Thanks to Dallas and Detroit today.
Cowboys have a stout defense, and a great RB in Elliot. If they had a championship-caliber QB, Dallas would be salty.
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Thanks to Dallas and Detroit today.
Cowboys have a stout defense, and a great RB in Elliot. If they had a championship-caliber QB, Dallas would be salty.
Thanks to the NY Giants too.
Saints are playing well right now. But, this is the NFL. Things change.
All this talk about the Chiefs vs Rams. I know why ESPN is touting it, they have the telecast. But all this BS about "a Super Bowl preview," and "the best two teams, hands down, in the NFL." The Rams are 9-1....where did that 1 come from....Who Dat!?
BTW, Go Chiefs!
I'll be cheering for the Chiefs and smoking a turkey this evening. It's gonna be a good one!Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Yes sir! Hoping the Chiefs and Saints meet in the SB. Mahomes is from the Tyler area (suburb town of Whitehouse).Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnylightnin
And watching Mahomes torch us in 2016 I proclaimed him to be the best QB in the nation and most likely to succeed in the NFL, of all those drafted that year. Of course, Higgins enjoyed a nice day in Lubbock too, and went on to have a great season as well. I am a HUGE Mahomes fan tonite!!Quote:
Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS
I wish the playoffs started NOW the way the Saints are rolling.
True Dat!Quote:
Originally Posted by Tech77
Still 6 weeks left in the regular season, and so much can change. No, I don't expect the Saints to start playing "bad" or something. But, it's such a razor's edge in the NFL. Saints' defense has been getting better and better. THAT! is the key to a Super Bowl run. We know Brees and the offense will be there. If the D steps up big...."the Saints will go marching in!"
Fun game last night, but disappointing result. Still, I didn't see anything from the two anointed teams that makes me think the Saints can't beat either, no matter where the games are played.
I agree. Dak reminds me so much of J'Mar its frightening. Dak is NOT the guy to take the Cowboys to the promised land. (I guess you know what that means for J'Mar?)Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
It's the Saints' Super Bowl to lose.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tech77
Strange things happen, though.......... Last year is a good example. The Saints are going to have to stay focused. They run a risk of getting too comfortable right now, especially after their dominating performance last Sunday. They are on a 9 game winning streak and are looking better than earlier in the year. It is definitely their's to lose, but I ain't counting chickens yet. Saying that, it will take a HUGE upset for anyone to beat them now.Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
Lackluster performance by Brees and the O last night. Give credit to the Dirty Birds and their DC, they had a good defensive game plan....of course, these division foes have an advantage since they see the Saints' offense twice a year. Still, Brees was off, not sharp. Saints' receivers had 5 drops, two would have been TDs. So, the whole offense needs to go back to work and get re-focused.
The defense was the defense last night, except they were the beneficiaries of 4 turnovers. Saints were lucky last night. That game should have been a 35-31 type shootout, or like the first meeting which the Saints eeked out 43-37 in OT.
If it sounds like I am being critical of the Saints.....I AM! I know what they have accomplished so far, and I know how good they are. I don't need a D65-type lecture of "just be happy they won." That's for snowflakes. And I guarantee you that neither Payton nor Brees is very happy this morning. They KNOW they were not sharp last night. But, I, like them, understand no team cannot maintain a blemish-free run thru the long, grueling NFL campaign. The question is do you recognize it and take steps to get back on track? I'm betting they will.
And they better! If the Saints play that poorly next Thursday, they will lose at Dallas.
Copied from other thread:
The NFC stands like this....at the moment:
1. Saints
2. Rams
3. Bears
4. Cowboys
And NOT just because those are the 4 division leaders. They are the division leaders because those are the 4 best teams in the NFC. Have to get the right cause-effect.
The Bears and Cowboys are doing it with defense, and that makes both dangerous. But, they are missing the other key ingredient: a championship-caliber QB. If the playoffs were to start now, the Saints and Rams would get first round byes, and the Bears and Cowboys would host a playoff game. I think the NFC semis would then be:
Cowboys at Saints
Bears at Rams
We lost to the cowgirls our SB winning season in 2009. If that happens again....NOT....it could be good luck.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
IMHO, the Saints continue to roll over the lowly and pitiful NFC East dredges!
Some stats to be aware of next Thursday.Quote:
Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS
Since signing with the Saints in 2006, Drew Brees has historically torched the Cowboys, averaging 367 passing yards in his seven games against them with 18 touchdowns to 3 interceptions. His career passer rating against Dallas with the Saints is 112.7
https://youtu.be/ItwmbKJwDOM
Quote:
Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS
Since 1998 Saints have gone 9 - 2 against dagirls.Quote:
Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS
Drew Brees named NFC offensive player of the month
Posted by Josh Alper on November 29, 2018, 9:39 AM EST
https://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wor...0&h=316&crop=1Getty Images
The Saints have one more game to play in November, but quarterback Drew Brees has already been named the NFC’s top offensive player of the month.
The NFL made the announcement on Thursday morning and Brees will be able to add to his sparkling season against the Cowboys in Dallas on Thursday night. The game will be the fifth of the month for the Saints and they bring a 4-0 record into the matchup thanks in large part to Brees’ efforts.
Brees went 84-of-113 for 1,145 yards and 15 touchdowns over the course of those first four games. His lowest yardage output in a game came against the Falcons on Thanksgiving, but Brees buttressed his 171 yards and lone interception of the stretch with four touchdown passes.
All four of those touchdowns were thrown to undrafted players, including two who caught the first touchdowns of their pro careers, and Brees has hit 13 different players for touchdowns so far this season. He’s thrown 29 touchdowns overall and the interception against Atlanta was just his second of the year, which goes along with the team’s record and a completion percentage of 76.4 as big reasons why Brees is the MVP favorite heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
If form holds, my prediction is: Saints 27 Dallas 17
But, as we know games very rarely, if ever, adhere to form. Dallas has a decided edge in defense, and they have homefield advantage.
DALLAS 13Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Saints 10
The Dallas defense held the Saints to only 170 yds of offense and scoreless in the 1st half. Wow. :shocked2:
See ya in Da Dome!
Good game plan by the cowgirls and staff.
Our Saints laid an egg.
What Dallas has done is position themselves SOLIDLY as a contender for the Super Bowl. Seeding is important, because it gives you homefield, but with that defense, much like the Bears, the Cowboys can win a playoff game on the road. It's now a foregone conclusion Dallas will win the NFC East and secure a first round home playoff game. Win that and they are just ONE road game victory away from the Super Bowl. The Bears are in the same boat, except they are in a much tougher division and have some work to do yet.
Defense! Defense! Defense!
A home 3 or 4 home seed generally still needs TWO road wins to make it to the Super Bowl, unless BOTH underdogs win in the conference semi-finals.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Right! thanks for the correction. The top 2 seeds get a bye, the remaining 4 teams have to win twice just to reach the CCG, which will probably be on the road.Quote:
Originally Posted by skilldawg
Damn good defensive game for Cowboys. That # 55 LB was everywhere. It was like there were two of him. Saints needed toQuote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
Put a bounty out on that guy.
Brees was pathetic and so was HCSP.
Some of the worst officiating I’ve seen for an NFL game. It was bad for both teams.
These!Quote:
Originally Posted by glm47
Carolina lost again, now 6-6. Means the Saints are just one win, or one more Carolina loss....and we play dem Dirty Kats twice...away from clinching the NFC South.
Bears lost today, now 8-4. I was getting nervous we might slip out of the top 2 seed spots. That loss by dah Bears! helps a lot.
Rams won, now 11-1, and back in the driver's seat for the #1 seed. Ain't over yet though.
Washington Redskins QBs...
First, Joe Theisman, then Alex Smith, and now Colt McCoy have all broken their legs....
If I'm Mark Sanchez I'd be concerned.
Good thing the Saints don't have to play the Cowboys again....:laugh:.....Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Ride it cowboy! And, how do you know the Saints and Cowboys won't meet again?Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
As for the regular season, it's time to move on. Or maybe the Saints' game was y'alls Super Bowl and you don't care about nothing else. If that is true, fine. Enjoy it. I'm more concerned about reaching the real Super Bowl.
Good lord! Brees sucks! the Saints' O sucks!
HCSP saw how much success Holtz’s offense was having and converted to it.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Nah....much better 2nd half by the Saints offense and defense for a 28-14 win. Saints scored 25 points in the 2nd half while holding TB to zero.Quote:
Originally Posted by glm47
Saints win the NFC South.
Don't look now....
The Saints are back in the first seed position.
Can you say Super Bowl?
I posted after the T'giving Atlanta game that Brees and the O were out of sync, and warned if they played that poorly at Dallas they would lose. Well, they did, and then they did. No real improvement yesterday. It's one thing to recognize that the opposing defense deserves credit for playing well, and for making plays. Dallas' defense did, and Tampa Bay's defense has been playing really well recently. Okay. But, I'm not talking about what the opposing defenses do, I am concerned about Brees missing open receivers, which happens rarely, and Saints' receivers DROPPING passes! Saints' receivers have had more drops the past three games then the previous 10 games combined!Quote:
Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS
Also, I have seen more instances of Brees and his receivers "not being on the same page" then I've seen previously. I know what it is. Opposing defenses have studied and studied the Saints' offense and have made adjustments. To counter those adjustments, Payton and Brees have tweaked our offense, changing routes, changing Brees' progressions, and he and the receivers haven't gotten it down pat....yet. I can see it plain as day. I don't just "watch" football, I study it. And as a longtime fan of Payton/Brees I know their offense as well as most. I see they have changed things. They had to...opposing defenses had caught up to them.
The defense is playing much, much better and are carrying the Saints right now. The past 3 games, Atlanta, Dallas and Tampa Bay, we are 2-1. We might have easily been 0-3 if not for our defense. Remember we beat the Dirty Birds 31-17 thanks to four HUGE turnovers! Yesterday the spark was Hill's blocked punt.
Last night the Bears, not surprisingly, did us a big favor beating the Rams. Defense wins championships. For the Saints, we are seeing our defense step up too.
I'll feel a lot better after the Steelers game.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bulldog Tom
If the Playoffs Started Today:
NFC Wildcard
#6 Vikings @ #3 Bears
#5 Seahawks @ #4 Cowboys
NFC Divisional
#1 Saints vs. Lowest Winning Seed (would be Cowboys if Bears/Cowboys Win)
#2 Rams vs. Highest Winning Seed
AFC Wildcard
#6 Ravens @ #3 Texans
#5 Chargers @ #4 Steelers
AFC Divisional
#1 Chiefs vs. Lowest winning seed
#2 Patriots vs. Highest winning seed
---
I hate how in the NFL, the second best team in a Conference (Chargers - Record wise) would be the 5th seed.
The Saints need their newly signed All Pro WR Brandon Marshall to get in the game very soon. I know HCSP is saving him for the playoffs but he and Brees need to have at least 2 games under their belt first much like WR A. Cooper of Dallas.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
They cut Brandon Marshall. We really do need some help at receiver. Thomas is great, and Smith has been good, but we still need help at the positionQuote:
Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS
LOL! You just cut TylerT off at the knees. :laugh: He was trying to brag about his new, "All Pro WR".....and BOOM!! :laugh: That was classic.....Quote:
Originally Posted by detltu
I assume he failed the physical.Quote:
Originally Posted by detltu
Saints need another go-to receiver. Probably too late to find someone really good. Otherwise, we would have signed a WR off of someone's practice squad by now. Getting late too, even if they find someone.
Great game last night, Chargers vs. Chiefs. Credit to the Chargers for rallying big time. What do y'all think about the decision to go for 2? And, no, don't lean on the 20-20 hindsight that it worked. I understand the rationale of the decision, but don't know that I would have made that call if I were coaching the Chargers. Now, the Chargers, who were looking at a 5th seed, have a chance to garner the #1 seed. HUGE difference! But, that's the AFC. Cannon fodder in the Super Bowl.
The NFC, top to bottom, across the playoff contenders, is much better, I think. Any one of the top 5 or 6 NFC teams would win the AFC playoff tourney. Just my opinion, based on observation.
Chiefs & Chargers could both finish 13-3. Chiefs would be the 1 seed, the Chargers the 5 seed.Quote:
Originally Posted by sportdawg
Teams need to be seeded by record - if a Division winner is 8-8 and everyone else has a better record - they should be the 6 seed.
You mean.....like this? :icon_razz:Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
https://media.gettyimages.com/photos...e-id1064358112
Yes, like that.
I was surprised, and just shake my head in disbelief, over Zeke Elliot's $27,000 fine. I suppose all this "snowflake" crapola will have to descend into a state of total STUPIDITY before enough people scream "STOP THE NONSENSE!"
It's not that I don't support safety for the players. Take all steps to improve equipment, and yes, penalize blatant cheap shots, which we really don't see anymore anyway. But, football is a violent sport. It is! You can not legislate all the roughness out of it. Well, you could, but then it wouldn't be football, it would be a wussy sport like lacrosse.
Many of the head injuries, damage to the brain, are caused NOT by helmet to helmet hits. Most damage is caused by the sudden impact of thousands of pounds of people colliding. The brain, inside of the skull, "floats" and when the body comes to a sudden halt, the brain keeps moving impacting with the inside of the skull. Same damage any person suffers in a typical car wreck. Damage is done. But! most people don't endure car wrecks many dozens of times for 20 straight weeks!!!!
Anyway....the NFL has gotten ridiculous. Not that Elliot can't afford it....it's the stupidity of it that gets me.
I agree. The stupidity of the NFL is never ending. If the NFL doesn't want players bringing attention to the Salvation Army and horsing around with the big red Salvation Army "bucket" in the end zone every time someone scores a TD, then MOVE the damn bucket out of the end zone.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
The NFL is so hypocritical. If the NFL was half as smart as they think they are, they could have easily capitalized on this "Salvation Army" thing by putting a big red bucket in every team's end zone and creating some kind of "NFL challenge" between the teams for the season. Maybe celebrate the team that raises the most money for the Salvation Army, and call em "Red Bucket Champions", or whatever. But instead....the NFL turned it into a big negative thing.
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/12/05/cowboys-rb-ezekiel-elliott-nfls-fine-pay-little-fine-advice-kareem-hunt-reuben-foster
This is why "monopolies" are bad for business. Without a competitor there to capitalize on the NFL's flaws, they keep making the same stupid mistakes over and over again, and they keep pissing of customers.
The fine was for Elliot's initiated helmet to helmet contact in the Eagles' game. What else is a RB supposed to do when encountering tacklers except lower his head and try to get as much as possible?
Then signed Erick Swoope….and cut him the next day. Now I see the Saints have claimed Simmie Cobbs from the Redskins.Quote:
Originally Posted by detltu
Some good news....hopefully...Ted Ginn is recovering from his knee surgery quicker than expected and MIGHT return for the playoffs.
How did the Colts do today?
Asking for a friend.
Thank you Eagles!!!!!!!!
It's Gameday! Beat dem Dirty Kats!
BTW, how is it that this is the Saints' third straight road game? Ridiculous scheduling. Whoever is responsible for this and for the Saints-Dirty Kats playing twice in the next 13 days, should be fired. But, if the Saints are to be Super Bowl Champs they have to overcome this kind of crap. It's what champions do. Typical NFL...make it as hard as possible for the Saints to be successful.
The table is set, with the Rams' loss last night. The Saints need to step up and seize this opportunity. BTW, da Bears are lurking right there in our rearview mirror. It's still mathematically possible for da Bears to get the #1 seed. If they do, etch their name on the Lombardi Trophy. But, the Saints can prevent that from happening by taking care of business.
Geaux Saints!
My son and I were having an fandom debate last night. We are going to the season finale vs. Carolina. Our debate was this, do we want the Rams to lose and Saints win the next two games and rest starters for the finale (the game we're attending), or do we want the Saints and Rams to mirror each other so we can see Brees & Co.
Needless to say I was an Eagles fan last night.
The Rams will win out. They have only the Cards and Niners left, a combined 7-21 record. Rams will finish 13-3.
Da Bears have the Niners and Vikes left, both road games. The Minnysoda game will be very tough, provided the Vikes are still alive for a playoff spot. But, better count on the Da Bears finishing 12-4.
The Saints have one mulligan. We can lose once! and finish 13-3 and still garner the #1 seed. But, I would prefer not to do that, and especially not to lose tonite. OMG! the pressure would be on for the Steelers and the Dirty Kats again, even with both being home games.
We swept the Dirty Kats 3-0 last year. They scare me. They are loaded with athletes, on both offense and defense. Can we make it 5-0 over a two-year span? If you'd have asked me at the beginning of the 2017 if I thought the Saints could go 5-0 vs. Carolina, I would have said "No way!" Probably 3-2 would be more like it. Now, we need that 5-0 to feel safe. (the Steelers scare me even more).
We get the last 2 at home and the NFL would like nothing more then top make the Pittsburg and Carolina games be huge for the Saints at the end of the season. The cocky Cam Newton has sucked of late but will be up for the Saints at his house.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
We need to win this one and the Steelers at home so we can rest and heal-up some of our studs the last game.
https://giphy.com/gifs/verizon-nfl-v...st-3.398202%2F
The Cowboys are Lucy holding the football for Charlie Brown.
https://saintsreport.com/attachments...ll-png.107914/
Saints 12 Dirty Kats 9
UGLY, but I'll take it.
Cam Newton can hang on to that broom for a while longer.
Over the last six weeks the Saints have had the #1 defense in the NFL. Giving up less than 13 pts/game. Have had the #1 rush defense all year, and now the pass defense has caught up. Needed them guys again last night.
The offense is in total disarray. A makeshift OL due to injuries, WRs and TEs who can't catch ('cept Thomas), and Brees' weak-azz arm has caught up to him too. He is not a running threat, and now his ability to be strictly a pocket-passer, which has been enough in the past, is not getting it done. Another stud WR will help, mostly because it will make defenses stop doubling Thomas, but the O's problems run deeper than just another wide-out. Saints' receivers, especially the TEs, drop too many balls.
And, it's the scheme. Opposing defenses know what the Saints are gonna do. Now, that in itself doesn't need to be a problem....does anyone not know what plays Navy runs? When Navy nearly upset then #1 Ohio State they ran a total of FOUR different plays, the entire game. They had over 80 snaps, and ran just FOUR different plays. They had 350+ yards rushing and scored 40+. Ohio State's defense was not fooled....they just got out-executed.
Well, the Saints have personnel issues. And because of that, it is incumbent upon Payton/Brees to tweak things. Brees' arm has lost a lot of its zip, his passes are floating more, which means DBs are having time to react and make plays. The Saints have inferior receivers ('cept for Thomas). They are not "attacking" the ball and snatching it. And a few other issues....knowing this, Payton/Brees need to introduce more deception.
The table is set for a Super Bowl run. All the pieces are in place for the Saints, except for the offense. Strange to say that, but it is reality. I have confidence Payton/Brees will recognize this truth and then get it done.
The offense will be fine...I think. In the NFL you have to be able to win in a lot of different ways. Two weeks ago, we lost an ugly road game. This week, we won it. Just need one of the next two and we'll be well positioned.
Once the offense clicks again, watch-out. Remember, the superbowl year we entered the play-offs on a 3 game slide (maybe losing to the Cowboys is good JuJu for us).
If last night's game ends 16-7, 20-7 or 20-9, I think there is a completely different narrative today about the offense...
Brees and the receivers will have to be expertly precise in ball placement and route running. He can still fit the ball in windows that maybe a small handful of QB’s in history could pull off. At least he doesn’t throw dead ducks like Manning did his last 2 years.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Not totally different. Still some concern, even scoring 20 last night. Remember, the Dirty Kats are going nowhere. Da Bears, the Rams, the Seasickhawks, and the 'boys offer stiffer challenges than we got last night. Of course, I think Luke Keuchly is awesome! One of the best LBs in football. Period. And the Kats are pretty tough on D overall. Their problem is no offense....'cept for Christian McCaff!Quote:
Originally Posted by Dwayne From Minden
Newton has been playing hurt and apparently is slated for shoulder surgery in the offseason. They should shut him down now.
I am encouraged by the Saints D right now. The run D is top flight ... We are in every game because of them. Defenses seem to be coming around league-wide. This past week was the lowest scoring week in the past 2 years in the NFL. Someone posted this on SaintsReport about the run defense and the secondary has gotten better now that Apple has his feet under him.
Sept 30th - Saquon Barkley 10 carries/44 yds
Nov.4th - Todd Gurley 13 carries/68 yds
Nov.29 - Ezekiel Elliot 23 carries/75 yds
Dec.17 - Christian McCaffrey 15 carries/53 yds
If Ginn could come back and we could get some health back on the O-Line we would be set up for a Super Bowl run. Having home field will help and sitting players week 17 would be a bonus.
Our defense has played amazing the last 7 games. We need WR Ginn back ASAP. And Cam Newton showcased his fool of a self, lack of maturity and poor decision making skills once again Monday night.Quote:
Originally Posted by weunice
To say I LOVE the way our defense is playing...well, do I really have to post something pro-defense? Y'all know me.
We should all have reason to be concerned about the offense. Yeah, like most of you, I trust Payton/Brees to right the ship. But right it! they must. As good as the Saints' D is playing, the road to the Super Bowl goes thru some really, really stout defenses. And those teams, for the most part, are not wallowing on offense like we are. If we make it there, we might face the Chargers, who statistically, right now (and these things tend to change) is the BEST team in the NFL, overall. I'm not worried about the Chargers, yet, because just getting to the SB is still a rough road.
It starts with a "better-not-overlook-'em" Steelers team. I expect another tough tussle, one decided by 7 pts or less. Right now, given it's in the Dome, I'll say Saints 20 Steelers 16. Something like that.
This thread is not just a Saints' thread, so...
I think Dallas will beat TB and secure the NFC East. The Eagles and even the Skins are still alive for a wildcard berth. They both have very tough games this week, the Texans and the Titans, respectively. The Vikes should beat the Lions, garnering one of the two WC slots. The Seasickhawks can lock up one too, with a win, but they have the Chiefs, so...if the Eagles, or the Skins can snatch a W, they're right there.
The AFC is also clouded. The Steelers and Ravens are battling for the AFC North division title, the other is very much in the WC hunt. As are the Titans, Dolphins, Colts for that second WC spot, as either the Chiefs or Chargers will be the #5 seed for sure.
Saturday has two HUGE games in this playoff hunt: Skins at Titans, and Ravens at Chargers. Actually, over the weekend, there are only a handful of games with no impact on the playoffs. That includes Dirty Birds at Dirty Kats....and nothing pleases me more than that. Their game is irrelevant for 2018, ya gotta love it!
Current Picture http://www.nfl.com/playoffs/playoff-picture
NFC
1) Saints
2) Rams
3) Bears vs. 6) Vikings
4) Cowboys vs. 5) Seahawks
AFC
1) Chiefs
2) Texans
3) Patriots vs. 6) Ravens
4) Steelers vs. 5) Chargers
Big game for the Saints today...but even bigger for Pitt. They have to win to stay alive for the playoffs. At least, that's what I think I just heard said. If that's true, this is a playoff game for Pitt. That scares me even more.
The reason this is so, is because the Ravens upset the Chargers last night, 22-10. I was flipping over to it, watching it. Kenneth Dixon had 28 yds rushing, and 2 catches for 20 yards. I did see him make a couple of really nice runs.
Whew!
If Pitt makes the playoffs, I wouldn't want to play 'em. As I recall the year they beat the Az Cardinals in that great SB, Pitt was a wildcard team.
Saints got out-played, out-coached, out-QBed...but found a way.
Nah!!Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Ah, yah! and the stats for the game show it. Glad I don't live in Lah-lah land like others do. I live in the real world....reality, baby! Big Ben had a great game! He was incredible. Why is it so hard for some fans to acknowledge that the other team played well, had a great game?
Good to see Ted Ginn back, and looking like he hasn't missed 9 weeks. But Ginn needs more reps, with Brees and the 1st string, and I hope Payton is smart enough to make sure that happens...some vs. the Dirty Kats this week. Use it like a pre-season game. But, YES! our OL is terribly banged up and getting healed-up is critical for a playoff run.
Pitt had a great game plan. On offense they didn't even try to run the ball. In the 3rd qtr Pitt had two long, TD drives, and 100% of the plays were passes. Saints are #1 against the rush, and around 20th or so, maybe 25thish, against the pass. At one time the Saints were dead last in pass defense, but have gotten a little better. On defense Pitt employed the wrong approach, at first, and Brees tore 'em up. When they went to the "Dallas" formula...the pundits have been calling it... Brees struggled more.
Anyway, last night was like the "playoffs." If you think the Saints will cake-walk to the SB "just because" you want it to be so....wake up! The NFC tourney will have nothing but salty teams in it. Saints will have to win twice to reach the SB. Glad we are at home...which gives us our best chance...but I am under no delusions about how easy it'll be.
2018 is looking a LOT like 2009. If we lose to Carolina, which will probably happen, then the Saints will finish 13-3, with the three losses to the exact same teams as in '09. The more important similarity is the way the defense gets it done....take-aways.
In other games...
Philly stayed alive...barely. The Seasickhawks are starting to get their act together. Big win over Mahomes and KC last night. More than likely the 'hawks will play at Dallas in the opening round. That should be a good one.
In the AFC...how can it be so? The Pats are a win...over the lowly Jets....away from sealing the #2 seed and a first-round bye. Everyone has been blowing them off, focusing on the Chargers, Chiefs, and the Steelers, with an occasional mention of the Texans. But no one has been touting the Pats as a serious SB contender this year. Do so at your own peril.
BTW, Boston Scott had a very nice kickoff return for the Eagles. Took a short kick around the 7 and scooted out to midfield, a 40+ yard return.
He also had a pretty big screwup. Boston made the decision to return the last kickoff, and only made it to the 10-yd line. The announcers raked him over pretty good for that decision. But, because they won, the Eagles media went easier on him:Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
http://www.philly.com/eagles/philade...-20181224.htmlQuote:
· Kickoff returner Boston Scott, making his NFL debut, earlier had churned out a 35-yarder, but Scott got no blocking on this one and he only made it to the 11. He explained afterward that as he waited at the goal line, he couldn’t tell if the ball was going in the end zone or would hit short and bounce back toward the 5. “It was too close,” Scott said. So, 89 yards from the Texans’ end zone, the Eagles took over.
Nick Foles > Carson Wentz
But, that's a Philly problem.
NFC:
Home teams will win next weekend, setting up two rematches:
Bears at Rams
Cowboys at Saints
AFC:
Who cares? Just battling to see who will lose in the Super Bowl. Okay....anything can happen, true.
I'm taking both road teams next weekend in my predictions, Colts over Texans, Chargers over Ravens. Although I am rooting for KD and the Ravens!
Setting up:
Colts at Chiefs
Chargers at Pats
I want the cowgirls in Da Dome against our Saints! Dan will totally collapse under the noise and pressure of Da Dome and our fan noise.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
And I would like, in the perfect world, for the Saints to face KC in the Super Bowl.
I'm not particular, I just want/hope the Saints win it. I know we have homefield, but truthfully, anything can happen. The Pitt game was like a playoff game and we barely escaped that one. I think this is the deepest the NFC bracket has ever been. Nothing but either seasoned-experienced teams, or very, very, very talented younger teams. And DEFENSE is prominent across the board.
I'm not really knocking the AFC, it's just I don't think it is nearly as strong, top to bottom, as the NFC.
It's a Texas day in the NFL. Houston and Dallas hosting playoff games.
Colts at Texans, going with the road dog in an upset, Colts 23 Texans 20
Seasickhawks at Cowgirls, I hate Seattle! I hate Pete Carrol, I still hate Mashown Lynch, even though he doesn't play for 'em anymore. I hate their fans. I hate their rainy-azz city. The Seasickhawks are the only NFL team, outside of the NFC South, who (whom?) I despise. As for the Cowgirls, I don't hate the team/franchise. I do, however, have some issues with many Cowgirls' fans. Much like the LSU "Walmart" fans. But, the fans don't play the game, so...
Today the 'girls put on their big boy pants and do a dance on the Seasickhawks. Dallas' defense is legit good. Their offense is good enough and have some great playmakers in Elliot, Beasley, and Cooper. Prescott can be hot/cold, but today he's gonna be in a groove. This one, not even close:
Cowboys 31 Seasickhawks 10
Bears 20 Eagles 14
Chargers 24 Ravens 23
Both games today will be close. On paper da Bears should rock the visiting Eagles, but they won't. The Eagles are showing a "heart of a champion" and won't go down easy. But da Bears play great defense, and that will be the difference.
I am rooting for KD and the Ravens! But the Chargers are a more complete team. On the road, tough to win, but San Diego....er, I mean L.A. finds a way to get it done.
I could’ve sworn Skip Holtz was calling plays for Seattle. They had quite a few 3 and outs on offense, virtually everyone of those they ran the the ball on 1st and 2nd down. And they kept doing it in the 2nd half, that’s what was amazing.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
I think....could be wrong....the Seasickhawks are the #1 rushing team in the NFL. Think I heard that said during the game. Nope, that's the Colts!(just looked it up) That's where I heard it. But Seattle was 4th in the league. So, guess they thought they could run the ball against Dallas.Quote:
Originally Posted by glm47
But I think (and I haven't looked this up) Seattle led the league with the most 3-and-outs this year. A dubious distinction. It was said during the telecast that when Seattle beat Dallas in Week 3 they had SIX 3-and-outs in there ELEVEN possessions that day. So, I suppose ole Petey was not concerned about the 3-and-outs yesterday.
Well, upset by Philly changes things a bit. New Orleans gets to host Philly and Dallas heads to Los Angeles. In truth, should be a better opportunity for both of them. I'd much rather face Goff than Brees -- and LA is much less of a home field advantage than the Dome. And Philly doesn't appear to have the defense to stop Brees.
Some of my Facebook buds are saying, well, there goes the Cowboys-Saints rematch....ah, no, not yet. Might just be delayed by one week.
I definitely think Dallas can beat the Rams, even on the road. Especially if Jerry sends his personal refs to work the game....yowzah! That aside, the way the Cowboys play defense, they have a real shot of winning. Yes, the offense will have to enjoy a good day, and that should be possible as the Rams don't have a lockdown defense...they're good, but not dominating. The Rams have mostly lived with offense, out-scoring opponents and playing a "good enough" defense. That doesn't work well in the playoffs.
I think the Saints will beat Philly. But, as the Eagles showed yesterday they won't go down easily. I expect a similar type game, very close, with defenses dominating.
In the AFC I am leaning toward the Colts upsetting the Chiefs, and the Chargers upsetting the Pats. But, especially the Colts winning.
Will have to think on these pending games a little.
With Hurns and Beasley both down with injuries, the Cowboys have some real challenges with depth at WR. The Cowboy defense is going to have to step up and keep the score down this week.
https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/201...-lance-lenoir/
The Dallas D has played great this year! It's actually their LB's that are winning the day for them. But let's see if the girls can keep down their illegal hits they been getting away with in Jarra World as it's not as easy outside his and buddy Goodell's strip club atmosphere. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
I think you got a little side-tracked there, TYLER.......:laugh:Quote:
Originally Posted by TYLERTECHSAS
Oops!! :oQuote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
Gurley is not 100%. He's nursing an injury and has been missing practice.Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
I will wait to make my fearless predictions until tomorrow, or maybe Saturday morning. Have to monitor the injury reports for key personnel.
And they're "fearless" predictions since I don't bet real money on 'em. So, no consequence for being mistaken. ;)
Chiefs have not won a home playoff game since the '93 season and are 0-6 since then. Make that 0-7 after today.
Colts 26 Chiefs 20
Defense wins championships. And it also wins road playoff games.
Cowboys 24 Rams 21
Picking two road dogs to spring upsets today. I have more confidence in my Colts' pick. But I think the Cowboy LBs will be so disruptive, a gimpy Gurley, and Goff's goofs in big games will be enough for Dallas.
I got the:Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Chiefs - Luck has been bad on the road in the playoffs. I expect him to have TO’s today. And the Chiefs offense is better than most the Colts have beaten.
Cowboys - I’m not buying the Rams, Goff has not been good since Kupp went out.
Chargers - I think they have more talent and should win. But beating the Patriots at home will not be easy.
Saints - Who dat!
The Cowboys-Rams game is all about the Cowboys DEFENSE. To win, the Cowboys must hold the Rams to 23 points or less. If they don’t, it could be a long night for me.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
I like those picks. Would make for a great championship weekend.Quote:
Originally Posted by glm47
Very nice of the officials to reset the play clock for the Rams on that 2 point conversion.
Duh, I meant the Cowboys!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bulldog Tom
Kudos to the Chiefs D...they waited all year to finally show up. The zebras were not kind to the Colts, and the "Dolts" hurt themselves with silly penalties and dropped passes, and what's up with Vinateri??? Mahomes is the real deal, and if the KC defense shows up again, then the Chiefs are real too.
Was surprised how poorly the Dallas D played, especially against the run. The Rams set a franchise record for rushing yards in a playoff game.
Today...
going with the chalk, at home.
The Chargers are the better team, but this is no ordinary #2 seed they are playing on the road. Just think the Pats will find a way to win. Rivers is prone to WTF games at times, and today he will have one of those.
Pats 31 Chargers 21
Home in the Dome!
The Eagles scare me. They are defending Super Bowl champs for a reason. Foles is 1,000X better than that over-rated Wentz. The Eagles play defense too. Still, it's time for Payton/Brees to earn all those accolades they get....even during three straight 7-9 seasons supporters were heaping praise on them...blah, blah, blah. I don't give a rat's azz about all of Brees' passing records, throwing for a gazillion yards and losing doesn't get it done for me. WIN games!
But the focus is today. The Saints offense has limped in averaging an anemic 19 pts a game in their last 6 games. The defense has stepped up and has carried this team. I think (hope) the D has a big game today! If not, the Saints will lose. I don't expect Brees and the O to have a break-out game, but do think they can do enough to get a W. The Eagles will employ the tactic I've been saying for 10+ years, force Brees out of the pocket, DO NOT let him step up. He is a below-average QB when forced out of the pocket. Ted Ginn being back will help a lot!
Saints 27 Eagles 17
Defense wins the day.
Dallas D-line and LB got dominated. I didn’t see that coming.
I think the Chargers can get pressure on Brady and will win if allowed to by the officials.
The Saints game will not be a repeat of the first meeting. The Eagles have good receivers and can be effective unless the Saints D line can apply pressure. Ultimately I think the Saints will get it done.
I'm hoping our second string RB from last year has a good day today. I don't hope the Saints lose, but losing big games is still closer to the norm than winning is.
Didn’t take long for a referee bailout for Brady. Results in 7 instead of 3.
Chargers trying to play zone defense against Brady. That’s a recipe for defeat. Will never work. And playing a bad zone is even worse.
The stupidity of coaches never ceases to amaze me.
Gonna have to play a lot better to beat the Rams.
Nah, just score one more point than they do....Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnylightnin