Some interesting facts about the current #1 offense in the NFL (1 Viewer)

[gianmarco]

Right now, the New Orleans Saints are the #1 offense in the NFL (not terribly surprising).

But, did you know:

--They are 2nd in the NFL in RUSHING attempts/game

--They are 20th in the NFL in PASSING attempts/game

--They currently have more rushing plays/game than passing plays/game (34.8 vs. 31.8)

--They are 2nd in the NFL in passing TDs with 13 (in only 5 games). Houston is 1st with 14 and has that in 6 games. This is despite being 20th in passing attempts/game

--They are tied for 1st in the NFL in rushing TDs with 9 (the other 2 teams with 9 have also played 6 games).

--Only Denver has thrown fewer INTs with 1 (NO has 2).

--Only 2 teams have been sacked fewer times (NO has 4)

--NO is on pace to score 614 pts this year (NE with record 589 pts in 2007)

And they've done all this facing the #1 overall defense (NYG), the #4 overall defense (Philly), and the #11 overall defense (NYJ). Buff (21st) and Det (28th) were the other 2 opponents.

Some surprising things. Some impressive things. Definitely some exciting things

 

[jwb]

Nice work - impressive indeed.

 

[duaneok66]

not really surprising . . . you get a lot of rushing attempts late when you blow opponents out early . . .

 

[Kowskull]

Not surprising when you move the chains like the Saints. Lots of attempts for everything. The main reason so many Saints are start-able in FF. Lots of attempts to go around

 

[ddog9876]

Right now, the New Orleans Saints are the #1 offense in the NFL (not terribly surprising). But, did you know:--They are 2nd in the NFL in RUSHING attempts/game--They are 20th in the NFL in PASSING attempts/game--They currently have more rushing plays/game than passing plays/game (34.8 vs. 31.8)--They are 2nd in the NFL in passing TDs with 13 (in only 5 games). Houston is 1st with 14 and has that in 6 games. This is despite being 20th in passing attempts/game--They are tied for 1st in the NFL in rushing TDs with 9 (the other 2 teams with 9 have also played 6 games).--Only Denver has thrown fewer INTs with 1 (NO has 2).--Only 2 teams have been sacked fewer times (NO has 4)--NO is on pace to score 614 pts this year (NE with record 589 pts in 2007)And they've done all this facing the #1 overall defense (NYG), the #4 overall defense (Philly), and the #11 overall defense (NYJ). Buff (21st) and Det (28th) were the other 2 opponents.Some surprising things. Some impressive things. Definitely some exciting things

I love the 2 know-it-alls above...

 

[gianmarco]

not really surprising . . . you get a lot of rushing attempts late when you blow opponents out early . . .

Not really surprising?The Saints are known for their potent passing attack. Last year they were the #1 overall offense as well. What was the difference?They were #1 in passing attempts/game in the NFL at 39.8/game.They were #26 in rushing attempts/game in the NFL at 24.9/game.In 2007, they were the #3 overall offense.They were #1 in passing attempts/game in the NFL in 2007 at 40.8/gameThey were #28 in rushing attempts/game in the NFL in 2007 at 24.5/game.So sorry, but this is surprising. This is a COMPLETE turnaround from the last 2 New Orleans Saints teams in 2007 and 2008. Still a very potent offense, still putting up tremendous yards and points, but the balance is completely shifted. Sorry you didn't appreciate that when I showed it.

 

[duaneok66]

not really surprising . . . you get a lot of rushing attempts late when you blow opponents out early . . .

Not really surprising?The Saints are known for their potent passing attack. Last year they were the #1 overall offense as well. What was the difference?They were #1 in passing attempts/game in the NFL at 39.8/game.They were #26 in rushing attempts/game in the NFL at 24.9/game.In 2007, they were the #3 overall offense.They were #1 in passing attempts/game in the NFL in 2007 at 40.8/gameThey were #28 in rushing attempts/game in the NFL in 2007 at 24.5/game.So sorry, but this is surprising. This is a COMPLETE turnaround from the last 2 New Orleans Saints teams in 2007 and 2008. Still a very potent offense, still putting up tremendous yards and points, but the balance is completely shifted. Sorry you didn't appreciate that when I showed it.

no, it isnt surprising - 2007 and 2009 for the saints are like apples and oranges . . .they are destroying people this year because of the defense, which was previously a sieve; hence the high number of rushing attempts in garbage time . . .

 

[VTjkru]

Im just wondering how a team gameplans for the Saints. I'm really looking forward to a team who can be coached well enough to keep the Saints in check. I've been watching them on Sunday Ticket all season and Im floored on how easy they move up and down the field. I thought no team would touch the Patriots from two years ago but this offense is exceptionally better just from an eyeball test.

 

[duaneok66]

to wit: this year they have run 92 plays in the first quarter . . .

55 pass

37 run

this is 40 percent (% of plays run)- (compared to 52 percent overall)

-------------------------

in 2007 - they ran 35 percent of time (1st half)

they also ran 35% overall -

why? they weren't blowing people out . . .

 

[gianmarco]

not really surprising . . . you get a lot of rushing attempts late when you blow opponents out early . . .

Not really surprising?The Saints are known for their potent passing attack. Last year they were the #1 overall offense as well. What was the difference?They were #1 in passing attempts/game in the NFL at 39.8/game.They were #26 in rushing attempts/game in the NFL at 24.9/game.In 2007, they were the #3 overall offense.They were #1 in passing attempts/game in the NFL in 2007 at 40.8/gameThey were #28 in rushing attempts/game in the NFL in 2007 at 24.5/game.So sorry, but this is surprising. This is a COMPLETE turnaround from the last 2 New Orleans Saints teams in 2007 and 2008. Still a very potent offense, still putting up tremendous yards and points, but the balance is completely shifted. Sorry you didn't appreciate that when I showed it.

no, it isnt surprising - 2007 and 2009 for the saints are like apples and oranges . . .they are destroying people this year because of the defense, which was previously a sieve; hence the high number of rushing attempts in garbage time . . .

Oh, I agree it's a direct result of the defense. I stated as much in another thread. That being said, those rushing attempts aren't just in garbage time. They are running a balanced offense the entire course of the game. And again, even with the improved defense, it is a COMPLETE, 180 degree turnaround. Not only that, but this is a team that is putting up fantastic passing #'s, both in NFL terms and for fantasy purposes and are doing so while only being ranked 20th in the NFL in attempts. That is simply stunning to me.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

I remember the good Raiders teams earlier in the decade had a similar turnaround. They went from a high powered offense that led the league in rushing to a high powered offense that led the league in passing.

 

[certificate]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

 

[two_dollars]

ooof

 

[Gopher State]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

looks like you called it correctly, the saints are being exposed today by the FINS

 

[certificate]

That D isn't looking so hot, is it?

 

[gianmarco]

That D isn't looking so hot, is it?

The D has looked pretty good, actually. The offense put them in terrible position several times. I think the average starting Dolphins starting position has been the NO 40.

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

looks like you called it correctly, the saints are being exposed today by the FINS

 

[gianmarco]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

looks like you called it correctly, the saints are being exposed today by the FINS

 

[MSULions]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

looks like you called it correctly, the saints are being exposed today by the FINS

oooof.

 

[Doug B]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

looks like you called it correctly, the saints are being exposed today by the FINS

oooof.

Saints are starting to get legitimate haters.

 

[TheFanatic]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

looks like you called it correctly, the saints are being exposed today by the FINS

oooof.

Saints are starting to get legitimate haters.

When did the Saints become the Pats?

 

[TheFanatic]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

And what is the basis for this?

 

[Adebisi]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

looks like you called it correctly, the saints are being exposed today by the FINS

oooof.

Saints are starting to get legitimate haters.

 

[Doug B]

I know, I know ... but mind that I wrote "starting to". Baby steps, still.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

looks like you called it correctly, the saints are being exposed today by the FINS

oooof.

When Sporano called that timeout right before the half and gave them enough time to take the FG unit off the field, I knew that was gonna be a big deal later. You're up 24-3 and they are about to kick a FG in a situation where going for it makes sense for them. Don't give them a chance to make the right call!!!!Miami got jobbed by the refs on that INT return fumble into the end zone that was clearly a fumble before it broke the goal line, but what can you do?

 

[certificate]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

And what is the basis for this?

An extremely hot, high scoring, dome football team with a star QB and a questionable defense?See the Indianapolis Colts for 9 of the past 10 years for starters.

 

[Zigg]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

And what is the basis for this?

An extremely hot, high scoring, dome football team with a star QB and a questionable defense?See the Indianapolis Colts for 9 of the past 10 years for starters.

The D is not questionable.

 

[certificate]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

And what is the basis for this?

An extremely hot, high scoring, dome football team with a star QB and a questionable defense?See the Indianapolis Colts for 9 of the past 10 years for starters.

The D is not questionable.

23rd in the league last year. This year gave up 27 points to detroit, had Kevin Kolb pass for 391 yards in his first NFL start, gave up 27 to the Giants and 34 to Miami.I have a few questions about it still.

 

[Gadabout]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

And what is the basis for this?

An extremely hot, high scoring, dome football team with a star QB and a questionable defense?See the Indianapolis Colts for 9 of the past 10 years for starters.

The D is not questionable.

23rd in the league last year. This year gave up 27 points to detroit, had Kevin Kolb pass for 391 yards in his first NFL start, gave up 27 to the Giants and 34 to Miami.I have a few questions about it still.

Try watching a game instead of looking at the box scores.

 

[certificate]

Try watching a game instead of looking at the box scores.

I watched 3 of the 4 games I mentioned (didn't watch the detroit game).Try taking off your homer glasses for a minute. If Miami had a halfway competent passing game, the Saints get 50 hung on them yesterday.

 

[Zigg]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

And what is the basis for this?

An extremely hot, high scoring, dome football team with a star QB and a questionable defense?See the Indianapolis Colts for 9 of the past 10 years for starters.

The D is not questionable.

23rd in the league last year. This year gave up 27 points to detroit, had Kevin Kolb pass for 391 yards in his first NFL start, gave up 27 to the Giants and 34 to Miami.I have a few questions about it still.

What does last year matter?Lions - 231 yards allowed. Return game gave them good field position a few times.Eagles - 391 yards passing, but on 51 attemptsGiants - 325 yards allowed, Giants didn't move the ball until it was 21-3Dolphins - a little worse, 2 big plays and two TD drives of 5 and 18 yards5 defensive TDs in 6 games and opposing QB rating of 54.6. Not saying the Saints are perfect, but you need to throw out you old Saints prejudice. This is a very good football team.

 

[certificate]

What does last year matter?Lions - 231 yards allowed. Return game gave them good field position a few times.Eagles - 391 yards passing, but on 51 attemptsGiants - 325 yards allowed, Giants didn't move the ball until it was 21-3Dolphins - a little worse, 2 big plays and two TD drives of 5 and 18 yards5 defensive TDs in 6 games and opposing QB rating of 54.6. Not saying the Saints are perfect, but you need to throw out you old Saints prejudice. This is a very good football team.

It's an excellent football team, I'm not disputing that. I'm just saying that it reminds me of some other recent excellent football teams that have came out of the blocks hot and stumbled later in the season.Maybe the Saints are different, we'll see...

 

[Gadabout]

Try watching a game instead of looking at the box scores.

I watched 3 of the 4 games I mentioned (didn't watch the detroit game).Try taking off your homer glasses for a minute. If Miami had a halfway competent passing game, the Saints get 50 hung on them yesterday.

Not homer glasses, I just actually watch the games. I know it's hard to swallow, but the Saints are the most complete team on both sides of the ball.

Next in line: Atlanta.

 

[gianmarco]

That's great and everything, but I'm not sold on the saints hype. I can't help but think that this will end up as another classic case of a team "peaking too early", and they'll struggle down the stretch/playoffs.

And what is the basis for this?

An extremely hot, high scoring, dome football team with a star QB and a questionable defense?See the Indianapolis Colts for 9 of the past 10 years for starters.

The D is not questionable.

23rd in the league last year. This year gave up 27 points to detroit, had Kevin Kolb pass for 391 yards in his first NFL start, gave up 27 to the Giants and 34 to Miami.I have a few questions about it still.

Mostly garbage time stats and points. Games were well out of hand heading into the 2nd half.Oh, and despite those #'s and the Miami game yesterday, they are the #11 overall defense. They don't have to be a top 5 defense to do well with the offense they have. Not being one of the bottom 5 teams and allowing big play after big play to teams has been what's made the huge difference. That, and the turnover differential. In the games where the defense was needed (NYJ and Miami) they stepped up both times when it was necessary. Yesterday at the end of the game, yes it was terrible play calling by the Dolphins but it was also some key defensive stops by the secondary. A secondary that typically would allow those to go for big gains after the offense put them in a position to win a game. Completely different defense.

 

[Sheriff Harry Lee]

That D isn't looking so hot, is it?

No, not looking too hot. You're probably right, it's all a mirage...

 

[Righetti]

so why exactly is Reggie Bush who was supposed to change the running back position for ever so bad?

underused

can't run between the tackles

lost explosiveness

injuries

doesn't translate to the NFL

Kardashian

 

[TheFanatic]

The Saints put up huge numbers and other teams have to keep pace. They pass a lot more and attempt to put quick strikes on the board. The results are lots of points by the opposing team and lots of sacks and turnovers for the Saints. Last year the Saints scored a ton as well but did so through the air and thus left a lot of time on the clock and allowed their D to get gassed by the 4th. This year they are running time off the clock while scoring in bunches. Means lots of garbage time points for the opposing teams late. Perfect storm in terms of fantasy production for D/ST and just enough to take a high scoring, one dimensional team from 8-8 to 13-3 and HFA throughout the playoffs... Both the Rams and the Colts have won titles with a similar set up...

 

[Steady Mooobin]

Try watching a game instead of looking at the box scores.

I watched 3 of the 4 games I mentioned (didn't watch the detroit game).Try taking off your homer glasses for a minute. If Miami had a halfway competent passing game, the Saints get 50 hung on them yesterday.

Not homer glasses, I just actually watch the games. I know it's hard to swallow, but the Saints are the most complete team on both sides of the ball.

Next in line: Atlanta.

They are playing like the most complete football team so far.I hope the Saints do well, they are a team I can root for.

What he is questioning, is if they are different from the colts or early 2000 Rams teams. They are very similar. They have a great offense, nobody is disputing that. Their defense isn't loaded with talent, but they are dangerous because they are fast and they believe. They have been a very opportunistic so far.

If they can keep it up, they can go all the way. History suggests otherwise. I would not be shocked to see a tough cold weather team take it to them like the Dolphins did early, only for all four quarters.

One problem with fast scoring teams, is it puts a lot of pressure on your defense. It's great that they are so dangerous, but when you're scoring ever 15 seconds you get the ball, it means your defense isn't getting the rest they may need to finsih strong.

Again, I'm all for the Saints winning the whole thing if my Cowboys can't, but it's fair to question if they can keep this pace up for the entire year.

 

[certificate]

http://i30.tinypic.com/11hdpq0.jpg

You want to crown them, go ahead and crown their asses.

But Miami let em off the hook.

 

[ATC1]

so why exactly is Reggie Bush who was supposed to change the running back position for ever so bad?underusedcan't run between the tackleslost explosivenessinjuriesdoesn't translate to the NFLKardashian

Right now he is pretty much used as a decoy. He is all the things you say, but he creates mismatches for Brees and this offense. Saints can put in in a spot to puts him 1-1 with a LB. And while he might not get you the tough yards it does seem like every game he has 1 or 2 big plays that really gives a boost to the team. Reggies role has greatly decreased and through it all he has not shown an inch of displeasure in the media. Of course it can be because we are winning, but to call him a bust is certainly incorect.

 

[TheFanatic]

so why exactly is Reggie Bush who was supposed to change the running back position for ever so bad?underusedcan't run between the tackleslost explosivenessinjuriesdoesn't translate to the NFLKardashian

Right now he is pretty much used as a decoy. He is all the things you say, but he creates mismatches for Brees and this offense. Saints can put in in a spot to puts him 1-1 with a LB. And while he might not get you the tough yards it does seem like every game he has 1 or 2 big plays that really gives a boost to the team. Reggies role has greatly decreased and through it all he has not shown an inch of displeasure in the media. Of course it can be because we are winning, but to call him a bust is certainly incorect.

Second overall pick, 4th highest paid RB in the league right now, and something like $30 million guaranteed. I would think with all that the guy would've amassed at least one 1K yard rushing season. Or maybe even at least more than 600 yards in a single season. But that's just me. If I paid someone that much jack I would want more out of him than increased jersey sales...

 

[Sammy Traveller]

all this won't matter if the Saints don't win the Super Bowl.

and btw, they haven't had that much luck in the playoffs.

 

[jurb26]

and btw, they haven't had that much luck in the playoffs.

This doesn't matter if you ask me. The Saints have never had a team this good.

 

[ATC1]

so why exactly is Reggie Bush who was supposed to change the running back position for ever so bad?underusedcan't run between the tackleslost explosivenessinjuriesdoesn't translate to the NFLKardashian

Right now he is pretty much used as a decoy. He is all the things you say, but he creates mismatches for Brees and this offense. Saints can put in in a spot to puts him 1-1 with a LB. And while he might not get you the tough yards it does seem like every game he has 1 or 2 big plays that really gives a boost to the team. Reggies role has greatly decreased and through it all he has not shown an inch of displeasure in the media. Of course it can be because we are winning, but to call him a bust is certainly incorect.

Second overall pick, 4th highest paid RB in the league right now, and something like $30 million guaranteed. I would think with all that the guy would've amassed at least one 1K yard rushing season. Or maybe even at least more than 600 yards in a single season. But that's just me. If I paid someone that much jack I would want more out of him than increased jersey sales...

I still believe the Saints organization would rather Bush over Mario Williams. Even at this point. That's all I'm saying. But yes, he is certainly not producing like he is getting paid. You could say the same about a majority of the top 10 picks every year in the draft.

 

[Righetti]

I have to believe that in this dynamic offense that Reggie Bush would have a bigger role.. He really is electric as shown by his TD this week but just doesn't get the ball consistently enough to warrant his draft position.

 

[timschochet]

The difference between the Saints and the Colts of the last 10 years is that the Saints don't have a great cold weather team in the NFC that they will have to get through. The only team with a chance at that is the Giants, and they're already 2 games behind the Saints. Even if Minnesota got home field, that's in a dome as well. There's no New England or Pittsburgh on this side of things, and if the Saints do play one of those teams in the SB, it will be in warm weather.

It's all working out for New Orleans this year. They might not win it all, but cold weather will NOT be a factor.

 

[Doug B]

One problem with fast scoring teams, is it puts a lot of pressure on your defense. It's great that they are so dangerous, but when you're scoring ever 15 seconds you get the ball, it means your defense isn't getting the rest they may need to finsih strong.

The bolded part is a misconception -- the 2009 Saints' defense IS getting their rest because the 2009 Saints offense is worlds' more balanced than in the previous two seasons. Also, the 2009 Saints' defense is doing a lot better job of getting themselves off the field on their own.

 

[Doug B]

Right now he is pretty much used as a decoy. He is all the things you say, but he creates mismatches for Brees and this offense. Saints can put in in a spot to puts him 1-1 with a LB. And while he might not get you the tough yards it does seem like every game he has 1 or 2 big plays that really gives a boost to the team.

Reggies role has greatly decreased and through it all he has not shown an inch of displeasure in the media. Of course it can be because we are winning, but to call him a bust is certainly incorect.

Due to the bolded above, I'd actually like to see the Saints' overpay to keep Bush on the team past this season. I wouldn't think any team would give Bush feature-back money ... but then Al Davis and Daniel Snyder are out there.

 

[Chaka]

One problem with fast scoring teams, is it puts a lot of pressure on your defense. It's great that they are so dangerous, but when you're scoring ever 15 seconds you get the ball, it means your defense isn't getting the rest they may need to finsih strong.

The bolded part is a misconception -- the 2009 Saints' defense IS getting their rest because the 2009 Saints offense is worlds' more balanced than in the previous two seasons. Also, the 2009 Saints' defense is doing a lot better job of getting themselves off the field on their own.

I agree. The Saints are third in the league in time of possession (33:43). That seems pretty balanced to me.