Next Game: Vs New Orleans Saints

[omar586]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1292339161' post='574703']
Next team up. Doesn't look good on paper.

But what we need is the cold weather to affect the Saints play. They struggled a bit against the Bengals a few weeks ago. We can win this game.

Maybe the Saints will go up early, forcing us to be aggressive all game long. Any given Sunday.

Current Weather Forecast:
[IMG]http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt301/purock/weather-1.jpg[/IMG]
[/quote]
just because its cold, doesn't mean anything, just look at the pats and bears, game people thought the bears would have the edge,

[1/28/01]

[quote name='omar586' timestamp='1292375465' post='575823']
just because its cold, doesn't mean anything, just look at the pats and bears, game people thought the bears would have the edge,
[/quote]
The Pats excel in the snow.....who said the Bears would have the edge?

And, we're talking about the domed Saints team here....we definitely get the edge in a cold/snow game!

[CapoRocky]

Snow or not, we need to keep the pressure on. Brees took apart the Colts D in the second half of the SB last year. The Saints' D is similar to the Steelers, in that it keeps putting pressure on the QB, and covers the run well. What we need to do is take it to them in the air early and never let up. On D, forget the timid 3 man rush in the second half. That didn't work last night and surely won't work against the defending SB champions. Let Suggs have his way with Brees. Also, Shoeless Derrick Mason was the showhorse last night. The more they write about him slowing down, nearing retirement, etc., the more likely he will rise up and make a few spectacular catches. I was surprised that Boldin didn't figure much in the scoring. So, we go strictly out of the shotgun most of the night. Treat every drive like it's a 2 minute drill and wear down the Saints. This may free up the RBs to finally have a significant game. We can't blame everything on Cameron. It's almost playoff time.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1292377075' post='575855']
Snow or not, we need to keep the pressure on. Brees took apart the Colts D in the second half of the SB last year. The Saints' D is similar to the Steelers, in that it keeps putting pressure on the QB, and covers the run well. What we need to do is take it to them in the air early and never let up. On D, forget the timid 3 man rush in the second half. That didn't work last night and surely won't work against the defending SB champions. [b]Let Suggs have his way with Brees[/b]. Also, Shoeless Derrick Mason was the showhorse last night. The more they write about him slowing down, nearing retirement, etc., the more likely he will rise up and make a few spectacular catches. I was surprised that Boldin didn't figure much in the scoring. So, we go strictly out of the shotgun most of the night. Treat every drive like it's a 2 minute drill and wear down the Saints. This may free up the RBs to finally have a significant game. We can't blame everything on Cameron. It's almost playoff time.
[/quote]

Suggs can't do it all by himself. Ngata, Redding, Kruger, J.J. and Gooden(if Mattison starts blitzing him more) need to step up and provide a consistent rush. Even still, Brees is so quick in everything he does, coverage down-field will be equally important as pressure

[CapoRocky]

We are in for a long second half again!

[ravensdfan]

This game does worry me a bit given Mattison's propensity for that 3-man rush. You cannot give Brees time to make a sandwich, grab some chips and make a phone call back there in the pocket. He will rip up your secondary. He can be shaken up though. You don't have to sack him, just mix up the coverages and get some pressure.

Some cold and snow certainly wouldn't hurt though. Typically, Brees doesn't do well in "weather".

[hawkprey]

Brees has thrown a whole bunch of interceptions this year, and I'll bet you it's not because he had all day and made a bad decision. I know one thing, our offense is going to be feeling the heat. Sit back and this game could get out of hand quickly. It's time to trust our corners and safeties to play smart coverage, not load up on players and hope for a string of incompletions.

[Malkavian Raven]

[font="Century Gothic"]It's all about balance. Our offense was TOO GOOD last night, they were on & off the field with points in a hurry, giving our defense no time to rest. So, a tired defense plus a hurry-up offense is what spelled disaster in the second half.

Our first scoring drive took just over 4:00 minutes.
Our second scoring drive took less than 3:30 minutes.
Our third only took 38 seconds.

The rest of the time, it was 3-and-outs, or a few 1st downs and then out.

Our defense was on the field for 32 minutes of that game, most of which was in the second half.

So, I applaud Cam for "taking his foot off the pedal", but he should be more conservative upfront, then mid-way through the third quarter, turn up the heat and give our tiring defense a chance to breathe.

Last night was all on the defense, doesn't take a rocket surgeon (not a typo) to figure it out. Wilson stepped up and redeemed them. The hurry defense is what needs fixed.
[i]
~ Malkavian Raven[/i][/font]

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='Malkavian Raven' timestamp='1292380042' post='575912']
[font="Century Gothic"]It's all about balance. Our offense was TOO GOOD last night, they were on & off the field with points in a hurry, giving our defense no time to rest. So, a tired defense plus a hurry-up offense is what spelled disaster in the second half.

Our first scoring drive took just over 4:00 minutes.
Our second scoring drive took less than 3:30 minutes.
Our third only took 38 seconds.

The rest of the time, it was 3-and-outs, or a few 1st downs and then out.

Our defense was on the field for 32 minutes of that game, most of which was in the second half.

So, I applaud Cam for "taking his foot off the pedal", but he should be more conservative upfront, then mid-way through the third quarter, turn up the heat and give our tiring defense a chance to breathe.

Last night was all on the defense, doesn't take a rocket surgeon (not a typo) to figure it out. Wilson stepped up and redeemed them. The hurry defense is what needs fixed.
[i]
~ Malkavian Raven[/i][/font]

How can one say on one hand about how the offense didn't let them rest and then lay it all at their feet? I disagree completely.

If Cam had not taken his foot off the pedal, we would have kept on moving down the field. That translates to rest for our defense, whether it be 3 mins. or 4 mins. It also probably would have translated into more points. Say what you want, but you get a team down by 4 scores and it does mess with them mentally. Takes the steam out of them.

Now. I do fault Mattison for adjusting when he didn't need to. We had good pressure on Schaub the first half and Mattison dialed it down in the second half plus did that prevent crap at the end of the half to give them a garbage time TD. I know our defense gave up those long drives. But, as you said, they were out on the field almost the entire 2nd half.
[/quote]

[Natural Born Hitters]

The Saints have not really played any real cold games yet this season, Besides the Bengals a few weeks ago and the Steelers in October. Let it snow!

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Natural Born Hitters' timestamp='1292381853' post='575946']
The Saints have not really played any real cold games yet this season, Besides the Bengals a few weeks ago and the Steelers in October. Let it snow!
[/quote]

That game was in New Orleans.

[funky141]

Cold weather is not the issue for QBs. Its wind and rain. Brees will be fine.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='Malkavian Raven' timestamp='1292380042' post='575912']
[font="Century Gothic"]It's all about balance. Our offense was TOO GOOD last night, they were on & off the field with points in a hurry, giving our defense no time to rest. So, a tired defense plus a hurry-up offense is what spelled disaster in the second half.

Our first scoring drive took just over 4:00 minutes.
Our second scoring drive took less than 3:30 minutes.
Our third only took 38 seconds.

The rest of the time, it was 3-and-outs, or a few 1st downs and then out.

[b]Our defense was on the field for 32 minutes of that game, most of which was in the second half.[/b]

So, I applaud Cam for "taking his foot off the pedal", but he should be more conservative upfront, then mid-way through the third quarter, turn up the heat and give our tiring defense a chance to breathe.

Last night was all on the defense, doesn't take a rocket surgeon (not a typo) to figure it out. Wilson stepped up and redeemed them. The hurry defense is what needs fixed.
[i]
~ Malkavian Raven[/i][/font]
[/quote]

If our D was on for a little more than half of the game, most of it being in the second half, then that means the offense was on the field for most of the 1st half. That was with an aggressive offense. So why are you so supportive of Cam "taking his foot off the pedal"? Seems to me our primary concern should have been to score because if we had scored again in the second half, they wouldn't be able to come back on us.

[jaege]

I have to say, you Saints fans are the most level headed and amicable group to visit the forum. You represent the champs very well. Thanks for the insights. I think you have a really good shot at the win, but you never know with the nasty weather that is predicted. That might give us the edge. I expect a really good game either way.

[FerrariFan87]

I honestly, objectively think we're going to get blown out of the water. Our D looks very tired, and Cam Cameron and the coaching staff don't seem to understand that or they'd figure out how to fix our running game... right now I'd say we lose 28-17 or worse. I pray I'm wrong!

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Our defence needs a big one after that second half calamity yesterday. Obviously the Saints have a fine passing attack and can run the ball, so once again we will be tested. I would expect us to play far better however.

Cam Cameron has to be close to being on his last strike after another game where offensive incompetence nearly cost us a loss. We had better coming out firing because New Orleans will score plenty of points.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1292385072' post='575987']
I honestly, objectively think we're going to get blown out of the water. Our D looks very tired, and Cam Cameron and the coaching staff don't seem to understand that [b]or they'd figure out how to fix our running game...[/b] right now I'd say we lose 28-17 or worse. I pray I'm wrong!
[/quote]

What's there to fix? They're just not a good group. The coaches tried to put Yanda back at his regular position, started Cousins and lined Chester up at TE and the the team [i]still[/i] struggled to pound the rock.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1292386294' post='576005']
What's there to fix? They're just not a good group. The coaches tried to put Yanda back at his regular position, started Cousins and lined Chester up at TE and the the team [i]still[/i] struggled to pound the rock.
[/quote]

Where there's a will, there's a way. I don't care if we have to run left every play, that's our strongest side, and we need to play to our strength. We also need to do more pitches and stretch plays to let Rice run loose on the outside. Going up the middle just isn't working anymore.

[bauer77]

i honestly thought i was going to be one of the only ones scared about this upcoming game...and then i opened this thread...

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1292386519' post='576009']
Where there's a will, there's a way. I don't care if we have to run left every play, that's our strongest side, and we need to play to our strength. We also need to do more pitches and stretch plays to let Rice run loose on the outside. Going up the middle just isn't working anymore.
[/quote]

I agree running up the middle has proven futile but teams have started to figure out the Ravens can only run to the left and are adjusting. It's no surprise we're seeing more and more safety blitzes come that from the left side of the line.

[Bltravens]

This game could get ugly, Ngata has to be in pass rushing beast mode this game to disrupt Brees from stepping into his throws and going through his progressions. Even if Suggs wins his matchup every down, Brees steps up in the pocket about as good as anyone else. We need to score points on offense to win this game...and I mean more than we normally score.

[RoflDogs]

I expect the Saints offense to struggle because they suck at playing in bad weather conditions

[ZIBBY28]

praying for rain... like you said Pu, any given Sunday.

We need the 12th man at M&T more than ever this week

[RivenHale]

Almost willing to give this game to N'awlins. I just can't legitimately see a way, based on this season, that we win this game. We have the talent and the capability, we just haven't been able to put it together, and that will show up here.

Although, if we do win it, [i]look out world[/i].

[berad]

The Ravens have no chance - we stink! Didn't you guys read the gamethread?!

[Kwothdaraven]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1292388620' post='576042']
This game could get ugly, Ngata has to be in pass rushing beast mode this game to disrupt Brees from stepping into his throws and going through his progressions. Even if Suggs wins his matchup every down, Brees steps up in the pocket about as good as anyone else. We need to score points on offense to win this game...and I mean more than we normally score.
[/quote]
Well that happens to be a strength of the ravens d. I dobt think brees will be able to stepup much since ngata will be consuming all of that space

[Kwothdaraven]

[quote name='RivenHale' timestamp='1292390557' post='576067']
Almost willing to give this game to N'awlins. I just can't legitimately see a way, based on this season, that we win this game. We have the talent and the capability, we just haven't been able to put it together, and that will show up here.

Although, if we do win it, [i]look out world[/i].
[/quote]
You legitimately cant see a way that a 9-4 team beats another 9-4 team at home? Come on man. Thos team has played by far their best games at home, which is where they will be. Plus a dome team in 30degree weather is coming to our house. I know brees can pick apart just about anyone, but he has had a tendency of throwing picks this year. And being on the road in cold weather will make it even harder. Also, they have no running game, like us

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Kwothdaraven' timestamp='1292392572' post='576081']
Well that happens to be a strength of the ravens d. I dobt think brees will be able to stepup much since ngata will be consuming all of that space
[/quote]
As good as Ngata has been rushing the passer this year compared to his entire career, he's still not consistent at collapsing the pocket.

[Saint Chris]

Hi all, another Saints fan here.

Two things I wanted to mention, after reading this thread:

It was mentioned that the Saints will probably go up early... that is likely. They have been showing stats during our games that we are both the #1 first-drive offense and the #1 first-drive defense in the NFl. I think we've scored something like 60 points on our first drives this year, and allowed 7.

We have a tendency to jump out ahead and then let the other team catch up. Then our coach will pull some crazy theatrics in the 4th quarter (see Bengals game, 4th down offsides penalty) and we squeak out with a win.

We have scored at least 30 points in each of our last 5 games, and scored 34 on the Bengals in similar weather to what we will be seeing this weekend. Obviously your defense isn't the Bengals', but our offense really seems to be clicking right now.

Look for Brees to throw some picks. He was deadly accurate last year- set an all-time completion percentage record...but we just seem to be gambling a lot more this year. We're still putting up hellacious numbers on offense, it just hasn't been as clean as it was last year.


And as for the run game, somebody that nobody has mentioned is Chris Ivory, an undrafted rookie free agent who runs like a frickin' truck. pierre Thomas has been our #1 back for a while now, but he just came back from a long injury lay-off last game, and Ivory has performed spectacularly in his absence. He leads all rookies in rushing yardage, and is third in the NFL in ypc. Look for play-action involving him, and heavy use of Thomas on screen passes.

I'll also attempt to speak for my fellow Saints fans in saying thanks for the kind words on how amicable we are... gracious hosts go a long way towards promoting a good discussion.

[ravensdfan]

I can't believe they didn't flex this game. That's insane. Guess I am stuck with the Eagles game .

I think this is going to be a better game than my fellow Ravens' fans seem to think. Remember that we have that tendency to play to the talent of our opponent. Yes, we play down to them, but we also play up to them. I think it's another nail biter. That I will sadly not get to see.

P.S. Welcome to the boards, Saint Chris.