The Saints have now won 6 straight games as they took care of business at home against a young and overmatched Rams team. The game got off to a fast start, saw the Rams get back into the game, and then was never really in doubt once Malcolm Jenkins returned a game changing pick six. Below are my usual observations of the game:
— This was a complete performance overall from the Saints. Offense, defense and special teams. Most pleasing for me was how terrific the coverage units were. I’m not sure if Thomas Morstead being thrust back in the kickoff role made the difference, but the kickoff team was massively improved from a week ago.
— Pierre Thomas’ return was not a quiet one. Of particular note was how much of a positive effect he had on the passing game. No back runs that screen play better. He finished with 39 yards on the ground and 29 yards receiving. It wasn’t a breakout game by any means, but he was contributing without question. Really nice to see him back.
— Brees was flawless, except for 2 really bad turnovers. That’s what’s been so puzzling about his performances this year. He plays largely very solid, but he is always good for at least one or two horrible turnovers. Both of his interceptions were really poorly thrown footballs. I know we all get a little spoiled by his play, but those turnovers gave the Rams a chance to get back into a game that should have been a blowout. I maintain that he’s got to take better care of the football if the Saints want to repeat.
— Courtney Roby was carted off the field and taken to Oschner Hospital. This would be a devastating blow to special teams if he missed any time in this stretch run as he’s a huge part of what they do. Let’s hope that he is ok and recovers quickly. The good news is he was apparently “alert and have movement in all his extremities”. I’m not sure if he had a concussion, hurt his neck, or what, but it looked scary.
— The Falcons won again. Ugh, I hate them. No real surprise as they went into Carolina and demolished the lowly Panthers. Our only chance to win the division is going to come down to them losing at Seattle next weekend. We’ll all be big Seahawks fans. You never know… Maybe if the weather is really bad?
— This marks the Saints’ second back to back double digit win season ever. 10 wins is a big feat, especially a year after winning the Super Bowl. Hopefully we can win out, but the Saints deserve credit for playing mostly good ball all year. I believe the previous time the Saints did this in back to back seasons was 90-91, so it’s been a while. No reason to think they don’t have the pieces to try again next year for it.
— Marques Colston had a really weird game. 4 drops, and 2 touchdowns. It was either great or awful. Is Drew Brees rubbing off on him?
— Meachem had a really off game, with two bad drops. One was on a 4th down play that turned the ball over on downs, and another was on a deep ball in the end zone which would have been a touchdown.
— How about Vilma, Harper, Greer and Jenkins? Those 4 guys all played a WHALE of a game. The Saints’ defense is just awesome.
— Malcolm Jenkins reminded me of Darren Sharper in this game.
— Darren Sharper reminded me of not Darren Sharper.
— Jeff Charleston generated more pressure on two back to back plays than Alex Brown has generated all season.
— Does Devery Henderson still play on this team?
— While he did get flagged for holding, David Thomas’ blocking was EXCEPTIONAL in this one.
— I know there was some stupid penalty, but how sick was that Jimmy Graham catch for a touchdown?
— Garrett Hartley is in rhythm right now. His form reminds me of late last season during the playoffs.
— Chris Ivory left the game with a hamstring tweak. Typical timing. As soon as Pierre Thomas comes back, Ivory goes down. I do think they were holding him out because the game was well in hand, though. I’m guessing it was just a precaution.
— Next week will be a VERY difficult game at Baltimore, with weather likely being a factor. If the Saints want any chance at winning the NFC South, they’ve got to win this game. If we lose, we’ll be playing for a wild card berth. We’ll see what this team is made of because this will be a very harsh test. Because it’s likely the Saints will have to go on the road for the entirety of the playoffs, you might as well start now with a tough prep game like this.
Check back for the grades, and GEAUX SEAHAWKS!!!!
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