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.
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