How in the world do we stop Drew Brees, his merry band of WR's, Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister?
Seriously, with the limited talent available to him, how is Jim Johnson going to slow this offense down? The easy answer is to pressure Drew Brees into mistakes, but we haven't gotten a pass rush from the defensive line since the first Dallas game. As a result, if JJ wants to get any pressure on Brees, he's going to have to bring the blitz. However, if we do blitz, Brees will likely get rid of it before the pressure reaches him. Plus, Sean Payton seems pretty confident in having figured out how to beat JJ's defensive schemes. As SI reported after the Saints/Birds first matchup:
Seriously, with the limited talent available to him, how is Jim Johnson going to slow this offense down? The easy answer is to pressure Drew Brees into mistakes, but we haven't gotten a pass rush from the defensive line since the first Dallas game. As a result, if JJ wants to get any pressure on Brees, he's going to have to bring the blitz. However, if we do blitz, Brees will likely get rid of it before the pressure reaches him. Plus, Sean Payton seems pretty confident in having figured out how to beat JJ's defensive schemes. As SI reported after the Saints/Birds first matchup:
Before coming to New Orleans, Payton had been an offensive assistant for seven years in the NFC East (with the New York Giants from 1999 to '02 and the Dallas Cowboys for the past three years), and at a meeting last Wednesday he told the team he'd gone 9-6 against Philly during that span. Stressing the importance of avoiding turnovers and third-and-longs, Payton assured his Saints, "Follow my formula, and we'll win the game."Well, if we aren't going to pressure the QB, then our DB's and LB's are going to have to play the game of their lives. Making this scenario less likely is the fact that Lito is out this week with Rod Hood taking his place and Will James (formerly Will Peterson) stepping in as the nickel corner. I'm sure Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and the hobbled Joe Horn are licking their chops over these matchups. Plus, B Dawk can only help so much with covering the wide receivers when he is likely our only hope to slow down Reggie Bush coming out of the backfield.
Also, let's not forget about our less than stout run defense. With our defense being overly concerned with stopping a potential aerial circus, will our front seven be able to stop Deuce between the tackles and Reggie Bush out on the flanks? Based on past history of this defense, the easy answer is obviously NO.
Ok, feeling confident now? Sorry guys, but the realist in me has me feeling less than overly confident about our chances of slowing these guys down. The only hope I see for our Birds against the Saints offense is to be opportunistic with all potential turnover opportunities. Additionally, we need our offense to have long clock consuming drives to keep Brees and Co. on the sidelines and not let them get into any rhythm. (Think the 1990 Giants/Bills Super Bowl.) If anyone else has any other views, let me hear them.
Of course the phan in me says we still win some way, some how. I just can't think of a tangible reason yet...Don't worry, I'll come up with something before Saturday.
5 comments:
One interesting fact many seem to be overlooking is that the Saints haven't been so great the last 11 weeks. Since their 5-1 start, they finished the season at only 10-6. Thus 5-5 on the way home. It should be noted, that final season loss was with backups. This team lost to the likes of Cincy, Pitts, and at home to the Skins this loss coming in December.
Additionally, the Saints are just 4-4 at home this year and are still the organization with only 1 playoff win on their resume. I do feel we have a tough task considering the energy spent from last weeks physical game as well as the short week (thanks TV). The bye week is only producing a 55% win pct the last 4 years versus 75% in years prior, so maybe we can overcome this obstacle.
One thing i can guarantee, we'll need to be much better on both sides of the ball this week to have any chance at all in the Big Easy. I was not impressed with our performance last week, but this team was due for a let down after its run of 6 terrific performances.
A fast start and winning the turnover battle would surely help our cause, plus we may expect the Saints to start a bit slowly coming off the bye week as many teams do. In addition, our offense will need to score TD's versus field goals when the oppty. presents itself and our bend but don't break defense will need to be good in the red zone to force the Saints to settle for 3.
As usual I admire the capt's optimism. But as one half of doom and gloom, I have to express my lack of confidence in stopping any of New Orleans offensive weapons. Additionally, the loss of lito has further fueled my pessimism.
I can only hope that Mr. Garcia and Mr. Westbrook step up and each play the game of their lives.
Again, I will take my respective seat (at the capt's estate on sat night) as one half of the dynamic duo that is known as Doom and Gloom and root for the best (as best a pessimist at heart can).
Go birds!
Wow...nicely done, fellas.
I see what you're saying, Capt...The Saints are trending down since their fast start, but losing at Pitt and at home against a desperate Cincy team was not a huge upset. I assume we will use the Redskins game plan as they seem to be the one team that really slowed them down recently.
Plus, we are a much different team offensively than the last time we played....I think we can grind this defense down to the nub. Someone on the D Line has to step up and Sheldon needs to turn back the clock two years.
Overall...I'm still w/ Johnny. We're hoping the eff up instead of coming up w/ reasons as to why we can beat them physically.
BTW, Johnny and I want to know if Jeeves will be serving up hors d'ouvers at the Palatial Tullio Estate on Saturday?
He's got out D figured out? Where was this offensive genius when we played them last?
I think a field goal on the last play of the game doesn't constitute having the defense figured out.
Me and my brand spankin' new B Dawk jersey have a good feeling about Saturday....
Muller...that jersey better not moosh them! If it does, I'll rename that jersey "krytonite"
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