Last week, I reminded all of the Saints Fans that “We Still Have a Problem,” and I was right. Sean Payton and his band of inconsistent professional football players were dismantled by THEMSELVES.
Tampa Bay Bucs didn’t win the game on brute strength, defense, and a high-powered offense, they simply “out-thought” the Saints within the critical elements of the game. Coach Payton and the New Orleans Saints' game plan was easy to defend against by a disciplined Tampa Bay defense.
Here is what I mean:
1. You put Reggie Bush in the game - He’s not going to over-run anyone, so that means you are going to pass. Result: Interceptions and three-and-outs.
2. Jason David’s on the field - He’s not going to get any safety support (Kevin Kase-of-not-protecting-the-backfield was out injured and Josh-so-full-of bull-locks was in the game) The result was an easy pitch and catch touchdown for Jeff Garcia and Antonio Bryant.
3. Blitz Brees every time Bush is in the backfield on a passing down, and have Derrick Brooks scout him on any routes out of the backfield. Result: Bush was too scared to catch the ball over the middle and dropped two passes on important series of the game.
4. You need a yard for a first down. Sean Payton’s stubborn, so let us put nine in the box and wait for the run. Result: Stopped in the backfield that results in a 4th-and-5.
5. They can’t run; so play the pass and jump the routes. Result: Interceptions. Two in the red zone.
Tampa Bay simply did what Green Bay didn’t, they "Out-Thunked" the Saints. Hence, the Saints must start planning for 2009. With Atlanta, Carolina and the Tampa Bay all winning on Sunday, the Saints are too far out of the picture for the 2008 playoff race in the NFC South.
The reality is these guys are not a focused team. Eight dropped balls are enough at Week 12 in the season to diagnose the problem. You are not as good as we thought you were. Maybe I’m not a very good fan to speak the truth.
Why will a projected Super Bowl favorite be in this situation? It is because the coach and his staff is consistent at being “OUT-THUNKED” in the NFL. As my wife told me at the altar after the preacher just pronounced us Man and Wife, “Some things got to change around here!” So should same go for the 2009 Saints. Change.
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