The New Orleans Saints post-season run came to an abrupt end on the Pacific Coast Highway. The Seattle Seahawks will advance to the next level in their quest for the Lombardi Trophy. And the Saints? Well as they say, back to the drawing board, perhaps to draw up a new offensive plan, a defensive plan of attack, a reason why they fired a veteran (so to speak), Garrett Hartley, instead of just benching him. Questions need to be answered.
It doesn’t really seem that New Orleans could ever get a rhythm going after the first missed field goal attempt by Shayne Graham early on in game. This is what I have stressed all season long: it is so important to have a back-up plan for every possible scenario. If the opposing team can shut down Jimmy Graham, there needs to be very real options. If the opposing team keeps Sproles from gaining on the run, no problem, if you have a back-up plan for that. If the opposition penetrates the pocket and hurries or sacks Brees, we got this, provided there is a Plan B. And when the opposing team’s defense begins adjusting to offensive formations, now what? Where are we going from her?
Oh, and did I mention the need to have some semblance of clock management. Brees & co. had 8 delay of games, the most in league.
It would also help if road games must not continue to be such a thorn for New Orleans or it could be another Wild Card or worse season next year.
Not all is doom and gloom, however. New Orleans did a complete 360° on the defensive side of the ball. Adding defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was a great success. Ryan brought the worst defense in the league the previous year to the 4th best in the league this time around. The 305.7-yard average is certainly a reason to be proud.
The talent of this team is unlike any the Saints have had in the past, and will be a force in the years to come so long as Brees stays healthy and the core is kept satisfied (in their pocketbooks). There is some work that needs to be done, a few things that need to be tweaked , but I have a feeling that the next season will leave no T’s uncrossed and no I’s undotted.
It has been a pleasure to write about my passion for the NFL and my team specifically, the New Orleans Saints. Thank you kindly for taking the time to follow along with my thoughts this season. And “thanks” to Last Word On Sports for allowing me to be a part of their family. With the Saints last game of this NFL season, it brings a bit of an end – for now anyway. I am already looking forward to next year, as well as this off-season as the Saints look to add quality through the NFL Draft and free agency.
Until then, keep on believing in dat, which is The Who Dat Nation.
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