The glass half full/half empty sides of the same comment kept coming up after the Saints win over Carolina this week. On one side was “They’re a missed field goal away from a perfect 4 and 0.” The other side was “They’re ten points away from being 0 and 4.” Strangely, the first comment was said by the pessimists (except in the case of Drew Brees, but I’m talking about fans here), and the second one by the optimists. Such is the complete turnaround of this just recently storied franchise that 3 and 1 is something of a disappointment. Are you kidding me? Congrats, Payton, you’ve turned us into Steelers fans. Or worse, (shudder) Cowboys fans – spoiled rotten jagoffs.
Okay, I apologize, that’s going to far. But you get what I’m saying.
But, if the Saints go the rest of the year winning three of every four games, their final record will be 12 and 4. A 12 and 4 record means they’re definitely in the playoffs, likely have a first round bye, and maybe even home advantage throughout. Let me ask you a question, Saints fans. Will that make you happy? What if that does happen, but every single one of their wins is decided by a touchdown or less? It’ll make local heart doctors ecstatic, at least. It seems the feeling around town is less “Close games = I’m feeling scared” and more “Why aren’t they kicking the shit out of these teams? WTF is wrong with the Saints?” Hey, I like to see a beatdown as much as the next guy, but Carolina always plays the Saints tough, and they did it again.
But last year the beatdowns came when the Saints were working with a two touchdown lead. When they can make a team one dimensional (passing to play catch-up), the defense gets more aggressive and starts taking the ball away for short fields, even scoring themselves. That’s when the points pile up. Although the Saints haven’t been up by more than eight points yet this season, they came a goal line fumble away from pulling off this very game plan last week. This week at least, that changes. The Cardinals have won two close games over the not very good St. Louis and Oakland, and lost badly to the very good Atlanta and San Diego. Rookie QB Max Hall is slated to start for the 31st ranked offense, and the Cards 29th ranked defense is in disarray. Brees has been frustrated by the lack of points the offense is putting up so far, but this week look for a points explosion. Here’s what Madden had to say about the game.
Brees to Colston
Shockey scores on the second play from scrimmage. Arizona tries to establish the run, no dice. Shockey scores again! Arizona again tries to establish the run, no dice, then can’t get the ball to Fitzgerald. Saints keep up the pressure and head into half time up 28-3. The running game gets going for over 100 yards (Backs TBA because Madden hasn’t updated to reflect the addition of Betts and Wynn to the roster) in the second half as the teams trade touchdowns while the Saints milk the clock. A Brees sack/fumble sets up Arizona’s only TD. Defense gets into the act with lots of pressure, three sacks, and two INTs. Brees ends the day with five TDs on 318 yards, usually working with short fields, as the Saints finally blow one out 35-10.
Looking forward to: Derek Anderson coming in during the fourth quarter after Hall gets his bell rung.
Not looking forward to: Playing the Falcons three times this year.
Media Prediction: Retired Arizona QB Kurt Warner will be in the Fox booth for the game. Wonder if his commentary will be “fair and balanced”? Time to turn up Jim Henderson and Hokie. By the way, when are they going to get that synched with the HD feed? It’s annoying. Also, Moss trade media hype. The spotlight in the NFC returns to Minnesota if they start winning, but what happens if they keep losing, like, oh say, to the Jets this week? Watch for Childress’ seat to get hot very quickly.
Discussion Topic: When PT and Reggie get back, who gets the ‘Mike Bell’ role, Ivory or Betts?
Madden Tip: Don’t always play as the Saints. You’ll never get better that way; they’re too good. When playing two player mode, both players hit left trigger or L2 when selecting teams (which will give you a random team) three times for three team choices. Then play either worst vs. worst, best vs. best, middle vs. middle, or all three. Then let the trash-talking begin.
