In the wake of the worst NFL defensive performance in the history of mankind, one wouldn't be surprised if a message appeared in the NFL personals. "Deparately seeking defense. Meet me at Saints Drive. Keep the faith. Love, Sean"
When Saints HC Sean Payton returned from his year long abeyance, he wanted to send a message. In less time than it took Doug Thorton to get the Super Bowl relit, he fired DC Steve Spagnuolo and DB coach Ken Fajole. If this didn't get the attention of the remaining defensive impersonators, Payton hired NFL mercenary Rob Ryan to take over.
Next message, the axe. First on the list, DT Sedrick Ellis. The underwhelming top ten draft pick was told he was not in Payton's plans. Ellis joins other Saints first round DL disasters such as Jonathon Sulllivan and Shawn Knight. To be fair, Ellis had his chance. The Saints brought in DT after DT to compliment him to no avail. Also released, CB Johnny Patrick. When the former third round pick from Louisville wasn't getting iced in the tub, he was getting burned on the field. Validating Payton's move on Patrick was San Diego scooping him up within a week. The Chargers are the NFL's Nicki Minaj at judging talent. "I tink you awe awlreddy a soopastawr", said Minaj to a jerseylicious, tone-deaf, cross-dressing American Idol wantabe. Also, safeties Dawan Landry(JAX) and Adrian Wilson(ARZ) are now available free agents, safeties who play well against the run and pass(imagine that). Roman Harper may want to start thinking about his second career.
Message three, "you didn't earn that". Broderick Bunkley, David Hawthorne and Curtis Loften have already agreed to new terms of their contracts. Surely Will Smith and Jon Vilma will be next. In fact, anyone not named Cameron Jordan should be holding off plans to build that new house.
If there was ever a season the Saints have to make a splash in free agency, this is it. With the offense still hummimg, the Saints, it would seem, should be an attractive destination. Good luck with that. Most of the impact UFA's have been franchised. The Saints will have to reach for proven veterans on their way out or younger overshadowed veterans on their way up. That formula worked in 2009 when Darren Sharper worked his magic. Not so much in 2012 when David Hawthorne was injured most of the year. DL's John Abraham(ATL) and Jason Jones(SEA), LB's James Harrison(PIT) and Paul Kruger(BAL) and DB's Sean Smith(MIA),Wilson and Landry are names to watch.
Finally, help must arrive via the draft. With only five picks, the Saints have to be better on draft weekend then they have been recently. Luckily, at the fifteenth position, impact palyers are projected to be there for the taking. Mock drafts have either one or all of the following, LB's Barkivious Mingo(LSU) or Jarvis Jones(UGA), and DT Star Lotulelei(Utah) available at fifteen. All are physically talented but have queston marks with Jones' spinal stenosous the most concern. Some scouts feel there's value in the late first round so trading down and picking up a second round pick is also a possibility.
Now other NFL teams are on the move, San Francisco and Seattle are legit. The Vikings and Rams look to be on the cusp. Carolina owned the Saints last season while the Falcons had the best record in football. With an offense so good the Saints won seven games despite having the worst NFL defense ever. By comparison, in 1980 the defense was horrid, not the worst ever, but awful. That team won only one game. This puts the Saints in a precarious position. That proverbial window wil not be open long. That's why Payton is seeking defense. Desperately.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Sunday, November 4, 2012
LSU Needed a Coach Not a Mad Hatter
Still reeling from the LSU loss to Alabama in Death Valley, I can't shake the feeling that the better team lost. I'm not talking about the old cliche meaning the team that played better in the game that night. I'm mean the better team overall.
LSU was about 90 seconds from exposing Alabama for what they are. An overhyped team that's good but nowhere near deserving of the media genuflecting they have received this season. I said last Friday on my weekly spot with 690am's Eric Asher that if LSU gives QB Zach Mettenberger time, bama's secondary is vunerable. They did. They were. If only Les Miles could see it.
If he could, he would have seen that bama's secondary was no match for LSU. Mettenberger and his WR's were schooling them. Converting third down after third down, bama had no answer. Not even close. Saban was desponded. So when LSU drove inside bama's 25 yard line twice in the 4th quarter by third down passing, instead of forcing an exhausted bama defense whose pass rush had disappeared and DB's were gassed to continue to chase, Miles let them off the hook. LSU never attempted at least one pass in either sets of those downs. Miles truned to the runnng game and played into the hands of bama' strength. Even trying to convert a 4th down by astonishingly taking the very player who had him poised for victory off the field. Lining up in a formation so obvious a jumbotron message announcing the play would've been less conspicuous.
The problem with LSU was their head football coach believed the media's version of 2012 bama. He seemed to think that was the BCS version of bama in Tiger Stadium Saturday night. Miles thougt the Mad Hatter was needed when really, LSU only needed a coach. Someone who trusted what he was seeing. A QB growing up in front of his very eyes. The whole world saw it. Miles didn't.
Miles defenders always point to his won/loss record. They point out his near 80% winnig percentage. They will say he had his team posied to beat the best team in the country. In truth, he continues to make questionable decisions each week. Decisions that unnecessarily get in the way of success. Decisions that make easy wins a struggle. Decisions his players must work much harder to overcome.
Decision 1. Fake FG on 4th and 12. Fail.
Decision 2. 54 yard filed goal attempt from a kicker whose career long is 44 yards. Les, that's ten yards futher than the very best your kicker has ever done. Bama takes the short field and drives to a TD just before halftime. Fail.
Decision 3. Fourth and 1. To go or not to go. Either choice is fine. The play called wasn't. Fail.
Decision 4. No attempt to score TD on the final possession. Result is missed FG and bama allowed off the mat to survive an eight count. Fail.
That fourth down play was vintage Miles. Fourth and one. Late in 4th quarter. You're up a field goal. Another FG puts you up a touchdown. A first down allows the clock to bleed and solidify the legend of Saturday night in Death Valley. Miles is brain frozen. Finally with the playclock winding down and his QB pleading for a decision. Field goal or go for it? Coach, we need a decision. Finally, in haste, Miles sends in short yardage personell. A RB lines up as QB. Not in the wildcat, but under center. Everyone bunched in. The play? QB sneak. Can be seen from Pluto. Hurried! Playclock winding down! 3,2,1...FAIL. So Miles takes his hot hand 6"6" 230lb QB to insert a 5'9" 215 lb RB to run a QB sneak to gain one yard.
Sadly, Miles went to the mad hatter on that play and thruout the game. LSU was the better team. Miles just didn't belive it.
LSU was about 90 seconds from exposing Alabama for what they are. An overhyped team that's good but nowhere near deserving of the media genuflecting they have received this season. I said last Friday on my weekly spot with 690am's Eric Asher that if LSU gives QB Zach Mettenberger time, bama's secondary is vunerable. They did. They were. If only Les Miles could see it.
If he could, he would have seen that bama's secondary was no match for LSU. Mettenberger and his WR's were schooling them. Converting third down after third down, bama had no answer. Not even close. Saban was desponded. So when LSU drove inside bama's 25 yard line twice in the 4th quarter by third down passing, instead of forcing an exhausted bama defense whose pass rush had disappeared and DB's were gassed to continue to chase, Miles let them off the hook. LSU never attempted at least one pass in either sets of those downs. Miles truned to the runnng game and played into the hands of bama' strength. Even trying to convert a 4th down by astonishingly taking the very player who had him poised for victory off the field. Lining up in a formation so obvious a jumbotron message announcing the play would've been less conspicuous.
The problem with LSU was their head football coach believed the media's version of 2012 bama. He seemed to think that was the BCS version of bama in Tiger Stadium Saturday night. Miles thougt the Mad Hatter was needed when really, LSU only needed a coach. Someone who trusted what he was seeing. A QB growing up in front of his very eyes. The whole world saw it. Miles didn't.
Miles defenders always point to his won/loss record. They point out his near 80% winnig percentage. They will say he had his team posied to beat the best team in the country. In truth, he continues to make questionable decisions each week. Decisions that unnecessarily get in the way of success. Decisions that make easy wins a struggle. Decisions his players must work much harder to overcome.
Decision 1. Fake FG on 4th and 12. Fail.
Decision 2. 54 yard filed goal attempt from a kicker whose career long is 44 yards. Les, that's ten yards futher than the very best your kicker has ever done. Bama takes the short field and drives to a TD just before halftime. Fail.
Decision 3. Fourth and 1. To go or not to go. Either choice is fine. The play called wasn't. Fail.
Decision 4. No attempt to score TD on the final possession. Result is missed FG and bama allowed off the mat to survive an eight count. Fail.
That fourth down play was vintage Miles. Fourth and one. Late in 4th quarter. You're up a field goal. Another FG puts you up a touchdown. A first down allows the clock to bleed and solidify the legend of Saturday night in Death Valley. Miles is brain frozen. Finally with the playclock winding down and his QB pleading for a decision. Field goal or go for it? Coach, we need a decision. Finally, in haste, Miles sends in short yardage personell. A RB lines up as QB. Not in the wildcat, but under center. Everyone bunched in. The play? QB sneak. Can be seen from Pluto. Hurried! Playclock winding down! 3,2,1...FAIL. So Miles takes his hot hand 6"6" 230lb QB to insert a 5'9" 215 lb RB to run a QB sneak to gain one yard.
Sadly, Miles went to the mad hatter on that play and thruout the game. LSU was the better team. Miles just didn't belive it.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Spagnoulo Not What the Saints Needed
Let's face it, the 2012 edition of the NO Saints defense has been more painful to watch than season three of Treme. Each week it breaks an NFL record for futility. Can't stop the run. Can't stop the pass. Can't create turnovers. Can't get off the field. I haven't seen a defense this bad since Buddy D did his sportscast with a bag on his head. As Saints fans across the world bear witness to the unfolding of the worst defense in the history of the NFL, a concensus is growing that the problem is not coaching, it's personnel.
Don't count me among that number. Sure the Saints lack the playmakers needed to build a solid defense, but the coaches have let them down by forcing a scheme that doesn't match the personnel..
Which brings me to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnoulo. I'm sure a fine man and a good coach. That's what we were all told upon his hire. He did take an underachieving Giants defense ranked 28th in the NFL in 2006 and lead them to the 7th ranked total defense and #1 in sacks in 2007 en route to a Super Bowl victory. As head coach of the Rams, after three seasons his defense ranked a mediocre 22nd. Just two spots better than the Saints of that year.
There's no doubt, Spagnoulo knows how to build a defense. But to build a defense in New Orleans it will take multiple successful drafts and free agent pick ups. Something a newly hired head coach would want from a DC. That's not what the Saints situation calls for. What they need is a proven turnaround specialist.
Bum Phillips ounce said a good coach can "take his'n and beat your'n then take your'n and beat his'n". When it comes to coaching defense, Bum's son Wade is that coach. With Wade Phillips, your defense is better the instant he steps into the building. At every stop as defensive coordinator, he has turned that defense around immediately. Why? See above quote. Houston is a prime example. In 2010, the Texans defense ranked 30th in the NFL. Gary Kubiak was in the verge of being fired. Mario Williams was being called a bust. Desperate and given one last chance, Kubiak hired Wade Phillips for the 2011 season. He took that team's talent, moved Williams to OLB. Result? The Texans improved from #30 to #2 in the league in total defense! Williams got paid! He signed a huge free agent contract with Buffalo. As of this point he's back to being called a bust again. As for Phillips, from New Orleans in the early 80's to Houston now, his'n is consistently in the upper echelon in the NFL.
Vic Fangio is another one. Currently the DC of the 49ers, he took the players on hand from #13 to #4 and lead that team to the NFC chanpionship game. Ask Pierre Thomas about that D.
The Ryan twins, Jack Del Rio and Dom Capers. All turnaround DC's. All are able to create quality defenses using mostly players they already have.
Saints fans have seen such a coach. Gregg Williams, 2009. The further removed from that defense the more remarkable that feat appears. He did it with a bunch of unknowns, castoffs and has-beens. Scott Fujita was once buried in Dallas's dept chart. Jonathon Vilma was cast off from the Jets. Darren Sharper was written off. These three fed off Williams' personality and brought it to the field, younger players followed suit and for the only time in the Payton/Brees era, fans went to games to see how much choas the defense would create. Thus creating a season for the ages.
However, Williams could never recreate that magic. But with the explosive Saints offense, you can believe other potential defensive turnaround specialist would love to try.
Don't count me among that number. Sure the Saints lack the playmakers needed to build a solid defense, but the coaches have let them down by forcing a scheme that doesn't match the personnel..
Which brings me to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnoulo. I'm sure a fine man and a good coach. That's what we were all told upon his hire. He did take an underachieving Giants defense ranked 28th in the NFL in 2006 and lead them to the 7th ranked total defense and #1 in sacks in 2007 en route to a Super Bowl victory. As head coach of the Rams, after three seasons his defense ranked a mediocre 22nd. Just two spots better than the Saints of that year.
There's no doubt, Spagnoulo knows how to build a defense. But to build a defense in New Orleans it will take multiple successful drafts and free agent pick ups. Something a newly hired head coach would want from a DC. That's not what the Saints situation calls for. What they need is a proven turnaround specialist.
Bum Phillips ounce said a good coach can "take his'n and beat your'n then take your'n and beat his'n". When it comes to coaching defense, Bum's son Wade is that coach. With Wade Phillips, your defense is better the instant he steps into the building. At every stop as defensive coordinator, he has turned that defense around immediately. Why? See above quote. Houston is a prime example. In 2010, the Texans defense ranked 30th in the NFL. Gary Kubiak was in the verge of being fired. Mario Williams was being called a bust. Desperate and given one last chance, Kubiak hired Wade Phillips for the 2011 season. He took that team's talent, moved Williams to OLB. Result? The Texans improved from #30 to #2 in the league in total defense! Williams got paid! He signed a huge free agent contract with Buffalo. As of this point he's back to being called a bust again. As for Phillips, from New Orleans in the early 80's to Houston now, his'n is consistently in the upper echelon in the NFL.
Vic Fangio is another one. Currently the DC of the 49ers, he took the players on hand from #13 to #4 and lead that team to the NFC chanpionship game. Ask Pierre Thomas about that D.
The Ryan twins, Jack Del Rio and Dom Capers. All turnaround DC's. All are able to create quality defenses using mostly players they already have.
Saints fans have seen such a coach. Gregg Williams, 2009. The further removed from that defense the more remarkable that feat appears. He did it with a bunch of unknowns, castoffs and has-beens. Scott Fujita was once buried in Dallas's dept chart. Jonathon Vilma was cast off from the Jets. Darren Sharper was written off. These three fed off Williams' personality and brought it to the field, younger players followed suit and for the only time in the Payton/Brees era, fans went to games to see how much choas the defense would create. Thus creating a season for the ages.
However, Williams could never recreate that magic. But with the explosive Saints offense, you can believe other potential defensive turnaround specialist would love to try.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
LSU Offense in Disarray...Again!
Jimbo Fisher, Gary Crowton, Steve Kragthorpe and Greg Studrawa. These are the last four offesensive coordinators at LSU.
Fisher, a tireless recruiter, began his LSU career under Nick Saban. A QB guru, Fisher developed Josh Booty and Rohan Davey, underachieving leftovers from the Dinardo era, into NFL draft picks. In Davey's case, an SEC and Sugar Bowl champion. He molded a strong armed pro baseball reject, Matt Mauch, into a BCS champion. He was able to bring along an enormanously gifted but immature Jemarcus Russell into the number one pick in the entire NFL draft. He laid the ground work for Matt Flynn to win the BCSNC in his first and only season as a collge starter. After one season with Les Miles, Fisher bolted to become the head coach in waiting at Florida St. That wait was four seasons. He chose losing for four seasons rather than win under Miles as OC.
Gary Crowton was considered an offensive "Wizard". As head coach and OC of Louisiana Tech, his offense averaged 36 points per game over four years including upset wins over SEC teams at Mississippi St and at Alabama. After a short stay as OC for the Chicgo Bears, he was chosen to replace BYU legendary head coach Lavell Edwards. Before LSU he lead the offense at Oregon. Known for his wide-open spread option, Crowton was thought to be a perfect fit for the speed of LSU's skilled players. Indeed in his 39 games, LSU scored at least 30 points in 25 of those games. However, with multiple sets and personell packages, LSU was often disorganized. This lead to penatlies, turnovers and infuriating clock mismanagement. He is now coaching the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL.
Steve Kragthorpe's tenure as OC at LSU ended before it began due to the tragic onset of Parkinson's Disease. Known as a QB developer, he stepped down as OC and focused solely on the QBs. The only LSU player to benefit from his tutelage was Jarrett Lee. Lee showed poise and leadership as his team raced to an 8-0 record. However, after a poor showing against Alabama, Lee never saw the field in a meaningful way for LSU again. Kragthorpe had zero effect on Jordan Jefferson and up to now, his prized pupil, Zach Mettenberger shows no sign of development. This despite two springs and two falls under Krag's watch.
Greg Studrawa took over for Kragthorpe as OC. After an incredible string a victories against highly ranked teams and an 8-0 start in 2011, he demoted Lee for poor play during the Alabama game. Jordan Jefferson was inserted as the starter. Coach "Stud"continued to succeed with JJ under center as he benefitted from a world class defense and a dominate running game. However, as his offense unraveled in the BCSCG, he stubbornly called run play after run play with no success. He absolutely refused to replace Jefferson for the same reason he replaced Lee. We all know how that turned out.
2012 started with great promise for the offense. The deepest set of RB's in America. An OL returning multiple starters. Finally, FINALLY, a legit QB with an NFL arm. As the season started and the offense was slow out of the gait, the thought was they needed time to gel and by the start of SEC play, they would be ready to roll. After two conference games, this offense looks worse than Obama's debate against Romney. With key injuries to the O-line and RB and no confidence in the passing game, LSU has become one dimensional. Make that non-dimensional. Starting in the Auburn game, defenses have lined up in run stopping formations with no fear of being attacked in the passing game. LSU has obliged and unlike Obama, they show no sign they can improve their performance. Sadly, LSU just isn't as good as we all thought they were. It's not that the OL is missing blocks, it's that they are unable to block. It's not that the WR's aren't trying, they just can't catch. LSU has no where to go, no one to turn to.
This was boldly demonstarted last Saturday in Gainesville, in their possesion just before halftime. After the defense provided a huge gift and gave the ball to the offense at the Gator six yardline. LSU could not get closer than the three. On third down, confused, LSU called a timeout to regroup. As they lined up after the timeout, the playclock had ticked down so much that another timeout had to be called. This would be embarassing to a playground team. So what did LSU get for their two timeouts? Zip, zilch, nada. A humiliating attempt at a jump pass from the worst down/distance and most obvious formation and personell package possible. Gee, I wonder why a former high school QB is in at tailback on this play? His ONLY play of the game. Way to disguise it, Stud. how did they ever figure it out?!
The one constant through all these OC's has been Les Miles. The OC's change but the style remains they same. Toss up the middle, gain of two. Toss up the middle, no gain. False start. Pass. Complete! Holding. Sack. Punt. Defense forces three and out. Toss up the middle, gain of 5. Toss up the middle, gain of one. Third and three. Toss up the middle, no gain. Punt. Defense holds again. Ware up the middle, no gain. Ford tries the edge, gets three. Pass complete. Illegal formation. Delay of game. Timeout. Sack. Punt. The only person who could possible think this is fun to watch is Miles. But because of the greatest recruit Miles ever signed, John Chavis. LSU will be in all games going into the fourth quarter.
So prepare yourself for this until the Miles era comes to a merciful end.
Fisher, a tireless recruiter, began his LSU career under Nick Saban. A QB guru, Fisher developed Josh Booty and Rohan Davey, underachieving leftovers from the Dinardo era, into NFL draft picks. In Davey's case, an SEC and Sugar Bowl champion. He molded a strong armed pro baseball reject, Matt Mauch, into a BCS champion. He was able to bring along an enormanously gifted but immature Jemarcus Russell into the number one pick in the entire NFL draft. He laid the ground work for Matt Flynn to win the BCSNC in his first and only season as a collge starter. After one season with Les Miles, Fisher bolted to become the head coach in waiting at Florida St. That wait was four seasons. He chose losing for four seasons rather than win under Miles as OC.
Gary Crowton was considered an offensive "Wizard". As head coach and OC of Louisiana Tech, his offense averaged 36 points per game over four years including upset wins over SEC teams at Mississippi St and at Alabama. After a short stay as OC for the Chicgo Bears, he was chosen to replace BYU legendary head coach Lavell Edwards. Before LSU he lead the offense at Oregon. Known for his wide-open spread option, Crowton was thought to be a perfect fit for the speed of LSU's skilled players. Indeed in his 39 games, LSU scored at least 30 points in 25 of those games. However, with multiple sets and personell packages, LSU was often disorganized. This lead to penatlies, turnovers and infuriating clock mismanagement. He is now coaching the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL.
Steve Kragthorpe's tenure as OC at LSU ended before it began due to the tragic onset of Parkinson's Disease. Known as a QB developer, he stepped down as OC and focused solely on the QBs. The only LSU player to benefit from his tutelage was Jarrett Lee. Lee showed poise and leadership as his team raced to an 8-0 record. However, after a poor showing against Alabama, Lee never saw the field in a meaningful way for LSU again. Kragthorpe had zero effect on Jordan Jefferson and up to now, his prized pupil, Zach Mettenberger shows no sign of development. This despite two springs and two falls under Krag's watch.
Greg Studrawa took over for Kragthorpe as OC. After an incredible string a victories against highly ranked teams and an 8-0 start in 2011, he demoted Lee for poor play during the Alabama game. Jordan Jefferson was inserted as the starter. Coach "Stud"continued to succeed with JJ under center as he benefitted from a world class defense and a dominate running game. However, as his offense unraveled in the BCSCG, he stubbornly called run play after run play with no success. He absolutely refused to replace Jefferson for the same reason he replaced Lee. We all know how that turned out.
2012 started with great promise for the offense. The deepest set of RB's in America. An OL returning multiple starters. Finally, FINALLY, a legit QB with an NFL arm. As the season started and the offense was slow out of the gait, the thought was they needed time to gel and by the start of SEC play, they would be ready to roll. After two conference games, this offense looks worse than Obama's debate against Romney. With key injuries to the O-line and RB and no confidence in the passing game, LSU has become one dimensional. Make that non-dimensional. Starting in the Auburn game, defenses have lined up in run stopping formations with no fear of being attacked in the passing game. LSU has obliged and unlike Obama, they show no sign they can improve their performance. Sadly, LSU just isn't as good as we all thought they were. It's not that the OL is missing blocks, it's that they are unable to block. It's not that the WR's aren't trying, they just can't catch. LSU has no where to go, no one to turn to.
This was boldly demonstarted last Saturday in Gainesville, in their possesion just before halftime. After the defense provided a huge gift and gave the ball to the offense at the Gator six yardline. LSU could not get closer than the three. On third down, confused, LSU called a timeout to regroup. As they lined up after the timeout, the playclock had ticked down so much that another timeout had to be called. This would be embarassing to a playground team. So what did LSU get for their two timeouts? Zip, zilch, nada. A humiliating attempt at a jump pass from the worst down/distance and most obvious formation and personell package possible. Gee, I wonder why a former high school QB is in at tailback on this play? His ONLY play of the game. Way to disguise it, Stud. how did they ever figure it out?!
The one constant through all these OC's has been Les Miles. The OC's change but the style remains they same. Toss up the middle, gain of two. Toss up the middle, no gain. False start. Pass. Complete! Holding. Sack. Punt. Defense forces three and out. Toss up the middle, gain of 5. Toss up the middle, gain of one. Third and three. Toss up the middle, no gain. Punt. Defense holds again. Ware up the middle, no gain. Ford tries the edge, gets three. Pass complete. Illegal formation. Delay of game. Timeout. Sack. Punt. The only person who could possible think this is fun to watch is Miles. But because of the greatest recruit Miles ever signed, John Chavis. LSU will be in all games going into the fourth quarter.
So prepare yourself for this until the Miles era comes to a merciful end.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
But Yes, Saints, That is Who You Are
In the aftermath of the Saints season opening sleepwalk loss to the 2011 5-11 Washington Redskins, the most overused phrase among the Saints players, coaches and some media was,"that wasn't us" or "that's not us", referring to the way the Saints performed. But if you look at Saints teams since 2006, last Sunday's version of the Saints were exactly who they are.
Since 2006, the Saints have turned in performances such as the one against the Redskins on a yearly basis. I'm talking about games played versus inferior opponents.
In 2007 after stumbling out of the gate to an 0-4 start , the Saints rallied to win four straight games before going into their bye week. Upon returning from that bye, the Saints faced the 0-8 St.Louis Rams at home. They lost, ending what could have been a historic turnaround. Instead they tailspun to 7-9. The Rams? They fininshed that season 3-13, second worst in the NFL.
In 2008, the Saints spread the charity. Instead of failing to show up against an inferior foe, they took the a more torturous route of folding in the fourth quarter. Six of the Saints eight losses were games in which they were either tied or had a lead in the fourth quarter. Three of those losses came in the final minute by field goals, a Saints miss in Mile High and two made by Tampa and Carolina. The Saints also managed to blow a ten point lead with less than 5 minutes and the ball in D.C. But the most frustrating game came at home on Monday Night as the Saints blew Reggie Bush's greatest performance as a Saint. In the end, they bowed to the Vikings 30-27.
Even the Super Bowl season could not escape the Saints uncanny knack for charity as they blew a 17 point lead to the then 2-12 Tampa Bay Bucceneers. However one cannot hold this against them as the did get the ultimate win that season.
2010 brought more fun, losing to Arizona and Cleveland. Two teams that finished 2010 with 5-11 marks. In those games, the Saints faced rookie quarterbacks making their first starts. Sound familiar?
And who can forget the 2011 meltdown in St. Louis. The Saints, as it would turn out, needing one more NFC win to secure home field advantage, were dominated by a team who would fininsh an astonishing 2-14. Because of this game, the 13-3 Saints had to travel to San Francisco for the divisional playoffs. We all know how that turned out.
For whatever reason, those noon kickoff, regionally telecast, non fanfare games agianst inferior opponents just don't do it for these prime timers. For a team boasting "lockeroom guys" and motivational coaching, they display an utter lack of preperation and desire to lower themselves to ready for such an event. It never fails and never ceases to amaze.
So, yes, Saints. That was EXACTLY who you are Sunday. The only difference was this one was the season opener after the offseason from hell. It also begs the question. If they couldn't get motivated to play the most anticipated season Saints history, at home, when will they? We shall see.
Since 2006, the Saints have turned in performances such as the one against the Redskins on a yearly basis. I'm talking about games played versus inferior opponents.
In 2007 after stumbling out of the gate to an 0-4 start , the Saints rallied to win four straight games before going into their bye week. Upon returning from that bye, the Saints faced the 0-8 St.Louis Rams at home. They lost, ending what could have been a historic turnaround. Instead they tailspun to 7-9. The Rams? They fininshed that season 3-13, second worst in the NFL.
In 2008, the Saints spread the charity. Instead of failing to show up against an inferior foe, they took the a more torturous route of folding in the fourth quarter. Six of the Saints eight losses were games in which they were either tied or had a lead in the fourth quarter. Three of those losses came in the final minute by field goals, a Saints miss in Mile High and two made by Tampa and Carolina. The Saints also managed to blow a ten point lead with less than 5 minutes and the ball in D.C. But the most frustrating game came at home on Monday Night as the Saints blew Reggie Bush's greatest performance as a Saint. In the end, they bowed to the Vikings 30-27.
Even the Super Bowl season could not escape the Saints uncanny knack for charity as they blew a 17 point lead to the then 2-12 Tampa Bay Bucceneers. However one cannot hold this against them as the did get the ultimate win that season.
2010 brought more fun, losing to Arizona and Cleveland. Two teams that finished 2010 with 5-11 marks. In those games, the Saints faced rookie quarterbacks making their first starts. Sound familiar?
And who can forget the 2011 meltdown in St. Louis. The Saints, as it would turn out, needing one more NFC win to secure home field advantage, were dominated by a team who would fininsh an astonishing 2-14. Because of this game, the 13-3 Saints had to travel to San Francisco for the divisional playoffs. We all know how that turned out.
For whatever reason, those noon kickoff, regionally telecast, non fanfare games agianst inferior opponents just don't do it for these prime timers. For a team boasting "lockeroom guys" and motivational coaching, they display an utter lack of preperation and desire to lower themselves to ready for such an event. It never fails and never ceases to amaze.
So, yes, Saints. That was EXACTLY who you are Sunday. The only difference was this one was the season opener after the offseason from hell. It also begs the question. If they couldn't get motivated to play the most anticipated season Saints history, at home, when will they? We shall see.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Let's get 2012 Football Started
Recipes aside. The Saints, LSU and Tulane are about to embark on a new season.
How will the Saints respond to an offseason from Hell?
The Saints have seen the motherlode of offseasons. We all know the off the field issues but in case you didn't notice, they have changed defensive coordinators and hit QVC and HSN for new personell. After the heartbreak in San Fran, we were all ready to see Greg Williams' NFL address change. But Williams does deserve credit for the change of culture of a once doormat defense. Although he took that culture too far, it was a significant factor in the Saints Super Bowl victory. Wiliams handled success with immaturity. It was this immaturity which he brazingly displayed with the illfated blitz call in cold damp Candlestick Park. The result being that backbreaking catch and run to the end of the Saints season and his run as Saints DC.
Exit Willams, enter Steve Spagnuolo. As did Williams, Spags brings an impressive resume as a defensive coordinator. He is a disciple of the late legendary Eagles DC, Jimmy Johnson. He too, believes in an aggressive blitzing defense to pressure the opposing QB. However where he differs from Williams is, he insists on protecting the backside of the defense with disguised zone coverages instead of man-to-man. Spagnuolo's signature formation is call NASCAR. In this he utitilizes a front of four DE's for speed. You can't argue with his results. As the Giants DC, his defense ended what would have been the greatest NFL season in history when they defeated the 18-0 New England Patriots. Spags' defense dominated the line of scrimmage of the record breaking Pats offense by applying constant pressure on Sir Thomas Brady.
The good news for Spagnuolo is he gets to practice against the best offense he's ever been around. He also knows he doesn't have to put a supurb defense on the field. He must however find a way to create turnovers,get off the field on third down and force field goals on a short field. That's it. That offense he practices against will have his back.
Offensively, the Saints record setting unit remains virtually intact. A unit that produced huge numbers despite the putrid performance of the defense concerning turnovers and field possition. This is why they are expected to be in the mix for the Super Bowl despite the loss of Sean Payton. Payton will be sorely missed though. His game management skills are among the best in the league. His presence and instinct on the sideline is both comforting and menacing to the players. Very few coaches appear to be in as much control as Payton does on gameday. Joe Vitt has huge shoes to fill. But with #9 on the field, the Saints have great chance to win any game.
Will LSU respond to the humiliating loss in the BCS title game?
Since the loss, starting with Bobby Hebert and continuing on a loop for nine months, Les Miles' BCS gameplan has been questioned, second guessed and criticized. LSU players have had lived with their collapse and watched a team they defeated, a team that didn't even win their division be crowned champions. For some it was their last college game and will sting forever. For Miles, it's a permanent stain on his resume. The early repercussions were brutal. Players openly questioned their coach. Some underclassmen, who could have benefitted from another year of college football, left the program for the NFL. The nation's number one high school QB embarrassed LSU by enrolling into Notre Dame. Leaving Miles and his coaching staff baffled and embarrassed. The top three high school prospects in Louisiana fled the state. Twowent to hated Alabama and the other went to Texas on a signing day flipflop for the ages. Why? "Things are out of control in Baton Rouge", he stated.
Even with the loss and embarrassments, LSU is posied to make another run at the BCS title game in Miami. The best team in 2011 adds a QB, returns depth at RB and All-American candidates on defense. Players and fans are ready to start a new season and put January 9th in their distant memory.
On Willow Street there's new man entusiasm. New Tulane head coach Curtis Johnson has taken on the Herculian task of turning that program around. Having declared Louisians the State of Tulane, he's made an immediate impact in recruiting. With only weeks to work with, Johnson was able to flip a Texas A&M commit and land one of the most talented players of the 2012 class in Darion Monroe from East St. John. CJ's coaching pedigree is impressive. Stops in college at San Diego State and The U, Johnson spent the last six years as Saints WR coach. A unit led by a late round draft pick and an undrafted free agent which Johnson molded in one of the NFL's most productive.
2012 is fast becoming one of the most anticipated football seasons in decades, if not ever.
How will the Saints respond to an offseason from Hell?
The Saints have seen the motherlode of offseasons. We all know the off the field issues but in case you didn't notice, they have changed defensive coordinators and hit QVC and HSN for new personell. After the heartbreak in San Fran, we were all ready to see Greg Williams' NFL address change. But Williams does deserve credit for the change of culture of a once doormat defense. Although he took that culture too far, it was a significant factor in the Saints Super Bowl victory. Wiliams handled success with immaturity. It was this immaturity which he brazingly displayed with the illfated blitz call in cold damp Candlestick Park. The result being that backbreaking catch and run to the end of the Saints season and his run as Saints DC.
Exit Willams, enter Steve Spagnuolo. As did Williams, Spags brings an impressive resume as a defensive coordinator. He is a disciple of the late legendary Eagles DC, Jimmy Johnson. He too, believes in an aggressive blitzing defense to pressure the opposing QB. However where he differs from Williams is, he insists on protecting the backside of the defense with disguised zone coverages instead of man-to-man. Spagnuolo's signature formation is call NASCAR. In this he utitilizes a front of four DE's for speed. You can't argue with his results. As the Giants DC, his defense ended what would have been the greatest NFL season in history when they defeated the 18-0 New England Patriots. Spags' defense dominated the line of scrimmage of the record breaking Pats offense by applying constant pressure on Sir Thomas Brady.
The good news for Spagnuolo is he gets to practice against the best offense he's ever been around. He also knows he doesn't have to put a supurb defense on the field. He must however find a way to create turnovers,get off the field on third down and force field goals on a short field. That's it. That offense he practices against will have his back.
Offensively, the Saints record setting unit remains virtually intact. A unit that produced huge numbers despite the putrid performance of the defense concerning turnovers and field possition. This is why they are expected to be in the mix for the Super Bowl despite the loss of Sean Payton. Payton will be sorely missed though. His game management skills are among the best in the league. His presence and instinct on the sideline is both comforting and menacing to the players. Very few coaches appear to be in as much control as Payton does on gameday. Joe Vitt has huge shoes to fill. But with #9 on the field, the Saints have great chance to win any game.
Will LSU respond to the humiliating loss in the BCS title game?
Since the loss, starting with Bobby Hebert and continuing on a loop for nine months, Les Miles' BCS gameplan has been questioned, second guessed and criticized. LSU players have had lived with their collapse and watched a team they defeated, a team that didn't even win their division be crowned champions. For some it was their last college game and will sting forever. For Miles, it's a permanent stain on his resume. The early repercussions were brutal. Players openly questioned their coach. Some underclassmen, who could have benefitted from another year of college football, left the program for the NFL. The nation's number one high school QB embarrassed LSU by enrolling into Notre Dame. Leaving Miles and his coaching staff baffled and embarrassed. The top three high school prospects in Louisiana fled the state. Twowent to hated Alabama and the other went to Texas on a signing day flipflop for the ages. Why? "Things are out of control in Baton Rouge", he stated.
Even with the loss and embarrassments, LSU is posied to make another run at the BCS title game in Miami. The best team in 2011 adds a QB, returns depth at RB and All-American candidates on defense. Players and fans are ready to start a new season and put January 9th in their distant memory.
On Willow Street there's new man entusiasm. New Tulane head coach Curtis Johnson has taken on the Herculian task of turning that program around. Having declared Louisians the State of Tulane, he's made an immediate impact in recruiting. With only weeks to work with, Johnson was able to flip a Texas A&M commit and land one of the most talented players of the 2012 class in Darion Monroe from East St. John. CJ's coaching pedigree is impressive. Stops in college at San Diego State and The U, Johnson spent the last six years as Saints WR coach. A unit led by a late round draft pick and an undrafted free agent which Johnson molded in one of the NFL's most productive.
2012 is fast becoming one of the most anticipated football seasons in decades, if not ever.
Tailgate Recipe for the 2012 Season
As we all know, football fans thoughout Louisiana are always looking for new recipes for their tailgate parties. Here's mine. It's been in the making since January.
In a pressure cooker:
start with scores of 36-32 and 21-0
add a tea bagging
Throw in a disapointing(by LSU standard) signing day
a krewe d'tat lampooning
add one protracted contract dispute
dash of wiretapping
fill to the very top, in fact, overflow the pot with bountygate
finish with one year suspensions of your beloved defensive "quarterback" and revered head coach
Seal the lid. Let the heat and pressure from national media, former and current NFL players and "expert" comentators constantly scalding you build for nine months
Put into seprate pots around Labor Day
One pot serves 16, the other 12
serve cold!!
Save enough for leftovers
At long last Football 2012 is here. Happy tailgating football fans!!
In a pressure cooker:
start with scores of 36-32 and 21-0
add a tea bagging
Throw in a disapointing(by LSU standard) signing day
a krewe d'tat lampooning
add one protracted contract dispute
dash of wiretapping
fill to the very top, in fact, overflow the pot with bountygate
finish with one year suspensions of your beloved defensive "quarterback" and revered head coach
Seal the lid. Let the heat and pressure from national media, former and current NFL players and "expert" comentators constantly scalding you build for nine months
Put into seprate pots around Labor Day
One pot serves 16, the other 12
serve cold!!
Save enough for leftovers
At long last Football 2012 is here. Happy tailgating football fans!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)