How Bad/Good Are The Saints?
September 21st, 2015
Those trying to figure out what kind of Buccaneers team was on the field yesterday are asking the question this morning as the euphoria of victory wears off?
“How good or bad are the Saints?”
Frankly, Joe doesn’t care. A road win in the division is always a big accomplishment, especially against a Hall of Fame quarterback and likely a Hall of Fame head coach. The Saints had win six consecutive home openers with Sean Payton coaching.
But the national media is turning on the Saints, claiming they’re garbage and poised to be blown up in the offseason.
Leading the charge is urinal picture-taking, video game-playing, Taylor Swift-listening, pickpocket-thwarting, Bucs-uniform-frowning, Allie-LaForce-smitten, Big-Ten-Network-hating, pedestrian-bumping, olive oil-lapping, popcorn-munching, coffee-slurping, fried-chicken-eating, oatmeal-loving, circle-jerking, beer-chugging, cricket-watching, scone-loathing, college football-naïve, baseball-box-score-reading, NPR-honk, filthy-hotel-staying, fight-instigating, barista-training Peter King of theMMQB.com and NBC Sports fame. So he wrote this morning in his famed Monday Morning Quarterback column.
For the 0-2 Saints. At the start of the fourth quarter Sunday, in the Superdome, the Saints were trailing the moribund Bucs, 23-7. At that point, New Orleans had 19 possessions this season, and two touchdown drives. Running game, mortal. Drew Brees, mortal. The crowd, understandably laconic. After a sixth straight home loss—heresy to think about—to a team that gave up 42 points to Tennessee last week, the Saints have to face the real possibility that the glory days aren’t coming back without a complete rebuild. They’re 26-26 (including playoffs) since the start of 2012. And though Jameis Winston was suitably honored to be playing a guy he’s watched on TV since he was a kid (“That’s Drew Brees over there!” he said after the game) he shouldn’t genuflect too much. After two games, Winston has a better passer rating than the great Brees. Strange days indeed in New Orleans.
Again, Joe’s not about to bash the Saints. They’ll win their share of games this year. They may not be a contender any longer, but they’ll be competitive all season and win their share of games.
The Bucs, and Bucs fans, should be standing tall this morning.
September 21st, 2015 at 9:36 am
The only thing the Saints will be in contention for is for last place in the division. But we will give them all we got for that spot.
September 21st, 2015 at 9:38 am
……….the saints were the worst I’ve sessn since Aaron Brooks d Jim Haslett
BUCS fans are out of their minds if they think Jameis and the BUCS team did “something” yesterday
September 21st, 2015 at 9:39 am
Don’t read much of what Peter King writes (time wasted), but am wondering if he wrote something similar about Marcus Mariota and the Titans after they beat the Bucs last week.
Point to King: each game stands on its’ own merits in the NFL. Put another way, ‘On any given Sunday … yada, yada’.
September 21st, 2015 at 9:40 am
Drew Brees without Jimmy Graham is like Linus without his blanket……..
September 21st, 2015 at 9:46 am
Yesterday marked the beginning of a changing of the guard in reference to this divisional rivalry. We’ll be playing the pimp role for a long time.
September 21st, 2015 at 9:48 am
Hey Anthem they won on the road, not the Super Bowl!!! I don’t see proclamations here that they won that big! Give it a rest.
September 21st, 2015 at 9:55 am
Yes, the Saints are pretty bad. But I don’t care. Just Jaboo-WIN, baby!
September 21st, 2015 at 9:56 am
I heard some of the national shows, who were burying the Saints and suggested they are going to blow the team up at the end of the year, and just start all over.
It reminds me of when Washington lost last year, I guess when you lose to Lovie, you have to question what your Franchise is doing!!!!
September 21st, 2015 at 10:00 am
I find it interesting that last week, all the “pundits, the football “experts” were proclaiming Winston to be a bust, and this week, the same know it alls are saying that Brees and crew are done. I can’t wait till next week to hear what they’re saying.
September 21st, 2015 at 10:02 am
Guys, I don’t mean to gloat, but I’m the only person on this site that predicted a Bucs win this week. I knew the Bucs would be much improved this week, but mostly because the Saints are so bad. Too many injuries and lost or aging talent. Drew breeze has seen his better days, has no weapons like he use to and their defense is just horrible as they can’t rush the passer and have no secondary.
A win is a win though and they aLLl count at season’s end. GO BUCS!
September 21st, 2015 at 10:05 am
Well hell yeah, if they lost to the Bucs at home or at all they should be laying on the ground with their legs stiff up into the air, so say the media. I’m not celebrating the Ain’ts revival yet, though their rightful place is the good old days when they stunk up the place regularly. That’s when I liked them most.
September 21st, 2015 at 10:07 am
only… is a big word.
September 21st, 2015 at 10:08 am
On any given week any team can look like crap. Week 1 had Tampa, Oakland, Cleveland, Deadskins and the Jags all beaten soundly and pundits saying that these 5 bottom feeders will be vying for the top draft pick in 2016 (especially our Bucs and Tampa West: the Raiders)…. Well all 5 won yesterday; the Bucs and Oakland probably blowing up a lot of suicide pools (I’ll admit that the Raiders burned me and my 2nd choice would have been Tampa)… Yeah they may all lose 12+ games….. Now everyone is saying that the Saints and Ravens need to be blown up and suddenly some in the national media are pointing out how sloppy Mariota was with his fumbling (gee getting sacked 8 times may rattle a qb….). So in a nutshell: the Bucs won and everyone but the trolls are happy for the most part though a lot of us are wondering why Lovie had Koetter continually try to give the ball back to Brees via the run and never go for the jugular. Penalties were an issue again late (tripping, offsides, etc)…. But hell lets take the win; most of us were predicting a 48-20 kind of loss. The Saints: hey they could be a 2-14 team or rebound and win the division, who knows…..
September 21st, 2015 at 10:09 am
Have to admit that was a really bad team we played yesterday. In the fourth quarter we kept trying to give them the win, but they thought we tainted it with MRSA and wouldn’t take it!!
September 21st, 2015 at 10:25 am
I’d like to give some props to Jaboo the O-line and Def for their much improved play this week.
Brees and the saints media are blaming the lose on a shoulder injury Jac Smith did to to Drew Brees early in the game. Drew claims it cost them 2 TDs he under threw.
September 21st, 2015 at 10:30 am
Saints should be on the phone to Dallas right now to trade Brees there, even if it takes adding a 2nd or 3rd round pick for the Cowboys to eat the deal. They have so many atrocious contracts on the books, we have a lot of issues here but thankfully the cap isn’t one. Saints are in for a painful rebuild, so we should sympathize. Brees arm strength, like Peyton’s, appears to be a shadow of its former self.
September 21st, 2015 at 10:39 am
Im fine with our win. Arent we supposed to be a bad team too? Yet we won in a battle of bad teams. But what I appreciate most is that it was a division win on the road. So really I could care less how the natl media trys to paint this.
September 21st, 2015 at 10:41 am
I am smiling at the Bucs “fans” who are more interested in QB bashing than celebrating a road win against a division rival.
Haha, your true colors are showing, trolls. FYI, Mariota just fumbled again.
September 21st, 2015 at 10:43 am
The Bucs, and Bucs fans, should be standing tall this morning.
AMEN!!!
It’s the NFL!!! No Freaking Logic. Not For Long. Fort Meyers Dave nailed it!
It’s not college ball!! 7-8 games a year are just absurd mismatches!!
Urban has to be ashamed that he let N.I.U. play the Buckeyes that closely this weekend. I do not care how good N.I.U. looks against the bottom feeders in their own Conference. Same for UF struggling against ECU.
These top ten college programs have 3rd string and redshirt athletes that would be dominant players on the half dozen bottom feeders they schedule each year.
The talent level in the NFL is not that far apart.
As for N.O….they’ll get some wins…they were competitive on the road against AZ a team that the pundits are already crowning as SB contenders! But clearly they have dropped a notch or two.
This would not have been a contest if the Bucs hadn’t fumbled two consecutive possessions trying to run the clock. Even a 3 and out would have been much better. Then the stupid penalty on the successful screen pass. It really didn’t need to be this close but the Bucs are still working on mental toughness and closing games out…it’s called learning how to win.
Yesterday showed me a lot..more than just the improvement of #3 or the OL, special teams and defense. It’s the first game I’ve seen in years..pre dating Schiano for sure…where the Bucs did not choke a game at the end.
We’ve all discussed the half dozen games that were there for the taking but we simply couldn’t make a play..in fact last year in N.O. was a great example losing the big lead and then losing in OT.
It truly is a game to build on!!! Houston will be hungry and peoed on Sunday but even if we lose I still like our chances at home against Carolina. Win that game and we’re 2-2 and 2-0 in the division. Awesome baby!
September 21st, 2015 at 10:47 am
bucrightoff: Brees to Dallas: that would be interesting…. On another thread Joe floated out a Napoleon Dynamite to Dallas feeler. Jesus, I hope that was just in jest but with L&L you never can tell; they could ask for a first rounder and Jerry Jones might be getting a tad senile so I guess anything is possible. Personally I think it is in Tampa’s best interest for the Saints to keep Brees and maintain that cap hell they have: kind of reminds me of the mess Chuckie had to deal with a decade ago and hopefully the Saints have fewer winning seasons than Gruden did!
September 21st, 2015 at 10:50 am
Vegas had them as 10 point favorites…
So they can’t be 2-14, Lovie bad
September 21st, 2015 at 10:58 am
Joe said, “as the euphoria of victory wears off?”
LOL
wears off????
Last week we finish a dreadful season at 2-15. Yesterday, was the real beginning! We saw the real Tampa 2 in its 2nd year. We had a running game in which Sims looked promising. America’s Quarterback – Mr. James Wins-A-Ton showed solid progress. We even saw emotions coming out of Lovie!
In my house the EUPHORIA will continue until 12:59 on Sunday BABY!
May the player meetings continue!
Go Bucs!!!
September 21st, 2015 at 10:58 am
We need to clearly understand that Brees easily beats our defense if not banged up and maybe younger. Every single time he needed a late drive to defeat the Bucs he did it. He had multiple opportunities yesterday and either he couldn’t make the play or they would cough up the ball. Speaking of, we did everything possible to lose that game at the end. It was embarrassing and starts with the HC. I am thoroughly happy and excited about this victory but am sober about the product on the field. If I see the team come out prepared next week against a tough, winless Texans team then I will have reason to believe in a turnaround. The Titans curb stomping is still a painful reality from only a week ago.
September 21st, 2015 at 11:04 am
Any win in the NFL is a good win. Even beating the bad teams is hard.
It’s not like the Saints were fumbling the ball into their own end zone unprovoked and gifting us points.
Whatever nutcase is acting like it was the worst team he’s ever seen is insane. Do you not watch football man? Every team has sloppy plays every week even the best. Every single freaking game has bad plays in it. Bucs got a lot of stops because they could actually get to Brees and sack him. And it wasn’t because he held onto the ball for 20 seconds.. J smith actually was getting to him pretty fast on those plays. But whatever. You can be sad if you want and find some weird a55 way to spin the victory.
I’m standing proud and happy 🙂
September 21st, 2015 at 11:29 am
Lord Cornelius-
I’m enjoying reading the post from the former Buc turned Marcus M. fans. They’ve painting themselves into this corner of misery where they cannot be happy no matter the outcome. I’ll enjoy the Schadenfreude until these man-children learn to grow up.
September 21st, 2015 at 11:31 am
Collins and a 4th for Glennon.
Move Marpet to Center (which i believe his body type is more suited towards) and plug Collins in at RG.
September 21st, 2015 at 11:48 am
Celly- I like the idea.
The Cowboys are trying Collins at LT and currently have him listed as a back up LG. Why not trade for RG Martin or Bernadeau and a 4th?
September 21st, 2015 at 11:49 am
TampaTony: the line is just where Vegas sets the number where the wise guys can get an even distribution on betting w/o a mismatch that could catch the sportbooks with their pants down. Thus with all the media bashing of the Bucs on BSPN, NFL network and every other national media outlet the line was able to open at 11 and hover there. So a lot of “know it alls” lost a lot of coin this past sunday. A lot of upsets: Tampa, Oakland, Skins, Jags, Browns (yeah all the gambling degenerates piles on Mariota and moved that line from Cleveland by 2.5 to TN by 1) Dallas and the Vikes were allunderddogs and surprised the pundits…. Hope it keep up! Nice win by Tampa and hopefully some of the trolls who have been just lurking around here can go off somewhere else and troll an 0-2 team like the saints, Seahawks, Giants, Eagles or Ravens….
September 21st, 2015 at 11:54 am
All the trade thought about Dallas: I really doubt if Jones is going to deal an offensive lineman to the Bucs unless he is damaged goods (injury wise or simply long in the tooth) ala Belicheat sending Mankins to the Bucs…. But then again, Jerry Jones has to be in crisis mode with his guy Romo busted up. It probably would not hurt to send out some feelers…
September 21st, 2015 at 11:54 am
Who cares how good/not good the Saints are? It doesn’t matter. Each week is a different story. A win is a win. There will be no asterisk next to this win in the record books. The Saints may not be good, but we are supposed to be worse! We were a 10 point underdog, got blown out by a bad team last week, and went 2-14 last year. So who cares about the state of the Saints. This whole conversation is a joke!
September 21st, 2015 at 11:55 am
Ft Myers, thanks for the info. I know nothing about gambling so I appreciate the brief education
September 21st, 2015 at 12:03 pm
It looks like the Saints didnt suck but that doesn’t matter we won. What’s concerning is the manner in which we almost gave it away.
September 21st, 2015 at 12:03 pm
Saints do suck not didnt
September 21st, 2015 at 12:04 pm
@FortMyersDave
Agree that Jerry Jones is not going to break up an OL which he has finally built into one of the best in the league.
Also do not Brees would ever consider accepting a gig with Dallas and the certainty that he’ll get benched when Romo is healthy.
However…Don’t know what Dallas draft picks look like right now. If they have all of their picks they might give up a #1 crazy as it sounds for MG8. And it wouldn’t be the dumbest thing. MG8 could play well behind the Cowboys offensive line. When Romo returns MG8 would make a great backup for this year and next year at just $675,000, about a tenth of what slugs like McClown are fetching.
September 21st, 2015 at 12:06 pm
Stanglassman I wanted Mariota but am happy with a win. I wish we would have buried them though.
September 21st, 2015 at 12:18 pm
@StPt,
Which is why I suggested Collins vs one of their current “starters”.
I’m thinking they’d be more willing to give up a “backup” that they’re trying to work in vs a guy they’ve spent a high draft pick on…
September 21st, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Lord Cornelius-
I’m enjoying reading the post from the former Buc turned Marcus M. fans. They’ve painting themselves into this corner of misery where they cannot be happy no matter the outcome. I’ll enjoy the Schadenfreude until these man-children learn to grow up.”
Yeah it’s just stupid to be judging these QBs so definitively at this point.
Week 1 was an insanely bad game for the entire team. It didn’t do anything to change my mind on the QBs and I stated such.
Winston flashed the things that I thought would be make him a potential superstar NFL QB yesterday. 2 minute drive. Key 3rd down conversions (one was 3rd and 16 on that TD drive before the end of the half). Big throws / plays that not every QB can make in terms of placement / timing. Special stuff.
September 21st, 2015 at 12:47 pm
@Celly
Is Collins healthy? I do like your idea of moving Marpet to center if he can snap the ball. I am tired of our shotgun formation being such an adventure with every snap. Hard for #3 to look quickly down the field if he doesn’t know where the snap is headed.
September 21st, 2015 at 12:58 pm
@celly, I like that idea..jerry said himself he’s “heartbroken” over the injury to romo…I would love to see Collins in a bucs uni…I would keep marpet at guard and try warren out at center with Collins taking mankins spot…mankins had a few penalties that hurt us..plus the strengths on d.smith, Collins, warren and marpet are run blocking which is what we need to help Winston succeed..GO BUCS!!!
September 21st, 2015 at 1:32 pm
I just don’t see the Cowboys viewing Glennon as significantly better than Weedon, especially factoring in Weedon already knowing the whole offense. Brees obviously is significantly better than Weedon, and Romo is still a high injury risk even when he comes back. Either way this is the last year we see Brees in New Orleans, no way they don’t cut him next year. They have dug themselves a deep salary cap hole.
If anything I can see the Cowboys throwing a draft pick at Cleveland for Manziel (and Cleveland should sell high if they can). Doubt Glennon is of much interest to them, unless he comes cheap. Cowboys don’t have to be too desperate, their division is quite awful so even going 2-6 without Romo, they’ll be in decent shape.
September 21st, 2015 at 1:37 pm
The Cowboys are not going to trade for Glennon. Period. They have a back-up QB who came in and was good enouph to beat the Eagles. The problems on the OL is not Evan Smith or Ali Marpey or Logan Mankins. The problems with protecting Jameis is on the outside with Donovan Smith and the new RT who replaced Demar Dotson. When Dotson returns the RT position should be fine. Donovan Smith should be a guard not a starting LT. Licht should offer the Cowboys a 2nd rounder and Glennon for Collins or any other legit LT any team may offer. Then you would have LT Collins LG Mankins, C Marpet, RG D. Smith, RT Dotson. There will be several stud LT available in FA next year as well. As far as the Saints sucking? Give credit where credit is due. The Bucs defense created turnovers (Conte played very well and Sterling Moores left upper cut to punch the ball out) and pressured Brees. Most important of all this team overcame two late fumbles and held on to the lead and won! It was a great team victory. JJ here we come.
September 21st, 2015 at 1:54 pm
@StPt..
I believe he’s healthy. He was in the game last night.
@bucrightoff…
I agree that they may not view him as better than Weeden, but at this current moment, there is NO other QB on their roster backing up Weeden.
So theoretically speaking, they don’t have to view him as better than Weeden, just better than whoever they might be able to pick up off the street.
September 21st, 2015 at 1:58 pm
J- I agree with you on that. Good teams aren’t afraid to put teams away. Not giving Jameis a chance to throw the ball in the endzone on 3 downs from the 6 yard line to go up 30-19 with 2 minutes to go. Instead going into a shell and giving the ball back to Brees with a chance to win or tie. This game management is too conservative and will lose games.
September 21st, 2015 at 2:21 pm
The Cowboys will probably beg Kyle Orton to come back and give him some extra green to get it done. They could also trade for Matt Cassel who will cost less than Glennon. Frankly with the disregard we’ve seen Jameis show for his body so far, decent chance he’s gonna get himself hurt. Glennon is still a valuable backup, and I don’t think anyone wants to see the Ryan Griffin show. Unless the Boys come over the top with a big offer for Glennon, I don’t see the need to trade him otherwise.
September 21st, 2015 at 8:55 pm
Drew Breeds got old. They have no D. No real talent on offense besides Cooks and sometimes Ingram. They got old and didn’t draft very well. 6 wins tops this year.
We gave up 42 to Tenn who turned around and got beat by the Browns w Manziel at QB. Football is a funny game. Doesn’t change the fact the Saints are the worst team in the NFC South.
September 22nd, 2015 at 3:32 am
I think lovie did the right thing which was go against ownership and run the ball and use Winston arm wisely and timely. We came out last week trying to do too much with spread offense and we got it took to us. This week we ran the ball and I expect more of Sims on the field against the Texans as well with Martin on the field. Sims should be set up more on third downs as a receiver out the backfield or in the slots for big plays. The same medicine should be used for Mike Evans. Lovie should use Evans and Sims on third downs or long yardage situations from penalties out of the offensive line. Myers and V Jax should be usedor looked to keep the chains moving. ASJ is another big play option as well in those situations but can also be a part of physical formations with two tight ends or a fullback I form sets. The defense is good up front with three heavy and one speedster in Jac Smith. They may should consider putting one of those corners who believes they should be a starter at one of the safety spots someone like Jennings or Jenkins who will look to create turnovers next to Swearinger. I think Swearinger should start against his old team as well.##play4WINSTonfightforLOViE