OK guys, Here are my comments from the Saints game, again, based off Logic, not emotion.
Passing Offense: Matt Ryan, has had a really difficult 3 games in a row. The OLine protected better than in Dallas, but we also were running a lot, I mean a lot of 2 receiver routs. When we ran more than 2 receivers, Ryan had no time. I will say, our RB’s picked up the blitz’s fairly well. Jenkins has lost his hands, he needs to find them. Gonzo had a very good game. I believe without Harry Douglas, we have no type of option for the underneath stuff. Maybe this is where we need to utilize Weems.
Rushing Offense: The OLine, FB’s, and WR’s really did a good job of running. Turner, finally stayed front side most of the night and when he did cut or bounce outside, he caught the defense in over-pursuit. He also displayed displayed burst and power like he did in 2008. We needed that.
Rushing Defense: Not great, but not bad. We still cannot stop anyone on third and short (minus the goal line stand against Chicago). I believe missing Thomas Johnson, really hurt us in this game. I’m disappointed in Trey Lewis, I have very high expectations for him this year. He plays hard and he hustles, he’s just not having impact on the field. Curtis Lofton continues to be very solid. Eric Coleman did a very good job last night in run support and Brent Grimes, was also very solid in run support.
Passing Defense: Our pressure was very good in the first half, but Brees did a good job of getting the ball out quick. After the first two sacks, NO really only did some 3-5 step drops. The times Brees wanted to go deep, he did a roll out, which were not very successful. I hated to see Jeremy Shockey have such a big night, this was the first time all year where I was disappointed in Stephen Nicholas and our ability to cover the TE. I believe he hurt us more than the WR’s. Colston had those 2-3 catches, but other than that he was relatively quite. Henderson had the one, and that was it. I was pleased with the overall effort of the defense, especially the second half.
Special Teams: We are starting to give up more yards in the Kickoff Coverage units when Keonen wasn’t putting the kickoff in the back of the endzone. This has got to get fixed. Punt coverage was better, but because Keonen was booming the punts with lots of hang time. Jason Elam, had the worse game of his career and this might be his last year. I believe after the season, we bring in another kicker early, to start working him out. Coy Wire is the epitome of a team player and never gives up. Rev Hal was right, the Hickory Stick award should go to him.
Coaching: What ever Mike Smith said at halftime, this team responded. They played hard in the second half.
I believe the second half of this game is much like the second half of the first Tampa Game last year. Where we came out in the second half after getting it handed to us and shutting down the Bucs in the second half. We got beat, but that game was a spring board for success during the reso fot he season. I believe this game will do that for us as well, and I bet you this team has Dec 13th circled on the calendar and this time, it will be in our house.
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