Saints Nation: Saints Beat Texans in Track Meet, 40-33

So that happened. That was a wacky game to say the least. Saints win 40-33 and I’m honestly not sure how they did it. Perhaps the presence and spirit of Steve Gleason had a little bit to do with that improbable win. I wouldn’t bet against it. Gleason is just 34 (pictured to the left, #37) but he’s been diagnosed with Lou Gherig’s disease. This announcement was made public today, a shocking revelation that is sure to upset the fanbase. Gleason was loved as a player because he had more heart than any guy on the field at all times. He’s also known for the blocked punt against the Falcons in the first home game in the Dome post Katrina, one of the top 5 biggest plays in franchise history. As for the game, the Saints were completely outplayed for 3 quarters. At halftime, I couldn’t comprehend how they were down just 16-10 because they were whipped up and down the field. Sure enough, they came back and they never quit… something we’re used to by now with this regime. They showed the never quit attitude and heart that was reminiscent of Steve Gleason during his playing days. I don’t think that was a coincidence that he happened to be an honorary captain in this game. On to the bullets of the game:

•  The Saints’ defense was gashed throughout the game, but thanks to good red zone defense, they were able to keep their team in the game until the offense woke up. The first quarter in particular, was atrocious on both sides of the ball. The D got better as the game progressed, but they still gave up 473 yards of offense. They need to do better.
• The Texans scored a touchdown to take a 33-32 lead on the weirdest touchdown I’ve seen in a long time. Kevin Walter caught a touchdown pass, but the ball touched three different players before it ended up in his hands. You can’t really blame the defense there for a total freak play.
• Matt Schaub, to me, got less accurate and dominant as the game progressed. As first I wasn’t sure if the Saints could stop him.
• Andre Johnson is the real deal. Every bit as good as advertised.
• I can’t help but think the Texans might have been more successful in the red zone if Arian Foster had played. That was a big boost to the Saints to have him out, not that BenTate didn’t fill in admirably. 
• The Saints had some tough injuries. Will Herring went out very early with a hamstring. Martez Wilson was off to a good start before he had a concussion. Linebacker wise, the Saints are pretty depleted considering Vilma was out also. They may need to call up Nate Bussey for depth. The Saints also lost Olin Kreutz and Zach Strief of the O-line. Hopefully those guys can recover quickly.
• Drew Brees threw his first two picks of the year. The first was an awful throw. The second seemed to be a mistake by Jimmy Graham running the wrong route.
• Speaking of Graham. He had a miserable game for long stretches. Lost of drops and lack of separation. Then, he made huge receptions to help the Saints win the game in the 4th quarter. The guy still has lapses but it’s clear he can be a superstar if he puts it all together.
• Mark Ingram scored his first touchdown on a beautiful 13 yard run.
• Darren Sproles is 100 times better than Reggie Bush. No offense to Bush, but Sproles is a stud. I’d pick Sproles over Bush anyday. If not for Brees, Sproles is the team’s best player right now.
• Lance Moore exploded in the second half. What a monster performance. He was killing the Texans in the slot. He had a touchdown and 2 huge 2 point conversions.
• Will Smith was very solid against the run. Having him back was a big boost to the Saints’ physical nature.
• Jo-Lonn Dunbar was a disaster in coverage, but a huge boost against the run. I didn’t think he was that much of a downgrade from the way Vilma has played so far this season, honestly. He is a huge physical presence in run support and he hits hard.
• Shaun Rogers actually showed up and did some good things. I hope we see more of that.

That’s about all I have to say. What a magical win by the Saints. Make no mistake, the team has major areas of concern and lots to clean up, but that was a massive win for the morale of the team. They’ll go into Jacksonville against a weaker opponent with a huge opportunity to go 3-1 on the season.

Stay tuned for the grades!