So Why are the Saints Suddenly This Good? (1 Viewer)

[tombonneau]

So I've watched a lot of Saints games this year, and then of course saw them last night play a near-perfect game on both sides of the ball and own a good-not-great NE team.

But my question is: Where has this been?

I mean, this is essentially the same core offense they've had, yet now they are an absolute machine. (I know on D they added GW which has helped, but I'm more interested in the offense.)

So what was the "switch" that went on that turned this into an insane record-breaking offense?

Really the only difference I see is Meachem has matured a bit more? It's not that simple is it? Or is it that the offense is no longer trying to build things around Bush? Whatever it is, it's a marvel to watch ...

ETA: Or is it that Brees is just performing at a higher level?

 

[Ghost Rider]

Their running game is much better.

Their defense forces tons of turnovers and makes big plays.

And it goes without saying that the chemistry between Brees and those receivers has gotten better over time.

 

[gianmarco]

So I've watched a lot of Saints games this year, and then of course saw them last night play a near-perfect game on both sides of the ball and own a good-not-great NE team.But my question is: Where has this been?I mean, this is essentially the same core offense they've had, yet now they are an absolute machine. (I know on D they added GW which has helped, but I'm more interested in the offense.)So what was the "switch" that went on that turned this into an insane record-breaking offense?Really the only difference I see is Meachem has matured a bit more? It's not that simple is it? Or is it that the offense is no longer trying to build things around Bush? Whatever it is, it's a marvel to watch ...

1 word: DefenseGregg Williams, Darren Sharper, Ellis, Porter........all of these additions have turned this from a great offense that had to fight to put up as many points as they could as fast as they could to a TEAM that can play both sides of the ball, build a lead and keep it or even get behind and be able to come back and hold the other team. Completely changes how the offense dictates the game. It's been the one piece missing for a while now. Gone are the days of giving up one big play every game that would kill any momentum (thx Jason David and Craft). Gone are the days of having to always score 35 pt to have any shot at winning. Gone are the days of not being able to get the ball back in key situations when the team needed it most. Now, the offense can be patient and do what it WANTS instead of what it NEEDS. And, lastly, Payton isn't getting as cute anymore with his playcalling. He's just doing what works and has done a great job in his scheming against teams. This team is scary good.

 

[Jayrod]

What you are seeing is the difference continuity makes to a passing offense. More time together = improvement. For another good example, look at Indy....and to a lesser extent Cincinnati. Its why teams like Washington can't buy their way into success. Of course, Drew Brees accuracy is exceptional as well. They've shown flashes of this type of thing in the past, but they just haven't stayed healthy, nor had the defense to back them.

It is a lot easier to stay balanced when you are either ahead or close in a game instead of having to play catchup. Both sides of the ball are able to feed off of each other. They remind me of the Rams in 1999.

 

[ATC1]

I think it was a matter of over the past couple of weeks the Saints have played down to the level of their opponents. MIA, CAR, STL It had people skeptical of the true potential of the Saints defense's ability to stop a great QB.

The offense played great last night, even for their standards.

 

[rrhartjr]

Health on offense and depth at WR, as well.

In previous years, it was Colston and dreck at WR. This year Meachem, Henderson and Moore are all real pass threats. Not to mention Shockey is healthy and still talented.

Totally new found ground game. Last year it was the Failed Bush Experiment. This year Bush can be used as an effective piece of the puzzle, while Thomas and Bell do the heavy lifting. I know PT owners (myself included) hate Bell, but he helps this offense go. Keeps Thomas fresh for the big play and they didn't miss a beat when he was injured.

Not to mention the improvement on defense mentioned above. There's no panic in their game, no worry that they have to score 40 just to bail out the defense. Now they can score 40 anyway, but do it at a calm pace. This is basically the Colts formula, they've never had a fantastic defense, but its always been good enough that the offense can play its game without panicking.

 

[ATC1]

So I've watched a lot of Saints games this year, and then of course saw them last night play a near-perfect game on both sides of the ball and own a good-not-great NE team.

But my question is: Where has this been?

I mean, this is essentially the same core offense they've had, yet now they are an absolute machine. (I know on D they added GW which has helped, but I'm more interested in the offense.)

So what was the "switch" that went on that turned this into an insane record-breaking offense?

Really the only difference I see is Meachem has matured a bit more? It's not that simple is it? Or is it that the offense is no longer trying to build things around Bush? Whatever it is, it's a marvel to watch ...

1 word: DefenseGregg Williams, Darren Sharper, Ellis, Porter........all of these additions have turned this from a great offense that had to fight to put up as many points as they could as fast as they could to a TEAM that can play both sides of the ball, build a lead and keep it or even get behind and be able to come back and hold the other team. Completely changes how the offense dictates the game. It's been the one piece missing for a while now. Gone are the days of giving up one big play every game that would kill any momentum (thx Jason David and Craft). Gone are the days of having to always score 35 pt to have any shot at winning. Gone are the days of not being able to get the ball back in key situations when the team needed it most.

Now, the offense can be patient and do what it WANTS instead of what it NEEDS. And, lastly, Payton isn't getting as cute anymore with his playcalling. He's just doing what works and has done a great job in his scheming against teams.

This team is scary good.

For the 1st 2 drives last night, I was yelling at my TV screen. Running the ball on 3rd and 4 with Brees in the redzone, statue of Liberty? But the rest of the night was outstanding. Loved the double screen fake to David Thomas in the middle of the field.

 

[basher]

they have too many playmakers on offense. You can choose to stop one or even two of their WRs but it still creates mismatches all over the field. They also are more balanced then ever. Pierre, Bell, and Bush are all running well and give a lot of different looks.

The Defense is head and shoulders better then it used to be mostly because of Gregg Williams

 

[Carolina Hustler]

So I've watched a lot of Saints games this year, and then of course saw them last night play a near-perfect game on both sides of the ball and own a good-not-great NE team.But my question is: Where has this been?I mean, this is essentially the same core offense they've had, yet now they are an absolute machine. (I know on D they added GW which has helped, but I'm more interested in the offense.)So what was the "switch" that went on that turned this into an insane record-breaking offense?Really the only difference I see is Meachem has matured a bit more? It's not that simple is it? Or is it that the offense is no longer trying to build things around Bush? Whatever it is, it's a marvel to watch ...ETA: Or is it that Brees is just performing at a higher level?

Someone has already said "Greg Williams" Which is the obvious factor in the Def.. Which makes things easier on the offense.. I would go further but it's been explained above..I'm puzzled why you would question there offense.. They've been a great offensive team for the last 3 years..

 

[nola]

So I've watched a lot of Saints games this year, and then of course saw them last night play a near-perfect game on both sides of the ball and own a good-not-great NE team.But my question is: Where has this been?I mean, this is essentially the same core offense they've had, yet now they are an absolute machine. (I know on D they added GW which has helped, but I'm more interested in the offense.)So what was the "switch" that went on that turned this into an insane record-breaking offense?Really the only difference I see is Meachem has matured a bit more? It's not that simple is it? Or is it that the offense is no longer trying to build things around Bush? Whatever it is, it's a marvel to watch ...ETA: Or is it that Brees is just performing at a higher level?

Someone has already said "Greg Williams" Which is the obvious factor in the Def.. Which makes things easier on the offense.. I would go further but it's been explained above..I'm puzzled why you would question there offense.. They've been a great offensive team for the last 3 years..

The big difference is the interior of the offensive line.

 

[Velcro]

For the 1st 2 drives last night, I was yelling at my TV screen. Running the ball on 3rd and 4 with Brees in the redzone, statue of Liberty? But the rest of the night was outstanding. Loved the double screen fake to David Thomas in the middle of the field.

FWIW I would consider that double screen fake a "cute" play call also, but you loved it because it worked. I did too, but if the MLB held his position and it was picked off, it would have been considered another cute Payton playcall.

 

[valhallan]

I'd say:

- Payton is not getting cute anymore

- They've committed to running the ball

- A legit veteran safety has been a huge hole for so long

- Jason David is gone

but most of all:

- Payton is using EVERYone. This is a true team... the offense doesn't flow through one running back, receiver, or tight end, which makes it nearly impossible to defend.

 

[jonrolly]

In addition to Gregg Williams, a healthy D-Line that can get pressure with 3 or 4 should get a lot of credit for the improvement on Defense.

 

[Black]

1 word: Defense

Gregg Williams, Darren Sharper, Ellis, Porter........all of these additions have turned this from a great offense that had to fight to put up as many points as they could as fast as they could to a TEAM that can play both sides of the ball, build a lead and keep it or even get behind and be able to come back and hold the other team. Completely changes how the offense dictates the game. It's been the one piece missing for a while now. Gone are the days of giving up one big play every game that would kill any momentum (thx Jason David and Craft). Gone are the days of having to always score 35 pt to have any shot at winning. Gone are the days of not being able to get the ball back in key situations when the team needed it most.

Now, the offense can be patient and do what it WANTS instead of what it NEEDS. And, lastly, Payton isn't getting as cute anymore with his playcalling. He's just doing what works and has done a great job in his scheming against teams.

This team is scary good.

1) The $250k Payton took out of his paycheck to pay Gregg Williams is looking to be worth it. He might get it back in Superbowl bonuses.2) Gregg Williams provides a plan and Sharper provides leadership and identity to that DEF. They are HITTING people. There was a Sharper hit on Faulk last night that rattled MY collarbone. Man, what a statement. Similar clothesline-type arm tackle on special teams not much later ("I think he broke his freaking neck"). Sharper has more interceptions than like 27 full NFL teams, even missing a game or so.

3) Running game. Mike Bell spells headaches for Fantasy, but trading Reggie for him for between the tackles was an excellent move. I think Mike Bell spells headaches for other teams too...he runs with reckless abandon straight into the pile and gets you 4 yards. He tenderizes the DEF and can help close games. You have P.Thomas' emergence starting late last year. Then you have Reggie who has wheels on end-arounds and sweeps. They are using Reggie where he is most dangerous.

4) Fast, young WR emergence: Meachem and Henderson are catching their targets. Have not looked at their percentages this year vs. last, but they are effective spreading the field. Colston is healthy: he is just a huge target with huge catch radius and great hands.

5) A physical TE that can catch. Shockey is healthy and having his best season in years. Saints have not had a good TE in awhile.

6) Brees is as accurate as ever. Love this video http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08...-of-drew-brees/

7) I like the comment about Payton not screwing around on playcalling. His first year he was great, and at the end of the season into the playoffs, he tried some 'clever' stuff and it burned them. They are straight ahead this year.

 

[Tanner9919]

they have too many playmakers on offense. You can choose to stop one or even two of their WRs but it still creates mismatches all over the field. They also are more balanced then ever. Pierre, Bell, and Bush are all running well and give a lot of different looks.The Defense is head and shoulders better then it used to be mostly because of Gregg Williams

and the Saints O-line is just awesome! they're playing their tails off right now!

 

[cvnpoka]

So what was the "switch" that went on that turned this into an insane record-breaking offense?

well, the offense was really freakin good last year and pretty good the year before. now the have a healthy shockey, and have revamped the running game a bit along with utilizing bush a bit better.

but its not really a stretch that an offense that threw for 5k yards last year is really good this year.

 

[bostonfred]

If you're asking if it's PEDs, while that's obviously the most likely explanation, we really don't have any proof at this time.

 

[ATC1]

For the 1st 2 drives last night, I was yelling at my TV screen. Running the ball on 3rd and 4 with Brees in the redzone, statue of Liberty? But the rest of the night was outstanding. Loved the double screen fake to David Thomas in the middle of the field.

FWIW I would consider that double screen fake a "cute" play call also, but you loved it because it worked. I did too, but if the MLB held his position and it was picked off, it would have been considered another cute Payton playcall.

Brees wouldn't have thrown it if that was the case. Why call the Statue of Liberty in the red zone on 3rd and less than 5?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

So I've watched a lot of Saints games this year, and then of course saw them last night play a near-perfect game on both sides of the ball and own a good-not-great NE team.

But my question is: Where has this been?

I mean, this is essentially the same core offense they've had, yet now they are an absolute machine. (I know on D they added GW which has helped, but I'm more interested in the offense.)

So what was the "switch" that went on that turned this into an insane record-breaking offense?

Really the only difference I see is Meachem has matured a bit more? It's not that simple is it? Or is it that the offense is no longer trying to build things around Bush? Whatever it is, it's a marvel to watch ...

ETA: Or is it that Brees is just performing at a higher level?

A few things:This team has been gradually adding pieces.

1. The line has really matured especially as the draft picks have turned into solid players: Nicks, Bushrod, Evans, they acquired Goodwyn, Shockey's been healthy, build, build, build on the line. The player evaluation has been phenomenal and they have hit on picks that others called "reaches".

2. The running game. Huge weakness last two years, huge advantage this year. It's partly Bell taking over the Deuce role of closer and pile mover, it's partly Pierre coming into his own as a primary back, it's partly Bush improving and taking over more of a specialty role. But most especially - someone needs to mention this - Payton changed his philosophy. I don't know how often it happens that fans scream out for the obvious and a coach really responds or sees it himself, but Payton did just that. He used to be obssessed with the pass, now he will lean on the run and balance it out. Bush not being the No. 1 guy is a key here, because he was just ineffective in that role as a runner in 2008, and Deuce was injured or ineffective 2007-08, but this has been a key change in philosphy. Just look at the effect of play action in the Pats game, it was huge, but that's been happening all year. Teams are really buying into the play action.

3. Confidence and opportunities from teh defense. This team knows that if they get a lead they can keep it. Add in the +12 TURNOVER ratio and you have a team with plenty of opportunities mixed with extreme aggression on what is already a talented team.

4. Weapons, weapons, weapons. Again the talent evaluation, just building up:

Brees - passed on by the Chargers and Dolphins for Culpepper (yes) and most of the NFL; well you know the rest

Bell - on the dust heap

Pierre - undrafted

Colston - would have gone undrafted and maybe unsigned if the Saints hadn't nabbed him in the 7th, was going to be a TE.

Shockey - forgotten, rejected in NY

Meachem - a supposed bust (4th WR taken in `07 draft), didn't give up on him

Henderson - couldn't catch supposedly, never gave up on him

O-Line, discussed above - Nicks was a first round talent found in the 4th round; Evans went to Bloomsberg State (look it up); Bushrod (Towson St.) and Strief (Northwestern) were likely not on anyone's draft boards as they were highly questioned.

David Thomas - went out and got this gem from the Pats (yes) for a 7th round pick; see Colston.

Bush - he's no no. 2 draft pick dominating RB, but they sure get the most out of him.

This has all been gradual and cumulative.

 

[kaa]

The thing that got me the most about watching the Saints-Patriots game was just how many tackles the Patriots' defense missed. I'm used to Belichick teams be very good at tackling but it seemed like every time I looked up there was another whiff. Some horrible angles on defense as well. There was definitely an intensity issue with the Patriots last night. Maybe come playoff time, when every snap is so important, the focus will be there and those tackles will be made and they will be in better position. I just felt the Patriots were going through the motions.

That was the worst defensive effort I've ever seen from the Patriots. And I chose the word "effort" with precision.

 

[sandlotshrink]

Not to mention bringing in McKenzie and McCallister to pad the secondary in prep for Brady, Farve, Manning.

 

[Da Guru]

Mike Bell put them over the hump.

 

[certificate]

Its an interesting team. I've been a doubter, but I'm starting to come around with the way that D played last night. I'm still not convinced that their run D is any hell, but if Brees can play like that, I don't know that having a questionable run D matters.

I'd *love* to see a New Orleans vs. Minnesota matchup right now.

 

[DoubleG]

The thing that got me the most about watching the Saints-Patriots game was just how many tackles the Patriots' defense missed. I'm used to Belichick teams be very good at tackling but it seemed like every time I looked up there was another whiff. Some horrible angles on defense as well. There was definitely an intensity issue with the Patriots last night. Maybe come playoff time, when every snap is so important, the focus will be there and those tackles will be made and they will be in better position. I just felt the Patriots were going through the motions.

That was the worst defensive effort I've ever seen from the Patriots. And I chose the word "effort" with precision.

They better be careful if this is even close to true:1) The Jets and Phins are both only 2 games back, with 5 games left - that's alot of football. NE is guaranteed anything yet.

2) 3 of the remaining 5 games for Pats are on the road (granted, one is in Buffalo...)

3) The Pats are 1-4 on the road this season.

4) If they do make they playoffs, they would likely have 1 game at home at best - see point 3.

Incidentally, I do agree that the Pats were awful tackling last night - but part of that is the number of younger players - (or off-season acquisitions and off-season departures) - especially in the secondary. This isn't the defense of 2007. So while some of it may look like lack of effort, this defense simply isn't as good as it used to be. They're 29th in yards allowed.

 

[bmj87]

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[Saints-Man]

...

6) Brees is as accurate as ever. Love this video http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08...-of-drew-brees/

...

So cool.

 

[bmj87]

4) Fast, young WR emergence: Meachem and Henderson are catching their targets. Have not looked at their percentages this year vs. last, but they are effective spreading the field.

Just to elaborate on this:Henderson 2008: 32/57 = 56%

Henderson 2009: 34/52 = 65%

Meachem 2008: 12/20 = 60%

Meachem 2009: 21/29 = 72%

 

[Breesisdaman]

So I've watched a lot of Saints games this year, and then of course saw them last night play a near-perfect game on both sides of the ball and own a good-not-great NE team.But my question is: Where has this been?I mean, this is essentially the same core offense they've had, yet now they are an absolute machine. (I know on D they added GW which has helped, but I'm more interested in the offense.)So what was the "switch" that went on that turned this into an insane record-breaking offense?Really the only difference I see is Meachem has matured a bit more? It's not that simple is it? Or is it that the offense is no longer trying to build things around Bush? Whatever it is, it's a marvel to watch ...ETA: Or is it that Brees is just performing at a higher level?

Quick answer, no it hasnt. This is the first year they had a defense to go with that offense. It makes a difference to the offense believe me. Credit Greg Williams. Also on offense, it was last years Tampa game where all the Saints could do or tried to do was pass. Lets just say it got ugly being a one dimensional offense. The Saints knew they had to develop a balanced attack after that beat down. They did.

 

[Ghost Rider]

To reiterate how much better their running game is this year, they were 28th in the NFL last year in rushing; this year they are 5th.

 

[Carolina Hustler]

...

6) Brees is as accurate as ever. Love this video http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08...-of-drew-brees/

...

So cool.

Wonder why you liked that video so much.. lol

 

[tombonneau]

To reiterate how much better their running game is this year, they were 28th in the NFL last year in rushing; this year they are 5th.

Sometimes it is that simple.

 

[Tha Guru]

The difference in the run game has been the addition of Nicks at LG paired with Evans at RG. These two guys can run block with the best. When Jammal Brown went down in the preseason, I was curious to see if our run game would improve because I always thought that Brown was a good - great pass blocker but below average run blocker. In my opinion, these are the reasons for the improved run game which in turn takes the pressure off the passing game.

 

[Donnybrook]

I can't believe no one has mentioned Will Smith. He is a huge factor in the improvement of that defense.