Ok ok, so I was quiet for a couple weeks as I let the events of the state's biggest football teams play out. First I truly felt LSU had a good chance to beat Auburn. Wrong! Second, I felt that after their performance against Tampa Bay, the Saints had righted the ship and would cruise past 1-5 Cleveland and their 23rd ranked defense. So confident was I that I skipped the game and watched it on tv . After all ,why be inconvenienced by that dome crowd for what was certainly going to be a boring blow out. EeeYeaah no.
Needless to say I was dissapointed by the results of both games.
Although I'll never be knocked over by a feather when Les Miles is outcoached, Sean Payton is beginning to resemble the mad hatter with each passing week.
As the 1-5 Browns stumped the Saints on Tommy Bowden's old Tulane coaching philosphy,"trickery,deceit and deception", my mind kept drifting to something former LSU basketball coach Dale Brown once said, " praise is like perfume, smells good but tastes bitter".
Payton still smells the perfume.
We all know the deserved praise that was heaped on Payton after the Super Bowl. The man absolutely earned it. But praise in its highest form is so intoxicating you become unaware of the effect it has on you. Dissenting opinions are brushed aside as uninformed second guessers. Attention to obvious details are ignored. A sense of superiority overcomes you in such a way that you feel there couldn't be any possible way of doing things other than yours.
What other explaination could there be as to why the Saints were caught so off guard by the trickery of the Browns? A coach on his game would have sensed during the week that a desperate 1-5 football team with a thrid string rookie QB just might have some slight of hand ready to"steal a possession" and keep the game close. Afterall, that was Payton's calling card when the Saints were the hungry hunters. But there were the Browns with one trick after another and Payton just staring in confused amazement.
A coach like oh I don't know, Bill Walsh, would have realized that a former longtime player with quite possibly an ax to grind would help his coaches devise a gameplan designed to confuse and embarrass a hall of fame QB. Then maybe he'd make of an adjustment or two. A coach still smelling the perfume would arrogantly ignore this and march on without any sense that changes are needed. But there were the Browns forcing what many consider the best QB in the NFL to throw a career high four interceptions. Payton? No adjustments, just staring in confused amazement.
The signs of perfume smelling have been revealing themselves for weeks. It's why you let time cruely slip away in the closing minutes of a losing game that should never have been close to begin with. It's as if there was stunned disbelief that his team was actually losing to a vastly inferior team.
The perfume smelling seems to have permeated through the team. It's why a winless team with a rookie QB hangs around until the final play. Offensive linemen block by reaching instead of doing what my biddy basketball players did: "Slide your feet"! Receivers fumble on the opponets one yard line, don't fight for the extra yard on third and short, give up on routes and drop pass after pass after pass. Defensive backs go for picks when simply allowing a catch then making a tackle before the sticks would do. And don't even get me started on field goal kickers!
Payton loves to refer to his most influental mentor, Bill Parcells, in times of adversity. I couldn't think of a worse mentor. While Parcels was a great coach, he took bunker mentality to extraodinary heights. He seemingly had a visceral distain for people outside of the"bunker". Something Payton seems to be doing now. All this does is drive a wedge between the coach and his biggest PR department, the press. Which in turn gets the fans going. In New Orleans you want the fans on your side, believe me.
As for LSU, les miles managed to navigate his team bumbling,stumbling and fumbling to 7-0 and #6 ranking. However his team and their #3 ranked defense ran into the most dominate player in college football and had no answer. miles' problem continues to be deciding what to do with the QB situation. Personally, I thought Jordan Jefferson had his best game of the season against Auburn considering it's magnitude. His running style was the only part of the LSU offense they kept Auburn on their heels. It seems to me that a coach on his game would go with the hot hand at QB and ride him until it cools off. Subbing QB's series to series without consideration of the flow of the game disrupts an offesne's best friend, rythmn. Until he figures this out, LSU will continue to increase alcohol sales in Louisiana. But rest assured LSU fans ,ole les could never be accused of smelling the perfume.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Saints Offense has been Figured Out
I'll never forget comedian David Spade on Saturday Night Live in the late 90's as Weekend Update's Hollwood Minute reporter. A picture of then slumping box office icon Eddie Murphy appeared on the screen to his upper left, "look children, he said in bedtime story like excitment, "it's a falling star"! If Spade were doing a football version of that spot now, the Saints offense would be inserted where Murhy's name was. For a team who's resume boast the #1 ranked offense in three of the last four seasons, they by all means, are falling stars.
The first four subpar performances all were written off as flukes caused by the strength of their opponents. The Vikings had an axe to grind. The 49ers were embattled after week one and were in "rally the troops mode". The Falcons (a loss) and the Panthers(a near loss) were divisional foes familiar with the Saints offense therefore not in awe of their offensive expertise. But after the fifth straight and worse performance since somebody name Brooks was QB(considering their opponent), denial ain't just a river in Egypt.
Defending Super Bowl champions DO NOT lose to teams like the Cardinals! Sorry, just doesn't happen.
As fans and psuedo reporters, we all fell lock step in line with the refrain, enabling the defending champs. Giving them the benefit of the doubt. This, after all is Sean Payton and Drew Brees, world champion coach and QB. They must have it figured out. No cause for alarm.
Well I'm here to tell you folks, be alarmed!
This offense is a falling star! And in a big way!
They have been figured out!
You see, while Payton and Brees were out writing books and making appearances on every show from David Letterman to DR. Phil, defensive coordinators were breaking down footballs great equalizer. Film.
While Brees was figuring new pregame rituals and chants for the fans, defensive coaches were constructing game plans to take away his ability to change the complexion of a game with one play.
While the offensive line was celebrating being named OL of the year by doing what human behemeths do, EAT, defensive line coaches were designing multiple fronts to confuse and outmaneuver what has become an overweght and out of shape group of fat guys wearing football jerseys.
While the receivers were out celebrating their contributions to the NFL's best offense, they forgot how to catch the ball.
Before you accuse me of jumping the gun, consider the offense has gone against the 24th,26th and 29th ranked scoring defenses in 3 of 5 games. They needed a last second field goal to win one, a defensive stand to preserve a 16-14 win and then lost to the other, who also own the 30th ranked total defense.
Some will say that injuries are affecting the offense. Bull! Every team has injuries. The Saints defense is just as decimated with injuries and they have moved up from 25th last season to 18th this year. In fact, the defense is mainly reponsible for the Saints wins. Holding the leagues best RB to under 100 yards, coming up with big stop after big stop to get the offense the ball back and preserving the Carolina win.
So what's the problem? Same coach, same QB, same receivers and OL. One word.
Focus.
Their opponents have it in abundance, the Saints offense is lacking it.
Lack of focus leads to mental errors, penalties,dropped passes,turnovers and sacks. Have you ever seen more of any of these than this year? False starts, fumbles, interceptions, pressure on Brees. All has been in abundance in 2010.
Here's the problem. It's too late to go back to the drawing board. That is what offseason is for. It's not like Payton and Brees have a secret formaula on Airline Drive that will instantly cure the malaise. Payton, Brees and the offense have been caught with their pants down. With shrinkage!
Once you've been exposed, it's hard to get it back.
The first four subpar performances all were written off as flukes caused by the strength of their opponents. The Vikings had an axe to grind. The 49ers were embattled after week one and were in "rally the troops mode". The Falcons (a loss) and the Panthers(a near loss) were divisional foes familiar with the Saints offense therefore not in awe of their offensive expertise. But after the fifth straight and worse performance since somebody name Brooks was QB(considering their opponent), denial ain't just a river in Egypt.
Defending Super Bowl champions DO NOT lose to teams like the Cardinals! Sorry, just doesn't happen.
As fans and psuedo reporters, we all fell lock step in line with the refrain, enabling the defending champs. Giving them the benefit of the doubt. This, after all is Sean Payton and Drew Brees, world champion coach and QB. They must have it figured out. No cause for alarm.
Well I'm here to tell you folks, be alarmed!
This offense is a falling star! And in a big way!
They have been figured out!
You see, while Payton and Brees were out writing books and making appearances on every show from David Letterman to DR. Phil, defensive coordinators were breaking down footballs great equalizer. Film.
While Brees was figuring new pregame rituals and chants for the fans, defensive coaches were constructing game plans to take away his ability to change the complexion of a game with one play.
While the offensive line was celebrating being named OL of the year by doing what human behemeths do, EAT, defensive line coaches were designing multiple fronts to confuse and outmaneuver what has become an overweght and out of shape group of fat guys wearing football jerseys.
While the receivers were out celebrating their contributions to the NFL's best offense, they forgot how to catch the ball.
Before you accuse me of jumping the gun, consider the offense has gone against the 24th,26th and 29th ranked scoring defenses in 3 of 5 games. They needed a last second field goal to win one, a defensive stand to preserve a 16-14 win and then lost to the other, who also own the 30th ranked total defense.
Some will say that injuries are affecting the offense. Bull! Every team has injuries. The Saints defense is just as decimated with injuries and they have moved up from 25th last season to 18th this year. In fact, the defense is mainly reponsible for the Saints wins. Holding the leagues best RB to under 100 yards, coming up with big stop after big stop to get the offense the ball back and preserving the Carolina win.
So what's the problem? Same coach, same QB, same receivers and OL. One word.
Focus.
Their opponents have it in abundance, the Saints offense is lacking it.
Lack of focus leads to mental errors, penalties,dropped passes,turnovers and sacks. Have you ever seen more of any of these than this year? False starts, fumbles, interceptions, pressure on Brees. All has been in abundance in 2010.
Here's the problem. It's too late to go back to the drawing board. That is what offseason is for. It's not like Payton and Brees have a secret formaula on Airline Drive that will instantly cure the malaise. Payton, Brees and the offense have been caught with their pants down. With shrinkage!
Once you've been exposed, it's hard to get it back.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Payton Gets It
Brousing the headlines of NOLA.com, I came across one that jumped at me: "New Orleans Saints Invite Vandebilt High School Football Team to Friday's Practice". I don't have inside informantion on who's decision this was but it has Sean Payton written all over it. I say this after having read Payton's book. I get the sense that Payton knows not only that theres more to life than football, but he also knows what football can do for someone's life.
In case you didn't hear or if you live outside our state, Vandebilt Catholic is the school devastated last September when their starting QB and safety, along with two female students, died tradgically in a single vehicle accident while returning home from an LSU football game. It was also reported that, horrifically, the students texted their parents at 12:45 am to tell them they were close and would be home soon. When they did not show up by 3 am the parents started their own search. As a parent, this is THE nightmare. I can't help but feel Sean Payton, as a dad, was touched by this and extended the invitation. I'm always touched by such signs of good will because is shows that under the hard nosed , intense exterior of an NFL coach, it's somehow comforting to me knowing he is aware of the world outside the cocoon his profession places him.
Sean Payton is such a coach, he gets it. He has demonstrated this multiple times since becoming Saints head coach. He is willing to use his position to affect the lives of those in hardship. Whether its instilling joy into a young boy stricken with a terminal illness, busing his team to assist Katrina victims rebuild their house or bringing in a group of young men whose lives have been turned upside down, Payton gets it.
And I'm glad he gets it! Because it displays the human side of the people who get praised or cursed every week depending on the score of a game. In some cases criticism comes even after a victory.
I'm glad he gets it becuase I'm a Sean Payton fan. I would want someone that I'm a fan of to behave insuch a way.
I'm glad he gets it. He knows how ingrained into the culture football is in this part of the world. Bringing in these young men and the families of the victims could in no way ease the grief they are feeling, but this will be a good sign of support to get the healing process jump started.
It's a nice touch by a football coach who gets it.
And I'm glad he gets it.
While I'm at it, God bless the families and teammates of the those students lost way to soon.
In case you didn't hear or if you live outside our state, Vandebilt Catholic is the school devastated last September when their starting QB and safety, along with two female students, died tradgically in a single vehicle accident while returning home from an LSU football game. It was also reported that, horrifically, the students texted their parents at 12:45 am to tell them they were close and would be home soon. When they did not show up by 3 am the parents started their own search. As a parent, this is THE nightmare. I can't help but feel Sean Payton, as a dad, was touched by this and extended the invitation. I'm always touched by such signs of good will because is shows that under the hard nosed , intense exterior of an NFL coach, it's somehow comforting to me knowing he is aware of the world outside the cocoon his profession places him.
Sean Payton is such a coach, he gets it. He has demonstrated this multiple times since becoming Saints head coach. He is willing to use his position to affect the lives of those in hardship. Whether its instilling joy into a young boy stricken with a terminal illness, busing his team to assist Katrina victims rebuild their house or bringing in a group of young men whose lives have been turned upside down, Payton gets it.
And I'm glad he gets it! Because it displays the human side of the people who get praised or cursed every week depending on the score of a game. In some cases criticism comes even after a victory.
I'm glad he gets it becuase I'm a Sean Payton fan. I would want someone that I'm a fan of to behave insuch a way.
I'm glad he gets it. He knows how ingrained into the culture football is in this part of the world. Bringing in these young men and the families of the victims could in no way ease the grief they are feeling, but this will be a good sign of support to get the healing process jump started.
It's a nice touch by a football coach who gets it.
And I'm glad he gets it.
While I'm at it, God bless the families and teammates of the those students lost way to soon.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Miles is Just Lazy
Reliving the final minute of the LSU game in continued horror I remembered something I saw on an ESPN special called Gruden's Champ Camp. This was the brilliant program breaking down the Saints Super Bowl season with the always entertaining and, ironically the #1 choice of LSU faithful to be their next head coach, Jon Gruden. I remember his profile on the way Saints HC Sean Payton conducts practice. His amazement in particlular was the fact that Payton practices the Victory play. That's the play every football team uses as the QB kneels down to kill the final seconds of the game preserving victory. "Imagine", Gruden says, "Payton is so detail oriented he dedicates a segmnet of practice to this simple play"! Yes, I can imagine. Because Payton never wants his players to be surprsied by a situation on the footbal field. Because even though every player,coach and trainer is dying to end practice to get out of the scorching NOLA heat, Payton leaves no possible situation uncovered.
That is why what happened to LSU in the final seconds of the Tennesse game is simply unforgivably devastatingly unnacceptable! What makes it so damn outrageously egregious is it wasn't the first time. Ole Miss was less than a year ago! What this leaves me to believe is les miles is either stupid or lazy.
As much as his vocabulary points to the contrary, I don't think miles is stupid. But lazy? Hells yeah! In fact calling miles lazy is an insult to lazy people. When I say lazy, I'm not talking as in Garfield who sleeps all day and only wakes up to eat lasagna. I'm talking about a "we don't need to worry about it" attitude. "Practice Victory? We don't have to worry about that, it's a simple play" leads to "we don't need to practice end of game situations, we'll deal with that when the time comes". The result is what happened at LSU last Saturday, Ole Miss last season and others to many times to list.
Miles said it's embarrassing the way the game ended. Embarrassing? Burping in church is embarrassing. Humiliating is what happened to LSU yesterday. Already disrespected by the media, fans and coaches across the country, LSU has become a punchline in college football.
The problem for LSU fans is they won that game. They're 5-0. Can't get rid of a coach who is 5-0. All of miles' apologists love to quote his record in his defense. Wins agianst the ULMs and the LaTechs of the world, ugly or not, will continue, thus infalting miles' record. His recruiting classes are always in the top 10. Nevermind the fact that Hallman,DiNardo and Stovall were equally affective as recuiters because Louisiana and Southeast Texas is such fertile ground for football talent.
Miles is the clone of Charlie McClendon. Feed off the talent left by your predicessor then win just enough on your own to justify keeping your job. "Charlie Mac only loses to the Bear" said the enablers back then, "Les has a winning record" they say now. The plain truth is Charlie Mac stunted the program's growth back then and miles does now. With the massive expansion of the national media now compared to the McClendon era, these blunders become legendary overnight. Football fans as far away as Washington state bare witness to miles' ineptitude.
LSU fans are now in a conundrum. They want LSU to succeed but Les Miles to fail. The problem is he'll continue to do both in such fashion his demise (or lack thereof) will be debated as much as the need for a playoff in college football. Their only hope is for Rich Rodriguez to fail so badly at Michigan that they will hire Miles away from LSU. Well don't look now LSU fans, the Wolverines are also 5-0 and have an explosive QB. Scratch that idea. No, LSU fans, you are stuck with ole Les. Maybe he'll attend a Sean Payton coaches clinic next off season. Unless the circus is in town that day.
That is why what happened to LSU in the final seconds of the Tennesse game is simply unforgivably devastatingly unnacceptable! What makes it so damn outrageously egregious is it wasn't the first time. Ole Miss was less than a year ago! What this leaves me to believe is les miles is either stupid or lazy.
As much as his vocabulary points to the contrary, I don't think miles is stupid. But lazy? Hells yeah! In fact calling miles lazy is an insult to lazy people. When I say lazy, I'm not talking as in Garfield who sleeps all day and only wakes up to eat lasagna. I'm talking about a "we don't need to worry about it" attitude. "Practice Victory? We don't have to worry about that, it's a simple play" leads to "we don't need to practice end of game situations, we'll deal with that when the time comes". The result is what happened at LSU last Saturday, Ole Miss last season and others to many times to list.
Miles said it's embarrassing the way the game ended. Embarrassing? Burping in church is embarrassing. Humiliating is what happened to LSU yesterday. Already disrespected by the media, fans and coaches across the country, LSU has become a punchline in college football.
The problem for LSU fans is they won that game. They're 5-0. Can't get rid of a coach who is 5-0. All of miles' apologists love to quote his record in his defense. Wins agianst the ULMs and the LaTechs of the world, ugly or not, will continue, thus infalting miles' record. His recruiting classes are always in the top 10. Nevermind the fact that Hallman,DiNardo and Stovall were equally affective as recuiters because Louisiana and Southeast Texas is such fertile ground for football talent.
Miles is the clone of Charlie McClendon. Feed off the talent left by your predicessor then win just enough on your own to justify keeping your job. "Charlie Mac only loses to the Bear" said the enablers back then, "Les has a winning record" they say now. The plain truth is Charlie Mac stunted the program's growth back then and miles does now. With the massive expansion of the national media now compared to the McClendon era, these blunders become legendary overnight. Football fans as far away as Washington state bare witness to miles' ineptitude.
LSU fans are now in a conundrum. They want LSU to succeed but Les Miles to fail. The problem is he'll continue to do both in such fashion his demise (or lack thereof) will be debated as much as the need for a playoff in college football. Their only hope is for Rich Rodriguez to fail so badly at Michigan that they will hire Miles away from LSU. Well don't look now LSU fans, the Wolverines are also 5-0 and have an explosive QB. Scratch that idea. No, LSU fans, you are stuck with ole Les. Maybe he'll attend a Sean Payton coaches clinic next off season. Unless the circus is in town that day.
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