The New Orleans Saints, dat’s who, went to 8-2 with a win over the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday, solidifying their position at number one in the NFC South.
New Orleans had a solid first quarter that ended with Drew Brees throwing a touchdown pass to rookie Tight End Josh Hill in the last 44 seconds, only to have wide receiver Lance Moore blunder a fair catch, giving 49ers Quarterback Colin Kapernick and Wide Receiver Anquan Boldin the opportunity to capitalize. If that wasn’t bad enough, it got worse. Cornerback Jabari Greer was injured, meaning rookie cornerback Corey White had to take over. On one play, White lost control of the ball in endzone after an amazing dive to intercept from 49ers. This play led to a touchback, and a 55-yard field goal from 49ers kicker Phil Dawson.
Then to really shake the fans up, Darren Sproles’ scary injury was icing on cake. Thankfully, though, he returned later in the game. Sproles has proven many times he is vital player for the Saints to have in the game, especially on the kick return.
Speaking of returns, why haven’t the Saints used Travis Cadet in that aspect of the game? After an 82-yard return, Cadet proved he can definitely be a force. I think as of late Lance Moore hasn’t been at his best, almost in a daze, and not fully mentally engaged at times. He needs to pay more attention to play calls and also be aware that things can change in an instant and adjustments need to be made.
New Orleans defense can’t hinge the defensive plan of attack against ANY team based on a previous team’s defense. Be aware of who is doing what and when and make the needed adjustments to stop them.
Sunday was nothing like the previous game against Dallas where Brees targeted 9 different receivers. This game saw fewer targets, as the team relied heavily on Garrett Hartley to rack up point’s and score a game winning FG.
Drew Brees in my opinion is best in a game when it comes to reading defenses and picking them apart – he needs to be the judge, jury and executioner when it comes to play-calling. What he isn’t capable of is doing his job and the offensive linesmans job, too. They have got to protect him at all costs.
Note to O-line: Do your jobs, gentlemen.
Which brings me to my final point: the sack by Ahmad Brooks that led to a 15-yard personal foul penalty against the 49ers late in 4th quarter. When asked by a local newspaper in San Francisco, initially Brooks was quoted to have said he bear-hugged Brees and stated “I think this is sh** …is bulls*** football the way they call stuff these days it’s watered down, it aint real no more.” He then went on to say, “It was at home it was Drew Brees maybe officials were for Saints more than 49ers, I think it’s bullsh×× man.”
Only a day later, another source published this from him: “It’s a very frustrating game could’ve gone a totally different direction than what it went. I was just mad because that was a big play in game, we lost and that’s probably reason why.”
Regardless if it was or not, the fact of matter is the officials deemed it a personal foul, as did the NFL as they fined Brooks $15,750 for the hit. Thankfully Brees only had a minor injury, but if the offensive line can’t protect him, next time he may not be so lucky.
In closing and on a personal note, I’m happy to report I remain best friends with my buddy, John, even after my Saints beat his 49ers. It’s only business, nothing personal.
-Who Dat
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Main Photo Credit: Dave Martin
