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.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
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.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
It's in their head
In today's sports world of "what have you done for me lately", the Saints and LSU are asking themselves the same question about two players who've lately for me haven't done much good.
In LSU's case, the QB position has gone from a weakness to outright liability. We all knew the starter was coming into the year with questions but this is ridiculous. The LSU QB is the lone reason they've been in close games instead of blow outs in three of their four wins.
First it was his technique. Bad footwork , holding on to the ball to long, can't read a defense, locks in on receivers,etc.etc. But now you have an evan bigger factor...his mental status. The pressure of performing at the higest level of college football and to do well has made him a basket case. In other words...
It's in his head.
Of all positons in football, QB is the worst to have head issues. If your QB doubts himself every move he makes, your offense suffers. There's an old saying in football, "hit the QB and the whole team feels it". It's feels it worse if the hit is self inflicted. It leads to sacks, high throws,short throws and turnovers, and that's just on the field. Off the field a whole other set of problems come up. Once losses result there's a mutiny on hand and things spiral downward quickly.
To cut this off the head coach must step in and make a change. Make a change for team morale, especially as the defense and special teams are playng at BCS championship levels. Make a change for the coachng staff who put in hours of work breaking down film, conducting meetings and teachng on the field. Make a change for the fans who work hard all week and look forward to seeing their favorite team go to war with all weapons on the ready. Make a change for the head coach to call off the wolves chomping at his hide week after week.
But mostly, above all and for HIS sake, make a change for the QB himself. For him, so he doesn't have to worry after every play if he'll be booed, if he'll let down his teammates,coaches, family or himself. To me it's worse to keep sending a QB back on the field , setting him up for more failure and humiliation, when it's painfully obvious to all who will see that he is struggling badly. Make a change.
It's in his head.
In the case of the Saints you have a kicker, Garrett Hartley, coming off a dream season. He kicked his team into the Super Bowl, set a record for most kicks beyond 40 yards in that Super Bowl. Had his own float in the parade to honor that team.
That was last season.
This season started with two missed field goals, one from approximately the same spot of championship kick, the other from much closer in. Not only did he miss, he missed badly. He missed so bad that it caused doubt to creep in. In other words...
It's in his head.
Hartley now has to deal not only with the pressure of being the kicker on a team that looks toward another Super Bowl, but with a kicker's worst enemy in his head...doubt. That doubt, by his own admission, invaded his pysche on the overtime try against Atlanta resulting in a shank. A shank so bad the fans in the 20 yard line seats were seen scrambling for the souvenir. Doubt is why a kicker possessing the skills the likes of only a handfull of men in America misses a chip shot so close he could normally make blindfolded, leftfooted with one hand tied behind his back. Doubt is why a team with feelings of loyalty bring in an older kicker for a sideline episode of In Treatment. Doubt is the reason a change must be made.
Make a change for the fans, players,coaches and himself so now of us have to bite our nails, hide our faces or simply look the other way when he is sent out for another "chip shot" game winning field goal.
In LSU's case, the QB position has gone from a weakness to outright liability. We all knew the starter was coming into the year with questions but this is ridiculous. The LSU QB is the lone reason they've been in close games instead of blow outs in three of their four wins.
First it was his technique. Bad footwork , holding on to the ball to long, can't read a defense, locks in on receivers,etc.etc. But now you have an evan bigger factor...his mental status. The pressure of performing at the higest level of college football and to do well has made him a basket case. In other words...
It's in his head.
Of all positons in football, QB is the worst to have head issues. If your QB doubts himself every move he makes, your offense suffers. There's an old saying in football, "hit the QB and the whole team feels it". It's feels it worse if the hit is self inflicted. It leads to sacks, high throws,short throws and turnovers, and that's just on the field. Off the field a whole other set of problems come up. Once losses result there's a mutiny on hand and things spiral downward quickly.
To cut this off the head coach must step in and make a change. Make a change for team morale, especially as the defense and special teams are playng at BCS championship levels. Make a change for the coachng staff who put in hours of work breaking down film, conducting meetings and teachng on the field. Make a change for the fans who work hard all week and look forward to seeing their favorite team go to war with all weapons on the ready. Make a change for the head coach to call off the wolves chomping at his hide week after week.
But mostly, above all and for HIS sake, make a change for the QB himself. For him, so he doesn't have to worry after every play if he'll be booed, if he'll let down his teammates,coaches, family or himself. To me it's worse to keep sending a QB back on the field , setting him up for more failure and humiliation, when it's painfully obvious to all who will see that he is struggling badly. Make a change.
It's in his head.
In the case of the Saints you have a kicker, Garrett Hartley, coming off a dream season. He kicked his team into the Super Bowl, set a record for most kicks beyond 40 yards in that Super Bowl. Had his own float in the parade to honor that team.
That was last season.
This season started with two missed field goals, one from approximately the same spot of championship kick, the other from much closer in. Not only did he miss, he missed badly. He missed so bad that it caused doubt to creep in. In other words...
It's in his head.
Hartley now has to deal not only with the pressure of being the kicker on a team that looks toward another Super Bowl, but with a kicker's worst enemy in his head...doubt. That doubt, by his own admission, invaded his pysche on the overtime try against Atlanta resulting in a shank. A shank so bad the fans in the 20 yard line seats were seen scrambling for the souvenir. Doubt is why a kicker possessing the skills the likes of only a handfull of men in America misses a chip shot so close he could normally make blindfolded, leftfooted with one hand tied behind his back. Doubt is why a team with feelings of loyalty bring in an older kicker for a sideline episode of In Treatment. Doubt is the reason a change must be made.
Make a change for the fans, players,coaches and himself so now of us have to bite our nails, hide our faces or simply look the other way when he is sent out for another "chip shot" game winning field goal.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Saints Version 3.0 Instill Calm
Sitting in my local watering hole watching the Saints beat the 49ers 25-22 on a last second field goal, I noticed something about myself. As the Saints were driving toward the game winning field goal, I was calm. Here were my beloved Saints in a do or die situation in San Francisco and I was cool as Knight from Real World. What up wit dat?
If you know me you know the last thing I am when it comes to watching the Saints is calm. In fact, if I were ever hooked to an EKG during a Saints game, a crash cart would have to be on stand by ready to hit me with the defib. Yet here I was completely at ease.
Can you blame me though? These are not your father's Saints, not even your uncle's Saints. Hell, not even your brother's Saints. These are the new Saints, version 3.0. The Saints 3.0 win games at the end, not blow them. These Saints allow the other team to commit crucial penalties, agonizing turnovers and game ending drives. These Saints close out games not leave the door open.
Remember the phrase "they left to much time on the clock"? That was the phrase most often used for the Saints when they were banging their heads against the Candelstick Park wall in the 80's and 90's as the likes of Joe Montana and Steve Young were stealing victory from the back pockets of the Saints. Shoot, even some guy named Steve Bono got into the act during the Saints 1992 run to the divisional runner up spot. Remember? The Jim Mora coached 12-4 team? Finished second in the division to the 14-2 49ers?
The Saints verion 3.0 are now the team that make the likes of the 49ers players sit in their locker room and ponder the what ifs. Now THEY are the ones sitting in the lockers wondering "how in God's glory did we just lose this game"? Their fans are the ones who must walk the ramps of their home stadium in drunken disgust knowing we HAD the champs in our grasps and let them slip away. They now are the ones who must deal with the sickness in the pits of their stomachs as they watch the visiting fans dancing and celebrating out the stadium. Breaze is not just wind swirling in Candelstick anymore, Brees is now in their heads. Like Montana was to Saints fans. Just ask the folks in Minnesota, Indianapolis, Washington, Phoenix, etc. etc. etc.
So remember Saints fans, the next time you're biting your pillow, pacing the floor or burying your face in your hands as the Saints' game is coming down to the wire, CALM DOWN!
These are the new Saints, version 3.0
If you know me you know the last thing I am when it comes to watching the Saints is calm. In fact, if I were ever hooked to an EKG during a Saints game, a crash cart would have to be on stand by ready to hit me with the defib. Yet here I was completely at ease.
Can you blame me though? These are not your father's Saints, not even your uncle's Saints. Hell, not even your brother's Saints. These are the new Saints, version 3.0. The Saints 3.0 win games at the end, not blow them. These Saints allow the other team to commit crucial penalties, agonizing turnovers and game ending drives. These Saints close out games not leave the door open.
Remember the phrase "they left to much time on the clock"? That was the phrase most often used for the Saints when they were banging their heads against the Candelstick Park wall in the 80's and 90's as the likes of Joe Montana and Steve Young were stealing victory from the back pockets of the Saints. Shoot, even some guy named Steve Bono got into the act during the Saints 1992 run to the divisional runner up spot. Remember? The Jim Mora coached 12-4 team? Finished second in the division to the 14-2 49ers?
The Saints verion 3.0 are now the team that make the likes of the 49ers players sit in their locker room and ponder the what ifs. Now THEY are the ones sitting in the lockers wondering "how in God's glory did we just lose this game"? Their fans are the ones who must walk the ramps of their home stadium in drunken disgust knowing we HAD the champs in our grasps and let them slip away. They now are the ones who must deal with the sickness in the pits of their stomachs as they watch the visiting fans dancing and celebrating out the stadium. Breaze is not just wind swirling in Candelstick anymore, Brees is now in their heads. Like Montana was to Saints fans. Just ask the folks in Minnesota, Indianapolis, Washington, Phoenix, etc. etc. etc.
So remember Saints fans, the next time you're biting your pillow, pacing the floor or burying your face in your hands as the Saints' game is coming down to the wire, CALM DOWN!
These are the new Saints, version 3.0
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Ready to Blast off for Second Year Coordinators
When you look at the two biggest football teams in Louisiana, you see two big similarities. The two have defensive coordinators in year two. You also don't need xray vision to see that these two have put their stamp on their two squads. OK ,enough wiht the twos already!
Alright, but it can't be denied that Greg Williams and John Chavis have done what they were brought in to do.
It didn't take long for New Orleans Saints' DC Greg Williams to change the culture of a defense that was an after thought in Sean Peyton's first three years as head coach. We all know that while the Saints enjoyed the #1 offense in the NFL in two(there's that number again) out of three years, the defense was less then spectaular, in fact it was pretty lousy.
In 2008 alone, the 8-8 Saints blew fourth quarter leads in nearly half of their 8 losses, finishing one game out of the playoffs. That defense finished 26th in scoring while the offense was first. So what did Peyton do? Something his predecessor refused to, cut ties with his long time friend, coaching associate and third year DC Gary Gibbs. Peyton recognized what previous Saints HC Jim Haslett would not or could not, the defense needed a change in leadership.
From day one of mini-camp the change in culture took hold. The defense becaome uber-aggressive. If nothing else was accomplinshed, that alone set the stage for what was in store for opposing offenses in 2009. The Saints D will challenge you every play of every day. The #1 objective? Create turnovers. The result? The Saints rocketed from -4 or 22nd in the giveaway /takeaway ratio to +11, #3 in the NFL. That stat alone made the switch worth it.
Now in year two of Williams system, the Saints D looks more aggressive and aimes to improve other areas. The most important being points allowed. The Saints under Williams did improve from 26th to 20th in the league, that number has to come down. Judging from game one it looks like they are on the right track. The Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings 14-9, the fewest points ever for a win in the Peyton era. Why? Because Wlliams boys stuffed the running of Adrien Peterson causing a rusty Brett Favre to carry the load. He couldn't. Saints win.
In Baton Rouge, good defense is not only expected but demanded. LSU fans throughout the years could always hang their hat on a tough SEC caliber defense. So in 2008, coming off a BCS championship, head coach les miles decided to go with co-coordinators to replace the departed Bo Pelini. That was doomed from the start. Realizing, to his credit, co-cordinators would not work at LSU, miles made the switch and brought in Chavis.
Chavis, who came from the University of Tennesse where his defenses were always highly respected in the SEC, went right to work instilling leadership and discipline. Year one's defense yeilded 103 less points than 2008, 68 less than the BCS title team of 2007. The early returns on year two are promising. Despite a meltdown in the fourth quarter of the UNC game, Chavis' defense have looked faster,quicker and more physical. They have dominated their opponent for 7 out of eight quarters with aggressive run stuffing coupled with more bltitzing. Outside that quarter LSU has surrendured only 13 points. Because Chavis' defenses have always improved as the season progressed, this bolds well for LSU fans hoping the Tigers return to the days of hearing the band play the Chinese Bandits salute.
A huge caveat in 2010 is the poor quarterback play by the offense which could be the worst enemy of the LSU defense. Since LSU has no SEC caliber QB and the risk of leaving the D on the field to long wearing them out, look for the offense to go to a more conservative running and short passing game.
In year one in charge of their defenses, Willimas and Chavis changed the culture, laid the foundation and provided a launching pad. In year two they're ready to blast off.
Alright, but it can't be denied that Greg Williams and John Chavis have done what they were brought in to do.
It didn't take long for New Orleans Saints' DC Greg Williams to change the culture of a defense that was an after thought in Sean Peyton's first three years as head coach. We all know that while the Saints enjoyed the #1 offense in the NFL in two(there's that number again) out of three years, the defense was less then spectaular, in fact it was pretty lousy.
In 2008 alone, the 8-8 Saints blew fourth quarter leads in nearly half of their 8 losses, finishing one game out of the playoffs. That defense finished 26th in scoring while the offense was first. So what did Peyton do? Something his predecessor refused to, cut ties with his long time friend, coaching associate and third year DC Gary Gibbs. Peyton recognized what previous Saints HC Jim Haslett would not or could not, the defense needed a change in leadership.
From day one of mini-camp the change in culture took hold. The defense becaome uber-aggressive. If nothing else was accomplinshed, that alone set the stage for what was in store for opposing offenses in 2009. The Saints D will challenge you every play of every day. The #1 objective? Create turnovers. The result? The Saints rocketed from -4 or 22nd in the giveaway /takeaway ratio to +11, #3 in the NFL. That stat alone made the switch worth it.
Now in year two of Williams system, the Saints D looks more aggressive and aimes to improve other areas. The most important being points allowed. The Saints under Williams did improve from 26th to 20th in the league, that number has to come down. Judging from game one it looks like they are on the right track. The Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings 14-9, the fewest points ever for a win in the Peyton era. Why? Because Wlliams boys stuffed the running of Adrien Peterson causing a rusty Brett Favre to carry the load. He couldn't. Saints win.
In Baton Rouge, good defense is not only expected but demanded. LSU fans throughout the years could always hang their hat on a tough SEC caliber defense. So in 2008, coming off a BCS championship, head coach les miles decided to go with co-coordinators to replace the departed Bo Pelini. That was doomed from the start. Realizing, to his credit, co-cordinators would not work at LSU, miles made the switch and brought in Chavis.
Chavis, who came from the University of Tennesse where his defenses were always highly respected in the SEC, went right to work instilling leadership and discipline. Year one's defense yeilded 103 less points than 2008, 68 less than the BCS title team of 2007. The early returns on year two are promising. Despite a meltdown in the fourth quarter of the UNC game, Chavis' defense have looked faster,quicker and more physical. They have dominated their opponent for 7 out of eight quarters with aggressive run stuffing coupled with more bltitzing. Outside that quarter LSU has surrendured only 13 points. Because Chavis' defenses have always improved as the season progressed, this bolds well for LSU fans hoping the Tigers return to the days of hearing the band play the Chinese Bandits salute.
A huge caveat in 2010 is the poor quarterback play by the offense which could be the worst enemy of the LSU defense. Since LSU has no SEC caliber QB and the risk of leaving the D on the field to long wearing them out, look for the offense to go to a more conservative running and short passing game.
In year one in charge of their defenses, Willimas and Chavis changed the culture, laid the foundation and provided a launching pad. In year two they're ready to blast off.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Now THAT'S les miles Football
If any of you hear me on the radio (Fridays 1pm-2pm on 690am WIST), last Friday you would have heard as close to a mea culpa toward les miles that I could possibly make. If you read this you also know what little respect I have for les miles' coaching ability. Last Friday (9/3) I predicted that despite les miles, LSU's schedule sets up to be a possible BCS bowl season.
Well it's Sunday after game one and those regurgitated words are already stuck in my throat. I say this because of the events that unfolded last night.
We all know the story. LSU's opponent, UNC, was devastatingly undermanned due to NCAA and self imposed suspensions. They were also distracted because these suspensions came down the day before the game. LSU is returning a 3rd year QB, 4th year RB and WR, and a 5th year RB amongst other 4 and 5 star recruits. Included in this group is the #1 ranked overall player in the country, the #1 rated WR in the country and the #1 defensive player in the country, all second and third year players. You get where I'm going with this. LSU is loaded with experienced talent, period.
This should have been a game LSU fans were embarrassed about because they ran up the score on a defenseless bunch of back ups and sub par ACC starters. A team in disarray. A game where ESPN commentators were blasting les miles for leaving Jordan Jefferson in during the 4th quarter with such a big lead.
For three quarters this game was looking like just that. LSU led 30-10 and was inside the UNC 15 yard line when Steven Ridley scored a touchdown that made it 37-10. Now in Tuscaloosa, Gainesville or Austin this would have been the final nail in the coffin of a team that put up a valiant fight under extremely challenging conditions.
But this is Baton Rouge, well Atl in this case, but you know what I mean. This is les miles football, baby!
After leading 30-10 and scoring an apparent td the following happen in the 4th quarter:
1. That nail clinching TD was nullified by a holding penalty
2. That 3rd year qb Jordan Jefferson lost 20 yards on grounding penalty putting his team out of field goal range
3. After pinning UNC at their three yard line with 10:14 showing on the clock and before I could finish the thought in my head "just don't give up a big play here and ...", the defense, which had dominated for 3 quarters gives up a 97 yard td pass..30-17
4. Another LSU holding penalty, LSU punts
5. UNC drives, scores a td on the nations best red zone defense from last season...30-24
6. UNC recovers an onsides kick
7. LSU's D gets up from the mat and holds on 4th down with a great blitz from freshman Tyronn Mathieu
8. LSU runnig back Steven Ridley, a senior, in the midst of running for the game clinching 1st down fumbles
9.UNC drives to LSU's 5 yard line and on the final play of the game has a chance to score the go ahead touchdown
10. they fail!!!!
LSU wins!!!!!!
Only among LSU fans there was no !!!!. No celebrton for surviving such a debacle. Every LSU fan that I know was pissed! Even the most fervent defenders of les miles were calling for his head. In general, the concensus among LSU faithful was embarrassment. After WINNING a game, LSU fans were embarrassed!
Why?
14 pealties, 5 turnovers and again blowing a 4th quarter lead!
How does this keep happening!?
Because in the 6th year of his program, les miles' team still makes the same mistakes at the same time the same way. In short, they show NO SIGN of improvement. From the 3rd year qb who couldn't find a secondary receiver with a GPS device to a 4th year rb who couldn't protect the ball in a Wells Fargo truck.
Why?
Because les miles does not demand this from his players. He may say the words, but he doesn't demand it. If anyone watched ESPN's coverage of Alabama'a fall practices, you witnessed a coach who demands improvement from his players. His mantra? Win every play every day. He doesn't just say it he demands it. That team hasn't lost a regular season game in 3 years.
les miles? He overslept on game day. That's all you need to know.
THAT'S les miles football!
Well it's Sunday after game one and those regurgitated words are already stuck in my throat. I say this because of the events that unfolded last night.
We all know the story. LSU's opponent, UNC, was devastatingly undermanned due to NCAA and self imposed suspensions. They were also distracted because these suspensions came down the day before the game. LSU is returning a 3rd year QB, 4th year RB and WR, and a 5th year RB amongst other 4 and 5 star recruits. Included in this group is the #1 ranked overall player in the country, the #1 rated WR in the country and the #1 defensive player in the country, all second and third year players. You get where I'm going with this. LSU is loaded with experienced talent, period.
This should have been a game LSU fans were embarrassed about because they ran up the score on a defenseless bunch of back ups and sub par ACC starters. A team in disarray. A game where ESPN commentators were blasting les miles for leaving Jordan Jefferson in during the 4th quarter with such a big lead.
For three quarters this game was looking like just that. LSU led 30-10 and was inside the UNC 15 yard line when Steven Ridley scored a touchdown that made it 37-10. Now in Tuscaloosa, Gainesville or Austin this would have been the final nail in the coffin of a team that put up a valiant fight under extremely challenging conditions.
But this is Baton Rouge, well Atl in this case, but you know what I mean. This is les miles football, baby!
After leading 30-10 and scoring an apparent td the following happen in the 4th quarter:
1. That nail clinching TD was nullified by a holding penalty
2. That 3rd year qb Jordan Jefferson lost 20 yards on grounding penalty putting his team out of field goal range
3. After pinning UNC at their three yard line with 10:14 showing on the clock and before I could finish the thought in my head "just don't give up a big play here and ...", the defense, which had dominated for 3 quarters gives up a 97 yard td pass..30-17
4. Another LSU holding penalty, LSU punts
5. UNC drives, scores a td on the nations best red zone defense from last season...30-24
6. UNC recovers an onsides kick
7. LSU's D gets up from the mat and holds on 4th down with a great blitz from freshman Tyronn Mathieu
8. LSU runnig back Steven Ridley, a senior, in the midst of running for the game clinching 1st down fumbles
9.UNC drives to LSU's 5 yard line and on the final play of the game has a chance to score the go ahead touchdown
10. they fail!!!!
LSU wins!!!!!!
Only among LSU fans there was no !!!!. No celebrton for surviving such a debacle. Every LSU fan that I know was pissed! Even the most fervent defenders of les miles were calling for his head. In general, the concensus among LSU faithful was embarrassment. After WINNING a game, LSU fans were embarrassed!
Why?
14 pealties, 5 turnovers and again blowing a 4th quarter lead!
How does this keep happening!?
Because in the 6th year of his program, les miles' team still makes the same mistakes at the same time the same way. In short, they show NO SIGN of improvement. From the 3rd year qb who couldn't find a secondary receiver with a GPS device to a 4th year rb who couldn't protect the ball in a Wells Fargo truck.
Why?
Because les miles does not demand this from his players. He may say the words, but he doesn't demand it. If anyone watched ESPN's coverage of Alabama'a fall practices, you witnessed a coach who demands improvement from his players. His mantra? Win every play every day. He doesn't just say it he demands it. That team hasn't lost a regular season game in 3 years.
les miles? He overslept on game day. That's all you need to know.
THAT'S les miles football!
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