Saints Gab

It’s just the preseason… these wins don’t count… it’s not the regular season…

Just curb your enthusiasm?

CURB SCHMURB!!!

This is south Louisiana… the Gulf Coast… and the only game in town. We can use all of the good news we can get. And we’ll take it.

So when does the fan base of the New Orleans Saints finally get the ‘OK’ to get excited about our football team? Do we have to wait until we are 8-0 before we are allowed? Do we have to wait until we finally clinch a playoff spot? Are we not allowed until the Saints win a playoff game in 2009? Or do we have to wait until the final whistle blows to end the Super Bowl with our New Orleans Saints standing victorious?
Every year, there is only one Super Bowl winner. And everyone else gets to feel bad because the ultimate goal was not met. And even the Steelers… last year’s Super Bowl champions… have to ‘curb their enthusiasm’ until the final whistle blows in this year’s Super Bowl.

Of course, once you get that ring on your finger, a team and a city can be proud for the rest of their lives. This is the case for 17 cities (areas) in National Football League history whose teams won the Vince Lombardi trophy:

Green Bay
New York
Kansas City
Baltimore
Dallas
Miami
Pittsburgh
Oakland
San Francisco
Washington
Los Angeles
Chicago
Denver
St. Louis
New England
Tampa Bay
Indianapolis

Those guys are the only ones who can say, “Our team was the best that year”.

Pride in your team and your team’s accomplishments has to come from some other place if your team doesn’t hail from the 17 areas I mentioned above. Pride has to come in some inferior form.

It could be the lesser accomplishment of Conference Champions… those guys who actually made a Super Bowl. This is still a great feat, and it is a sentiment felt in 10 other cities (areas) not already mentioned:

Minnesota
Philadelphia
Cincinnati
Buffalo
San Diego
Atlanta
Tennessee
Carolina
Seattle
Arizona

You only have to look at the 2009 NFL Hall of Fame inductees to realize how great a team like the Buffalo Bills were in the early 90s when they went to four straight Super Bowls only to lose all four. It’s a lineage that a city can be proud of… yet it still isn’t the same as the pride felt in those 17 cities who actually won it all.

But it’s certainly greater than the pride one can feel from simply having a bunch of winning records or Division titles only to lose everytime in the playoffs… and it’s certainly greater than the pride a city can feel for its team when its team has never even been to a Super Bowl. That list is far shorter than the above-mentioned guys:

Detroit
Houston
Jacksonville
Cleveland

and yes…

New Orleans.

Technically, the Houston Texans have the worst winning percentage in NFL history followed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers AND THEN the New Orleans Saints… but the Texans have only been around for seven years (this season will be their eighth), and the Bucs have 10 playoff appearences (and six playoff games won) in 33 years, including that magical 2002 Super Bowl run when they destroyed every other team in the NFC in the postseason.

The Saints have eight winning seasons in 42 years… six playoff appearences… three Division titles… two playoff games won… one Conference Championship game attended.

So when are we allowed to get excited about our franchise? Is it when we are guaranteed a few-and-far-between winning season? Is it when we notch that ever-elusive playoff clinch? Is it when we lock up that once-every-fifteen years Divisional crown? Is it when we get that oh-so-rare playoff game victory? Is it when the Black and Gold FINALLY reach that dare-to-dream Super Bowl by winning the NFC Conference? Or can we finally get excited when the Saints geaux marching in AND WIN the Super Bowl?

Hey… I’m not from Green Bay or New York or Dallas or Pittsburgh or San Francisco or Washington or New England. I’m not even from Minnesota or Cincinnati or Buffalo.

I’m from the great state of Louisiana. I have one professional sports love… the New Orleans Saints. And I’ll be proud when I dang well feel like it.

The Dome Patrol is gone… the only real era of winning Saints football (when the team posted five winning seasons in six years). The soon-to-be Hall of Fame greats like Rickey Jackson, Morten Andersen, and Willie Roaf are gone. Let’s get real… we’ve only had three winning seasons in the last 16 years.

I have to look long and hard for happiness and pride in my professional football team.

It can be in one play… like in 1967 when John Gilliam returned the opening kickoff in franchise history 94 yards for a TD… or in 1970 when Tom Dempsy kicked the longest FG in NFL history to defeat the Detroit Lions, 19-17.

It can be in one victory… like in 1971 when the Saints (who finished the year 4-8-2) beat the eventual Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys (who finished the year 11-3), 24-14… or in 1987 when the Saints beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-16 to clinch their first-ever winning season… or when the Saints defeated the defending Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams 31-28 to clinch their first-ever playoff victory.

Or it can be in one season out of 42.. and every single one of them suffers the same setback… no Super Bowl title.

So don’t tell me to ‘curb my enthusiasm’. I’ll be proud of my Bless You Boys when I dang well feel like it.

Right now, on the heels of a 45-7 crushing of the Oakland Raiders in the third preseason game of 2009, the Saints are looking great in just about every aspect. Our NFL rankings in per-game average through three meaningless preseason games are as follows:

Offense

Defense
3rd/Points (9.3)
19th/Yards (331.0)
30th/ Pass (260.3)
1st/Rush (70.7)

We’ve gained 74 first downs while allowing only 44 (out of 175 total plays). We have a turnover ratio of +5 after forcing 3 turnovers in each of the three games we’ve played. We’ve allowed a total of 212 rushing yards combined through three games (we rushed for 232 against Oakland alone). We’ve scored 13 TDs and allowed only 4. We’ve run the ball 103 times and passed it 96 times.

When is a good time to get excited about our New Orleans Saints?

I’d say, “Right now!”

Are we ready? Who are we? SAINTS!!! THIS IS NEW ORLEANS!!! Who Dat?

Since the 2006 season, the New Orleans Saints have been put in the mix when people talk about possible playoff teams. Over the past 2 seasons they have not lived up to that potential. At the start of this season, the talks are still there but are starting to dwindle a bit. So does that mean the Saints have something to prove? I think so. In fact Drew Brees even mentioned himself that the window of opportunity is here and they need to capitalize on it.

Tonight vs the Oakland Raiders I think the Saints made a statement. Now, before you say “Oh, its just the Raiders” or “It’s just Pre-Season” hear me out. Even in Pre-Season, game 3 is noted as the closest to the regular season. Also the Raiders have looked better this preseason in the first two games than they had last year, especially the play of Jamarcus Russel. So with that being said, a 45-7 win, even in the preseason ……. is a statement.

Beyond Drew Brees being 3 for 3 in drives for touchdowns, the Saints have many positives to take from this game. Even without their top 3 running backs they were able to rush for 232 yards! If that rushing total is a sign of things to come, the Saints will be in much better shape on both sides of the ball. A good rushing game will improve the offense and the defense, and with an already improved secondary the defense may end up better than just a middle of the pack type of defense.

So if you think the Saints have something to prove this year, I feel like they used tonight to let us know that they are well on their way to doing just that. Drew and the Saints are in position to make a run to the playoffs and possibly further.

With the preseason winding down there are some remaining position battles that are really heating up here are the top ones to watch as we gear up for the regular season. As with every offseason some of these battles can be just as entertaining and competitive as the actual games we watch starting in September and this year is no different.

There is always heartbreak for players such as linebackers Stanley Arneaux and Mark Simoneau who are lost for the season due to injury and there is also moments of joy when unexpected players step up and make a name for themselves in camp such as defensive end Anthony Hargrove, and wide receiver Rod Harper after his 87 yard punt return against the Texans.

Joey Harrington vs. Mark Brunnell
This battle could have the most effect on the overall roster depending on who the winner is, if Brunnell wins and remains the #2 I believe the Saints will keep 3 quarterbacks on the roster due to Brunnell’s age. If Harrington wins it I can see the Saints going with just him and Drew Brees on the 53-man roster opening a spot for someone else at different position. Advantage? Mark Brunnell, Brunnell has looked sharp so far and is on his way to securing the #2 spot behind starter Drew Brees.

Lynell Hamilton vs. Herb Donaldson vs. PJ Hill
This to me is the most exciting battle to watch and at one time this was a 4 way battle for 2 spots but after the Texans game Mike Bell has secured himself the #3 spot leaving 3 players vying for the 4th and final spot on the roster. Hamilton who looked to be the 4th RB lost his grip on the 4th spot after fumbling twice in the preseason opener against the Bengals opening the door for rookies Herb Donaldson and PJ Hill. Advantage? Right now I think Donaldson looks to have the advantage in this battle over Hamilton and Hill after averaging 4.2 ypc so far. I believe Hamilton will get another year on the practice squad and PJ Hill will be the odd man out.

Robert Meachem vs. Devery Henderson
This battle is for the #3 receiver spot behind Marques Colston and Lance Moore looks to be the closest of all the position battles. Robert Meachem has finally looked like he “gets it” and this is the first time he came into camp in proper shape and he has appeared to have a grip on the playbook a lot better giving him a much needed confidence boost. Henderson continues to be a solid deep threat and has improved on his concentration and route running allowing him to be more than just a deep threat. Advantage? For right now it’s too close to tell and this may not be settled until after the season has started. I think in the end Meachem will take the #3 spot and at that point will begin to push Moore for the #2 spot he has all the physical tools you could want in a receiver he just needs to keep focused and he will be fine.

Jonathon Casillas vs. Anthony Waters vs. Troy Evans
This could be a battle for 2-3 spots depending on how other positions affect the roster. Casillas has shown the best speed of the three and both him and Waters seem to be around the ball more often than not, while Evans has either disappeared or just looked lost on defense. Advantage? Casillas and Waters are running really close with Casillas having a slight advantage both are players I wrote about early on that could be pleasant surprises during and camp and both are working on living up to my early predictions.

Like every year there is always excitement about a new season and what the new faces can bring to the team this year. This year though stands out with a different feeling to me than in the previous two and feels much more competitive like the 2006 camp and offseason. Competition almost always brings out the best in people and we finally have that competitive atmosphere back. The Saints seem to be finally geared up to return to the playoffs.

Are you a die-hard Saints fan with a strong opinion? Have you ever dreamed of being a writer, or like posting about the Saints and their trials? Then your shot to do it is here, as SaintsGab.com has a new look, and is looking for new writers for the 2009 season and beyond. Share your stories and opinions with us, and be a part of one of the best Saints fan sites out there. Simply send your name, email and desire to write for us to matt@nflgridirongab.com. Be a part of SaintsGab.com and share your thoughts on your team today!

Pro Football Weekly talks about Jammal Brown getting off to a bad start due to injury:

Heading into his contract year, Saints OLT Jammal Brown is not off to the start he hoped to have. The two-time Pro Bowler underwent surgery for a sports hernia prior to New Orleans’ second preseason game on Aug. 22 and is expected to be out at least three weeks. The Saints are hopeful that he’ll return in time for the season opener on Sept. 13, but the surgery could keep him out for a game or two, barring a quick comeback, and sources say there’s reason to be skeptical about any speculation that he’ll be ready by Week One.

With just three regular-season appearances under his belt, Jermon Bushrod was elevated to the starting lineup as primary backup Zach Strief dealt with a minor knee injury. While Brown’s run-blocking skills have been questioned, he’s regarded as one of the best pass blockers in the NFC. Bushrod performed well in his first preseason start, but there’s little doubt that QB Drew Brees will be feeling added pressure from his blind side with Brown sidelined.

According to coach Sean Payton, could the Saints could employ a three-RB set at times in the 2009 season?

In the wake of Mike Bell’s breakout performance against the Houston Texans, the Saints now have a good problem on their hands. They have not one, not two, but three running backs capable of carrying the load on any given Sunday. Bell’s 10-carry, 100-yard performance Saturday was that good. In just one half, the former Texans and Broncos castoff didn’t just cement the No. 3 job heading into the regular season. He lowered his shoulder and plowed his way into the backfield picture with Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. “I think so,” Saints Coach Sean Payton said Wednesday when asked if the club might employ a three-back rotation this season.

Look… I’ve been a Saints fan all my life. I’ve begun every season with high hopes, and I’ve had my dreams crushed in just about every year (usually by the midway point of the season). That’s just the life of a Saints fan.

Let’s be honest… the Saints went 20 years before getting their first winning season. Until 1987, I was happy just to see the Saints play competitively.

The truth is… I was gunning for an 8-8 season just so we could avoid being ‘losers’ again.

All that changed in 1982… under Head Coach O.A. “Bum” Phillips, we sported one of the best defenses in the league and continued to do so for years. We failed to make the playoffs during the ‘82 season, a strike-shortened season which found the Saints at 4-5, a mere tiebreaker away from reaching our first-ever playoff game. But we had a good team (Rickey Jackson, Hoby Brenner, Bruce Clark, Jim Wilks, Morten Andersen, Brad Edleman, Stan Brock) and a chance to beat everyone we faced.

In fact… by the time Head Coach Jim Mora came along (adding the final pieces to the puzzle like Sam Mills, Bobby Hebert, Vaughn Johnson, Pat Swilling, Eric Martin, Jim Dombrowski, Dalton Hillard, Rueben Mayes), we became a very good team, and winning became a tradition.

From 1986-1992, we were 69-42… a far cry from our franchise’s overall winning percentage of .411 (262-375-5). We expected to win every game because we were a very good team, and it was a fun time for fans of the Bless You Boys.

My point is… I find that in this point in our franchise’s existence, we are once again a very good team, and I expect our team to win every game because we are that good.

We all know Drew Brees is a great QB… we could see that after his first year here. But if anybody would’ve predicted he would put up the numbers he had last year before that season began, the fan would’ve been deemed a dreamer and a homer with unrealistic goals.

I don’t know about you guys, but although we went 8-8 last year, I had a great time watching the Saints play… and it was because we were a really good team.

I’m used to the disappointment. I bleed Black and Gold, but my world doesn’t come crashing down every time they lose. Honestly, I moan and gripe for about two days, and then I’m over it.

I quit wearing my heart on my sleeve after the 1992 season… that year was the best team we ever fielded (imo). We won 12 games in the regular season, we finished 10th in scoring offense and 1st in scoring defense, we allowed 202 points total (12.6 ppg, the lowest mark our franchise ever allowed), we collected 38 turnovers (+9), we had 57 sacks (#1 in NFL), we gave up only 15 sacks, and we lost only four games by a combined 13 points.

We got our hind ends handed to us by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wildcard game, 36-20. No team scored over 21 points against us all year in the regular season… NOT ONE TEAM SCORED OVER 21 POINTS AGAINST US ALL YEAR!!! And only four teams scored more than 16. We gave up 38 points to the Eagles, and I went nuts… kucko… bonkers… I friggin’ lost it. I got so depressed, I realized I had to stop doing it to myself. So my heart went back in my chest, where it remains to this day. I still get depressed, but not manic.

The team we have now is capable of greatness… and not just a really good team with decent stats to make the playoffs… I mean GREATNESS.

At first, we all knew if our defense could just raise their level of play to some form of respectability (#16-#20 in the NFL), we would be ultra-competitive. But after two preseason games, it’s fair to assume that the sky is the limited with our defense. We are creating turnovers and holding teams out of the end zone with basic vanilla formations. Just the change in attitude and coaching on the defensive side of the ball is causing this. Once scheme comes into play, the sky is literally the limited.

And our offense looks better than ever. Drew is Drew, Reggie is Reggie, Colston is Colston. But we’ve seen the level of play rise with Mark Brunell, Jeremy Shockey, Mike Bell, and Robert Meachem, and we still have Pierre Thomas, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, Billy Miller, and our stellar offensive line… all major contributors last season. Plus, we are seeing great development out of players like Adrian Arrington, Rod Harper, and Jermon Bushrod.

I think it’s safe to say… our offense will be one of the best in the league, and it is not unrealistic to predict them finishing #1 overall again this year (the lowest we’ve ranked in total offense over the last three years is #4).

The tricky part is predicting the defensive ranking for this coming year. Over the last three years, our overall defense ranked 11th, 26th, and 23rd. When it ranked 11th, we went all the way to the NFC Championship Game. Last year, we barely avoided a losing record.

I think it’s safe to say… our defense will improve dramatically, and a ranking of around #20 is expected NO DOUBT. I also think a ranking of around #15 is not unrealistic but in fact very possible and could be considered easily anticipated over what we’ve seen in training camp and the preseason games. A highly optimistic expectation from us Saints fans would be a defense that ranks in the Top 10.

The only time the New Orleans Saints have EVER ranked in the top 10 in both overall offense and overall defense was in 2000 (10th on offense, 8th in defense). That year, we got 66 sacks and won our first-ever playoff game. The only other time we ever really got close was in 1992 (14th offense, 2nd defense) and 2006 (1st offense, 11th defense).

Like I mentioned before, in 1992 we were 10th scoring offense and 1st scoring defense. As far as scoring offense and scoring defense goes, we got into the top 10 in both categories (or close to it) a few times… 1987 (12-3 record, 2nd offense, 5th defense), 1989 (9-7 record, 5th offense, 11th defense), 1991 (11-5 record, 8th offense, 1st defense), and 2006 (10-6 record, 5th offense, 13th defense).

Overall… I expect our team to be competitive against everybody we face (just like last year only better). I expect us to win big vs the lesser teams, and I still expect us to beat the better teams. I think the offense will rank 1st in yardage and 1st in scoring, and I expect the defense to rank 15th or better in yardage and scoring.

The most games we’ve ever won in a regular season is 12 (1987, 12-3 and 1992, 12-4). I expect us to meet that goal and post 12 wins this year. I really feel like we have a complete team, and if we lose a few games, it will be because of the little things that still haunts us to even this preseason (failed points in the red zone, missed FGs, stupid penalties), which in turn could cost us a game by about 3 points.

But it is not unrealistic to expect great things overall from the Black and Gold this year.

Delusions of graneur? You thought it before? It never fails? Typical Saints football?

Iknow… I know… I’m there with you. My heart is not on my sleeve. It’s in my chest… though the blood it pumps is Black and Gold. And my head is very clear on this.

We are a very good team, and our time is now.

The Times-Picayune reports that the team still wants to see what they can get from Mike Bell as a possible backup RB:

Mike Bell ran the football Saturday night like a guy whose career was on the line. And that’s exactly how the rejuvenated Saints tailback said he plans to spend every day from here on out. “I think of (this opportunity) as a blessing that I don’t want to go to waste, ” said Bell, who caught on with the Saints late last season after being released by Denver and Houston. “I almost let it go to waste, and I’ll never do that again. Ever.” Bell, 26, has been the Saints’ breakout star this summer, highlighted by his spectacular performance at Houston on Saturday — 100 yards on 10 carries, including a 46-yard touchdown dash.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune says that Robert Meachem may end up the teams return specialist in 09:

Robert Meachem, the Saints’ No. 1 pick in 2007, is not among those vying for a roster spot as return specialist. He is one of four wide receivers who are assured roster spots, joining Marques Colston, Lance Moore and Devery Henderson. However, if Meachem shows the coaching staff that he also can return kicks, then that might eliminate several players who are viewed primarily as return specialists, most notably Skyler Green and Courtney Roby. Payton said Meachem will return kicks in the team’s third exhibition game Saturday at Oakland.

Yahoo! Sports reports on Robert Meachem getting more playing time with the first unit this past week:

Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem played more with the first team offense than last week, catching two passes for 27 yards in Saturday night’s preseason game in Houston. For the second week in a row, Meachem outperformed incumbent starter Devery Henderson. Slowly, he might be making a push to start alongside Marques Colston in the Saints’ high-powered offense.