NFL Week 9: Saints "Drop the Ball" Against the St. Louis Rams

In a week that saw the Indianapolis Colts drop to 0-7, Christian Ponder getting his first career win as a starting QB, and “America’s team” looking like they wanted to be anywhere but on the football field, the Saints inexplicably lost to the St. Louis Rams 31-21.

As I watched the black-and-gold on Sunday, I kept thinking that it could not get any worse for the team from New Orleans. Only that affirmation was wrong, much like my prediction that the Saints were going to blow out the winless Rams.

The black-and-gold’s offense was stagnant for most of the first half, but the Saints defense held St. Louis to three points for nearly all of the opening two quarters. However, after a blocked punt and an interception thrown by Drew Brees, New Orleans found itself down 17-0 going into half-time. After intermission, the nightmare continued for the Saints, and they ended up losing 31-21.

In the loss, Brees continued his streak of 35 consecutive games of throwing a touchdown pass, which puts him at third all time behind Brett Favre and Johnny Unitas. The record was of little concern to Brees.

“I could care less, to be honest,’ Brees said. “That stuff comes when you win, and it means more when you win.”

Everyone, including the coaching staff and players, looked hideous on Sunday; Brees uncharacteristically forced the ball, the O-line could not protect the quarterback or open up any running lanes and Pete Carmichael did not have a very good day calling plays.

The Saints came out flat and the Rams took advantage to capture their first win of the season. St. Louis was not supposed to beat New Orleans, but I guess the franchises are even now.

In 2000, the Saints beat the Rams for their first-ever playoff win. Az Hakim, the WR who dropped a punt late in the playoff game, will forever be etched in Saints lore because of the classic line, “Hakim drops the ball.”

Luckily, New Orleans does not have time for its own pity party because a division rival comes to town on Sunday.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3) defeated the Saints earlier this season 26-20 in Raymond James Stadium in a game that Brees threw three interceptions.

The Bucs have a mediocre offense and a defense that has not been very dominating. They have allowed 267 passing yards and 123 yards rushing yards a game. The Saints should be able to take advantage because both the rushing and passing attack are highly ranked, especially the passing offense which leads the league.

Since the Saints were embarrassed last week in St. Louis, I would expect them to play much better this weekend. Plus, if the players cannot get motivated to win because of embarrassment, revenge will fuel them to a victory. Brees and company will want to avenge the loss to Tampa Bay on the road in week six.  

The winner of Sunday’s matchup will become the leader in the NFC South. The Who Dat nation can only hope the Saints play with a sense of urgency against a Bucs team looking to knock New Orleans out of first place.