Saints Have Rushing Troubles
September 13th, 2013
The run-stuffing Bucs will meet a Saints team Sunday that’s having big trouble running the ball.
Hopefully, that doesn’t mean Drew Brees will spread out the Bucs and look for whoever Leonard Johnson is covering.
Regardless, the Bucs will at least need to stuff the run and keep the Saints one dimensional, though the Saints couldn’t run last Sunday but still beat the Falcons, so detailed the Times -Picayune.
The Saints had only 78 yards on 29 carries against the Falcons, averaging 2.7 yards per attempt. New Orleans also was stuffed on a fourth-and-inches near midfield by Atlanta. Not exactly a good argument for Payton to remain steadfast in his commitment. Evans said the results have to change for Payton to maintain confidence in the ground game going into Week 2 at Tampa Bay on Sunday.
“When your number is called, you want to step up to the plate and get it done,” Evans said. “We kind of didn’t do that. We didn’t rush for 100 (yards) like our game plan was, even though our number was called numerous times. There’s always plays you wish you had back Week 1.”
Payton split the carries evenly against Atlanta.
Pierre Thomas was by far the most successful of the three running backs with nine carries for 43 yards (4.8 yards per carry). Thomas’ longest run, however, went for only 11 yards.
Darren Sproles only picked up 22 yards on eight carries, but made up for his sluggish rushing totals with six receptions for 88 yards. Meanwhile, Mark Ingram struggled the most with only 11 yards on nine carries.
However you look at it, the Bucs will need turnovers and big plays on defense to win this game. Joe wants to see the Bucs’ true defensive superstars — Gerald McCoy, Darrelle Revis, Dashon Goldson and Lavonte David — and first-round talents Adrian Clayborn and Mark Barron step up. That’s why they’re getting paid.
September 13th, 2013 at 11:05 am
Rush the DL UP the field. No more 3 gap stunts from your best player.
You want to “take the QB off his mark” Schiano? Rush up the field and quit F’ing around with the DL and the silly stunts.
September 13th, 2013 at 11:11 am
Defense will be just fine. Will the offense score enough points is the bigger concern.
September 13th, 2013 at 11:12 am
I don’t think we’ll get too many turnovers against this Saints team. What we definitely need to do is get Martin going early so our play action can be effective. With Lorig back we should have more success with the run game. Our O-line needs to play much better than they did against the Jets. Same with Freeman.
I hope our play calling is a little more creative than it was last Sunday. If not, Rob Ryan will be kicking his feet up and sipping a margarita on the sidelines.
September 13th, 2013 at 11:13 am
When you have Drew Brees you dont need to run the ball. It’s nice if you can but you dont need to.
September 13th, 2013 at 11:43 am
Bingo…Bucrightoff!!! Need that O-line to do its Job and allow Freeman time to throw and open up holes for Doug! Getting Lorig should help the 2nd part! Its put up or shut up time fellas!!!
Wanna keep blackouts away, show us you came to play and give us our $ worth!
September 13th, 2013 at 11:52 am
“When you have Drew Brees you dont need to run the ball. It’s nice if you can but you dont need to.”
I know. You can still go 7-9 like they did last year with no running game……
Ooops…I posted before the game…
September 13th, 2013 at 11:56 am
@bobby
yes, but there 7-9 was considered a total disaster and a complete failure. The bucs go 7-9 and they say what an improvement and that they are on the right path.
September 13th, 2013 at 12:19 pm
OK….this is just a wild guess but maybe it’s because the Saints went from 13-3 the year before to 7-9 and we went from 4-12 to 7-9??? I know it probably doesn’t make sense to you but …..
September 13th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
we win this game and next game ……..
September 13th, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Key word of the day: Blitz. Til you knock drew’s head off.
September 13th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
I thought it was the Defense that was the failure for The Aints last year? Thats what we’ve heard all off-season. now its because of the running game? Give me a break.
The Aints won the Super Bowl because of there PASSING game and creating turn overs. No running game needed when you have Drew Brees.
September 13th, 2013 at 1:19 pm
Joe said – “Hopefully, that doesn’t mean Drew Brees will spread out the Bucs and look for whoever Leonard Johnson is covering.”
Thats exactly what that means.