kind of arrogance on a certain level, but hopefully they learned a lesson in the first go around.

I have a lot of confidence in Coach Payton, and he's the best "grudge" coach I've ever seen. I think he'll be helped by the fact that he has a veteran team, so there won't be as much of a hangover effect from the first game.

 

[Statorama]

the Cards were playing for their playoff lives.

Hmmm, as are the Saints. Interesting.

The Saints are true underdogs in this game. It'll take a miracle, for sure, to beat The NFC's best team (in their den no less)

The key in my opinion is for the Saints to get on top early and force Seattle to play from behind. Get that crowd out of the game early.

That doesn't really happen. Even when they were down 21-0 to Tampa in mid-season it didn't happen. It certainly won't happen in a playoff game.

Yeah, I don't think anyone who thinks the Saints can get the crowd out of the game really watches much Seattle football.

Like I said previously, the hope is that this is the "button up shirt" playoff crowd and not the regular joe and jane fans. Everyone has written this game off as a Seattle win, so there's a slight possibility that money talked and there's a more casual fan sitting in the seats this weekend.

I'm sure your sentiment is correct for a regular season game. Seattle fans never get down, they never write their team off, they are always in it, etc.

Ok Stat - what would you say if someone presented this theory to you about a Saints playoff game in the Dome?

I'd say whatever the nature of the fan, the magnitude of the game at stake is going to make them crazier than ever, not to mention every fan there will feel a personal stake in the game, like they think they are personally helping their team. And they probably are.

The fan at the gate will be like lions who have red meat dangled in front of their cages for 2 weeks (or oh say like since 1976).

I've said before, it's grasping at extreme straws. I've seen it happen a great deal during NBA games, so I'm just hanging on that 1 percent chance of hope

 

[Statorama]

It's a moot point if they're piping in noise into the stadium

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

It's a moot point if they're piping in noise into the stadium

You forgot:

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

the Cards were playing for their playoff lives.

Hmmm, as are the Saints. Interesting.

The Saints are true underdogs in this game. It'll take a miracle, for sure, to beat The NFC's best team (in their den no less)

The key in my opinion is for the Saints to get on top early and force Seattle to play from behind. Get that crowd out of the game early.

That doesn't really happen. Even when they were down 21-0 to Tampa in mid-season it didn't happen. It certainly won't happen in a playoff game.

Yeah, I don't think anyone who thinks the Saints can get the crowd out of the game really watches much Seattle football.

Like I said previously, the hope is that this is the "button up shirt" playoff crowd and not the regular joe and jane fans. Everyone has written this game off as a Seattle win, so there's a slight possibility that money talked and there's a more casual fan sitting in the seats this weekend.

I'm sure your sentiment is correct for a regular season game. Seattle fans never get down, they never write their team off, they are always in it, etc.

Ok Stat - what would you say if someone presented this theory to you about a Saints playoff game in the Dome?

I'd say whatever the nature of the fan, the magnitude of the game at stake is going to make them crazier than ever, not to mention every fan there will feel a personal stake in the game, like they think they are personally helping their team. And they probably are.

The fan at the gate will be like lions who have red meat dangled in front of their cages for 2 weeks (or oh say like since 1976).

I've said before, it's grasping at extreme straws. I've seen it happen a great deal during NBA games, so I'm just hanging on that 1 percent chance of hope

I will say this about the crowd noise - it does not affect what Wilson does or fails to do.

If you want to grasp at straws, Lynch had a fumble in the 1st quarter of the last game. Hauschka missed a FG vs AZ, Wilson has had 3 INTs since the Saints game. If the Saints have a shot at anything they need something like that to happen.

I will add, we know the Saints will get the ball first - either they win the toss or Seattle will defer, we know this. A first drive better than this is in order:

1st and 10 at NO 20 P.Thomas right tackle to NO 16 for -4 yards (B.Mebane).

2nd and 14 at NO 16 (Shotgun) D.Brees pass short right to D.Sproles pushed ob at NO 23 for 7 yards (R.Sherman).

3rd and 7 at NO 23 (Shotgun) D.Brees pass incomplete deep right to R.Meachem (R.Sherman).

4th and 7 at NO 23 T.Morstead punts 47 yards to SEA 30, Center-J.Drescher. G.Tate to SEA 31 for 1 yard (I.Abdul-Quddus).

That first run by Pierre was awful, really set the tone.

 

[Statorama]

the Cards were playing for their playoff lives.

Hmmm, as are the Saints. Interesting.

The Saints are true underdogs in this game. It'll take a miracle, for sure, to beat The NFC's best team (in their den no less)

The key in my opinion is for the Saints to get on top early and force Seattle to play from behind. Get that crowd out of the game early.

That doesn't really happen. Even when they were down 21-0 to Tampa in mid-season it didn't happen. It certainly won't happen in a playoff game.

Yeah, I don't think anyone who thinks the Saints can get the crowd out of the game really watches much Seattle football.

Like I said previously, the hope is that this is the "button up shirt" playoff crowd and not the regular joe and jane fans. Everyone has written this game off as a Seattle win, so there's a slight possibility that money talked and there's a more casual fan sitting in the seats this weekend.

I'm sure your sentiment is correct for a regular season game. Seattle fans never get down, they never write their team off, they are always in it, etc.

Ok Stat - what would you say if someone presented this theory to you about a Saints playoff game in the Dome?

I'd say whatever the nature of the fan, the magnitude of the game at stake is going to make them crazier than ever, not to mention every fan there will feel a personal stake in the game, like they think they are personally helping their team. And they probably are.

The fan at the gate will be like lions who have red meat dangled in front of their cages for 2 weeks (or oh say like since 1976).

I've said before, it's grasping at extreme straws. I've seen it happen a great deal during NBA games, so I'm just hanging on that 1 percent chance of hope

I will say this about the crowd noise - it does not affect what Wilson does or fails to do.

You got that right. He was crazy good against the Saints last time.

 

[ScottyDog]

the Cards were playing for their playoff lives.

Hmmm, as are the Saints. Interesting.

The Saints are true underdogs in this game. It'll take a miracle, for sure, to beat The NFC's best team (in their den no less)

The key in my opinion is for the Saints to get on top early and force Seattle to play from behind. Get that crowd out of the game early.

That doesn't really happen. Even when they were down 21-0 to Tampa in mid-season it didn't happen. It certainly won't happen in a playoff game.

Yeah, I don't think anyone who thinks the Saints can get the crowd out of the game really watches much Seattle football.

Like I said previously, the hope is that this is the "button up shirt" playoff crowd and not the regular joe and jane fans. Everyone has written this game off as a Seattle win, so there's a slight possibility that money talked and there's a more casual fan sitting in the seats this weekend.

I'm sure your sentiment is correct for a regular season game. Seattle fans never get down, they never write their team off, they are always in it, etc.

You have no idea. Your "hope" is futile. Seahawks fans do exactly what the Seahawk players do and they "turn it up a notch" for the playoffs. You will see exactly what I am talking about on Saturday.

 

[Statorama]

And yes, I do root for a team that won a Superbowl. Being a part of a Superbowl season is an exhilarating, euphoric feeling. A feeling that I hope fans of all teams get to experience within their lifetimes.

 

[Henry Ford]

the Cards were playing for their playoff lives.

Hmmm, as are the Saints. Interesting.

The Saints are true underdogs in this game. It'll take a miracle, for sure, to beat The NFC's best team (in their den no less)

The key in my opinion is for the Saints to get on top early and force Seattle to play from behind. Get that crowd out of the game early.

That doesn't really happen. Even when they were down 21-0 to Tampa in mid-season it didn't happen. It certainly won't happen in a playoff game.

Yeah, I don't think anyone who thinks the Saints can get the crowd out of the game really watches much Seattle football.

Like I said previously, the hope is that this is the "button up shirt" playoff crowd and not the regular joe and jane fans. Everyone has written this game off as a Seattle win, so there's a slight possibility that money talked and there's a more casual fan sitting in the seats this weekend.

I'm sure your sentiment is correct for a regular season game. Seattle fans never get down, they never write their team off, they are always in it, etc.

You have no idea. Your "hope" is futile. Seahawks fans do exactly what the Seahawk players do and they "turn it up a notch" for the playoffs. You will see exactly what I am talking about on Saturday.

 

[ScottyDog]

the Cards were playing for their playoff lives.

Hmmm, as are the Saints. Interesting.

The Saints are true underdogs in this game. It'll take a miracle, for sure, to beat The NFC's best team (in their den no less)

The key in my opinion is for the Saints to get on top early and force Seattle to play from behind. Get that crowd out of the game early.

That doesn't really happen. Even when they were down 21-0 to Tampa in mid-season it didn't happen. It certainly won't happen in a playoff game.

Yeah, I don't think anyone who thinks the Saints can get the crowd out of the game really watches much Seattle football.

Like I said previously, the hope is that this is the "button up shirt" playoff crowd and not the regular joe and jane fans. Everyone has written this game off as a Seattle win, so there's a slight possibility that money talked and there's a more casual fan sitting in the seats this weekend.

I'm sure your sentiment is correct for a regular season game. Seattle fans never get down, they never write their team off, they are always in it, etc.

You have no idea. Your "hope" is futile. Seahawks fans do exactly what the Seahawk players do and they "turn it up a notch" for the playoffs. You will see exactly what I am talking about on Saturday.

Oh Hank.....I see what you did there. I am talking about EFFORT, not Adderal. YOU FUNNY HANK.

 

[Henry Ford]

the Cards were playing for their playoff lives.

Hmmm, as are the Saints. Interesting.

The Saints are true underdogs in this game. It'll take a miracle, for sure, to beat The NFC's best team (in their den no less)

The key in my opinion is for the Saints to get on top early and force Seattle to play from behind. Get that crowd out of the game early.

That doesn't really happen. Even when they were down 21-0 to Tampa in mid-season it didn't happen. It certainly won't happen in a playoff game.

Yeah, I don't think anyone who thinks the Saints can get the crowd out of the game really watches much Seattle football.

Like I said previously, the hope is that this is the "button up shirt" playoff crowd and not the regular joe and jane fans. Everyone has written this game off as a Seattle win, so there's a slight possibility that money talked and there's a more casual fan sitting in the seats this weekend.

I'm sure your sentiment is correct for a regular season game. Seattle fans never get down, they never write their team off, they are always in it, etc.

You have no idea. Your "hope" is futile. Seahawks fans do exactly what the Seahawk players do and they "turn it up a notch" for the playoffs. You will see exactly what I am talking about on Saturday.

Oh Hank.....I see what you did there. I am talking about EFFORT, not Adderal. YOU FUNNY HANK.

I'm not talking about Adderall. I'm referring to the fact that the Seahawks have been to the playoffs 13 times and been to the Conference Championship twice.

I think the Seahawks this year are a great team, but I don't think the "Seahawks really kick ### in the playoffs historically!" argument is all that great.

By no means am I saying the Saints are the end-all be-all of playoff teams, but the Seahawks have had some pretty rough playoff games in their history.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I am kind of shocked to hear anything out of ESPN that remotely favors the Saints but I did find this tidbit interesting.

ESPN post-WC Round special... since AFL/NFL merger... a team that was blown out in the regular season is 13-12 when they've gotten a rematch in the playoffs

One other fun but of trivia here:

the Seahawks have lost twice to teams they already beat earlier in the season, the 29-3 beatdown to the 9ers was revenged 19-17, and so was the 34-22 thrashing of the Cards 17-10.

 

[ScottyDog]

the Cards were playing for their playoff lives.

Hmmm, as are the Saints. Interesting.

The Saints are true underdogs in this game. It'll take a miracle, for sure, to beat The NFC's best team (in their den no less)

The key in my opinion is for the Saints to get on top early and force Seattle to play from behind. Get that crowd out of the game early.

That doesn't really happen. Even when they were down 21-0 to Tampa in mid-season it didn't happen. It certainly won't happen in a playoff game.

Yeah, I don't think anyone who thinks the Saints can get the crowd out of the game really watches much Seattle football.

Like I said previously, the hope is that this is the "button up shirt" playoff crowd and not the regular joe and jane fans. Everyone has written this game off as a Seattle win, so there's a slight possibility that money talked and there's a more casual fan sitting in the seats this weekend.

I'm sure your sentiment is correct for a regular season game. Seattle fans never get down, they never write their team off, they are always in it, etc.

You have no idea. Your "hope" is futile. Seahawks fans do exactly what the Seahawk players do and they "turn it up a notch" for the playoffs. You will see exactly what I am talking about on Saturday.

Oh Hank.....I see what you did there. I am talking about EFFORT, not Adderal. YOU FUNNY HANK.

I'm not talking about Adderall. I'm referring to the fact that the Seahawks have been to the playoffs 13 times and been to the Conference Championship twice.

I think the Seahawks this year are a great team, but I don't think the "Seahawks really kick ### in the playoffs historically!" argument is all that great.

By no means am I saying the Saints are the end-all be-all of playoff teams, but the Seahawks have had some pretty rough playoff games in their history.

Oh ok, I got you now. I think you misunderstood me or more likely, I wasn't making myself clear. What I meant is just like ANY player on ANY PLAYOFF team, the 'Hawks fans turn it up a notch from the regular season to the post season.

 

[ImTheScientist]

By no means am I saying the Saints are the end-all be-all of playoff teams, but the Seahawks have had some pretty rough playoff games in their history.

Saints won their first road playoff game ever last week. Does history really matter? NOPE.

The only thing that matters is the current season. Arguing anything else is grasping for straws. (which plenty of you are doing in this thread)

 

[Henry Ford]

the Cards were playing for their playoff lives.

Hmmm, as are the Saints. Interesting.

The Saints are true underdogs in this game. It'll take a miracle, for sure, to beat The NFC's best team (in their den no less)

The key in my opinion is for the Saints to get on top early and force Seattle to play from behind. Get that crowd out of the game early.

That doesn't really happen. Even when they were down 21-0 to Tampa in mid-season it didn't happen. It certainly won't happen in a playoff game.

Yeah, I don't think anyone who thinks the Saints can get the crowd out of the game really watches much Seattle football.

Like I said previously, the hope is that this is the "button up shirt" playoff crowd and not the regular joe and jane fans. Everyone has written this game off as a Seattle win, so there's a slight possibility that money talked and there's a more casual fan sitting in the seats this weekend.

I'm sure your sentiment is correct for a regular season game. Seattle fans never get down, they never write their team off, they are always in it, etc.

You have no idea. Your "hope" is futile. Seahawks fans do exactly what the Seahawk players do and they "turn it up a notch" for the playoffs. You will see exactly what I am talking about on Saturday.

Oh Hank.....I see what you did there. I am talking about EFFORT, not Adderal. YOU FUNNY HANK.

I'm not talking about Adderall. I'm referring to the fact that the Seahawks have been to the playoffs 13 times and been to the Conference Championship twice.

I think the Seahawks this year are a great team, but I don't think the "Seahawks really kick ### in the playoffs historically!" argument is all that great.

By no means am I saying the Saints are the end-all be-all of playoff teams, but the Seahawks have had some pretty rough playoff games in their history.

Oh ok, I got you now. I think you misunderstood me or more likely, I wasn't making myself clear. What I meant is just like ANY player on ANY PLAYOFF team, the 'Hawks fans turn it up a notch from the regular season to the post season.

Oh, sure. I thought we were discussing how gritty, determined, and superhuman the Seahawk fans and players are in the playoffs. Which isn't exactly the perception around the league. At least not while I was growing up. Largent aside, obviously.

 

[Henry Ford]

By no means am I saying the Saints are the end-all be-all of playoff teams, but the Seahawks have had some pretty rough playoff games in their history.

Saints won their first road playoff game ever last week. Does history really matter? NOPE.

The only thing that matters is the current season. Arguing anything else is grasping for straws. (which plenty of you are doing in this thread)

Right, that's what I'm saying. Arguing the Seahawks playoff history is not only weird from the perspective that this is a different team, but also from the perspective that they're about statistically average at moving on in playoff games.

 

[ImTheScientist]

I am kind of shocked to hear anything out of ESPN that remotely favors the Saints but I did find this tidbit interesting.

ESPN post-WC Round special... since AFL/NFL merger... a team that was blown out in the regular season is 13-12 when they've gotten a rematch in the playoffs

One other fun but of trivia here:

the Seahawks have lost twice to teams they already beat earlier in the season, the 29-3 beatdown to the 9ers was revenged 19-17, and so was the 34-22 thrashing of the Cards 17-10.

Usually you bring good information to the table. Nothing but junk in this thread, which is surprising.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

By no means am I saying the Saints are the end-all be-all of playoff teams, but the Seahawks have had some pretty rough playoff games in their history.

Saints won their first road playoff game ever last week. Does history really matter? NOPE.

The only thing that matters is the current season. Arguing anything else is grasping for straws. (which plenty of you are doing in this thread)

Here's where history matters and I mean this in a good way - when you haven't won it all since 1976 and you're in that stadium, you want it, you want it real real bad, you think you've screamed before? You think you've yelled before? You'll need a dr's checkup by the time you're done, the weight of history will be in there in that stadium, for good or ill, the team will know it just as much as the fans. Every play will weigh more and more. If the Hawks win as expected it will just grow in the NFCC. If that happens as said I will be pulling for you guys vs the 9ers and Panteras, but it will be intense.

 

[ImTheScientist]

By no means am I saying the Saints are the end-all be-all of playoff teams, but the Seahawks have had some pretty rough playoff games in their history.

Saints won their first road playoff game ever last week. Does history really matter? NOPE.

The only thing that matters is the current season. Arguing anything else is grasping for straws. (which plenty of you are doing in this thread)

Right, that's what I'm saying. Arguing the Seahawks playoff history is not only weird from the perspective that this is a different team, but also from the perspective that they're about statistically average at moving on in playoff games.

I can see looking at last year (maybe) but anything past that is irrelevant.

 

[ImTheScientist]

By no means am I saying the Saints are the end-all be-all of playoff teams, but the Seahawks have had some pretty rough playoff games in their history.

Saints won their first road playoff game ever last week. Does history really matter? NOPE.

The only thing that matters is the current season. Arguing anything else is grasping for straws. (which plenty of you are doing in this thread)

Here's where history matters and I mean this in a good way - when you haven't won it all since 1976 and you're in that stadium, you want it, you want it real real bad, you think you've screamed before? You think you've yelled before? You'll need a dr's checkup by the time you're done, the weight of history will be in there in that stadium, for good or ill, the team will know it just as much as the fans. Every play will weigh more and more. If the Hawks win as expected it will just grow in the NFCC. If that happens as said I will be pulling for you guys vs the 9ers and Panteras, but it will be intense.

Maybe from a fans perspective I can see that.....the players don't care about the past unless they were involved in it.

 

[ImTheScientist]

If the Saints win I will be cheering for them to win the Superbowl. I can't stand anyone else left in the playoffs except the Chargers...but I doubt they make it.

 

[biju]

Proposed Key For the Game: The read option - Seattle successfully running it, or the Saints successfully stopping it.

Did anyone see the stat before the Philly game that the Saints were one of the worst at stopping the read option this year? Something like 36 read option plays against them for a 5.3 yard per play average. I am going to guess that nearly all of that came in the first Seattle game.



This was from an article cited without a link, so I don't know where this comes from.

I freely admit I do not really understand the read option or how it is different from a traditional option offense. I take it maybe the difference is in allowing the QB more freedom to "read" the defense at the line and make a call on his own. Would love to get some education on this.

Anyone have any stats on this viz either NO &/or SEA, running it or stopping it?

Also, I was under the impression that PHI did indeed run it vs NO, especially early, and it sure looked like NO had a lock down on it.

Let's face it, for all the talk about the Saints being relatively weak against the run (Martin/Stacy/Ridley) the Saints have put a clamp down on 1. Forte, 2. Gore, 3. Lynch, and 4th but not least McCoy.

Sorry folks, I had a long day of work and wasn't able to catch this until now.

I'm going to say this is not going to be a key to the game based on the historical 2013 playcalling. Although we see a lot of runs (and by consequence, play-action) out of the pistol formation with a zone read options (ZRO), Wilson doesn't typically hold onto the ball. I think for the most part teams have adjusted defensively and keep someone home so secure this. This is simply a guess, but I think Wilson has probably only kept it 12-15 times all year. Now, that doesn't mean he won't start doing it if it's there but I think there was a point of emphasis from our OC to make sure Wilson doesn't get hammered every game.

For those of you unfamiliar with the ZRO, here's a quick primer:

http://www.football-offense.com/zonereadoption/

One of the elements listed here is not done in the NFL today (or at least I haven't seen it) is the pitch to the crossing WR with the QB keeper. It's worth discussing whether Bevell has intentions of putting Harvin into that role. I can only imagine this would cause so much confusion on defense it would be pretty tough to stop.

The general way to defend the option is the scrape technique (quick image example of scrape exchange here) where the DE *always* crashes down on the RB and the LB moves outside to contain the QB. Of course, this is more difficult than it sounds and again I've yet to see someone employ the pitch into their offense at the NFL level (although I was extremely delighted to see the Chiefs run a "traditional" option last weekend).

I must have missed where PHI ran it last week--I didn't realize Foles was someone who had run a ZRO before or was really a threat to run.

I've got to admit, I'm antsy about how Bevell will use Harvin...if in fact he is actually healthy.

 

[Henry Ford]

By no means am I saying the Saints are the end-all be-all of playoff teams, but the Seahawks have had some pretty rough playoff games in their history.

Saints won their first road playoff game ever last week. Does history really matter? NOPE.

The only thing that matters is the current season. Arguing anything else is grasping for straws. (which plenty of you are doing in this thread)

Here's where history matters and I mean this in a good way - when you haven't won it all since 1976 and you're in that stadium, you want it, you want it real real bad, you think you've screamed before? You think you've yelled before? You'll need a dr's checkup by the time you're done, the weight of history will be in there in that stadium, for good or ill, the team will know it just as much as the fans. Every play will weigh more and more. If the Hawks win as expected it will just grow in the NFCC. If that happens as said I will be pulling for you guys vs the 9ers and Panteras, but it will be intense.

Totally agree on all points. My loathing for Pete Carroll is overshadowed by how much respect I have for Wilson.

 

[Statorama]

If the Saints win I will be cheering for them to win the Superbowl.

I'm right with you. If the Seahawks get there I'll be pulling for them, especially against the Broncos if that happens. There's been this air of inevitability bestowed upon the Broncos winning it all that really turns me off. Love the blue collar style of the Seahawks, and I'll have no problem pulling for them if the Saints are out of it.

 

[mad sweeney]

Yeah, I'd imagine there will be a healthy dose of Sproles and (hopefully) Thomas this week if the running game isn't working. Two backs with 70 receptions apiece is a scary proposition for a defense.

That seems logical. Its going to take some missed tackles from Seattle to make those plays effective, but that's a rarity. Seattle defenders put people on the ground. I can't tell you how many times I've cringed this season watching Chancellor hit someone "too" hard wondering if its going to be flagged. Kam is just too big to be a real safety. He's more like an extra linebacker. Its a bit freaky. I wonder if that was what it was like to watch Urlacher in college playing safety.

Kam's actually pretty uncanny with his ability to avoid the head in his hits. He's gotten a few flags for it, though they are pretty much always vindicated on slo-mo and by lack of fines as legal hits/bad flags.

 

[mad sweeney]

the Cards were playing for their playoff lives.

Hmmm, as are the Saints. Interesting.

The Saints are true underdogs in this game. It'll take a miracle, for sure, to beat The NFC's best team (in their den no less)

The key in my opinion is for the Saints to get on top early and force Seattle to play from behind. Get that crowd out of the game early.

That doesn't really happen. Even when they were down 21-0 to Tampa in mid-season it didn't happen. It certainly won't happen in a playoff game.

Yeah, I don't think anyone who thinks the Saints can get the crowd out of the game really watches much Seattle football.

Like I said previously, the hope is that this is the "button up shirt" playoff crowd and not the regular joe and jane fans. Everyone has written this game off as a Seattle win, so there's a slight possibility that money talked and there's a more casual fan sitting in the seats this weekend.

I'm sure your sentiment is correct for a regular season game. Seattle fans never get down, they never write their team off, they are always in it, etc.

This post makes less sense than probably any that I've ever seen in here. The same people that go to a regular game are the ones going this weekend. The same ones that go to night games are going to this one. And are you somehow trying to say that the furor over a playoff game is going to be less alluring or effective than a regular season game? The crowd is going to be into it less during a playoff game?! By the same line of reasoning, the Saints might bring up all their practice squad players and deactivate all their starters.

Seriously, that makes far less sense than even a drunken Breesisdaman.

 

[Statorama]

I know reading is a skill, but I'll type it again. Hoping that "fair weather" or "casual" fans show up for the playoff games is a sliver of a straw that is being grasped. 1% chance of happening. I've said that several times.

Edit: If you Seattle fans are just looking to gin up something to get angry about, you'll have to look elsewhere.

 

[Statorama]

I also want to re-emphasize that the Seahawks are the best team in the NFC. I'm shocked at all of the anger and aggression coming from the Seattle fans. You should be soaking in this moment. Rejoicing in it.

I'm really enjoying the strategy discussions. I'm hoping that the upcoming playoff game thread can be a positive one. I had expressed my doubts earlier that we were capable of having a focused discussion on the game, but from what I've seen we're fully capable if we can just cut out the negativity and anger. I think there are some good, knowledgeable football fans in here, and I'm really hoping we can elevate over the standard meat-head game threads.

Lets do this! I'm in for a positive game discussion if you are.

 

[biju]

I also want to re-emphasize that the Seahawks are the best team in the NFC. I'm shocked at all of the anger and aggression coming from the Seattle fans. You should be soaking in this moment. Rejoicing in it.

I'm really enjoying the strategy discussions. I'm hoping that the upcoming playoff game thread can be a positive one. I had expressed my doubts earlier that we were capable of having a focused discussion on the game, but from what I've seen we're fully capable if we can just cut out the negativity and anger. I think there are some good, knowledgeable football fans in here, and I'm really hoping we can elevate over the standard meat-head game threads.

Lets do this! I'm in for a positive game discussion if you are.

I understand the sentiment--there is a lot of pent-up frustration around not having won a Superbowl and this leads to anger. It's worth mentioning the Northwest has the highest rate of serial killers in the US statistically so it isn't just the Seahawks that piss us off.

But all joking aside, I would simply ask you be careful in using such a broad brush to paint Seahawks fans. Some of us are truly enjoying it. I am, although I certainly can get defensive quick too (it's an area of improvement I'm working on).