without a running game they won't get far. THey don't have the same magic as they did last year but I am happy that they didn't completely screw up this year.
Ugly win over the Falcons but a win is a win
Because the Saints struggled early, many in the media and fans alike assumed it was yet another team suffering from the euphoria of winning the Super Bowl. But at 11-4, the Saints are a legitimate threat to go back to the Super Bowl. Obviously, they are an elite offensive team. No discussion required. But winning 17-14 showed that the Saints do not have to score 30 points to win. When you get to the playoffs, it is critical to have an ability to win "ugly" defensive games. (especially if the weather is not conducive for high scoring affairs)
The only challenge for the Saints is that unless the Falcons slip up next week and hand the Saints the #1 seed (and the Falcons are playing the Panthers, so I do not see that one coming) , it looks like the Saints will have to play 3 road games. But they should be able to draw on their experience from last year. With an elite QB like Brees, the Saints should feel really good about their playoff chances.
Because the Saints struggled early, many in the media and fans alike assumed it was yet another team suffering from the euphoria of winning the Super Bowl. But at 11-4, the Saints are a legitimate threat to go back to the Super Bowl. Obviously, they are an elite offensive team. No discussion required. But winning 17-14 showed that the Saints do not have to score 30 points to win. When you get to the playoffs, it is critical to have an ability to win "ugly" defensive games. (especially if the weather is not conducive for high scoring affairs)
The only challenge for the Saints is that unless the Falcons slip up next week and hand the Saints the #1 seed (and the Falcons are playing the Panthers, so I do not see that one coming) , it looks like the Saints will have to play 3 road games. But they should be able to draw on their experience from last year. With an elite QB like Brees, the Saints should feel really good about their playoff chances.
Matt
without a running game they won't get far. THey don't have the same magic as they did last year but I am happy that they didn't completely screw up this year.
On the issue of a running attack, last time I checked the Patriots don't really have a killer rushing attack, and they score points in bunches ...they rely on Brady's ability to work the short passing game. Then when teams drop the safety to cover, they sprinkle in the run. Similarly, I trust Drew Brees to make the right decisions (I saw it first hand against the Steelers this year) in the passing game.
Now assuming the Saints draw the NFC West winner, they won't need a running game to defeat either team. Then, if they go to Atlanta, they have already proven that they are on par with the Falcons (winning a 3 point game and loosing a 3 point game in OT). While beating Atlanta again in Atlanta would be a huge challenge, it is a coin fip game...there is not much separating the two. Besides, the game is in a dome, perfect for the Saints passing attack. Win that and the Saints could easily find themselves in the NFC Championship game.
Now, if the Saints end up as the 6th seed and have to go to Philly for the first game, then I agree, advancing in the playoffs will be a much more onerous task.
If that happens, I doubt the Saints will win again in Atlanta. Not that the Saints aren't capable of winning. I don't put much stock into Mondays game, but the Saints are no slouch, I just believe that Atlanta is the best team in the NFC right now, even though I rightly predicted a Saints victory on Monday.
I am not sure that there was anything intentional about the Falcons loss, but I will say that the Saints did not see the Falcons at 100% effort this week. They will see them at 100% if they see them again this year.
How many times has a team won the Super Bowl back to back or back to back to back. Please tell me someone has done it. I hate to think I gotta hear from those Who Dat all year long if they manage to win again. Those swamp sucking Steelers must of done done it or maybe New England?
I know I could look it up but you know off the top of your head. And by the way, where do you have to go for your next Steelers game.
Just as a side note. Are the Steelers running an NFL team or a hospital ward. Is there anyone not on the injured list. If I was you I wouldn't wear black and gold to the next game. They might just jerk you out of the stands and make you play tight end or something.
Without a strong running game they won't make it far. Al I care about is they beat Atlanta again. They do that I will be happy.
Off the top of my head, the Packers won the first two Super Bowls, then the Dolphins did it (7 and 8), the Steelers did it twice (winning Super Bowl's 9 and 10 and then 13 and 14). I know the 49er's did it in the late 80's, Cowboys did it 1994 and 1995, Broncos did it with Elway (beating the Packers and Falcons back to back), the Patriots won back to back in 2003 and 2004.
So its not as rare an occurrence as you might think
I know I could look it up but you know off the top of your head. And by the way, where do you have to go for your next Steelers game.
Just as a side note. Are the Steelers running an NFL team or a hospital ward. Is there anyone not on the injured list. If I was you I wouldn't wear black and gold to the next game. They might just jerk you out of the stands and make you play tight end or something.
Well, I don't actually "expect" one, but I did nail the Saints game, not to mention Chicago and GB the two other games I went on record here, but I also had Tampa Bay not to mention FIU, but don't ask how I pulled that one out of my ask. rofl
all in all, a pretty good weekend for football. It sure would be nice if my bookie ends up paying for me entire vacation in Colombia.
but sorry Chengster, even though I picked the Saints last night, I would not count on the same results when you have to go back to Atlanta in a few weeks.
for gambling that i've suffered in a long time.
Apology? Is it a cold day in.........? lol
The Mrs. even made things worse by making her own wager on the Falcons.
I'd like to say HELLO fellows but the proper greeting here is ALOHA!
The Mrs. would love to say aloha but she GETTING READY! LOL
I didn't win a single bet yesterday, but still ahead from a pretty decent weekend.
Aloha back at you, I suppose I'll get my apology the day it snows on Maui. lol
