***Official Game Thread*** - Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints (1 Viewer)

[saintsfan]

Off the top of my head, the Vikings lost because of several things:1. Their OL could not keep the pass rush off Favre at all2. 6 fumbles, 3 lost3. 2 interceptions4. Conservative playcalling at the end of the 4th quarter5. Absolutely crushing 12 men in the huddle penalty6. Dropped an interception in OT and didn't come up with any other turnovers when given opportunities7. Officiating in OT - and not just the PI call, which was horrible... IMO Thomas should have been spotted short on the 4th down run

8. Saints put the ball in the endzone 4 times9. Saints never let Harvin return a kick

People aren't talking about it, but Special Teams. The disparity in yardage was in part because the Saints had short fields for 17 of their points. Two of those short fields were because of great kickoff returns. Also, Morestead took Percy Harvin completely out of the game by booming kickoffs to the end zone and his punts were just unreal.For everybody saying how much the Vikings dominated, I think they are forgetting that the one area where the Saints COMPLETELY dominated the Vikings was Special Teams. That, combined with the fact that the Saints offense didn't make any mistakes and the Vikings made 5 of 'em, that was the game.

 

[Kuz]

Man.. Sure wish the Vikings wouldn't of had so many #######g fumbles etc. Oh well.. That's what happens some games I guess..

Wish luck to the Saints fans.. Good luck in the Super Bowl..

 

[Pnishthm]

Off the top of my head, the Vikings lost because of several things:1. Their OL could not keep the pass rush off Favre at all2. 6 fumbles, 3 lost3. 2 interceptions4. Conservative playcalling at the end of the 4th quarter5. Absolutely crushing 12 men in the huddle penalty6. Dropped an interception in OT and didn't come up with any other turnovers when given opportunities7. Officiating in OT - and not just the PI call, which was horrible... IMO Thomas should have been spotted short on the 4th down runThere is more than enough there that this loss wasn't due to the officiating, though that PI call certainly leaves a bad taste given it happened right at the end.Everyone is up in arms about the PI call in OT, but I'd like to know the actual rule on forward progress and spotting the ball. Thomas dove in the air on that 4th and inches play in OT, he had the ball cradled at his chest, and probably reached the spot he needed while in the air momentarily, but a helmet on the ball caused him to bobble it and reach down to secure it, which was very clearly evident on replay, which the referees supposedly reviewed. Now thinking back to the Patriots 4th & 2 call that was spotted short against Indy, the ruling as I understood it was that because Faulk bobbled it, forward progress is out the window and all that matters is where the ball is when he is down. If that's the case, I think it should have been Vikings ball. I'm surprised more people didn't question this.

Maybe because the difference in the two plays is that the first you mention was on a completion? You can't mark forward progress until he actually catches the ball. Same play happened on 3rd down the catch before the 4th and inches. The PI call was horrible but remember... it was only 1st down. If they don't call PI it's still only 2nd and 10 and who knows what would have happened.

 

[Pnishthm]

Off the top of my head, the Vikings lost because of several things:1. Their OL could not keep the pass rush off Favre at all2. 6 fumbles, 3 lost3. 2 interceptions4. Conservative playcalling at the end of the 4th quarter5. Absolutely crushing 12 men in the huddle penalty6. Dropped an interception in OT and didn't come up with any other turnovers when given opportunities7. Officiating in OT - and not just the PI call, which was horrible... IMO Thomas should have been spotted short on the 4th down run

8. Saints put the ball in the endzone 4 times9. Saints never let Harvin return a kick

People aren't talking about it, but Special Teams. The disparity in yardage was in part because the Saints had short fields for 17 of their points. Two of those short fields were because of great kickoff returns. Also, Morestead took Percy Harvin completely out of the game by booming kickoffs to the end zone and his punts were just unreal.For everybody saying how much the Vikings dominated, I think they are forgetting that the one area where the Saints COMPLETELY dominated the Vikings was Special Teams. That, combined with the fact that the Saints offense didn't make any mistakes and the Vikings made 5 of 'em, that was the game.

Morestead should have been MVP. The guy was $$$ on kickoffs and punts. Who was MVP anyway? P. Thomas?

 

[Pnishthm]

The Saints did not play a very good game, but I'm happy for Brees and the Nawlins fans. However, if they bring that game they just laid down tonight against the Colts, they are going to get demolished.

Based on how these two teams played today, I can't believe the line opened at Colts -3.5 I was thinking 6 points minimum.

This is the NFL brother... how you played today has no bearing on how you'll play two weeks from now. THIS is why Vegas banks.

 

[Tau837]

Off the top of my head, the Vikings lost because of several things:

1. Their OL could not keep the pass rush off Favre at all

2. 6 fumbles, 3 lost

3. 2 interceptions

4. Conservative playcalling at the end of the 4th quarter

5. Absolutely crushing 12 men in the huddle penalty

6. Dropped an interception in OT and didn't come up with any other turnovers when given opportunities

7. Officiating in OT - and not just the PI call, which was horrible... IMO Thomas should have been spotted short on the 4th down run

There is more than enough there that this loss wasn't due to the officiating, though that PI call certainly leaves a bad taste given it happened right at the end.

Everyone is up in arms about the PI call in OT, but I'd like to know the actual rule on forward progress and spotting the ball. Thomas dove in the air on that 4th and inches play in OT, he had the ball cradled at his chest, and probably reached the spot he needed while in the air momentarily, but a helmet on the ball caused him to bobble it and reach down to secure it, which was very clearly evident on replay, which the referees supposedly reviewed. Now thinking back to the Patriots 4th & 2 call that was spotted short against Indy, the ruling as I understood it was that because Faulk bobbled it, forward progress is out the window and all that matters is where the ball is when he is down. If that's the case, I think it should have been Vikings ball. I'm surprised more people didn't question this.

Maybe because the difference in the two plays is that the first you mention was on a completion? You can't mark forward progress until he actually catches the ball. Same play happened on 3rd down the catch before the 4th and inches. The PI call was horrible but remember... it was only 1st down. If they don't call PI it's still only 2nd and 10 and who knows what would have happened.

On the bolded, maybe this is true. Even so, I felt that after bobbling the ball, it should only be spotted where it was when he secured it, which I thought was short.On the PI call, agree that didn't decide the game as it was only first down... but it would feel better as a football fan if the yardage to get into field goal range was earned, and it doesn't seem that way. The Vikings defense was playing well, so it's certainly possible they could have held them there.

By the way, I was focused in my post on why the Vikings lost but really didn't mean to imply that the Saints didn't do any good things that helped them win. As was pointed out, they completely dominated special teams, and they did one fundamental thing the Vikings couldn't do - they held onto the ball. And while third downs were somewhat of a struggle, Brees played well.

 

[Tau837]

Off the top of my head, the Vikings lost because of several things:1. Their OL could not keep the pass rush off Favre at all2. 6 fumbles, 3 lost3. 2 interceptions4. Conservative playcalling at the end of the 4th quarter5. Absolutely crushing 12 men in the huddle penalty6. Dropped an interception in OT and didn't come up with any other turnovers when given opportunities7. Officiating in OT - and not just the PI call, which was horrible... IMO Thomas should have been spotted short on the 4th down run

8. Saints put the ball in the endzone 4 times9. Saints never let Harvin return a kick

People aren't talking about it, but Special Teams. The disparity in yardage was in part because the Saints had short fields for 17 of their points. Two of those short fields were because of great kickoff returns. Also, Morestead took Percy Harvin completely out of the game by booming kickoffs to the end zone and his punts were just unreal.For everybody saying how much the Vikings dominated, I think they are forgetting that the one area where the Saints COMPLETELY dominated the Vikings was Special Teams. That, combined with the fact that the Saints offense didn't make any mistakes and the Vikings made 5 of 'em, that was the game.

Morestead should have been MVP. The guy was $$$ on kickoffs and punts. Who was MVP anyway? P. Thomas?

Do they name championship game MVPs?

 

[Pnishthm]

Seems like opening at 3.5 exposes your book to a small teaser. Just seemed a little low given the way the two teams played today.

What I don't understand is why it's being automatically assumed that the same Saints team that showed up today will re-appear in Miami. I don't mean to pick on you specifically. I'd be playing up the underdog card if I were in your shoes as well. But all I keep reading is that the Saints have no chance. Why? It's a must that they play at this level rather than rise up to the level of Indy in two weeks? No chance that the guy who was runner-up for DPOY (Sharper) makes a trademark huge play? No chance that Brees picks the Colts secondary apart? The same secondary that made Sanchez look like a solid NFL QB today. I also expect Sean Payton to come up with a much better gameplan given 2 weeks, than what he called out there today.

I'm not taking anything away from the Colts coaching staff but S. Payton and G. Williams is argueably two of the top coaches in the league at devising schemes againts opposing teams. I love the fact that they have two weeks to come up with a game plan.

 

[Pnishthm]

Off the top of my head, the Vikings lost because of several things:1. Their OL could not keep the pass rush off Favre at all2. 6 fumbles, 3 lost3. 2 interceptions4. Conservative playcalling at the end of the 4th quarter5. Absolutely crushing 12 men in the huddle penalty6. Dropped an interception in OT and didn't come up with any other turnovers when given opportunities7. Officiating in OT - and not just the PI call, which was horrible... IMO Thomas should have been spotted short on the 4th down run

8. Saints put the ball in the endzone 4 times9. Saints never let Harvin return a kick

People aren't talking about it, but Special Teams. The disparity in yardage was in part because the Saints had short fields for 17 of their points. Two of those short fields were because of great kickoff returns. Also, Morestead took Percy Harvin completely out of the game by booming kickoffs to the end zone and his punts were just unreal.For everybody saying how much the Vikings dominated, I think they are forgetting that the one area where the Saints COMPLETELY dominated the Vikings was Special Teams. That, combined with the fact that the Saints offense didn't make any mistakes and the Vikings made 5 of 'em, that was the game.

Morestead should have been MVP. The guy was $$$ on kickoffs and punts. Who was MVP anyway? P. Thomas?

Do they name championship game MVPs?

Good question. Not sure if they do or not.

 

[massraider]

That was a real fun game to watch, if a bit sloppy.

But I don't understand how the same refs that were supposedly screwing the Saints all game long, suddenly switched sides in OT.

I don't understand the Favre-bashers that are gloating after a season of eating dirt. Wasn't the 6 fumbles, and stupid coaching of 12 men in the huddle (after a timeout?!?!), it was Favre's fault they lost? Okay. Enjoy your 'victory', seems pretty hollow to me. Favre played more than well enough to win last night, it's a shame people can't get past their own pathetic issues to enjoy that performance. And I was really sick of Favre 3 years ago. But he was great to watch this season.

This bad call, that bad call, Chilly this, Favre that. Yawn. Either team could have won that game, and both team squandered enough chances that neither had a place to complain if they lost. No one got jobbed, the refs didn't screw this team or that team team just because YOU made a stupid freakin' wager, and that was a really fun game.

 

[saintsfan]

Off the top of my head, the Vikings lost because of several things:1. Their OL could not keep the pass rush off Favre at all2. 6 fumbles, 3 lost3. 2 interceptions4. Conservative playcalling at the end of the 4th quarter5. Absolutely crushing 12 men in the huddle penalty6. Dropped an interception in OT and didn't come up with any other turnovers when given opportunities7. Officiating in OT - and not just the PI call, which was horrible... IMO Thomas should have been spotted short on the 4th down run

8. Saints put the ball in the endzone 4 times9. Saints never let Harvin return a kick

People aren't talking about it, but Special Teams. The disparity in yardage was in part because the Saints had short fields for 17 of their points. Two of those short fields were because of great kickoff returns. Also, Morestead took Percy Harvin completely out of the game by booming kickoffs to the end zone and his punts were just unreal.For everybody saying how much the Vikings dominated, I think they are forgetting that the one area where the Saints COMPLETELY dominated the Vikings was Special Teams. That, combined with the fact that the Saints offense didn't make any mistakes and the Vikings made 5 of 'em, that was the game.

Morestead should have been MVP. The guy was $$$ on kickoffs and punts. Who was MVP anyway? P. Thomas?

Do they name championship game MVPs?

I asked the same thing last night. No they don't.

 

[ATC1]

For those saying Favre should have ran and not throw across his body. I think some of the credit should go to the Saints DL. He was hit all game long. I'm sure he was thinking of getting rid of that ball instead of running right to a LB. The pressure on Favre and the agressive play of the defense won the game for the Saints.

With that said, Saints defense had a lot of missed opportunities with dropped INT, penalties and trying to scoop and score instead of falling on the ball. Those resulted in at least 2 TDs, and the Vikings wouldn't of had that last drive Favre threw the INT, Saints would of had time to drive themselves.

Sean Payton's play calling was too conservative. Maybe it was because he sensed Brees was off. Brees missed some guys that he normally hits with such ease. However, Saints were successful running the ball on down in which it could have been pass or run, they did not run the ball well on for sure running situations. The 3rd down % was horrific and WRs could not find the 1st down marker which killed us against TB. (Thank God Hartley makes them when it really counts.) MVP is Moorestead and Hartley. Saints did not turn the ball over and Moorestead was on his game booting the ball. That was your ball game.

This defense needs to come out against the Colts. Stay aggressive. Knock Manning down and don't give up the big play. Things will happen. On offense, we need to win the time of possession. Be more committed on being ballanced on all downs. Brees needs to play better.

 

[Statorama]

that was a really fun game.

After all is said and done, this is the truth.If you didn't have a rooting interest in this game, it must have been even extra fun to watch. Like two heavyweights going at it.

 

[PranksterJD]

For those saying Favre should have ran and not throw across his body. I think some of the credit should go to the Saints DL. He was hit all game long. I'm sure he was thinking of getting rid of that ball instead of running right to a LB. The pressure on Favre and the agressive play of the defense won the game for the Saints.

With that said, Saints defense had a lot of missed opportunities with dropped INT, penalties and trying to scoop and score instead of falling on the ball. Those resulted in at least 2 TDs, and the Vikings wouldn't of had that last drive Favre threw the INT, Saints would of had time to drive themselves.

Sean Payton's play calling was too conservative. Maybe it was because he sensed Brees was off. Brees missed some guys that he normally hits with such ease. However, Saints were successful running the ball on down in which it could have been pass or run, they did not run the ball well on for sure running situations. The 3rd down % was horrific and WRs could not find the 1st down marker which killed us against TB. (Thank God Hartley makes them when it really counts.) MVP is Moorestead and Hartley. Saints did not turn the ball over and Moorestead was on his game booting the ball. That was your ball game.

This defense needs to come out against the Colts. Stay aggressive. Knock Manning down and don't give up the big play. Things will happen. On offense, we need to win the time of possession. Be more committed on being ballanced on all downs. Brees needs to play better.

Just got done posting this exact sentiment on another board. Its probably getting overlooked because the stat line covers up the problems, but he really didn't look good last night.

 

[valhallan]

Brees needs to play better.

Just got done posting this exact sentiment on another board. Its probably getting overlooked because the stat line covers up the problems, but he really didn't look good last night.

Yeah, I wonder how much of it is because of the shot to his knee late in the Cards game. Maybe it's hurt or he's overly cautious about getting hit low. He seemed to be retreating from pressure quicker than normal.

 

[scott72]

Also, Vikings fans would have been annoyed watching the announcers slober all over Brett Favre and his acting all day long had he not been playing for any other team. It was pretty bad. They have to punt the ball, and Brett hobbles off the field while wincing and holding onto his leg. They score a TD and he could probably do a backflip. And the bad officiating went both ways. Favre gets hit cleanly, but because he acts hurt enough they give him a flag. For a second, you thought his arm was going to fall off. Then you see the play, and he just got put onto his back. And then he's up there at the line acting like nothing happened 5 seconds later. It was kind of pathetic.

Jesus, I really wish anyone that has this sentiment would have the opportunity to get driven into the ground by a 350 pound man with pads on. Hurts like hell. Favre will have a ton of bruises after this game and he played through some pain at the end. Quit hating on the guy.

Pretty sure I could take a hit from a 350 lb guy in a full set of pads and not act like I'm dying as a result.

 

[BigJim®]

It might have taken 20 weeks, but the Favre Packer fans were warning the Viking fans finally showed up.

If you have to wait 20 weeks to be right about something, you were wrong.

This.

Nope, I'm pretty sure if I'm right than I am right. 18 years and 288 games as a Packer fan, all Packers fans told the Vikings fans what they were getting. He delivered.

Stay classy Pack fans. What we got was a QB who was asked time and time again to overcome mistakes that weren't his own. Yes, he had a bad INT but I was very happy with Favre's poise to keep delivering drives that we needed.

 

[scott72]

It might have taken 20 weeks, but the Favre Packer fans were warning the Viking fans finally showed up.

If you have to wait 20 weeks to be right about something, you were wrong.

This.

Nope, I'm pretty sure if I'm right than I am right. 18 years and 288 games as a Packer fan, all Packers fans told the Vikings fans what they were getting. He delivered.

Stay classy Pack fans. What we got was a QB who was asked time and time again to overcome mistakes that weren't his own. Yes, he had a bad INT but I was very happy with Favre's poise to keep delivering drives that we needed.

Oh knock it off with the "stay classy" crap. You obviously weren't around when the Viking fans were all cheering our loss to Arizona. Viking fans are used to disappointment anyhow. They'll get over it just like every fan does.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Off the top of my head, the Vikings lost because of several things:1. Their OL could not keep the pass rush off Favre at all2. 6 fumbles, 3 lost3. 2 interceptions4. Conservative playcalling at the end of the 4th quarter5. Absolutely crushing 12 men in the huddle penalty6. Dropped an interception in OT and didn't come up with any other turnovers when given opportunities7. Officiating in OT - and not just the PI call, which was horrible... IMO Thomas should have been spotted short on the 4th down run

8. Saints put the ball in the endzone 4 times9. Saints never let Harvin return a kick

People aren't talking about it, but Special Teams. The disparity in yardage was in part because the Saints had short fields for 17 of their points. Two of those short fields were because of great kickoff returns. Also, Morestead took Percy Harvin completely out of the game by booming kickoffs to the end zone and his punts were just unreal.For everybody saying how much the Vikings dominated, I think they are forgetting that the one area where the Saints COMPLETELY dominated the Vikings was Special Teams. That, combined with the fact that the Saints offense didn't make any mistakes and the Vikings made 5 of 'em, that was the game.

Morestead should have been MVP. The guy was $$$ on kickoffs and punts. Who was MVP anyway? P. Thomas?

He's like the Mark Sanchez of punting this year -QG

 

[Sundog]

Stay classy Pack fans. What we got was a QB who was asked time and time again to overcome mistakes that weren't his own. Yes, he had a bad INT but I was very happy with Favre's poise to keep delivering drives that we needed.

Oh knock it off with the "stay classy" crap. You obviously weren't around when the Viking fans were all cheering our loss to Arizona. Viking fans are used to disappointment anyhow. They'll get over it just like every fan does.

chuckling...someone figured out how to use "classy" and "Packer fans" in the same sentence. Nice job!

 

[FunkyPlutos]

If Leslie Frazier doesn't have a head coaching job after that game last night, something is VERY wrong!

 

[ATC1]

Brees needs to play better.

Just got done posting this exact sentiment on another board. Its probably getting overlooked because the stat line covers up the problems, but he really didn't look good last night.

Yeah, I wonder how much of it is because of the shot to his knee late in the Cards game. Maybe it's hurt or he's overly cautious about getting hit low. He seemed to be retreating from pressure quicker than normal.

Well what I did like is that despite his off night was he did not force anything. He avoided the sack and threw the ball away. I thought New Orleans would be able to attack the middle of the field more, but Shockey was clearly not even close to 80%. Also, i don't think he was able to get into a rythym with S. Payton's play calling. They ran on obvious run situations the entire night instead of putting tha ball in Bree's hand. The NFC's best rushing defense was able to load the box up and go big on big. We had success running the ball while spreading them out. Payton should have stuck with that even on 3rd and 1 or 2.

 

[Lash]

easy on the Frazier head coach talk: defense play call to drop Jared Allen into zone coverage on 3rd and 10 in overtime???

Brees had forever to throw and hit Henderson

 

[saintsfan]

easy on the Frazier head coach talk: defense play call to drop Jared Allen into zone coverage on 3rd and 10 in overtime???Brees had forever to throw and hit Henderson

I don't know. I thought the Vikings hung in there on defense despite being put in bad situations all night by their offense and special teams. IMO, 31 points is not really indicative of how they played. With that many turnovers and special teams breakdowns, the Saints should have scored 50.They were certainly not the reason the Vikings lost. I thought Frazier had a great gameplan for the Saints.

 

[encaitar]

easy on the Frazier head coach talk: defense play call to drop Jared Allen into zone coverage on 3rd and 10 in overtime???Brees had forever to throw and hit Henderson

I don't know. I thought the Vikings hung in there on defense despite being put in bad situations all night by their offense and special teams. IMO, 31 points is not really indicative of how they played. With that many turnovers and special teams breakdowns, the Saints should have scored 50.They were certainly not the reason the Vikings lost. I thought Frazier had a great gameplan for the Saints.

Yes, plus Allen wasn't likely to get to Brees either. He was doubled or tripled all night and the refs weren't throwing flags for holding either.(On both sides. Vikings got away with a lot of holds too, it was pretty amazing that the refs let holding go the whole game)

 

[gianmarco]

The one thing I found curious is that I don't think the Saints took any shots down the field yesterday that I can remember. Considering that was the weakest part of the Vikings defense I wonder why that was. Pressure from the DL? Conservative play calling? I'm not really sure.

Were there any that I'm not remembering?

 

[smackdaddies]

Best Play of the Game

 

[saintsfan]

The one thing I found curious is that I don't think the Saints took any shots down the field yesterday that I can remember. Considering that was the weakest part of the Vikings defense I wonder why that was. Pressure from the DL? Conservative play calling? I'm not really sure.Were there any that I'm not remembering?

I remember Brees trying a couple, but being off on them.I don't think Brees was his usual sharp self.

 

[saintsfan]

easy on the Frazier head coach talk: defense play call to drop Jared Allen into zone coverage on 3rd and 10 in overtime???Brees had forever to throw and hit Henderson

I don't know. I thought the Vikings hung in there on defense despite being put in bad situations all night by their offense and special teams. IMO, 31 points is not really indicative of how they played. With that many turnovers and special teams breakdowns, the Saints should have scored 50.They were certainly not the reason the Vikings lost. I thought Frazier had a great gameplan for the Saints.

Yes, plus Allen wasn't likely to get to Brees either. He was doubled or tripled all night and the refs weren't throwing flags for holding either.(On both sides. Vikings got away with a lot of holds too, it was pretty amazing that the refs let holding go the whole game)

Yeah, especially since they had no problem calling bogus PI penalties on both teams.

 

[Sarnoff]

D ####!!!!

I'm not understanding this shtick.

It's been four years and I still don't

Google results for Dpoundpoundpoundpound returned nothing

Is this shtick?

 

[Sabertooth]

I think this was a very well officiated game. Some decisions went each way. Lots of close calls to make, but in the end it evened out. I think it's sad that the defining play of the game was a penalty. Personally, I would have called it an uncatchable ball, but it is a really difficult decision to make either way.Here's the real thing about the officiating. In fighting they say if you don't like the judges decision, then don't let it go to the judges. Knock the guy out. Neither team did this. The game was so sloppy with fumbles, muffs, drops, partial catches, holding and PI that the refs had to make way too many judgement calls. If you don't want to get called for PI, don't put your hands on the receiver, not matter where the ball is. If you want to get the first down spot, put your head down and get three yards.Despite the sloppiness this was a great game between far and away the two best teams in the NFC. Personally I think either matchup would be the best superbowl matchup in a long while, maybe since Favre-Elway. Congrats to the Saints. No shortage of storylines for the last game of the year. Very excited.Final thought on Favre: You may like this guy or you may hate him. What he does off the field can be debated. What he does on the field is play the game exactly how its supposed to be played. The reason he keeps un-retiring is because he loves the game so much. With the Jamarcus Russells of the world we should all feel blessed we got to watch the ol' gunslinger one more season. And what a season. What a warrior. I hope he squeezes out one more, but I digress. Great game. Can't wait for the last one.

About the only classy Packers fan I have seen post in this thread.

Irony at its best here. Congratulating a classy guy by throwing an entire nation of fans under the bus.

 

[Sabertooth]

Serious question here and maybe it has been answered already. Were the Saints willingly taking penalties to rough Favre up? It just seemed like they had little regard for the 15 yard penalty when they got close to Favre. They dove at his legs, nailed him on that reverse, picked him up and drove him into the turf. Just seemed like hitting him even a little bit dirty was part of certain players' game plan. Not saying it was intentionally coached or a conspiracy, just that it seemed like some players were intentional bringing the pain a little bit into the gray area. Thoughts?

 

[Ghost Rider]

Serious question here and maybe it has been answered already. Were the Saints willingly taking penalties to rough Favre up? It just seemed like they had little regard for the 15 yard penalty when they got close to Favre. They dove at his legs, nailed him on that reverse, picked him up and drove him into the turf. Just seemed like hitting him even a little bit dirty was part of certain players' game plan. Not saying it was intentionally coached or a conspiracy, just that it seemed like some players were intentional bringing the pain a little bit into the gray area. Thoughts?

That is pretty much what I thought. The Saints were intent on knocking the crap out of Favre, even if that meant taking a few questionable shots at him.

 

[Harrassment Panda]

Serious question here and maybe it has been answered already. Were the Saints willingly taking penalties to rough Favre up? It just seemed like they had little regard for the 15 yard penalty when they got close to Favre. They dove at his legs, nailed him on that reverse, picked him up and drove him into the turf. Just seemed like hitting him even a little bit dirty was part of certain players' game plan. Not saying it was intentionally coached or a conspiracy, just that it seemed like some players were intentional bringing the pain a little bit into the gray area. Thoughts?

My thoughts:Welcome to football.

 

[John 14:6]

Serious question here and maybe it has been answered already. Were the Saints willingly taking penalties to rough Favre up? It just seemed like they had little regard for the 15 yard penalty when they got close to Favre. They dove at his legs, nailed him on that reverse, picked him up and drove him into the turf. Just seemed like hitting him even a little bit dirty was part of certain players' game plan. Not saying it was intentionally coached or a conspiracy, just that it seemed like some players were intentional bringing the pain a little bit into the gray area. Thoughts?

My thoughts:Welcome to football.

Agreed, it's a sound game plan, and for the most part I thought Favre responded really well.Congrats Saints and good luck next week!

 

[scott72]

Best Play of the Game

Love it..

 

[Sabertooth]

Serious question here and maybe it has been answered already. Were the Saints willingly taking penalties to rough Favre up? It just seemed like they had little regard for the 15 yard penalty when they got close to Favre. They dove at his legs, nailed him on that reverse, picked him up and drove him into the turf. Just seemed like hitting him even a little bit dirty was part of certain players' game plan. Not saying it was intentionally coached or a conspiracy, just that it seemed like some players were intentional bringing the pain a little bit into the gray area. Thoughts?

My thoughts:Welcome to football.

So is that a yes or a no?

 

[mozzy84]

I think this was a very well officiated game. Some decisions went each way. Lots of close calls to make, but in the end it evened out. I think it's sad that the defining play of the game was a penalty. Personally, I would have called it an uncatchable ball, but it is a really difficult decision to make either way.Here's the real thing about the officiating. In fighting they say if you don't like the judges decision, then don't let it go to the judges. Knock the guy out. Neither team did this. The game was so sloppy with fumbles, muffs, drops, partial catches, holding and PI that the refs had to make way too many judgement calls. If you don't want to get called for PI, don't put your hands on the receiver, not matter where the ball is. If you want to get the first down spot, put your head down and get three yards.Despite the sloppiness this was a great game between far and away the two best teams in the NFC. Personally I think either matchup would be the best superbowl matchup in a long while, maybe since Favre-Elway. Congrats to the Saints. No shortage of storylines for the last game of the year. Very excited.Final thought on Favre: You may like this guy or you may hate him. What he does off the field can be debated. What he does on the field is play the game exactly how its supposed to be played. The reason he keeps un-retiring is because he loves the game so much. With the Jamarcus Russells of the world we should all feel blessed we got to watch the ol' gunslinger one more season. And what a season. What a warrior. I hope he squeezes out one more, but I digress. Great game. Can't wait for the last one.

About the only classy Packers fan I have seen post in this thread.

Irony at its best here. Congratulating a classy guy by throwing an entire nation of fans under the bus.

an entire nation of fans have posted in this thread? lol

 

[Joe_]

Serious question here and maybe it has been answered already. Were the Saints willingly taking penalties to rough Favre up? It just seemed like they had little regard for the 15 yard penalty when they got close to Favre. They dove at his legs, nailed him on that reverse, picked him up and drove him into the turf. Just seemed like hitting him even a little bit dirty was part of certain players' game plan. Not saying it was intentionally coached or a conspiracy, just that it seemed like some players were intentional bringing the pain a little bit into the gray area. Thoughts?

That is pretty much what I thought. The Saints were intent on knocking the crap out of Favre, even if that meant taking a few questionable shots at him.

The Saints definitely seemed to err on the side of hitting him even if the timing was close. It looked like they were coached to emphasis hits without worrying about the penalties to take Favre out of the game. I admit bias, so I'd be interested in what other people have to say about it, too.

 

[Sundog]

Serious question here and maybe it has been answered already. Were the Saints willingly taking penalties to rough Favre up? It just seemed like they had little regard for the 15 yard penalty when they got close to Favre. They dove at his legs, nailed him on that reverse, picked him up and drove him into the turf. Just seemed like hitting him even a little bit dirty was part of certain players' game plan. Not saying it was intentionally coached or a conspiracy, just that it seemed like some players were intentional bringing the pain a little bit into the gray area. Thoughts?

That is pretty much what I thought. The Saints were intent on knocking the crap out of Favre, even if that meant taking a few questionable shots at him.

The Saints definitely seemed to err on the side of hitting him even if the timing was close. It looked like they were coached to emphasis hits without worrying about the penalties to take Favre out of the game. I admit bias, so I'd be interested in what other people have to say about it, too.

yeah, I agree... but I think that was just good strategy. The Vikings needed to counter that, and didn't.

 

[saintsfan]

Serious question here and maybe it has been answered already. Were the Saints willingly taking penalties to rough Favre up? It just seemed like they had little regard for the 15 yard penalty when they got close to Favre. They dove at his legs, nailed him on that reverse, picked him up and drove him into the turf. Just seemed like hitting him even a little bit dirty was part of certain players' game plan. Not saying it was intentionally coached or a conspiracy, just that it seemed like some players were intentional bringing the pain a little bit into the gray area. Thoughts?

That is pretty much what I thought. The Saints were intent on knocking the crap out of Favre, even if that meant taking a few questionable shots at him.

The Saints definitely seemed to err on the side of hitting him even if the timing was close. It looked like they were coached to emphasis hits without worrying about the penalties to take Favre out of the game. I admit bias, so I'd be interested in what other people have to say about it, too.

yeah, I agree... but I think that was just good strategy. The Vikings needed to counter that, and didn't.

I also think that they were more interested in stripping Peterson than tackling him. I'd have to say that strategy worked, also, since they stripped him so many times.

 

[Harrassment Panda]

Serious question here and maybe it has been answered already. Were the Saints willingly taking penalties to rough Favre up? It just seemed like they had little regard for the 15 yard penalty when they got close to Favre. They dove at his legs, nailed him on that reverse, picked him up and drove him into the turf. Just seemed like hitting him even a little bit dirty was part of certain players' game plan. Not saying it was intentionally coached or a conspiracy, just that it seemed like some players were intentional bringing the pain a little bit into the gray area. Thoughts?

My thoughts:Welcome to football.

So is that a yes or a no?

Absolutely, that is a yes. I have no doubt Gregg Williams put a bullseye on Favre's back all week long.From high school on, defensive players are told to hit the quarterback as often as possible. It makes him skittish and every time he's hit hard it demoralizes the other team. This is nothing new.

 

[sho nuff]

I think this was a very well officiated game. Some decisions went each way. Lots of close calls to make, but in the end it evened out. I think it's sad that the defining play of the game was a penalty. Personally, I would have called it an uncatchable ball, but it is a really difficult decision to make either way.Here's the real thing about the officiating. In fighting they say if you don't like the judges decision, then don't let it go to the judges. Knock the guy out. Neither team did this. The game was so sloppy with fumbles, muffs, drops, partial catches, holding and PI that the refs had to make way too many judgement calls. If you don't want to get called for PI, don't put your hands on the receiver, not matter where the ball is. If you want to get the first down spot, put your head down and get three yards.Despite the sloppiness this was a great game between far and away the two best teams in the NFC. Personally I think either matchup would be the best superbowl matchup in a long while, maybe since Favre-Elway. Congrats to the Saints. No shortage of storylines for the last game of the year. Very excited.Final thought on Favre: You may like this guy or you may hate him. What he does off the field can be debated. What he does on the field is play the game exactly how its supposed to be played. The reason he keeps un-retiring is because he loves the game so much. With the Jamarcus Russells of the world we should all feel blessed we got to watch the ol' gunslinger one more season. And what a season. What a warrior. I hope he squeezes out one more, but I digress. Great game. Can't wait for the last one.

About the only classy Packers fan I have seen post in this thread.

Irony at its best here. Congratulating a classy guy by throwing an entire nation of fans under the bus.

Especially when quite a few Packer fans have been pretty darn classy in this thread.

 

[sho nuff]

Serious question here and maybe it has been answered already. Were the Saints willingly taking penalties to rough Favre up? It just seemed like they had little regard for the 15 yard penalty when they got close to Favre. They dove at his legs, nailed him on that reverse, picked him up and drove him into the turf. Just seemed like hitting him even a little bit dirty was part of certain players' game plan. Not saying it was intentionally coached or a conspiracy, just that it seemed like some players were intentional bringing the pain a little bit into the gray area. Thoughts?

I think they were intent on hitting him.But that drive into the ground play...the guy was basically hitting him when he threw the ball...had no way of knowing the ball was out and put a heck of a tackle on him. Lifted the legs some as Favre is falling back made it look much worse IMO.Dove at his legs...the guy came around the edge and got blocked down and kept going. I don't think there was any intent to hurt him.

 

[Sabertooth]

Serious question here and maybe it has been answered already. Were the Saints willingly taking penalties to rough Favre up? It just seemed like they had little regard for the 15 yard penalty when they got close to Favre. They dove at his legs, nailed him on that reverse, picked him up and drove him into the turf. Just seemed like hitting him even a little bit dirty was part of certain players' game plan. Not saying it was intentionally coached or a conspiracy, just that it seemed like some players were intentional bringing the pain a little bit into the gray area. Thoughts?

I think they were intent on hitting him.But that drive into the ground play...the guy was basically hitting him when he threw the ball...had no way of knowing the ball was out and put a heck of a tackle on him. Lifted the legs some as Favre is falling back made it look much worse IMO.Dove at his legs...the guy came around the edge and got blocked down and kept going. I don't think there was any intent to hurt him.

It is pretty much like Harrassment said. The way the rules are set up, if you are willing to surrender 15 yards on borderline, you can pretty much take a player out. Hopefully they knocked that turncoat into retirement for good. He's got to be hurting today.

 

[sho nuff]

Not sure how many are left in this thread...but question for Vikings fans.

Which moment hurt more...

The Anderson missed FG

or the Favre INT?

 

[ATC1]

Serious question here and maybe it has been answered already. Were the Saints willingly taking penalties to rough Favre up? It just seemed like they had little regard for the 15 yard penalty when they got close to Favre. They dove at his legs, nailed him on that reverse, picked him up and drove him into the turf. Just seemed like hitting him even a little bit dirty was part of certain players' game plan. Not saying it was intentionally coached or a conspiracy, just that it seemed like some players were intentional bringing the pain a little bit into the gray area. Thoughts?

I think they were intent on hitting him.But that drive into the ground play...the guy was basically hitting him when he threw the ball...had no way of knowing the ball was out and put a heck of a tackle on him. Lifted the legs some as Favre is falling back made it look much worse IMO.

Dove at his legs...the guy came around the edge and got blocked down and kept going. I don't think there was any intent to hurt him.

It is pretty much like Harrassment said. The way the rules are set up, if you are willing to surrender 15 yards on borderline, you can pretty much take a player out. Hopefully they knocked that turncoat into retirement for good. He's got to be hurting today.

I came across this and thought it was hillarious. No doubt the Saints wanted Favre on the ground. It was probably the same mentallity they had against Warner and it worked the same way. Against the Colts I have to think Manning is going to be expecting the bilitz and getting hit as well, although it will be a tall order. G. Williams will be disguising blitz and I think he drops back into coverage early dropping some and bringing from other places. Then 3rd or 4th series after Manning starts getting comfortable starting to figure out the new scheme (just like what he did with the Jets in the late 2nd, 2nd half) the biltz will come.

ETA: about the hits. I think the low hit was a no call to make up for the roughing call just a few plays earlier. Unfortunely for Vikings fans that no call was on a INT.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Not sure how many are left in this thread...but question for Vikings fans.Which moment hurt more...The Anderson missed FGor the Favre INT?

I am not a Vikings fan, but it's gotta be the Anderson kick. He makes the kick, the game is basically over. Game over. They go to the Super Bowl. He hadn't missed a kick all year, but picked that spot to miss his first. If Favre's pass falls incomplete, you then need Longwell to hit a FG from a distance he has never hit a FG from before to win. Plus, the Vikings shot themselves in the foot many more times in the Saints game than they did in the loss to the Falcons, so it is not like the Favre INT was the biggest shot in the foot. The two red zone fumbles, in retrospect, were much more painful daggers.

 

[snogger]

Not sure how many are left in this thread...but question for Vikings fans.

Which moment hurt more...

The Anderson missed FG

or the Favre INT?

EASY!!!Although, in reality, it was the kneel down in the 4th quarter to take our chance in overtime that still has me to this day

 

[sho nuff]

Not sure how many are left in this thread...but question for Vikings fans.

Which moment hurt more...

The Anderson missed FG

or the Favre INT?

EASY!!!Although, in reality, it was the kneel down in the 4th quarter to take our chance in overtime that still has me to this day

Well said.Its interesting because when people ask me about the 2007 game or the 2003 one.

Its not the 2 Favre INTs that killed me more.

For the Philly game it was 4th and 26...and even then Sherman not going for a very short 4th down too.

For the Giants game...so much of it...but over and over in my head I replay Jarrett Bush trying to pick up a loose ball rather than just falling on it.