Pittsburgh Fans: Here we go Steelers, here we go!
Me: F$%@ you!
Pittsburgh Fans: Here we go Steelers, here we go!
Me: F$%@ you! (ad infinitum)
A must win? Maybe. A needed win? Definitely. A signature win? We’ll see. As Malcolm Jenkins put it, “We have to show up next week (at Carolina) because if we don’t show up next week, this win means nothing.’’ The team reportedly went to work on Monday to get a head start on the Panthers game plan, but more importantly to hammer this point home. They need to build off this win and not got back to the win one, lose one pattern they’ve established this year. If you are what your record says you are, then the Saints are 5-3 and a wildcard playoff team on the road. Giants Stadium or Lambeau Field in January is not going to be very friendly, so good for them. The Saints are not going to rest and enjoy this clearly huge win, even for a day.
But I am. Heeeeeelllll yeahhhhhhhh! What a game! Defense, defense, defense! They had a bunch of big stops and much-needed takeaways at crucial moments, stoned a great offense without their top four corners, and pretty much carried the water for the team until the offense found their rhythm. It was also great to see Sharper once again in the right place at the right time. Offense comes alive in the second half despite not being able to run the ball at all. Even Morstead had a heck of a day, continually pinning the Steelers inside their twenty. Pittsburgh didn’t blitz too much and dared Drew to thread the needle with seven and eight in coverage. And guess what? He did. An amazing game by number nine. I would even go so far as to compliment a certain place kicker’s solid game, but the first rule of Kick Club is, don’t talk about Kick Club. This is also the second rule of Kick Club.
Furthermore, that is the most opposing jerseys I’ve seen in the Dome since the Payton era began. I can’t believe so many Saints fans would sell their tickets; it’s kind of disgraceful. I was rough on the poor bastards who had to sit in my section. I always take it right to the point of getting arrested, and then pull it back just one notch when the cops start paying attention. Hey, come to New Orleans, have a great time. Even go to the game if you feel you have to, but don’t expect to have a good time. You’re not. I promise you; it’s going to suck hard. Sorry, I respect you flying your colors and waving your little towels around, but once you’re in the Dome, you’re dead. I’m going to verbally assault you and your children if you are stupid enough to bring them. If I came to your town, I’d expect the same treatment. Before and after the game we can be friends, and we all certainly want you to have a great time enjoying our amazing city. But don’t expect any Southern hospitality in the Dome. Ain’t gonna happen. Yeah, I know it sucks to have a maniac screaming in your ear all game, but you asked for it, and you got it. [In this case, it meant having Chris Lee dressed as Spock from Star Trek yelling, “Spock is ruining your night!” at Steelers fans.–ED]
For once, the ongoing lameness of the in-Dome replay booth actually helped the Saints. On second down of the huge goal line stand, replays would have shown that Mendenhall broke the plane, or at least came pretty close. Normally these guys are too worried about slapping up the 10th Winn Dixie commercial than to do their job of showing relevant replays. This has almost always worked in favor of the away team and I’m sick of it. So thank you for your ineptitude this time. You owe us about 50 more of those. Get it together. I don’t care where the fries are hiding, or which stupid animated boat will win me an appetizer I will never collect on. We paid to watch the game, not to be your advertiser’s captive audience. Come on!
As I mentioned last column, I moved up to the All Madden level to make the game harder. I couldn’t beat the Steelers, and frankly, I can’t beat the Panthers on it either. Jonathan Stewart had 305 yards, 3 TDs on 11 (!) carries in one game, for example. To keep me from breaking my television, I’m going to go back to All Pro. Here’s what Madden had to say:
Colston for 7.
Madden loves the Panthers. Loves their defense, loves their running game, even loves Matt Moore. This is one of the toughest teams to beat for the Saints in all of virtual football for whatever reason. So when the Panthers get the ball first and J. Stewart runs for an 80-yd TD on the first play, I’m not surprised. The Saints offense will get no such big plays today. Patience is the key with this game, and a methodical, clock controlling, balanced offense is the only way to counter all the BS Madden throws at you. Saints with the ball, long drive, lots of Ivory and Colston, capped by a 1-yd Shockey TD catch, game’s tied 7-7. Carolina drives for a 48-yd FG attempt that goes wide. Another long Saints drive that ends with an 11-yd Colston TD on a hot slant against the blitz.
Harper intercepts!
A few punts later, Harper picks off M. Moore, under pressure, but the Saints can’t capitalize when they give it right back with a C. Gamble interception.
The Panthers keep fighting and get two field goals, one after a Brees fumble, to make the score 14-13. On the ensuing possession, Brees is intercepted! Steve Smith hauls in a 59-yd TD to help the Panthers go up 20-14 at the half.
C. Ivory and J. Jones combine for 70 yards on the first drive of the second half, and Ivory scores from the one. Saints on top, 21-20. D steps up with a three and out, and after all that running, let’s try some the play action. Touchdown!
Colston in the end zone again.
Saints 28, Panthers 20 for most of the fourth quarter, with three punts in a row. Saints drive with three and a half minutes, Carolina calls their last time out with 1:45 left and the Saints on the 10. Hartley drives the dagger in with a 27-yd field goal to finish the scoring in a hard fought win, Saints 31 Panthers 20. Brees 18-30, 303 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs. Ivory goes 21-104, 1 catch for 30, 1 TD, and Player of the Game Colston finishes with 10 catches for 184 yards and 2 TDs.
Looking forward to: Wade Phillips on the street. I’ve always thought the guy looked like a giant baby anyways. But now when something bad happens for the Cowboys, and it happens a lot, he’s got that look on his face that says, “Hey that’s not fair! We’re supposed to win the Super Bowl! I’m a baby! WAHHH!”
Not looking forward to: Impending Giants hoopla, Saints bye week. Guess I’ll have to write a mid season summary column.
Media Prediction: Impending Giants hoopla.
Madden Tip: Download the most NFL recent rosters by going to Madden Live, then Rosters, then Download roster.
