Panthers vs. Saints: Blogger Q&A
by Jaxon on Nov 5, 2009 12:19 PM EST
82 comments
Welcome Panther fans to this weeks' edition of Bogger Q&A. We have Saintsational from Canal Street Chronicles answering our questions today. As always be sure to check my answers to his questions over at his site. Feel free to provide your own questions or comments in the comment thread and we will see if Saintsational or one of his readers can provide the answer.
Question 1: For all the focus on the Saints offense I've been more impressed with the defense. What is more responsible for the improved play, DC Greg Williams defensive scheme or the free agent additions?
Saintsational: Most of it really does have to do with Gregg Williams. He has completely changed the culture of this defense as a whole and has already gotten so much more out of mostly the same players from previous years. Williams' defense emphasizes blitzing, turnovers and populating the ball; all in an aggressive manner. Former defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs ran a very plain scheme but Williams has proven these guys are capable of so much more.
That's not to say the off-season acquisition of players like Darren Sharper and Jabari Greer haven't proved to be genius. Those two alone have made a huge difference. But I still think the coaching and culture change is the more overriding factor.
So a key for the Panther offense will be how QB Jake Delhomme handles the pressure that is sure to come in those 3rd and long situations.
Question 2: It would appear the Saints are running the ball better this season using the trio of Bush, Thomas and Bell. Is there any one of these guys that is more important for the Panthers to stop than the others? If so, how should they do that? What's the Saints bread and butter running play?
Saintsational: Well, I think Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell deserve most of the credit for the success of the running game. Reggie Bush is a valuable player but he contributes is so many other ways and not so much with the typical running attack.
Between Bell and Thomas however, they have both proven to be equally important and at this point I'm not so sure I could pick between the two. Bell is a straight-ahead runner whose legs are always churning while Pierre is more versatile, catching more screen and dump passes. I think what makes the running game so dangerous is that Payton uses them well and they can each spell each other when tired.
I'm not sure exactly how to stop it but I would definitely try and do it early. If Payton get's frustrated that the Saints can't run the ball, there's a chance he'll just try to get it done through the air with his best friend Drew Brees.
I'm more worried about the dump off passes then the straight runs. The Saints are going to have to prove they can run through the middle of our line before I will believe it.
Question 3: Panthers DE Julius Peppers has been lining up on both sides of the line this season in an attempt to disrupt blocking schemes. If you were advising Panthers DC Ron Meeks which side would Peppers line up on for most of the game and why?
Saintsational: A versatile Julius Peppers? That's sounds scary. I think the Panthers would want Peppers to line up more often on the right side of the defensive line, matching up against the Saints left tackle. Starting left tackle, Jammal Brown, is out for the season so Jermon Bushrod is playing in his stead. Zach Strief also checks into the game on for help on certain downs. While Bushrod has filled in admirably, reliable veteran Jon Stinchcomb - and the better tackle of the two - is on the right side. Also, Bushrod is a little dinged up...but who isn't?
So it would seem our rejuvenated De Julius Peppers should have another nice match-up on the right side. I'm expecting big things.
Question 4: I saw Saints DT Sedrick Ellis is out with an injury this week. Who will fill his shoes and do you think it will change the way the Saints defend the Panthers running attack?
Saintsational: Ellis also missed Monday night's game against the Falcons. In that game the Saints allowed Michael Turner to run wild for over 140 yards so one could make a case that the run defense has suffered at least slightly. Ellis has been replaced by free-agent acquisition and fan favorite, Anthony Hargrove, who impressed his way onto this team during training camp. Unfortunately, Hargrove's skills are best suited for taking down quarterbacks and not so much at stopping the run. To defend against the Panthers two-headed rushing attack I definitely think Gregg Williams will find a way to compensate and fill the box.
Hargrove is a former GT man who played DE if I remember correctly but he left school early which I think hurt him when he made the jump. He is definitely more of a pass rusher than a run stopper.
Question 5: Tell me about a future Saints Pro Bowler-in-the-making. What young Saints players do think will be future Pro Bowlers and why?
Saintsational: I'm gonna go with starting cornerback Tracy Porter on this one. He is in his sophomore year and has showed signs of continuous improvement with every game. If he continues to work under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, I see potential for him to be an elite shut-down corner.
My guess is Greer will draw the one-on-one with Steve Smith who probably won't bite on the Smoke-n-Go like DRC did last week. Still I'm curious to see this Saints secondary in action.
Bonus question: How about a prediction?
Saintsational: This is the second division game in a row for the Saints and we know they're rarely easy. I think the Panthers keep it close but the Saints still come out on top. 30-17 Saints.
Well at least he thinks we will hold them to 30 points.
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I'd like to know...
…his assessment of the Saints injury at the C position. Jamar Nesbit had to fill in for Jonathan Goodwin. Will Goodwin miss this game? And, if so, do the Saints fans have any concerns there? Or is Nesbit serviceable enough to handle smooth exchanges with Drew Brees as well as the pressure up the middle? How is he in run-blocking and pass-blocking?
Ah...nevermind...
…just read in the Times-Picayune that Goodwin only suffered a knee contusion and they expect him to be fine for the Panthers game. If he starts, I wonder if he’ll be 100%, though.
Nesbit
He’s a good replacement, really strong on the initial push. I honestly think he’s the better of the two in terms of run blocking, but Goodwin is better with signals and pass protection.
I’m more concerned with having lost Brown. Bushrod has been hit or miss.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Yeah...
Nesbit started several games for us prior to our Superbowl run. He played guard rather than center, though. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him at that position before and was curious how he performed. I agree he’s a better run blocker than pass protection guy, though. And no doubt, Jamaal Brown is your bigger loss on the offensive side of the ball…and now Sedrick Ellis on defense. That’s some big hits to the O-line and D-line for the Saints. And yet, they’re still undefeated right now. I’m hoping the Panthers can take advantage of the situation…but we have our own injuries as well.
Our schemes cover the holes a bit.
Our defense mixes things up a lot, and when your quarterback gets rid of the ball in 2 seconds, your line can afford to be a little less than stellar.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
I like Bushrod
I feel like Bushrod is a good player. Big Sed is one of the best in the NFL and I can’t wait for him to come back. But the Bushrod is good in the mean time. Having those two in a rotation is phenomenal.
13 point spread is not exactly keeping it close
That must be his way of politely saying, We will crush you
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Nov 5, 2009 12:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions
actually
that is keeping it close among saint fans. most fans have been predicting 20-25 point spreads the last few games. but after the scare against the falcons i think we have become grounded
by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 5, 2009 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
So what you are saying is
You’ve experienced some success after a lifetime of losing, and now you assume you will put up 40 on everybody. Just remember the 16-0 Patriots… Chances are any week now, it will all come crashing down.
And this week is as good as any ;)
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
I'm
not sure where you came up with all that from what i wrote
by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 5, 2009 8:40 PM EST up reply actions
That was some generous interpretation
lol.
Saints need to lose to somebody but hopefully it will be outside the division. We missed a good opportunity against the Dolphins but at least we were able to show that we can come back and close out games. Games are never over with this Saints club.
Well when the closest spread of the season is 8 points and all others are in double digits against what was then, mostly undefeated teams, you tend to get a little cocky. I don’t think double digits is unreasonable to predict playing a 3-4 team; however, I know you can never count out the Panthers. Ya’ll always have our number.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Not spread, but win margin.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
I think...
…this game has the ability to go either way. Major blowout (for either team). Or nail-biter to the bitter end.
After seeing them come back on the Dolphins
I’m not seeing a Panther blow out under any circumstances.
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
I'm with you.
I think it’s going to be VERY close. Won on the last drive.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Love the Q&A as usual.
I think this game comes down to one simple thing when it’s all said and done:
Which can the opposing defenses stop more often?
- Brees and his recievers
- Double trouble and the monster O-line
That batter decides the game in my mind. Without using a cliche too much, I have the feeling both sides have that ‘you can’t stop it, you can only hope to contain it’ element. It’ll be up to who can contain it more often.
Ultimately I really think Meeks defense is better suited to contain an amazing passing attack more often the Greg Williams’ defense has hold an amazing running game.
Don’t underestimate the power of clock control either.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Nov 5, 2009 1:18 PM EST reply actions
+1
…we actually have two effective weapons in limiting the New Orleans’ passing attack. Our defense and our ball-control offense. Either one can help. And if they’re both operating on full-throttle, it drastically improves our chances.
Of course, on the flip-side, New Orleans has the means to nullify our running game strength if they can get out to an early lead. Their passing attack and big play ability via turnovers and special teams gives them a strong chance at doing just that. And in previous games, our coaching staff just doesn’t react well when faced with that situation, proving more likely to abandon the run in favor of airing it out to play catch up. That’s a recipe for disaster against the ball-hawking, turnover-capitalizing Saints defense.
My two-cents,
—Neil
That was one of my answers to his questions...
He asked what can we do that others have failed to do: control the TOP and keep Brees off the field
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
yeah this is a tough matchup for the saints
if we win this one, i don’t see what else we have to prove. But I guess all of our games thus far have been mistake filled and frustrating. We might be perfect but it feels like we have 4 losses to me.
dont underestimate the power of turnovers!
Jeff Davidson wants to throw the ball on 1st down and it puts us in a bad spot. I hope Jeff learned his lesson but u never know he could go for his bs thinking we will catch the D offguard. if we just run the ball over and over and over we will win this game no doubt in my mind about it. but if jake gets sacked on first down the run gets stuffed on 2nd and 14 and throws a pic on 3rd and long then this game will be over immediately. but on the bright side if we do pound the rock and take home the W…well sweep the saints ;) they split with atlanta lose to new england and dallas then guess who is the NFC SOUTH CHAMPS!? GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO PANTHERS!!!!! i know im getting ahead of myself but that is what is on the line this sunday my friends
On how Harris feels: Not well enough to practice today. - John Fox
Ya'll seem to forget
We’re 4th in the league in rushing. That’s one higher than you, and you’re 24th in the league in rushing defense. We don’t HAVE to pass.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Hmmm...
…don’t buy into the 24th rated run defense ranking for the Panthers. A lot of our problems in the run game resulted from teams not bothering to pass as much because Jake gift-wrapped so many turnovers that it let them get out to big leads. Then, they ran the ball to preserve the lead. That’s why our #1 pass defense looks so high, too. It’s not so much that we held everyone’s passing game in check as the fact that teams chose to run the ball more than pass against us…primarily because they were up way early and just trying to run out the clock.
Also, our run defense really suffered in the first three or four games because we had no sizeable DT to clog up the middle. Recently acquired Hollis Thomas has made all the difference. Over the past three games our run defense has gotten much better…and it’s more deserving of a higher ranking than 24th in the league.
As for New Orleans 4th ranked rushing offense, I’m curious to see how that holds up against the Panthers. Looking back over the other teams you played, there’s a mish-mash of good run defenses and not-so good run defenses. The Jets, Philadelphia, and Miami were excellent last year. But the Giants defense has taken a step back and you also played Detroit and Buffalo. I’m also not sure any of those teams have the LB’ing corps the Panthers do to contain rushes to the edge. And, with the middle of the line holding its own now, I’m curious to see if we can blunt the Saints’ running game. Regardless, the dangerous element to the Saints’ offense this year is that Brees can truly work the playaction because of the success you’ve had with running the ball.
But that’s just my two-cents,
—Neil
It's one thing to say you're going to limit
But another thing entirely to say you’re going to stop something. I’m seeing a lot of people talking about STOPPING the number four ranked rushing offense in the league. Pierre Thomas is averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Don’t you think it’s just a little presumptious to think you’re going to just lock down that kind of production? We held Miami to a less yards on the ground than we produced, and they were leading most of the game. The only real issue we had came against Atlanta.
All of this talk is just that . . . the real truth of what will decide this game is the turnovers. Both offenses will move the ball, and it could get to be a high scoring game. Whoever makes less mistakes in the end will win.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Please note...
…I said I’m looking forward to seeing IF we can BLUNT the Saints running game. Not stop it entirely. ;-)
the saints had some guy named N. Spicer in pre season
clearly you are him and seeking vengeance by posting on the internets.
As additional information...
Prior to Hollis Thomas joining the Panthers, our run defense performed as follows:
vs. PHI – 185 yards
vs. ATL – 151 yards
vs. DAL – 212 yards
Since Hollis Thomas joined the Panthers, our run defense has improved:
vs. WAS – 74 yards
vs. TB – 124 yards
vs. BUF – 53 yards
vs. ARI – 94 yards
Now, those are weaker teams, of course in that latter grouping, but Tampa ran the ball over 50% of the time and we still held them to just 124 yards. But the difference is definitely palpable since Thomas plugged up the middle for us again.
Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Arizona? You serious? I’d hardly call that conclusive evidence. There’s a reason we let go of Thomas. You’ll see it Sunday.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Let me try restating it this way...
Prior to Hollis Thomas, we allowed PHI, ATL, and DAL (i.e., all three teams that we played before his arrival) to exceed their season average in rushing yards. In fact, we allowed PHI and DAL to rush for their season high yardage in the run game against us.
Since the addition of Hollis Thomas in the middle, we held WAS and BUF (both reasonably good running teams or teams with good RBs) below their season average. So, he’s helped us make significant progress in that regard.
Still, you’re right to point out (as I did earlier) that the last four teams we’ve played haven’t exactly been powerhouse running teams. And, New Orleans will be the highest rated running team we’ve faced this season (based on current average rushing yards per game). So, it will be a test for us. No doubt. Confidence is on the uptick in Carolina though. I’m hoping they’ve got the momentum and motivation to beat New Orleans in both phases of the running game (i.e., offense and defense). Because, honestly, that’s the key to winning this game (in addition to turnovers).
hollis is good
i don’t know why the saints were always iffy about him? They never really liked him. Every week he was a surprise and by the next game he was a question mark. Weird ups and downs for him.
I’d hardly call your RBs only having 100+ yard games against Detroit and Buffalo as conclusive evidence the Saints deserve their #4 rush rating… so it all comes out in the wash.
I will put an iron clad guarantee that Thomas, Bell and Bush wont run for more yards than Double Trouble on Sunday.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Nov 6, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
They split time equally.
You aren’t going to see many times that they go over 100 yards each. Even if they both only go 70, that’s 150 total. We’re a true two-back set. Not just one with a spell back. The only reason you saw Bell rush for more the first two games was that Pierre Thomas was injured.
We’ll see what the results are Sunday. I guarantee one thing, if they do outrush your double trouble, you’ll make some excuse as to why it played out instead of just giving props.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Wait, are you saying the Panthers are 1 with a spell back?
Jonathan Stewart has more carries than Pierre Thomas…. and had his carried limited too due to training camp injuries.
As far as the ‘giving props’… get to know me before you assume I make excuses.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Nov 6, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
Don't forgot Tank Tyler is in there now too
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
Valid
But season totals don’t really show the whole picture.
We just came off running 270 yards against the #1 run defense in the NFL.
You just gave up 151 to Michael Turner on 7.6 ypc
Our offensive coordinator in FINALLY learning to run first. So, our early season games don’t show what this team can do, hence the low average. I’d like to point this out:
- Carolina team rushing: 220 plays, 1042 yards, 4.7 team YPC
That’s our season total, lets look at our total over the last 3 games:
- 117 carries (53% of carries all season), 653 yards (63% of yards all season) , 5.6 team YPC
So, I wouldn’t put too much stock in the season averages, especially when Carolina’s rushing attack has only just started.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Nov 6, 2009 8:31 AM EST up reply actions
Pierre Thomas has rushed for 5.8 yards per carry all season long and 6.8 last week.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Pierre Thomas only has 70 carries…. if your gameplan is to tout a guy who carries the ball on average 10 time per game, by all means… go ahead.
Carolina’s YPC between Double Trouble is 4.85 (202 carries total)
New Orleans YPC between Bell, Thomas and Bush is 4.66 (206 carries total)
I’ll take our runners thanks.
Your team will get all the credit in the world from me Monday through Wednesday; but Thursday through Sunday, not a chance…. I have my game face on.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Nov 6, 2009 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
Pierre Thomas was injured the first two games.
He has 70 carries through 5 games. He gets 15, Bell gets 15 and Bush gets under 5. That’s how it is, that’s how it’s worked, that’s how it will remain.
And Bush brings that average down substantially.
Bell and Thomas average 5.01 ypc together, which exceeds your double trouble, so I’m content too. Least we both agree on keeping our backs.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
I agree, lets keep our backs.
I would love to see how Bell and Thomas would do if teams stacked the box like the do all the time vs. Carolina.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Nov 6, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
Not as good as Brees would do.
Ahhh, the joys of having an all-pro quarterback.
I’ll agree that D-Lo is better than our backs, but I’d take Thomas and Bell over Stewart.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Thomas and Bell
or
Thomas or Bell
If it’s a two for one deal, I agree with you. But individually, Stewart is better than both of them in my mind.
Congrats on your All-Pro QB… he puts up great numbers. I like our guy though, who took us to a Superbowl after you’re team dictated him ‘trash’ and went with Aaron Brooks.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Nov 6, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
Don't even get me started on Brooks
I was a Jeff Blake fan. He wasn’t doing awesome till he got hurt, Brooks comes in and has one game, which basically made him into the future of the franchise. Horrible coaching decision.
I still credit your defense and the outstanding play of Smith above Jake. He did good, but I’d hardly say he was great.
And we’ll just have to agree to disagree on Stewart. I think you don’t really know our backs at all.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
I’d love to continue this discussion, if you don’t mind. Who exactly do you think out of Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell is better than Jonathan Stewart?
Both of them?
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Nov 6, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Pierre Thomas definitely, and you’d be surprised at how good Bell is now that he’s lost some weight.
I’ll politely call Bell and Stewart even.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
We’re not going to convince each other who’s better… all I’ll say is that’s it’s very, very easy to appear like an elite RB when no team is afraid of your run and concentrates the vast majority of their resources on stopping the pass, because your QB and recievers are so good.
Mike Shanahan made Rugen Droughns, Tatum Bell and others look like Pro-Bowlers in this system until they went to a team where their opponents were willing to stack the box.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Nov 6, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
Yes
and i for one am very happy our quarterback and recievers are so great.
by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 6, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
Whoa? Bell even with Stewart?
Hmmm…I hope J-Stew shows his stuff Sunday
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
I hope so too!
I wasn’t really believing all this about cocky Saints fans. I probably have more respect for the Saints than most Panthers fans. But seriously? Bell over Stewart!!!! Thomas is a legit debate, but Bell!!!!!!! Let me show you why Stewart tops Bell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKDIK-Jo6bE
You guys are going to be tasting that all game.
by Flowing Willow on Nov 7, 2009 6:17 AM EST up reply actions
It’s sad when my biggest worry isn’t “can the Panthers beat the Saints” but “will Davidson run the ball or be stupid again?”
I don't know if it will be 31-13
but I know that no one has stopped us yet, slowed us down, and put us off balance yes, but that has never been for more than 2 quarters.
As I see it, if you can keep us off balanced the whole game, then you may win. Only problem with this is that your passing is ‘less than stellar’. So getting behind a td or 2 would be a very bad thing and could potentially make things worse by throwing…
a positive on our side, is we don’t have to pass… we can run, to the outside too, up the middle won’t work well with you guys…
I think it will be closer to 31 – 21
all the best, looking to a nice div game, pray for no injuries!
I am a jack of all, and master of none
Why would the Panthers throw? When they can run for 250+ yards on you?
I mean they did it on the league’s top statistical rushing defense, right? And your run defense is banged up right now? So you’ll probably stack the box, meaning like last week, when DeAngelo eventually gets through… it’ll be for 70+.
You see, you have a good secondary and stellar offense… but right now you can’t stop the run. This means long Panther drives, chewing up the clock… With Breeze and co helpless on the sideline. Your offense can’t score if they are not on the field. +1 Panthers.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Yes
we heard the same thing from the jet’s,giant’s,dolphin’s and falcon fans.but we kept time of pos. with our run game
by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 5, 2009 8:44 PM EST up reply actions
What will be interesting...
…is to see the differences in how well the Panthers defend the run compared to those other teams. Running up the middle will likely prove difficult on the Panthers. Hollis and Beason are playing well. Meanwhile, getting to the outside could prove problematic, too. Thomas Davis is really excelling right now. And Na’il Diggs has played better in run support than pass defense, so I think we may have better containment on the edges than the Saints will have faced so far, too.
The bottom line though is that if the Saints feature the run over the pass, I think that plays to the Panthers’ advantage. It slows the game down and that’s the kind of pace we’ll want, because it will limit possessions on both sides. I think we’d be more fearful of the Saints’ passing game putting up points in a hurry and falling behind. But, if it’s a low scoring game, I think our defense can make enough key stops (percentage-wise) to give our offense a better chance to win the game.
But that’s just my two-cents,
—Neil
Hollis Thomas?
He’s good for a play or two a series before he needs an oxygen tank and a dump truck to cart him around.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Well...
…maybe that’s based off your previous experience with having him on the Saints. But, in Ron Meeks’ defense, he’s been exactly what the Panthers needed. And he’s holding up really well so far. Better than anyone else we brought in to help with the DT position after Maake Kemoeatu went down. He even scored a safety for us against Buffalo (though we went on to lose that game).
I feel you, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
We grabbed Brees, Vilma, Sharper and Greer and couldn’t be happier.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Brees was hardly trash. Only reason he left San Diego is that they had Philip Rivers in the wings.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Nov 6, 2009 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
lol, he was trash enough for them to let him go and Miami to overlook him.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
I understand the desire to make the Saints seem like some ‘rags to riches’ story, but no team thought Drew Brees was trash.
Miami only ‘overlooked him’ as you so put it because they needed him to take a longer contract and less guaranteed money so they could make it under the salary cap in 2006.
Trash isn’t offered a 2 year, $22 million dollar deal with $10 million guaranteed.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Nov 6, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Why are we even arguing this, the entire point was that what one group doesn’t want, another does. What’s not important to one, is special to another. That’s what the saying means after all. I in no way was saying any of those players were garbage.
Maybe the American colloquialism doesn’t translate.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Yes, that must be it… I cant understand you.
I’m not arguing, just clarifying : )
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Nov 6, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” really just means, “what you don’t want/need, could be perfect for me.”
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
There were serious question marks about whether Brees would even be able to throw again
Don’t you remember that? We didn’t know what we signed. And honestly Brees isn’t very good at long balls now. We just got lucky that he’s a fantastic gamer.
I think his point was...
…if the Panthers fall behind by 1 or 2 TDs, then we’ll have to abandon the run and start passing. Most teams are forced to do that to try and conserve clock so they’ll get further possessions to try and even up the score again. But adopting that strategy hasn’t worked well for the Panthers, because of how INT prone we become.
Anthony Hargrove
The only disagreement I have about Saintsational’s comments is Hargrove. It wasn’t up the middle that killed us with regards to the run last week, it was the edges. Turner broke it outside frequently and surprised our LBs and secondary with his quickness as he hasn’t exactly demonstrated that this season. There really wasn’t that much up the gut. Hargove has been playing just fine. He’s no Ellis, but he’s not really much of a demotion either.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
He'll likely get tested this week...
…since the Panthers love the runs up the middle. Deangelo’s got better burst through the hole and using his blocks really well. He’s also hard to find among all those big bodies before he’s run past you. Both Deangelo and Stewart test the edges pretty frequently, too. And if speed works against the Saints, it might be a good time for the Panthers to put Goodson in at RB and see what he can get on the edges.
Our secondary takes bad angles sometimes.
That’s part of what you get when you have an aggressive defense. I’m not worried about Williams up the gut, but I am worried about him on the outside, since Turner was a problem out there.
Stewart will be harder for Hargrove to deal with in the middle. Our line is faster rather than larger. A big bruiser up the middle could be troublesome.
I’m thinking things are going to be different this week though. I don’t think ya’ll are going to see the same looks from the defense this week. I’d say there will be a lot of man coverage with Sharper floating and run zones (to contain instead of stop) as opposed to run blitzes. Rather than trying to put ya’ll in 3rd and longs, I see the defense being happy enough with some third and shorts. It should be an entertaining game. I just hope it’s televised over here.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
What is interesting about Double Trouble...
Stewart, as far as 40 time speed, is faster than DLo. He is not as patient, but generally doesn’t need to be because he can just truck through someone on the outside. DLo is a smarter runner and will wait for the blocks to develop, then he will burst through the hole. His acceleration is out of this world.
When I say Stewart is faster, it is within .1 seconds of each other, so given DLo’s ability to accelerate… I consider him the faster back. However, as I’m sure you realize, no matter who is on the field it does not at all indicate where we are going to attack. It may indicate we are going to run… but that never stopped us before.
What ya'll dont relize is
Last week was a fluke we conrtained the middle so Ellis presence wasn’t really a factor.It
was have Scott Fugita out.All those runs Turner busted on us where took to the outside.Then not just one but at least three time our other LB SS overpursird horribly.Several of Turners run where of plays that broke down and bad tackling.Plus with ALT you have to worrie about both.Luckly with ya’ll your lready one dimminsal,if you think ya’ll will come in and be as good as Alanta then you truly have your hopes set to high.But i would hope the same way as did for many years against ya’ll.If you think all those past wins and stat against us are gonna work your wrong we’ve donee broke a hundred curses and alot of (the Saints never haves already)This is our year I like Panthers more than ALT but this is our year no way we lose to anyone at home.
My preditions Fugita will be back,look for us to shut down your run(Cardinals D can’t hold our sweat towel)look at the run Offences we’ve played to theres.Everyweek we’ve took on a team they where number 1 in something wether it be overal Dor run D best pass D or great OFF and weve ran over it.Delahome throws 3 picks 1 back for a td
Saints 31 Panthers 24 and that been my closest of the year you should feel proud that your the one team that gives me nightmares
The difference
Our Offensive Line and TEs are miles ahead of Atlanta in terms of ability to run block.
plus don't forget the crazy refs who swallowed their whistles for turner
was ridiculous. We’d hold him up, everyone thinks play is over, lets him go, and he runs.
One thing no one's mentioned so far...
…is how much of an impact penalties might have on this game. With the noise in the Superdome, we could see a few more false starts from Otah or Gross on the ends of the line. But Jake’s handled games in that stadium better than just about anyone.
There’s also a chance that pass interference and holding calls could go against our secondary as we try and limit the Saints’ receivers. Munnerlyn is aggressive in that regard sometimes.
Don’t worry, the Saints are notiously hated by refs. You’ll win out on any subjective calls.
The people who say, "Winning isn't everything," don't win very often.
If stupidity is a cancer, you're terminal.
When you die and go to hell, you come back as a Jets fan.
Panthers are the refs whipping boy as well.
by Flowing Willow on Nov 7, 2009 6:23 AM EST up reply actions
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