03.12.02

Well, I guess it's safe to jump back into the Saintly waters. After such a disappointing year and horrific 4 game closing I didn't know if I'd ever be ready to get back into it. But, hey...it's only a game and in the grand scheme of things is pretty low when compared to health, family and friends.

So...wtf happened??? Will we ever *really* know? Will we know why the players quit? Will McCarthy's apparent reversion to pre-embryonic thought patterns be explained?? Will we know how and why Haz lost the handle on the TEAM that took the field in 2000?? I'm afraid not....so let's move on.

People are calling for Haz and Mule's firings. How can people be so freaking stupid? Do they have any clue as to what that would mean? Who would come in? Are we ready to start over when we are in the midst of Haz and Mule's rebuilding? NO!!! Get a clue!! Mule and Haz have accomplished more in a shorter amount of time than any GM/Coach tandem prior. We are a mere 2 years...that's TWO YEARS....into this regime. How can any individual be so blinded by panic, so confused by ignorance as to call for the firings of Mule and Haz?? I guess it can be attributed to the Saints history and some who have been conditioned like Pavlov's dog to run around like a headless chickens fearing the sky will crash down on them at any minute when things look bad. It's ok...the sky is firmly attached to the big sphere and all will be ok, Chicken Littles.

Haz has a winning percentage and the first ever playoff win for the Saints. Mule, while not perfect, has displayed something previously lacking from Saintly GMs ...well from Kuharich anyway. He has a brain *and* balls! He has been successful more often than not in the FA market. He scrambled to make due with the raped and pillaged draft picks left behind by Ditkahead and Kuharich.

Fire Mule?? Can Haz?? Not even!!

Don't get me wrong though. I am not a blind loyalist. I'm gonna give them time to right the ship. We've had both ends of the spectrum. I wanna see what 2002 holds in store. I'll give them 3...maybe 4.... years... and if no progress is made.....bye-bye. If 2000 is the only playoff year and 2001 is the norm....I'll bring the tar...you bring the feathers.

But if they improve to over .500 this year...maybe even make a run at the playoffs....in spite of the glaring problems on both lines....well sign 'em up for 4 more years!! I fully support them this year...question them?...yes .....cheer them??? ....I hope!!....Fire them ??? Get on the reality boat!

So the off season is in full swing...it started with the departure of Zook to FLA...good news for the Tigers! Venturi stepped up as DC...which I'm kinda luke warm about but whatcha gonna do? I like him and know he has a great temperament and style...I just hope he can get the job done. The Saints D stunk last year and was a major reason for the demise of the entire year...that and...as I've said for a couple of years...the Saints OL has a hard time run blocking..and in 2001 you could add pass blocking. Brooks had the sophomore stumble and I hope and pray that it will fade and not stunt his growth and development. The Saints live and die with Brooks in 2002!!

But what's the big news thus far?? We traded Ricky to Miami. WOW...I never thought they would when I first heard about the talks and hoped it was nothing but talk but they did. And as the talks progressed I came to understand the reasoning behind it.

Copied from a few of my posts on WdZ...just because I really do not feel like re-typing the same opinions over and over and over...I've already done that there!

Deuce more fits the type of O Haz/McCarthy have in mind. Ricky, while an outstanding RB, is a power back and can not break the long one nor intimidate catching the ball, whereas Deuce has the speed to go the distance and is more of a "WCO RB". He is a true threat out of the backfield to go all the way....he must be taken seriously...... RW wasn't gonna go all the way and was less of a long gain threat receiving. I can't wait to see the new and improved balanced attack ... an attack based around the running of RW wasn't gonna cut it.

While Ricky gave the Saints "an identity" and some national notoriety he just wasn't what the Dr ordered...at least the current Dr. Losing him does not spell the end of the world. Ricky is a heck of a RB and he will be missed but he is not irreplaceable. And what has his presence here really gotten the Saints?? Entire draft lost, another first day set the following year, 8 man fronts, disgruntled comments about NOLA and the Saints, a loon in his pre paxil dayZ...he was really a non-participant the 2000 Shocker season and as I remember his presence on the field last year didn't catapult us to glory.

Do not get me wrong...I like Ricky, believe he is a terrific RB and has the potential to be a HOF.

But the Saints will go on, for better or worse...time will tell! And I can tell you one thing for sure.....it will go on without Ricky....like it or not.

So with Ricky gone...that's why I said earlier...the 2002 Saints will live or die with Brooks...so goes Brooks ...so goes the Saints!

But it Mule has a heck of a task ahead.....improve both lines, upgrade the LB position, pickup a #2 WR (and maybe a possession guy like...oh I don't know...JOSH REED!!!) and get some corners. Well he's got two #1s this year and some FA moves. Carter was signed today and I believe with his brother Reed on the team, as a guidance counselor for him, a locker room presence and on field coach for OJO!!!, Mule has taken a step in the right direction.

Well, FA is in full swing and there may be a bargain or two...maybe a diamond in the rough...that Mule will upgrade the TEAM. Then the draft...I can't wait to watch the turn of events...Mule with two #1's...will he use 'em, bargain with them to move up...move down and get more picks...it will be most interesting to say the least.

07.27.02

An update!?!?!?! WooWhooooooooooooo!!!!

I've been away too long....again. ;) But I've got my reasons. Lots of stuff going on and no time to update. But alas I've waited so long there's too much to talk about in very much depth. Camp started this weekend and that's a good thing! I'm sick of offseason. After last offseason I didn't believe it could get any....err....lively. Boy was I wrong.

Where do I start? Since my last update sooooooo much has transpired and time has faded my initial reactions. That inconjunction with my constant interaction on the WdZ has quelled my desire to discuss it. But this is *my* Saints page..... So I gotta document my opinions and impressions of this year's offseason moves and developments for the sake of posterity! ;)

The FA market was good to the Saints. They signed numerous players to fill numerous holes left by the offseason exodus of players that forgot that football is a team game. JJ's loss is *maybe* the biggest but hey no one player is irreplacable and JJ is getting up there in age. I didn't see him lighting the world on fire last year... adios I wish you well. Roaf was a sour puss since Ditka's last year.... balancing his act between discontented disdain and rah-rah team! Disdain won... AMF. Naeole...AMF. CAM...LMAO, what loss is this? He NEVER played long enough to make a difference!! Glover wanted money and he got it. We don't need an over priced pass rushing DT....AMF. Willie Jackson asked to be shown the money...the Saints showed him the door. He's a good #2 WR but not anything special. I recall his first 7 games as a Saints.... HE STUNK!! Since he's put up good numbers and is a bear to bring down but again no one player is irreplacable....Adios, I wish you well.

I'm not sweating ANY of these losses! ;) I believe we filled the majority of these player losses with only a couple of question marks, namely JJ and WJ replacements. A very very quick rundown on all the FA aquisitions:

Folau and Riley: I love our new OL!! Naeole was weak and confused most of the time....huge upgrade. These pickups will give us the run blockers we need to make Deuce a threat to break it. Brooks will have the time the junior QB needs to find his speedy targets!!

Cox: I like this pickup alot. He's an oldie but a goodie! His competetive fire and firey attitude will help the LB and the D in general. He'll see playing time and will help tutor the young LBs. Hodge and Allen strong young students learning quickly and Clemmons stepping up in defending the run and a terror blitzing the QB! Hey, it could happen.

Pathon: Injuries....hmmmmif he can get and stay 100%...good pick up! Horn, Pathon and Stallworth....CAN'T WAIT to see this group in action with a more refined Brooks.

Horn, Pathon, Donte become the most feared WR corps in the NFC ...not to mention....

Sloan: SUPERB pickup. Man what will it be like to have a real receiving threat at TE. This pickup could put McCarthy's O over the top...LOOK OUT NFL! ;)

Jackson: Huge! If he and Hand can keep lean and mean throughout (with Chase in the mix) .... no where to run to baby....no where to hide. He adds meat and depth... deep meat? ...at DT....good pickup.

Carter & Reed: Well Dale seemed to slip and has been loss for a minimum of 6 games (remains to be seen). This hurts...big time! He was gonna solidify the secondary but his poor judgement cost him and the Saints....maybe Mule as well. But I believe Hawthorne steps up...Thomas shines....Carter, Craver and Irvin play well enough!!

Reed was to babysit Dale....oops! Maybe Jake will stick around during Dale's suspension...assuming DC isn't out for the year. Jake's addition doesn't help the team on the field but in addition to helping with DC he's a positive factor in the locker room. Probably a wasted spot nless he's shown the door with DC.

I think this pickup has thus far come back to bit Mule on the ass.....but wait his ass is in Seattle. Benson fired Mule!! I remember my disbelief when I first heard....then anger at Benson...then I calmed down and thought things out. Benson is not gonna do anything to hurt the New Orleans Saints. Mule has made some questionable FA pickups inspite of warnings from other GMs or past history. OUCH....monkeybite on the ass. He was in a power struggle with Benson's bud Fielkow. OUCH ....field_kow bite on the ass.

I believe Tom did what was, in his opinion best, for the New Orlenas Saints and while, on the surface, the firing appears a poorly timed bad decision...maybe it was for the best....time will tell. Bad timing ..no doubt. Potential to snow ball and turn 2002 into crap...maybe. But it sure isn't the kiss of death...as long a Haz stays (and signs). If Benson says Mule was a problem..then that's that. I have absolutely no doubt weasel Fielkow is behind the firing too.... he's the lil voice in Benson's ear pointing out any and all of Mule's questionable moves.

I can see Mule wanting more power and Benson not wanting his biz run that way or Benson getting po'd because Mule assumed more power than Benson wanted one man to have...of course being reminded all the while by Fielkow. Truth be told we'll probably never know all the details or all the truths. While I didn't agree Benson should have fired Mule initially ...he did. Sorry to see him go...he's a great GM. Who *really* knows what happened? But it's history now...like the 1980 season. ....history like the 2000 season! I'm glad Mule left his mark on the team through the 2002 draft/FAs.It's over!!! Adios.

Where are the question marks on this team....where are the weaknesses.....where are the strengths?? Horn o plenty! Of course these quetions and their answers are all tightly intertwined. Sticking to the biggies:

RB: aka Deuce filling the lil shoes (small hands...small feet...small....OUCH! ;) of Ricky Williams I discussed this last time. I see Deuce making the O something RW couldn't ... long yardage quickly, potent and versatile!

TE: DOH! Easy.....Sloan a a TE....we haven't had a solid blocking/catching TE in years. This is one of if not the biggest pickup. Throw in a blossoming Boo...we're looking awesome.

WR: Is Horn *still* the only threat? Pathon's been nicked up a bit and Donté is a rook. I can see Donté making an impact this year in as much in he'll draw coverage. I think he'll have a relatively smoother transition that most WRs have into the NFL. His size, speed and strength...he'll get loose from DBs at the line and catch some balls. Other teams will have to show him some respect least be burned. A lot rides on Pathon's healing powers/durability.

OL: aka loss of Roaf and I guess to *some* degree Naeole

I see Turley filling in nicely for Roaf...he will thrive! The new faces along the line...the FAs and especially rookie LeCharles Bentley....have made this OL as strong as the one we were suppose to have last year. The run blocking will be vastly improved with large FAs driving and raging rookies ala Bentle setting the mentality of the OL. With Turley and Bentley this OL can't help but be the meanest in the NFL. Turley Folau Williams Fontenot LeCharles Riley Jacox.....I like it!!

If Pathon can stay in, Donte makes noise, the OL and Deuce live up to potential/expectations... the Saints will have a top five O....and that's a good thing.

Defense: LBs, CBs and Linemen oh my!

DL is a big one, literally. The middle of it coulda woulda shoulda be fine with the three big imovable objects we've got in there ...as long as they don't get too big. That would be a bad thing. The DE is in cabale hands of Howard and Whitehead/Grant...TRUST ME!

The short (no pun intended) and long of CBs? Hawthorne steps up...Thomas shines....Carter, Craver and Irvin play well enough!! Pressure will be on the opposing QBs again from the Saints D and that's a good thing. It'll make the secondaries job that much easier.

LBs? Been there .....done that enough for now. This things getting long and in this case that's not a good thing.

This year the D will be vastky improved, top 10, and that's a good thing.

09.07.02

Well it's here! The 2002 regular season and the wait has been horrible. This off season turned out just as high stress as last year. But it's over now...and the last "controversial" issue has been resolved, Brooks was signed last night. Wooowhoooo! Now get it done on the field AB. The Saints have gotten all their ducks in a row ....less the Dale Carter suspension which the NFL should notify him soon of the length of his suspension...hurry back we need ya!!!

It's time to kick some NFL ass!! Where's that TEAM?? That hungry tough ass TEAM??? It's here and it's gonna open up a can of whoop ass on the unsuspecting NFL!! Mark my words!

I expect BIG things this year....lots of pleasant surprises....but this isn't a big surprise! I'm a Saints fan. But this year the Saints have some weapons on offense...the likes we haven't seen since Archie's Pro Bowl days.

The Saints face the bucs...the team that highlighted the beginning of the collapse of the "team" in 2001. What a way to start a new division rivalry. That stinging loss still haunts the players left from that squad and I trust the ones partially responsible for the loss of the "team" and for the lack of desire to win are gone. The TEAM remaining and the newest additions have the fire. They will fight the fight until the end...never give up. The Haz fire has returned.

I think this O is gonna be deadly but as I've said before it goes as Brooks goes....SO LET'S GO AB! Make the reads, set your feet, DO NOT throw the ball up as you fall away from it. The contract Loomis/Mule signed him too rightfully and expectedly has an bonus paid over two years...the second being an option. So I pray Brooks makes that option...that his growth phase has peaked and he's ready to tear it up like ....ummmmm.... a top 5 QB?

The bucs have a new coach...the savior Gruden. While this will improve their offensive potential it will be limited by the lack of quality on the OLine and at QB...until King makes it back in. And I do not expect them to have all the kinks worked out of the new system Gruden has implemented...on either side of the ball. Don't get me wrong. They're a talented team and will win some games but not this Sunday.

This year Deuce will show why he's the better all around back and it starts this Sunday...running up the middle, around the end, changing direction, making defenders miss!.....catching the ball...making things happen...Deuce will get 187 total yds and two TDs. The new and improved OLine will live up to the expectations we had about last year's and then some!

Sloan was a HUGE addition to the offense...again I'll say it, this was the most important of season FA addition...on the O fo sho. Boo has grown physically and mentally into the TE position. We've got some TEs that can do more than block. It will greatly aid in opening the O.

Horn, Pathon, Stallworth, Lewis, Reed..... we've got a good group of receivers and lots of speed. I can't wait to watch the fun. Donté will grow this year but will make his presence felt on the field. Horn will be Horn...Pathon is a quick WR that's been nicked and must remain healthy. If not I won't be too disappointed to see Horn, Donté and Lewis as 1, 2, 3. Brooks has the weapons he just has to learn how to use them correctly...make his reads, run when he has to and don't force the ball in there. Brooks has 3 TDs and 287yds passing...67 yds running. ;)

The special teams will be special....look for Lewis to gain major yardage on the kicks. No TD this week but it's nice to play on a short field! Mix in the hungry young guys, lead by moldie oldie McAfee...the snot will hit the turf Sunday! Watch it out there...it's gonna be slippery!!

The D is a concern. They stuffed the run with the beefed up DLine....but seemed soft on the corners. Let's hope it's a growing pain thing...one that was more due to preseason schemes and players. The LBs have to step up...BIG TIME! The DLine will apply the pressure, hopefully easing the pressure on the secondary. I like the group we have in the back.....I feel much better if Carter was back there. But this group will suffice until Carter is reinstated. The D gets 3 sacks, lots of pressure and 2 pics.

Saints WIN!!!

Saints 34
bucs 23

09.11.02

Woooowhooooo! Way to begin the season...a divisional win on the road! Saaaweeeet!

It looked like the Saints would roll on to an easy win but hey it's the Saints and dare ain't nuttin' easy in the Big Easy. The Bucs came back to tie the game in a frantic and nerve wrecking final 4 minutes of the 4th. Sure there were missed opportunities to seal the deal and avoid the overtime....a uncharacteristic drop by Horn that would have given the Saints a 1st down with under 2 minutes. Irvin dropped an int that wraps the day moments later. EGADS!! Gotta learn to catch those boys. Gotta learn to put the opponent away Haz/McCarthy. Gotta apply the pressure that shut them down throughout the rest of the game Venturi. Gotta dance with the one that brung ya! Learn it, Live it, Know it.....

Man I hate OT!! Like Saints games aren't enough of an emotional roller coaster in regulation and this one got down to 2:50 remaining before the tie was official. A tie the Saints didn't deserve...nor the bucs for that matter. The Saints whipped them for 3.5 quarters. BUT......that doesn't matter now....cause the special teams came through....ain't it great!? However some credit must go to the D...the Bucs had a short field to work with throughout the OT but the D stood strong...bending not breaking. Eventually the pushed the Bucs around enough and the O got just enough yardage to pin TB inside the 10 after an ill-advised fielding of a Johnson punt. Three and out.... TB back to punt.... FastFreddie McAfee beats his man and grabs the TB punter, Tupa, who throws a lame, last-gasp, lefty toss to rookie James Allen for the TD. *whew*

A quick look at the game showed some very good things. AB looked better than he has in making his reads and standing in the pocket. Speaking of the pocket, he never had that last year. BOTH Lines, Defense and Offense, played great! While there wasn't gaping holes for Deuce to ramble through, they did protect Brooks well. Speaking of Deuce he showed he's the better back for the Saints than ricky could ever hope to be. I wish ricky well but I'd take Deuce over him any day. Deuce made hard yards against the middle of a very good Bucs DLine. Partly due to the superb coming out party for the new OLine and LeCharles in particular. Bentley had a great game...he's a fine OLineman and will make a run for Rookie of the Year!

The Saints' DLine had relentless pressure on Johnson. Granted the Bucs OLine is as weak as I expected but who cares...no time to pass and no place to run. The middle of the line played as expected and will be the terror of the NFL...no place to run because of the meat in the middle. The speed on the corners....Grant and Whitehead applied the QB pressure....closing u the quickly disappearing pocket...a meat pocket.

This Saints team will lose some games this year...maybe ;)

....but they will make some BIG TIME noise in the NFL this year.

Next up.... Farve and the Green Bay Packers. And us without our #1 cover guy, Dale Carter, and Fred Thomas. Thomas' had surgery on his broken hand Tuesday and may actually be able to play Sunday. Unbelievable! However the Saints pick up Fahkir somebody?.... Brown? And I expect K. Craver to display the rewards of his accelerated learning curve.....he's gonna turn some heads!!! More on the Battle of the Bays II soon.

09.13.02

Tough home opener! Farve is a play maker and the Saints have a questionable secondary...one that will be tested early and often by Farve, his WRs and TEs. The Saints MUST step up! Thomas will probably play with a soft cast so at least we aren't totally depleted. I expect BIG things from our rookie class this year so Craver will make his presence felt. Hawthorne must quietly get the job done....Knight is gonna hawk the ball for at least one pick....give the other to Irvin....call it redemption.

How will our "weak" secondary come away with two INTs?? PRESSURE!! Watch the blitz package worked up for Farve....speed kills and Clemmons, Whitehead, Grant, Howard......they got it and Farve will feel the heat..... from the ends and with a large push up the middle from the LunchBunch. The same MeatyMiddle that will keep Green in check and under 100 yds for the day. Green will find the yardage tough...he may find the endzone but it'll only be once. Farve gets sacked twice and pressured all day. Tough day for the man playing in "his" backyard.

Sure the Packers will score some points but not enough. Not enough to keep pace with the Saints. If the falcons can light it up versus their D...I sure as heck guarantee the Saints can...and will!

JJ's homecoming will be less than spectacular as Turley will keep him in check for the majority of the game. The entire Saints OLine will dominate the GB DLine...and with Brooks having time to throw...it's gonna be a thing of beauty. Horn and Donté get TDs and Deuce will have wide open turf ahead of him. Deuce catches a TD and runs another in. Brooks get 357 yds and Deuce gains 157 on the ground.

Special teams were truly special last week when it counted and look for them to have a helluva homecoming. Lewis takes a kick in for the score and gives the Saints a short filed the rest of the day.

Saints WIN!!!

Saints 38
pack 17

09.18.02

What a terrific day in the dome! The atmosphere was electric....it felt like a playoff game. Some complain that there were too many Packer/Farve fans....while there were several thousand it added to the atmosphere. It was fun! And of course, the Saints kicking the Pack's ass only increased exponentially the fun factor! ;)

What a pleasant change it is to take the openning drive down for a score. No stalling in the redzone and settling for a FG attempt. Getting up early does so much for the D's motivation...not that the D isn't motivated if we do not score but that lead makes them hungrier to hold the other team....getting up early and building on the lead goes a long way in setting up the Saints D to play the type of D they'll need to play at this point. THe other team now becomes more hurried to make something happen, is more apt to give abandon the run early and pass. This allows the Saints D to pin back there ears a pressure the QB. As I've said repeatedly this DLine is as good or better than the line from 2000-2001! No doubt...meaty middle and quick on the ends... ask Farve, he knows what I mean. Only a couple of sacks but Farve was hurried and hit ALL DAY LONG! The hard hitting D caused a fumble that Craver scooped up and returned for a TD. It was beautiful! And made up for a TD the Pack got as a result of a Brooks INT.

Unfortunately the Saints had some injuries. Injuries to an established stud on ST, MacAfee, and one to an quckly rising NFL star, Craver. Both aren't as bad as initially feared and that's great becasue the Saints can use them both back in the lineup. But I've got a feeling on this TEAM...the 2002 Saints...someone will step up, rise to the ocassion and plug the holes seamlessly.

The O looked good....again (hear Forrest Gump). The new and imporved OLine continues to shine....protecting Brooks and openning holes for Deuce. Deuce had a long TD run called back on a marginal holding call but got it back later with the aid of a terrific block from the OldMan...Fontenot. Horn is definitely the go to man and D's still can not stop the man. He had over 100 yds recieving....again (hear FG). Donté showed another glimpse of things to come with a TD....again (FG). He's quick and will have a huge impact on how opposing teams D's handle the potent Saints O! ....hehe....potent Saints O.... haven't written that phrase too often......hmmmmm .....well never. I love it!

The Bears are up next...the other 2-0 NFC team. They've got a great D and a good RB. It's gonna be a great game....hard hitting, just like I like it!

09.20.02

Big game....huge game...and it's only September! All games are huge really but this could have ramifications down the line for playoff scenarios.

Not only a huge game but a very very tough game. Da bears are a good team....good D, solid O...2-0 just like us. But they have some key injuries on D that I believe will give us the edge. Two starters on the DLine and one of their starting corners....OUCH! I know they've got backups that can play and must step up in order for them to win....step up like the Saints backups have seemed to do. But they're gonna fall short....they are gonna be the weak link, one that even future HOFer Urlacher can not over come.

Deuce will find enough daylight to keep the drives going. Keaton is supposed to see some playing time this week as well and that's great. Keep Deuce's legs fresh and give the D another speedy RB to worry about around the corners! Deuce scores on a long run...again. (FG)

Brooks should find the time to hit the Saints deadly WRs. He's looked solid thus far and makes the proper reads. If I'm not mistaken he even looked off Donté last week. Brooks goes for 311 yards through the air with three TDs. Horn will get his 100 yards and finally get his first of many TDs for 2002. Donté will score....again (FG). I see the TEs getting more involved here...what a way to keep Urlacher busy!! A TE will score a TD...Sloan or Boo doesn't matter which as long as the TE becomes a concern for the bears D. Well actually a Sloan TD would be nice since he *is* on my Fantasy team! ;)

The ST has been good but Carney did miss a FG last week and Lewis put the ball on the turf although nothing came of it. He must hold the ball...and WILL. Lewis gets back to preseason form and keeps the Saints in good field position all day.

The Saints D has got to continue the QB pressuring ways. Great job D and great game plan Rick! Keep it up and the Saints will have no problem keeping the bears offense in check. THe MeatyMiddle has proven to be a HUGE plus and the push up the middle with the speed from Whitehead and Grant....QB snacks all day! With the LunchBunch in the middle there will be NO PLACE to run!!

Saints WIN!!!

Saints 31
bears 20

09.23.02

How sweet was that? Can you say heart attack? Can you say stress test??

What a terrific display of a TEAM not giving up! One that believes in itself! One that knows, until the final gun sounds, the game is NOT over!

After playing the first quarter with three...count them, 1...2...3...3 turnovers...turnovers that GAVE the Bears 13 points, the Saints finally came to life in the middle of the second quarter. The Saints had no first downs to that point and had spotted the Bears 20 points. The D held their ground and gratefully only gave up those 13 off over the turnovers...it could have been 21. GOOD JOB D!! Sure the secondary looked porous at times without the pressure the DLine had put on QBs in the past. The ATrain had some runs and gain 100+ yards. But the stiffen when needed and the secondary was tough enough. And this was mainly early in the game (and on the last drive)...other than that they did a solid job. Hawthorne made up for some soft coverage earlier with some game saving tackles late... after Sammy Knight had cleaned his clocked by accident. Ooops! ;) Speaking of Sammy....WAY TO GO!! Nice pick in the endzone to finally and completely end it....saving the old ticker from undo stress and unnecessary scar tissue. Fred Thomas....great game!

Deuce found the running tough. The Bears D is tough. Deuce did manage some key runs and catches. No 100 yard day but he did well to keep the D honest.

Brooks, after some early misqueues, played well. He's matured and it's showing. He looked like the AB of 2000....having fun and "knowing" they can always win the game...no matter what. He threw three TDs...Horn did finally get his first and Donté got his weekly dose......again. (FG) Pathon is looking solid and it is obvious Brooks is now making his reads..because Pathon is getting more balls. The D locks on Horn ...and Donté to a degree...so Pathon gets his balls. This will surely pay the expected dividends ....NOW what WR do the opposing Ds cover??? I love it!!!

Great job Saints!! 3-0!!! Keep tthe roll going!! No let up against Detroit.....at 0-3 the Lions are very very dangerous.

One game at a time!!

09.27.02

This game is very dangerous game. One that smell like an "easy" win...but reeks of upset due to over confidence. Let's not even go there. It ain't gonna happen! Haz won't let it happen!! This TEAM won't let it happen!!!

AB & Co should score with ease. The lions D is very very suspect, allowing 39 points/game. So what do you think? TDs baby!! Brooks should be able to tear up the secondary...passing for 300+ yards and 3 TDs. Deuce will catch some balls show casing his speed there and out of the back field, gaining 145yds. Horn...TD...again. Donté ....TD...again. Sloan...TD...finally (for the sake of my FF team). I see a scoring bonanza for the potent Saints offense.

The question is how does the D hold up to Harrington's second "coming out" party. He looked pretty good last week but I think now that the Saints have some tape on him...a luxury the Pack didn't have...the defensive schemes put in place...the disguised coverages and blitz packages... the Saints D = baptism by fire.

Sure we've got some injuries in a secondary that can't afford any...in a LB corps that can't afford any...but the questionables will play with heart and the subs will step up....lead by seasoned TEAM-oriented veterans in Cox and Knight. Two INTs and lots of pressure, four sacks and lots of hard hits on Harrington & Co.

Saints WIN!!!

Saints 42
lions 17

10.01.02

This game was very dangerous game. One that smelled like an "easy" win...but reeked of upset due to over confidence. PU!!

I give credit where credit is due...Detroit played a heckuva game. They were the better team on the field that Sunday. However.....

For the second week in a row the Saints spot the other team 20 first half points...this time they feel a tad short in the come back...DAMN! But let's put this loss behind us, shall we? I know I don't want to dwell on it much longer but I do want to point out a few concerns, observations and thoughts.

In Chi the DLine looked flat...in Det they both did. MUST MAKE IT STOP!! The Saints loss this game for one simple reason...they loss the battle in the trenches! Without protection AB will not find his WRs. He'll get the ball stripped (returned for a TD...UGH!!). Deuce will be beat to a pulp fighting and scratching for every inch. Don't get me wrong he ran well and made the tough yards but the OLine had GOT to open the holes...just for a moment. They have GOT to give AB some time. Donté tweaked his left hammy...in warmups no less. He'll be missed this week. Horn's got a bruised knee...ouch. Tough game on what appears to be a terrible field, one that generates plenty of injuries (see Det, GB, Saints...).

One word on Slaon...CATCH THE BALL!!!!!!!!! Ok that was three but you know what I mean. I'll attribute that one game to homecoming jitters. We need ya now more than ever with Donte out this week and Horn gimpy. K? K

The DLine got NO PRESSURE....MUST GET PRESSURE ON THE QB!!! CAN'T BREATH...... :D

Whitehead has a broken fibula (see turf comments above...DAMN!) and went out early but the younger guys have got to step it up. Grant, Howard...come on guys! The push in the middle wasn't there this week....Mackie needs to increase these guys calorie intake! Not a lot of blitzes....hmmmm. With no pressure on the QB our secondary's weaknesses are apparent. If the Saints are sacrificing the blitz for the sake of an extra body in the secondary....DON'T!!! The front 4 isn't applying the heat on a regular basis and even with the extra body back there helping in coverage...a QB *and* a WR with time will find a seam...will find an opening. Come on guys....LET'S KNOCK THE SNOT out of these QBs!!!!

Special teams....we've got to get the ball in the endzone at least sometimes on kickoffs. If Gowin's still hurt...sit him. Lewis...I luv ya Berrman...but RUN!!! Stop waiting for the seam and MAKE the seam. Get a head of steam going and GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! You can do it...

Time to move on...onward and upward...One Game @ a Time!!! Next up... the Steelers. And they have a hard time defending the pass....hmmmmmm. :D

10.04.02

Man we really need to get back to earlier form wrt our line play.

Need PRESSURE on the QB! Howard and Grant have to play their A game! I think the Meaty Middle will be able to stop da run and get that old push up the middle on passing downs. I'd love to see our CBs play a little tighter...the quick pass can kill us. The D has to play as a TEAM...this week...every week. The line helping the coverage...and the coverage helping the line. The WRs can not be allowed room off the line..that extra second or two will all the heat from the line to hit it's mark...the QB!

Horn's gotta be effective playing nicked....I'm sure he'll give it his all...tough competitior! Pathon, Reed, Sloan, Boo...gotta get open and catch the damn ball!! If AB gets the time....he can deliver. Deuce is effective running or catching. This week I'd like to see him get the ball more as a reciver...oh sure he and Keaton need to get 25-30 but I see Deuce killing the steelers more as a reciver!

SAINTS WIN!!

Saints 31
steelers 23

10.10.02

WOW the work week sure is a nicer place to be after a win. I hate waiting this long to post my recaps because it so close to next week and the high of the win is somewhat dulling. I'll have to do better at getting these up earlier.

What can you say...Deuce is an all purpose back And speedy.....he appeared to be running into the intercept line of several defenders...but turned on the afterburners and ...*POOF*...he was gone. He gets the tough yards up the gut and is a major threat out of the backfield as a reciever. Deuce is the better RB for this TEAM..PERIOD!

Brooks played a good game. Both lines played well....it's the kind of overall efforts the Saints will need if they are to continue to win.

Sure Bettis got some yards...the screen killed us a few times. The Saints have some weaknesses in the secondary...the CBs...the LBs....weakness highlighted but injuries they could not afford. But they are doing enough and the Saints O is deadly...able to outscore any threat....well except for that Lion threat ;)

The D MUST get better....I think they will once some injured players get back. The DLine got some pressure and this is going to be a MUST week in - week out for the Saints to win.

Time will tell...as for now....I LOVIN' 4-1!!!! WOOOOOWHOOOOOOOOOO!!!

10.12.02

5-1?? 4-2? ....which will it be? Let's take a quick look.

The Saints O is potent, no doubt about that. When the OLine plays solid ball...gives AB time and creates some creases for Deuce...wooowhoooooo! Points baby!! There's been more TDs than FGs lately and ya gotta love that. AB has been the QB the Saints (and I) hoped for and needed. He's poised and accurate when given time. He's making better decisions under pressure and on the run. He's getting better each week and I look for the trend to continue.

Deuce has been the RB the Saints wanted and needed....reading the holes correctly, waiting for the blocks to develop, quick and powerful runner up the gut or around the end, and out of the backfield...yet another receiver the D has to account for... I LOVE IT! Horn has a banged up knee but he's playing and is effective. Pathon has step up nicely...making clutch catches and proving to be a scoring threat all hi own. Donté...get well...SOON! Sloan has been a bit of a disappointment to me from the receiving end f his job...he must get more involved and by all means..CATCH THE BALL when they throw to ya. Thanks. ;) I'd like to see Boo get more involved..all in due time I reckon'. I'd like to see Keaton get some more carries to add a different twist, get him some game experience and rest Deuce effectively.

What can the redskins D do about all of this?? Not much....hehehe. They've got a good DLine that has been hot and cold and is very thin. That means tired players and if Gardener can't be effective due to back problems it will hurt them and help us. Going against the Saints OLine is gonna be a huge test for this line and I don't see them winning the battle...Saints win the battle in this trench.

The redskins have some good CBs in Champ and Smoot....they can be dangerous. But once Deuce gets his mojo working they have to play the run more closely....BAM...Horn, Pathon, Sloan....believe it. The entire redskins D has been on again, off again...they were on last week...so what do you think? ;)

Moving over to the redskins offense. I would rather face Weurffel than Ramsey...but so be it. Ramsey insertion into the lineup is gonna do wonders for the redskins O. Ramsey is the quinessential NFL QB and is gonna have a great career but this week is gonna be a baptism by fire...I hope. The Saints should show him more zone...more disguised coverage/blitz packages that will have this very intelligent poise young QB as confused as a nursing baby in a topless bar. I look for at least two turnovers from him...an INT and a blind side strip?? :D

Stephen Davis...one awesome RB! He must be contained. His knee is gimpy and I think this will lower his overall effectiveness and impact. The MeatyMiddle should be able to plug the middle on him...the redskins OLine is average. And his gimpy knee will limit his speed around our soft-ish end.

The Saints better come prepared for a revitalised redskin offense.....running Spurrier's fun-n-gun with a real QB at the helm. They MUST get to him!! They must disguise, blitz, and knock the snot out of anyone with the ball!! I love a hard hitting D!!

Anything else?? Oh yes...REVENGE!!! The Saints were humiliated and down right had their collective asses handed to them but the skins last year.

Also...in spite of Spurrier's crawfish out of his comments about Haz's work schedule and Haz's own dismissal of them....don't buy it. Haz wants to shove this one right up that redskined gator's arse!!

So what does all this mean??

5-1!!!

SAINTS WIN!!!

Saints 37
redskins 23

10.16.02

Did someone say 5 - 1 !!

Nice ring to it..... I know I like it. :D

Well the day started off very badly for Ramsey...and got worse. 2 INTS on the first two series ( 4 on the day but should have been 7)....a fumble by Davis. The Saints got some points off of the early turnovers but I'd like to see more TDs and less FGs.....but points be points I reckon....and a W is a W.

The Saints D was all over Ramsey and I LOVED IT! Six sacks....hits and hurries most of the day. That's the way to get the QBs antsy...throwing errant passes and imaginary receivers. Howard looks like he's back on track...his absence from the opposing teams backfield has been missed...WELCOME BACK!! There was that screen (AGAIN) for the TD.....GOTTA STOP THE SCREEN! Great job overall D....keep it up! Some injuries to the Saints LB and CB corps are tough....couldn't have hit a more banged up part of the TEAM. Clemons is day to day....ok. Get well soon! Hawthorne is out 1-3 weeks...not good. We can't afford injuries to our secondary....even though Hawthorne's coverage is kinda loose at times....he makes the tackles. He's been a little slow to develop into the talent I though he had the potential for....maybe it'll come. Regardless....we need him. Keyou is out for another week...heck we may not see him until after the Bye....he looked good and I'd like to see him on the field, contributing and developing.

The O looked a little flat early....that and the Redskins D was playing very tough. He the FGs not TDs on dem turnovers. But they warmed up soon enough. Brooks had one bad throw but otherwise did well. Pathon...where were you man...see you this weekend? We miss Donte but Reed stepped up and got a TD.....way to go old man! That other guy...what his name?? Tuba? ....no Horn...he played like...well Horn. He made the tough catches and added another TD to add to his total...which is kinda light so far. Come on man....you're my starting FF WR!! Lewis even made some good catches ...way to go Beerman!

Speaking of Lewis...CONGRATULATIONS!! Two returns for TDs in one game....I believe only accomplished before by 7 players. 356 combined yards in a game....# 3 on the all time list. Keep it up...your story is a great one and can only get better!

Well, the hated whiners are coming to town this week....what will the Saints have in store for them? I know one thing for sure.....cold hard hitting revenge for the ass whoopin' last year will be on item on the menu.

10.19.02

Huge game this week with far reaching consequences. The win puts the Saints on top of any future tie breakers wrt home field in the...dare I say the word this early...playoffs, it gets the Saints one step closer to the...playoffs, keeps the momentum on the Saints side easing up to the Bye in two weeks and keeps the Saints in 1st in the NFC South......yep, HUGE GAME! Can the Saints do it?

The Saints have yet put together a "complete game"...one in which the offense, defense and special teams produce the big plays via game-long solid play. The D keeps giving up that big play or two....the O has a turn over....the ST get that flag or miss a FG, although last week the ST done good. ;)

We know the Saints offense is capale of putting the point on the board so this week we'll see that some more....only .....hmmmmmm, whatdaya know...NO TURNOVERS! Brooks will use his fancy footwork to make the whiners pay for anypressure they *may* get and the weakened whiner secondary will give it up BIGTIME! I'm hoping to see Donte in there alittle this week and that will give the whiner secondary fits. Deuce may find some of the yards tough but he'll break some long ones and as usual should be a scoring threat as a receiver. Using the Saints weapons effectively and getting the ball to the receivers McCarthy/Brooks will open up the running lanes. Look for Brooks to throw for at least 240 yds and rush for another 50 on his way to 4 TDs (two passing two rushing). Deuce will contribute with 113 yds rushing and 55 receiving....2 TDs. Horn continues his catching ways with 105 yds and a TD. Thanks in advance guys! B~)

The Saints D must smack around Garcia...I say it every week and I hate to be repeticious but the Saints have got to get pressure to make it work! I believe the HeavyLunch will be too munch for the whiner OLine...push the pocket....push up the middle and silent death from the end!.....off the blitz! BAM!! I wanna see Garcia get up and have to literlly "shake it off"...like those old Looney Tunes cartoons. The Dome need to play that sound Looney Tuners made. But oh not....don't let the hitting stop there....someone please knock the snot out of Owens. His antics on MNF follwed but his "race defense" regaurding the commotion that's followed, a big to do that he wanted, this week warrant a good ass whoopin' .....thanks in advance Sammy and Fred. But hold on.....that's not all...tell them what they've won Jay! An ass whoopin' on the RB Commitee... Hearst and Barlow. :D Seriously, this is were the whiners have done it this year...on the ground...so it's imperative the MeatyMiddle stuff the run up the gut and the outside lane be shutdown someone! Anyone:? Thanks in advance.

The Special Teams should continue to be very special this week .....Lewis goes yard. Thanks on advance.

So...Can the Saints do it?? It's gonna be a tough game for sure. And VERY LOUD! The Saints want revenge for last year...the fans need it....the whiners deserve it.....so they'll get it!!

SAINTS WIN!!!

Saints 42
whiners 24

10.23.02

WOW! What an emotional and physical drain....that game was exciting to the last second. One of the most exciting in the Dome...up there with the playoff win.

The first half was very frustrating....the Saints couldn't get anything going on offense and couldn't stop the whiners. Garcia was getting the ball off just as the pressure got there. He got hit a few times but the damage was done. The whiners kicked the Saints butt the first half.....good thing there are two halves in a whole and the Saints needed the second to get out of the hole they dug for themselves.

Deuce, Horn, Pathon, Reed....under the young guiding hand of Brooks did well in the second half. The 3rd down conversion efficiency was spectacular...not as good as the whiners on this Sunday....but the Saints have been smoking third downs all year long and that's a very important factor towards keeping the drive and clock moving.

Deuce is leuce!! I can't say enough about this man....he's lived up to and beyond my expectations...glad to have him.

Lewis performed well on ST ....helping the Saints play on a short field the second half. Brooks is on fire and continues looking like he'll be spending some time in Hawaii this year. Deuce maybe his roommate! :D Horn doesn't like to fly but may take the cruise over with Lewis. GREAT JOB GUYS!!

The D finally stepped up in the second half...spectacular! Owens I believe only caught one ball in the second half and I think because Garcia was getting hurried and throwing the ball a tad high. TO was AFRAID to go up and get it. I'm sure he was thinking and still aching from a great stick in the first half by Sammy(I believe). GOOD POP! Hand's hammy is a little tender (what is it with hamstrings this year????) and his lack of presence on the field was noted. While Chase did/does a great job....it much mo better to have the complete HeavyLunch than the Lighten Up Special...the Bye comes at a good time!

The D made the stops when they counted...they got the turnovers when they were needed most. The fumble and the Irvin INT. I don't think the Dome has been any louder...every...as when Irvin stepped in front of that pass....WOW!

As a Saints fan, there was no better place to be than in the Dome on that day.

10.24.02

The falcons are coming to town and that means one thing.......fried falcon for lunch. Mmmmmm...tastes like chicken!

The falcons game is a divisional game...that makes it BIG. A win for the Saints means a 3.5 game lead over the falcons, the bucs can't catch us during our off week and a 7-1 record half way through the season....

and 7-1 sounds better than 6-2!! HUGE GAME!! ....ain't they all? ;)

The falcons are better than their record...that's sometimes a cliche but it's true here...really. Their 3 losses were close and 1 in OT. They've got a good D...ranked 6th in the NFL. Of course they've also played the likes of Carolina, the Bengals and the inconsistent Giants...that's their three Ws....that's part of that #6 ranking. Don't get me wrong, they're good....Philips' 3-4 is solid...playing to their strengths, LBs. I know the Saints can score on them.... Brooks is at the top of his game, the OLine is playing fantastic, Deuce is Leuce and the WRs are catching most everything thrown their way. The falcons won't be able to handle the Saints OLine or speed at WR or Deuce!

The concern comes in the form of a QB named Vick. He hasn't thrown much but he also hasn't turned the ball over....which means he's due! :D He's a threat running...BIG TIME! He is the falcons leading rusher!! The Saints have to stay home...confuse him with different zone looks....but stay in your lanes. I think the Saints will be able to handle Vick and minimize the damage he can do with his legs...and he ain't gonna beat the Saints with his arm and the falcon WRs.

SAINTS WIN!!!

Saints 32
falcons 22

11.04.02

I took my BYE.  :)

Tough loss to the dirty birds at home in the Dome...we'll have to repay that by taking the W from them in their house!!

The D was HORRIBLE in the second half. The BS penalty on Bentley that called back Deuce's long TD and the turnovers in the first half was the difference....period. THe Saints are better than that. THe DLine was getting handled the second half...why?? Well Hokie actually discussed it and I couldn't agree more....they were too high....standing up and therefore getting pushed around...why?? Cause they were trying to keep an eye on Vick and to do that they had to get higher than they should have...the first few series that brought the heat on Vick...pressued and sacked him. But one scramble and they were staying home with their heads up....getting pushed around....gotta fix that Rick V...soon!! The Saints travel to Atlanta in two weeks....but first things first...the panthers.

The Saints have been a very very pleasant surprise through the first 8 games. They beat some very good teams!! The second half of the season...while against the supposed "lesser" teams of the NFL are just as important...DUH, right? Well here's to the Saints staying focused, improving the D, keeping it up on O, taking care of business...ONE GAME @ A TIME!

11.10.02

Nothing like waiting til the last minute. It's 2 hours before kickoff and here I sit feverishly typing to get my much sought after Game Preview....the emails have been pouring in!  ;)

Well after a week off I'm ready for some Saints football....and I'm ready for Saints D!!! Dale Carter was finally reinstated and while this will not cure all that ails the Saints D....it will GREATLY HELP!! Venturi has been waiting for his shutdown corner all year....I guess he's been waiting to insert those game plans centered around the fact the Saints have a shutdown CB. I think it will change the Saints looks immensly. It should free up the safties to blitz more and help with run support!

Not only was Carter reinstated during the off week but most if not all the injuried and walking wounded should be all better...no more boo-boos! THIS will be the biggest factor in the vast improvement on D.....Im really really looking forward to seeing Keyou back...he looked to be something special before his injury and I expect him to continue to impress.

The panthers have a D...pretty good one at that but it will fall woefully short in stopping the Saints O....Brooks, Duece, Horn, Donté, Pathon.....should all have great showings. And let's not forget the Beerman...he delivers BIGTIME this week!

SAINTS WIN!!!

Saints 48  panthers 13

11.14.02

Man this week's flown by...and now I'm outta time.

Well the Saints got the job done vs the Panthers....granted it wasn't always pretty and it wasn't always plesant but the results were fantastic...a W!!! THe cardiac kids come through.....again.

Donté had a tough game for the most part....he dropped a few balls but he made up for it in the end by catching yet another TD. This one was the game winner!! Good number 1 pick...thanks Mule.

Not to be outdone....with time running out on the panthers and while Pette tried to muster a drive...BAM..the ball's stripped and none other than the other 3 1, Grant, picks it up and runs it in for a TD as time expired. Thanks Mule.

Dale Carter's first week back was ok...nothing to write home about but I'm guessing as he puts in more practice/game time and gets comfortable back there in the D and with the other guys...he'll make his presence felt.

7-2 and on to Atlanta for revenge!!!

11.15.02

Big game this week....

Ok....a HUGE GAME....really, really, really HUGE!! The Saints can not allow the falcons to pull a game closer *and* get the tie breaker with a sweep of the Saints. Can't happen....ain't gonna happen!!

The Saints are hungry for this game....for this win. They feel that take away the three turnovers the last meeting and holding call that negated Deuce's long TD run.....the Saints beat the falcons last time....the Saint ARE the better team....overall.

Vick is dangerous and he'll make some plays...no doubt about that. But the Saints have more weapons on O and are primed for a HUGE game vs the hated falcons. Bentley's out and it will be interesting to see what effect that has on the running game.

The Saints D has added Carter since the last game....and some speedy playas are back from injury since the last meeting. I think the Saints have learned their lesson on how to handle Vick...and Dunn. They have got to stuff the run....pressure Vick ....pin back the ears go after it and knock the snot out of dem burds.

SAINTS WIN!!!

Saints 41
falcons 28

11.18.02

Swept by the falcons...that sucks. I'm not even gonna get into the refs....they had penalties that weren't called at crucial times that greatly benefited the falcons and killed the Saints...ala the obvious hold on Vick's long pass....and ones that were total BS...the roughing the passer on Hodge.

I thought the D overall played a good game. They stuffed Dunn and for the most part contained Vick.

The offense looked weak. No time for AB to throw....BIG PROBLEM! If not for that late INT the Saints SILL had a shot...even after playing a shaky first few quarters.The run was played too much too early. Give credit to the falcons D and Wade Philips....they had a great defensive game.

Oh well....now the Saints must move on and take care of business this week. Cleveland is coming to town and the Saints MUST win to maintain at least a half game lead over the falcons and a game back of the bucs. The bucs play the Packers....GO PACKERS(won't hear that from me too often this year)!! The Packers lost yesterday and the Saints let a perfect opportunity to take the lead in the NFC playoff picture....oh well....let's just worry about the NFC South for now! The foulc*nts play the Panthers....GO PANTHERS!!

11.23.02

Ok....the Saints MUST bounce back with a win here....with the bucs coming to town next week a win this week is crucial. Actually the Saints just need to win out...hehehe.

Well...the D is gonna have a different look this week...big Norman Hand lost his starting spot in the middle this week to Kenny Smith. The move better make Hand more aggressive and technically sound....MOTIVATION is what I hope this serves as. Smith is big and FAST....should bring the heat on the QB...GOOD. A W is crucial this week for another reason....a loss imo would lead to bad blood and could make it difficult for the Saints to play as a TEAM..... to play like a championship team! The secondary needs to step up...the browns do have a passing attack and are not to be taken lightly...and with the past performances the Saints need the secondary to step up and finally come together......maybe the added speed in the middle will aid in quick careless throws by Couch.

The O will do fine this week....I look for Brooks to light it up. Deuce is sitting this week to nurse his ankle...let him get 100% better before he comes back....and I hope that's next week vs the bucs. Fenserson and KEaton will do fine in his stead. Fenderson looked good in the NFLE this summer...and Keaton needs to show his stuff and get in the groove. Haz said he's not 100% on top of the playbook....being pressed into service will make or break the learning curve! Horn will be Horn and Donté will be Donté and Pathon will be....you know.

Huge game!! We need a HUGE WIN!!!!

SAINTS WIN!!!

Saints 44
browns 20

11.28.02

Well....what can I say. Terrible game by AB...terrible.

The sole reason for the loss was TURNOVERS!!!! Count them....6!! And the most costly....3 in the redzone by AB...DAMN!! And one from Lewis on a punt...CRAP!! Those turnovers is a minimum 15 point swing. As I've said before, As Brooks goes so does the Saints.....

Sure it would have been nice to have Deuce....maybe AB doesn't force the ball in there or maybe Horn comes back for the ball (???)....but in spite of the lack of Deuce and any type of consistent running attack...the Saints should have won that game....could have won that gome if not for the TURNOVERS!!! MAKE THEM GO AWAY!!!

And the D...a known weakness...but IMO inspite of the apparent weakness did good to hold the point total for the Browns to 24. But the D hasn't been as opportunistic...not many takeaways like the early part of the season....not as agressive either...COME ON!!

1-3 in the last four games....tough slump! MAKE IT STOP!! It's a good time to start the strong push towards the playoffs....time to get a winning streak going. And it will have to start with the bucs....just like before!!

11.30.02

Well the ole cliche rears it's ugly head again.....

HUGE GAME this week.....are the Saints up for the occassion??

If Brooks & Co do not turn over the ball...and the D puts the heat on Johnson...the Saints can win this game...no doubt.

It will be interesting to see if Deuce will be back in....Bentley too...and how effective can they be??

Here's too a good injury free game....where the Saints win the take-a-way give-a-way ratio....and the D plays hot and heavy.....

SAINTS WIN!!!

Saints 31
bucs 27

12.05.02

Aaahhhhhhh.....that was orgasmic! Great win for the Saints and one they must build on. It's crunch time in the playoff race and the Saints must WIN!!! They have a schedule just right for that *but* they mustn't look past ANY ONE!!! One game at a time boys!

Back to the bucs game.....the Saints D played with fire in their eyes and hunger in their hearts....much like the first meeting. The D must continue this level of play ....to make the playoffs and go well into them....please?? ;)

The O started slow but got the job done in the end. Deuce and Bentley both played well....both played on gimpy ankles. Great job!! Tough SOBs...I like it! Deuce was the backbreaker for the bucs and ran hard up the gut (read Sapp) and got tough yards...inspite of his bad ankle.

Brooks got hit on the shoulder in the first half....bad bruise...but played until the final series...hitting Horn and Reed for TDs. Great job AB! Both Reed and Horn had great games....catching the balls over the middle and clutch first downs....none more important than the final catch by Horn from Jake Delhomne. Horn is da man!!

Let's continue on the road to SD with a win this week in tough COLD Baltimore.....shall we?

11.30.02

Getting to this very late....love this hectic holiday season....

Well Santa just called and said if I don't get lights up outside TODAY, no presents this year. So this is gonna be short and sweet....plus I'm gonna miss most of the Tampa-Atlanta game....crap, I just went to put it on and realized the local NFC affiliate isn't showing the early game!

But Santa also the Saints have been good this year and will fair well in the cold northern lands....the ravens will fall. :D

The walking wounded must perform well but avaoid any further setbacks on the road to full recovery. Deuce, Brooks, et al....do your job and do it well...but remain out of harms way! ;)

The ravens have a good D...but it is banged up and missing key components. Their O is led by none other than Blake....he'll be looking to make a statement to the Saints about letting him go.

The Saints have to focus in for the kill....4 weeks remain and they nned a strong finish...the bucs win in the begining of the year sent them on to a strong start...let's see if the second ass whoopin' can lead to a strong finish by the Saints....the NFC South title....a first week bye ....and home field through out....they'll need some help for *all* of that to occur but it sure as shit can happen! One things definitely must happen...the Saints need to take it one game at a time and JUST WIN!!!

The Saints will make it exciting no doubt....

SAINTS WIN!! Saints 29
ravens 19

12.15.02

Crucial win in the race for a playoff spot...in the fight for the NFC South crown. Unfortunately the Saints have to hope for a bucs loss to get it but hey it's possible. The bucs have a semi-easy schedule the rest of the season: @ Det, vs Pitt, @ Chi...let's hope: Det plays above their heads, Pitt rises to the occasion or it's an IceBowl in Chi!! All these hopes and aspirations of winning the inaugural crown rest on the shoulders of the Saints firstly...THEY HAVE TO WIN!!

And they started off right whooping the ravens at their nest. Block punts was the play de jour...the Saints blocked two of them ...although the first was a botched fake, it was blocked none the less. The Saints D played superb...shutting down the run and raking in 5 turnovers!! WAY TO GO D....KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!

What can you say about Deuce...he *IS* the man....playing with a wrapped ankle sprain he racked up 127 yds. He is amazing....he has been EXACTLY what the Saintly Dr ordered. Donte hauled in his 7th TD and while Brooks had a descent game it wasn't spectacular...he's got a sore shoulder and Jake had to fill in late. He filled in nicely. Well that's not true about AB not having a spectacular game....he ( and Jake) completed the balls that needed completing....crucial 1st downs and such...plus NO INTs. WAY TO GO O....KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!

The ST were special....blocked punts were rolling around everywhere...this was truly a TEAM WIN!

THe Saints are playing good ball right now....good timing....the December run for positioning in the playoffs is upon them. They just need to win ....and while they have a very favorable remaining schedule: vs Minn, @ Cinn, vs Car...they must play it one game at a time. Peaking in December heading into the playoffs....does Saints football get any better??

12.15.02

Well....as I sit here gettting ready to head out to the game I'm thinking......

Deuce up the middle, Brooks to Horn, Deuce around the outside, Brooks to Pathon, Deuce off tackle, Brooks to Stallwoth, Deuce, Brooks.....Moss has the ball stripped, Bennett stuuf for no gain, Dante sacked.....

SAINTS WIN!!

Saints 43
vikings 23

12.17.02

DAMN!!! Talk about disappointing....to watch the Saints fight back in the second half....hold the potent viking O in check for most of it and finally get moving on O...only to witness the vikings' final 5 minute drive and the bobbled successful 2 pointer......DAMN....it hurt.

Time to move on....let's clinch that playoff spot this week....COME ON D!!!

Let me say....again...that Deuce is fantastic and I very thankful to have him in a Saints uni....same goes for Michael Lewis...great job week in, week out. Oh yeah...you too Horn. :D

12.22.02

Well here's another last minute update.....did ya expect something different??

THe Saints are away playing a lesser team....does that spell trouble? Will they take care of business and lock up that playoff spot??

I expect they will....the bengals have a descent offense but the Saints should be able to score at will. It's time Saints.....AB, Deuce, Horn, Donté, M. Lewis, Knight, Clemmons, Hand, Jackson, Thomas, Carter, BELLAMY.....JUST DO IT!!

SAINTS WIN!!!

Saints 45
bengals 24