Five Reason the Saints Will March in the Playoffs

The New Orleans Saints went from NFC favorites to go to their first Super Bowl in the franchises history to the team expected to be eliminated in their first game. After starting the season 13-0 the Saints undefeated season ended with a loss to the Dallas Cowboys and that loss was followed up with losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers, but do not fall into the hype that the Saints are done and that they “peaked” to early. Here are my reasons why the Saints will be legit contenders in the play offs.

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New Orleans Saints: Should The Saints Sign Lorenzo Neal

If you haven’t heard yet, the New Orleans Saints have placed full back Heath Evans on injured reserve ending his season with the Saints. The full back was injured in Week Seven in a 46-34 win against the Miami Dolphins.

Evans played a role in the New Orleans Saints’ outstanding success with in the run game this year. They’re currently ranked third in the league in rushing offense. With Evans blocking, the Saints backfield is averaging 154 rushing yards per game, bringing balance to the spectacular Saints offense. 

Some people might think that the full back position isn’t that important when, honestly, it could be the difference.

The Saints have used Heath Evans to lead the way for running backs Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, and Reggie Bush. Even with Evans, however, the Saints still have been struggling on third and short. Is Evans’ replacement, Kyle Eckel, going to be able to block any better?

Eckel, a former Philadelphia Eagle, was part of one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL in 2008, ranked 22nd in the league. The Eagles were just as bad as New Orleans in 2008 when it came to short yardage situations and I don’t feel Eckel will be an upgrade or could play a big part for the Saints rushing attack.

This is why I say the Saints should consider signingveteran Lorenzo Neal.

In 15 seasons in the NFL, Neal spent his first four with the New Orleans Saints who drafted him in 1993. He has lead the way for eight top-10 rushing teams in the NFL. In his five seasons with the San Diego Chargers they never ranked lower than top 10 in the NFL.

In 2008, when he wasn’t leading the way for the future Hall of Fame running back, LaDanian Tomlinson, the Chargers dropped to 20th in the league.

Some might say that is because LT is getting up there in age. But, honestly, the full back position can make a big difference for a running back when it comes to opening holes.

Last season, while with the Ravens, he helped lead the way to the NFL’s fourth best rushing attack.

I don’t know about you, but I’d like to see a veteran with a proven resume take over the full back position. I can’t feel comfortable with Kyle Eckel leading the way for our running backs.  I just don’t think he can the job done.

Lastly, let me say, how about that comeback in Week Seven!

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My Official New Orleans Saints Review

Drew Brees should be receiving jail time for his performance the past two weeks.

In two games Brees showed that he is a good hunter by gunning down some Lions and some Eagles. We all know it is illegal to kill an Eagle, let alone 11 of them.

Brees leads the NFL with nine passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 669 yards and a quarter back rating of 132.9.

Brees has never played better in the first two games of a season in his career, but what makes this even better was the fact that he got it going on the road.

In 2008 Brees was not as effective on the road as he was at home, which was part of the reason the Saints were 2-6 on the road. In 2006 when the Saints went to the NFC Championship Brees had 17 passing touchdowns and only two interceptions on the road.

In 2008, his worst season on the road, he had 14 passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions. I did include the San Diego game across seas but if you take it out you will see Brees is 11-11 on the road.

Brees has improved at home throughout his seasons with New Orleans, but if he can continue to deliver on the road that will make a big difference between the Saints being in the playoffs or not.

But there’s no doubt in my mind Brees is looking better than ever, and teams better beware.

All of the offseason the main debate was over who would be the starting running back in the 2009 season. I have no doubt that Pierre Thomas will be the starter when healthy, but a running back that not many people even spoke about has definitely opened some eyes in the first two weeks of the season.

In two games Mike Bell has brought balance to the Saints offense with 229 rushing yards on 45 attempts with a 5.1 yards per carry average. Bell also had a rushing touchdown against the Eagles.

Bell has shown that he has great vision with his cut backs. But he also has shown he can be the power back for the Saints, putting his shoulder down and getting physical with opposing defenses.

The Saints commitment to running the ball better has brought a balance to the number one offense in 2008, which makes me believe this the Saints offense will be at it’s best in 2009.

You might say, how do you get better than number one? By getting a rushing attack that has ranked in the bottom half of the league into the top half. The run game makes the play action pass that the Saints love even more affective.

Even Reggie Bush got a run up the gut against the Eagles that resulted in a 19-yard touchdown to put the Eagles away. I’m hoping that run can get Reggie’s confidence up and will show him that you don’t always have to bounce it to the outside to get a solid run.

Last season everyone was wondering, what is going on with Marques Colston. He didn’t seem like he was in rhythm after his injury.

But this year is completely different. Colston came in eager to make his statement to the NFL and has recorded 11 receptions for 128 yards and three touchdowns.

Along with Colston, tight end Jeremey Shockey has shown he is ready to step up, recording two touchdowns—both against the Lions.

How about Devery Henderson? Henderson embarrassed corner back Sheldon Brown who came in with a Jason mask. I  think he was just getting his team fired up for nothing.

I’ll give Sheldon Brown some credit. He did have out standing coverage. Brees just made an amazing pass, and Henderson made an outstanding catch. Honestly Henderson has shown some improvement in the past two games.

Now onto the defense that is currently tied for first in interceptions. I would like to say that if you look at the scoreboard it looks like the same old Saints. I do have to be  worried because the Saints haven’t played against a proven quarterback just yet.

The Saints  have allowed over 500 yards passing in the first two games. The have had teams try to throw on them 89 times and have only allowed 47 completions with a 52.6 completion percentage. The Saints have only allowed three passing touchdowns but also picked off six passes and recorded three sacks. 

Three of those interceptions come from veteran Safety Darren Sharper who took a interception to the house on a 97-yard return in the fourth quarter against the Eagles.

Two of the interceptions were also recorded by linebacker Scott Shanle, who got his first two career interceptions in the first two games of the season.

It seems to me the Saints are trying to make plays on the ball, which makes me very happy. I’m hoping the rest of the Saints will step up and get some more interceptions in week three against Buffalo.

The Saints run defense has definitely been stingy so far. In two games against solid rushing attacks the Saints have only allowed 118 rushing yards on 41 attempts with a 2.9 average and two rushing touchdowns.

They have given up a total of 40 points defensively if you take away the safety the Saints gave up on purpose and the fumble recovery returned for a touchdown in week one. But if you don’t, they gave up 49 points.

The Saints special teams improved in week two but did allow another return up to Saints territory again. This is the third return the Saints have allowed an opposing team to take up to Saints territory, and the three of them combined have cost the Saints 17 points.

The Saints were able to keep punt returner DeSean Jackson in check, which was an improvement along with rookie Malcolm Jenkins forcing a fumble which gave the Saints great field positioning on a kick return.

I expect the Saints to work more on their returns and kickoffs to help the offense and defense get better field position.

 

 

 

 

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Will Philadelphia be Stunned Seeing Jeremy Shockey Up to His Old Hand Tricks?

New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey came to the Saints in 2008 through a trade. The former New York Giant was expected to become a big threat for the Saints in 2008 but did not reach the red zone once. While a lot of people viewed this trade as a bust for the Saints, many felt that this was due to injuries and the fact that Shockey didn’t join the Saints until the end of training camp but Shockey still managed to record 50 receptions for 483 yards and not one touchdown.

The main concerns with Shockey were his health and if he could build chemistry with quarterback Drew Brees. Shockey missed four games of the 2008 season due to injury, and while it seems Shockey once again is injured, he should be able to play in Week Two against the Eagles. The other concern was could Shockey build a connection with the quarterback who led the No. 1 offense in the league and that seemed to be answered in Week One. Shockey came off his best game touchdown wise with the Saints and recorded two touchdowns in a 45-27 win against the Detroit Lions.

Now, as I mentioned, Shockey is a former Giant meaning Shockey knows the Eagles better than any player on the Saints offense, at least experience-wise. Shockey had his second best game against the Eagles reception wise with 10. Shockey, a former rival of the Eagles, looks to send a message to the Giants that the Saints meet after the bye in Week Five.

Shockey will be a big part of the Saints offense and will help quarterback Drew Brees. You most likely won’t see wide open receivers with corner backs Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown covering our wide outs. Shockey will look to get open against the Eagles line backers to give Drew Brees a liable check down.

Against the Eagles, Shockey has made it a habit to burn their linebackers so this should not be a problem. I’m hoping Shockey can show consistency in Week Two against the Eagles and match his two touchdown game against the Lions. If Shockey can put together a solid game the Saints offense will be that much better and you could see another pro bowl player besides Drew Brees this year if we aren’t in the Super Bowl already.

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Why The New Orleans Saints Defense Will Be In The Top 15

Everyone knows the story when it comes to the New Orleans Saints.

They have a spectacular offense that can put points up on just about any team. With Drew Brees under the center the Saints have ranked in the top five in offense the past three seasons.

They’ve done this to only be constantly let down by poor defensive play.

The Saints had a total of six games that they lost by a touchdown or more. This could’ve been due to to the kicking game but most of the blame honestly has to be on the Saints defense.

Their inability to stop offenses at the end of games has cost them a trip to the playoffs two seasons in a row.

The Saints have made the defense the main priority in the 2009 offseason. The first transaction to improve the shaky defense was to bring in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

Coach Sean Payton even gave up $200,000 of his salary to add Williams to the Saints coaching staff. Williams is a well respected defensive coordinator who has had top defenses in Washington, Tennessee,  and Buffalo.

The Saints’ main priority was to sign linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who led the Saints in tackles in 2008. Vilma was the only flash the Saints had in 2008 on the defensive side of the ball.

Other additions to the Saints defensive roster were Darren Sharper, Jabari Greer, and rookie Malcolm Jenkins.

The Saints have done the best they could’ve to re-shape the secondary. Their current active leader in interceptions is Darren Sharper.

With the adjustments in the defensive backfield the Saints look to go from 23rd ranked defense to top 15.

Some might say this is a bit too much to predict but I have looked back to the past eight seasons and I see no reason why the Saints defense can’t make the jump.

I will show you teams that were ranked from 20th-32nd that moved up into the top 15 defenses.

   2000-2001:

• San Francisco 49ers Ranked 29th in total defense improved to 13th
• Denver Broncos Ranked 24th in total defense improved to eighth
• St. Louis Rams Ranked 23th in total defense improved to third
• Cincinnati Bengals Ranked 22nd in total defense improved to ninth

  2001-2002:

• Carolina Panthers  Ranked 31st in total defense improved to second
• Indianapolis Colts Ranked 29th in total defense improved to eighth
• Tennessee Titans  Ranked 25th in total defense improved to 10th
• Buffalo Bills Ranked 21st in total defense improved to 15th

             2002-2003:

•  Chicago Bears Ranked 25th in total defense improved to 14th
•  New England Patriots Ranked 23rd in total defense improve to seventh
• Baltimore Ravens Ranked 22nd in total defense improved to third
• Cleveland Browns Ranked 21st in total defense improve to 15th
• Jacksonville Jaguars Ranked 20th in total defense improve to sixth

  2003-2004

• Atlanta Falcons Ranked 32nd in total defense improved to 14th
• Arizona Cardinals Ranked 26th in total defense improved to 12th
• Washington Redskins Ranked 25th in total defense improved to third
• New York Giants  Ranked 22nd in total defense improved to 13th
• Philadelphia Eagles Ranked 20th in total defense improved to 10th

  2004-2005:

•  New Orleans Saints Ranked 32nd in total defense improved to 14th
•  Indianapolis Colts Ranked 29th in total defense improved to 11th
• Green Bay Packers Ranked 25th in total defense improved to seventh
•  Chicago Bears Ranked 21st in total defense improved to second
• Carolina Panthers Ranked 20th in total defense improved to third

  2005-2006:

•  New England Patriots Ranked 26th in total defense improved to sixth
• Philadelphia Eagles Ranked 23rd in total defense improved to 15th
• Minnesota Vikings Ranked  21st in total defense improved to eighth

  2006-2007:

• Tennessee Titans Ranked 32nd  in total defense improve to fifth
• Washington Redskins Ranked 31st in total defense improve to eighth
• New York Giants Ranked 25th in total defense improve to seventh
• Indianapolis Colts Ranked 21st in total defense improve to third

  2007-2008:

• Buffalo Bills Ranked 31st in total defense improved to 14th
• Cincinnati Bengals Ranked 27th in total defense improved to 12th
• San Francisco 49ers Ranked 25th in total defense improved to 13th
• Miami Dolphins Ranked 23rd in total defense improve to 15th
• Minnesota Vikings  Ranked 20th in total defense improve to sixth

 

These stats can all be found on http://www.nfl.com.

Now I am not saying that the Saints are the only defense that can go from 20th-32nd to top 15. There are plenty of teams I feel can make that jump starting with teams like Green Bay, San Diego, and Chicago.

I hope we can become a top 15 defense and I expect the Saints to be top of the line contenders if the defense can step it up this season.

And to the rest of the NFL, watch out the Saints are coming.

 

 

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My Official New Orleans Saints Week One Prediction

We are one week away from the start of the 2009 regular season and I have never been as excited. On September 13th the 8-8 New Orleans Saints open the 2009 season in the Super Dome and face off against the 0-16 Detroit Lions in a week 16 rematch of the 2008 season.

Let me just state that I do believe the Detroit Lions have improved drastically over the 2009 off season doing so by bring in linebackers Julian Peterson and Larry foote as well as bringing in corner back Phillip  Buchanon.

Probably wondering why I bolded Buchanons name and the reason is that Buchanon former Tampa Bay Buccaneer had only two interceptions in the 2008 season and both were against Saints quarter back Drew Brees one which he took back to the house to give the Bucs a lead against the Saints and the other which came in the fourth quarter to close out the game against the Saints.

Although I have to say the Saints offense is due for a big game seeing that we ranked first in the NFL in total offense in 2008 and the Detroit Lions ranked 32nd in total defense but with these new faces the Lions have brought in this actually could be a challenge, but at the same time it could take these players a while to build chemistry together.

I’m assuming the Saints will go back to their ground game against the Detroit Lions which was efficient against  the Lions in week 16 in 2008. The Saints offense rushed for 181 yards with four rushing touchdowns with a 6.0 average.

All four of those touchdowns were scored by four different players Pierre Thomas, Deuce McAllister, Robert Meachem and the man seen diving into the red zone in the picture above Mike Bell.

If the Saints can execute on the ground against the Lions they could “run” away with this game, I for one want to see if healthy enough how Reggie Bush can run against the 32nd ranked  defense against the run in 2008 and the 18th ranked rushing defense in the 2009 preseason.

Yes, I am aware that it is just preseason football but most things from the preseason carry over to the regular season.

Although I mentioned Buchanon earlier I still feel the Saints passing game will be on point once again. Drew Brees will look to light up  the Detroit Lions defense and go to his favorite target out of all his weapons Marques Colston who had his best game against the Lions in 2008 with nine receptions for 99 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

If the Detroit lions want to end their  17 game losing streak they will have to play solid defense and try to slow down the Saints passing game. This is not as easy as it sounds as the Saints have one of the best quarter backs in the NFL today.

If the Detroit Lions can at least contain the run and make the Saints offense one dimensional they might have a chance.Yet again we didn’t rank to high in rushing and still managed light up the score board with just our passing attack.

Now the one phase of the game I am most anxious to see is the New Orleans Saints defense. I am very excited to see Gregg Williams install all of his defensive schemes against the Detroit Lions offense. Although I am unaware of who is going to be the starting quarter back for the Lions in week one but who ever it is better be ready for the heat.

The Detroit lions gave up a total of 52 sacks in 2008 and I believe the key to the Saints defensive success in this game will be getting to the quarterback. If the Saints can get after the quarter back against the Lions with the blitz this will make up for the suspensions against of defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant.

People who follow the Saints are aware of the four game suspensions that defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant will be facing. This to me is a concern because I feel the only way the Saints will be able to pressure the Lions will be with the blitz and not with a four man rush.

I still am scratching my head wondering who will be the starting cornerbacks for the Saints in week one. I have no idea what Pair of corner backs the Saints plan to play with but what ever corner backs who are starting will have a tough task ahead of them trying to cover the Lions one man wrecking machine Calvin Johnson.

One thing I know for sure is that rookie corner back Malcolm Jenkins will not be starting. At least I would hope so I don’t feel he is ready just yet although I do give him credit for his eight tackles he recorded against the Miami Dolphins in the final game of the pre season but I felt he was a victim of a couple of big plays.

Another concern I have will be the Saints run stopping. The Saints allowed second year running back Kevin Smith to rush for  111 yards with a 4.6 average and one rushing touchdown the only touchdown the Saints gave up to the Detroit Lions.

If rookie quarterback Mathew Stafford is starting than we will have to stuff the run to make the Lions offense one dimensional and put more pressure on a rookie quarter back.

I am hoping that the Saints can come into week one and create turn overs against the Lions offense and keep turn overs to a minimum against their defense. If the Saints can continue their streak of forcing fumbles in all four pre season games than I believe the Saints offense will be able to close out this game.

 
My Official Prediction:

The Lions will win  a game in the 2009 season but it just won’t be against the Saints. As the Saints offense finishes off were it did last year and the defense improves they prove to be to much for the win less Detroit Lions that will continue their losing  streak total to 18.

The Falcons took their first win against Detroit in 2008 and went onto a 11-5 season—the Saints are hoping for the same success.

Final Score: Saints 34- Lions 10

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Saints Defense: New Swagger

The New Orleans Saints defense is starting to show some flashes. This unit is playing with intensity ready to make their presence felt on the field. The defensive side of the ball  has brought in some new faces.

The Saints defenders were the biggest question mark coming into the 2009 season and if this defense can cause as much havoc in the regular season as they have in the preseason teams better be ware.

Some might just throw out that it is just preseason and not to get myself too excited, but we haven’t even used all of our packages. Gregg Williams says he does not plan on using all of his packages until Week One against the Detroit Lions.

What could this mean for the Saints “D” coming into the 2009 season? Could we see more turnovers? Could we see more plays on the ball, and if so, who will be the main playmaker for us? I believe the answer to that is Jonathan Vilma. Newcomer Darren Sharper, who forced a fumble that was scooped up by Vilma and returned to Bengals territory might have something to say about that. So would Jabari Greer, who picked off a pass against the Houston Texans that ended a potential scoring drive and got the Saints three points.

Let  me make sure I do give credit to second-year corner back Tracey Porter who forced a fumble and recorded about seven tackles. Corner back Randall Gay also intercepted a pass against the Houston Texans and along with Porter is battling for a starting position. 

The Saints defense seems like it has a whole new mentality and a brand new swagger. The defensive unit being led by  middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma looks to shut down offenses and keep cause turn overs. The Saints defense is going to attack anyone who attempts to tress pass into our end zone and keep our offense on the field.

Why Favre Will Fail in Minnesota

“Brett Favre signs with the Minnesota Vikings.” Once I heard this I smiled and got ready to hear the predictions and the new expectations made for the Vikings. Many fans have immediately jumped onto the Vikings bandwagon, claiming they will win the NFC North. Some even said they will win the Super Bowl this year.

Now truth is they do have a solid chance at making it to the playoffs. All Favre is really going to have to do is hand it off to Adrian Peterson, right? Yes, everyone knows Favre is an upgrade over Tavaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte, the two quarterbacks that the Vikings managed to win 10 games with in 2008.

Minnesota Viking Fans, I have a question. Do you truthfully feel Favre is a liability at quarterback? Can anyone honestly believe that Brett Favre is the answer to the Vikings Super Bowl run this year? This is the man who couldn’t manage to take the New York Jets to the Super Bowl or even the playoffs and he has every single thing in Minnesota that he had in New York.

“Oh, but he has Adrian Peterson and a great offensive line in front of him this year.” He had the same exact thing with him in New York. Let’s not forget that Thomas Jones led the AFC in rushing yards with 1,312 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, out scoring Adrian Peterson in less touches. Thomas Jones has also proven to be a better receiving back with 36 receptions and a pair of receiving touchdowns. Thomas Jones only fumbled the ball twice versus Adrian Peterson’s nine fumbles in 2008.

Favre also had better receivers in New York than he has in Minnesota with Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, who by themselves managed to out score Minnesota’s top three receivers in Bernard Berrian, Bobby Wade, and Sidney Rice 12-11. 

Now here comes the funny part. Even with all this in 2008, Favre managed to lead the league in interceptions and only managed an 81.0 quarterback rating. Although Favre started the season out flaming hot, he started to decline late in the season. If Favre throws as many interceptions as he did in 2008 in 2009 and Adrian Peterson fumbles nine or more times, that is a lot of turnovers. If these turnovers seem to happen in the first four games of the season the Vikings could be in some trouble. Without Kevin Williams and Pat Williams you might just see teams run it down Minnesota’s throats.

Now this is my first “Favre to Vikings” article and I know I’m going to get some comments and get “bashed” for saying that Minnesota won’t be as amazing as everyone makes them seem, but I really don’t care. If Adrian Peterson fumbles as much as he did in 2008 and Favre leads the league in interceptions, that means a lot of drives ending and a whole lot more chances for an opposing offense to score.

Charles Grant Feeling the Pressure

Many people have been looking down on New Orleans Saints’ defensive end Charles Grant.

Some say he is lazy, and now that he has the money, he won’t perform well. People even think that the man shouldn’t be starting, and defensive end Bobby McCray should take over the position, but I disagree.

In his seven-year career, Grant has recorded over 379 tackles—300 of them being solo—41.5 sacks, 28 pass deflections, 15 forced fumbles, and one interception. Yes, I’m aware the interception shouldn’t judge a defensive lineman, but I like the fact that he can get his hand up in the air.

The problem with Grant is that since 2006, his numbers have slowly declined. He recorded 145 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 10 pass deflections, and has not forced a fumble since 2006. He has recorded three sacks in the past 38 games, meaning health has been a concern for Grant.

His age (soon to be 31) might have something to do with this, as well.

I am here in Charles Grant’s defense to simply say:  Give this man a chance.

In 2008 before Grant got injured, in just eight games, he recorded 33 tackles and three sacks. Yes, I know the sacks aren’t that impressive, but imagine if Grant would’ve finished off the season? He could’ve had over six sacks and he could’ve recorded 60 or more tackles.

Grant also got his first safety last year, and had a multi-sack game against San Francisco.

Now, I am aware that this is a man who once recorded a career high 10-and-a-half sacks, and those are the numbers fans want to see.

But it won’t happen this year.

With a suspension of up to four games looming, Grant might record six sacks at best, but when he returns from that suspension, his presence will be felt.

He and Sedrick Ellis will form a great team on the left side of the defensive line. With Ellis demanding more double teams, Grant will record better numbers, just like he did last year.

With a healthy Charles Grant, Sedrick Ellis, and Will Smith, the Saints’ defensive line could very well be one of the best in the league. I truthfully feel this defensive line is the best in the NFC South. Smith is back at 100 percent health-wise, so expect big numbers out of this defensive line.

And remember this…in 2006, the defensive line was the anchor of the Saints’ defense.

Yes, we did allow a lot of points, but Charles Grant and Will Smith were playing amazingly well. 

Charles Grant has to be feeling the pressure. Let’s just hope he handles it the right way and continues to anchor the left side of the defensive line.

New Orleans Saints Rushing Attack Still a Concern?

Coming into the 2009 NFL Season the New Orleans Saints offense only had one flaw and that was the inability to to run the ball to close out games.

Yes, I am aware that we are a pass first team and I do love it knowing that we can go down the field in three to four plays and the excitement of watching quarterback Drew Brees blow up secondaries, but I still believe that there will be games that the Saints are going to have to run the ball.

In 2008 the Saints ranked 28th in the league in rushing averaging 99.6 yards per game and a rough 4.0 yards per carry average, the plus side to this is that the Saints have been able to score with their ground game being tied for fourth in the league in rushing touchdowns with 20 the only rushing attacks that had more were the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, and the New England Patriots.

What I am trieng to get at is this I know the Saints will always be a pass first team as long as Sean Payton and Drew Brees stay in New Orleans but I do  feel that Brees has had some rough games that he would’ve been helped out by with a rushing attack to take some of the pressure off of him.

The Saints are definteley a offense that loves the play action pass and it has been succesful even without a rushing attack. Now imagine it with a rushing attack? Sounds a whole lot better and it will be a whole lot more affective than in the past.

I want to know that my Saints are going to be able to run the ball down opposing teams defenses when we are up by three points and their is less than five minutes to go in the game.

Some say that the Saints weren’t able to run the ball enough because the defense struggled so badly. Although this is true but honestly there were teams that had less rushing attempts than the Saints but still put up more rushing yards two of these teams were the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos.

I do feel that the Saints offensive line  is truthfully only built for pass blocking but I do feel that they can run block if it is put  more on them that they need to open up more running lanes for the running backs. The Saints will never face seven men boxes and this should open up running lanes for the Saints.

I am hopeful that Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush can find those running lanes. If the offensive line can not block I expect to see more extended hand offs to running backs Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush while running back Mike Bell takes care of the short yardage plays.

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