Saints narrowly escape with a victory 24-21
The Saints finally started to show cracks on their defense allowing 406 total yards to the Bucs, but Reggie Bush came to the rescue returning a Bucs’ punt 65 yards for the game winning TD. Drew Brees had his usual efficient game throwing the ball, completing 21 of 33 passes for 171 yards and a TD. Deuce McAllister was very tough on the Bucs, carrying the ball 15 times for 123 yards (8.2 ypc) and a TD. Reggie Bush was all over the field. Buch carried the ball 9 times for 23 yards (2.6 ypc) and caught 11 passes for 63 yards. TE Ernie Conwell caught 2 passes for 14 yards including a TD.
The Saints defense got pushed around by the Bucs. The Bucs carried the ball 33 times for 187 yards (5.7 ypc)! The Bucs also completed 20 of 31 passes for 219 net yards passing. Safety Josh Bullocks had 10 tackles. The LBs were very busy for the Saints. Mark Simoneau had 8 tackles, Scott Shanle had 8 tackles and Scott Fujita had 7 tackles and a sack.
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As I have stated in the past, the key to winning the majority of all games starts with the play of the defense and not the offense. The defenses’ job is to stop the opponents offense. The Saint’s defense did not, I repeat, did not stop the Buc’s offense. The defense gaved up too manny rushing and pashing yardages. If the defense continues to play mediocrity defensive football, they will find themselves at the bottom of the standing. All superbowl winners won their games with their defense that usually sets up good field position for the offense. Anybody can play offense, but it takes a special person(s) to play defense. In their last two games, the saint’s have given up too many points and have kept the games too close. The New Orleans’ saints are not there yet. Their defense must improve each and every week or it will be over for them.
I’ve been saying the Saints defense has been a mirage the first part of the season. They have no Pro-Bowlers on that side of the ball and will have to out-score opponents all year long.
Saint defense may not be world-beaters this season, but does anyone remember last season? Harper is a sore loss, but he should be ready to shine next year, with some help from the next draft. And being an offensive juggernaut is not the worst fate that can befall a football team, there is a lot of upside there yet. The defense could yet prove adequate, though probably not against the Eagles.
Football was the last thing on the players minds and most Saints players minds. This is so much better this season, that I know I’m nitpicking about the defense. They have raised my expectations so much with their great play so far this season that I do think they will make the playoffs. Before the season I would have got drug tested if I suggested that the Saints could make the playoffs. Payton can really coach.
When will anyone listen to me. The defense is the key to victory in all football games, not the offense. Against the Bucs, the saints allowed too much yardage in the passing and rushing game. The defense must improve each and every week to have a run for the superbowl. Anything less, is a waste of time. Coach Payton must realize that he must continue to work hard on the defense and do not cut them any slacks. It truly takes a special person to play great D. Until I continue to see improvements in the defense, then you will see my approval of the saints. Right now they are 50/50. There are 10 games left and now they have a bye week. After the bye week, than I will formulate my judgement of them after they play the ravens, the cowboys, the bucs again, and steelers.
I agree about the defense. I’ve said all along that they have been overachieving on that side of the ball, because quite simply…..they don’t have that much talent on that side of the ball.