MNF: Saints v Falcons Thread

[sterlingice]

We don't have one yet?

SI

[k0ruptr]

wow the saints are fired up.

[miami_fan]

Way to script that beginning out, Mr David Stern.

[sterlingice]

Was quite a fun way to start

SI

[miami_fan]

Did neither team do a walk though at the Superdome prior to today?

[sterlingice]

Absolutely gorgeous play call

SI

[Eaglesfan27]

Yep. Great gameplan for the Saints so far.

[k0ruptr]

GREAT defensive gameplan, there really getting to the outside, and keying on crumpler, there gonna have to force vick to throw to the wideouts

[kingnebwsu]

I thought the Saints would be fired up, but not like this. 14-3 in the 1st is crazy.

Stat just came up, first time NO has scored 2 TD at home in the first quarter since '98. Wow.

I didn't start Bush or Brees in my fantasy league, so we'll see how they do ;)

[bulletsponge]

i wish Thiesman would shut up

[bulletsponge]

ohh great, a "celebrity" in the booth. im changing the channel

[jbmagic]

Turn the sound down and listen to the game on the radio.

That team does a better job.

[mrsimperless]

I think Spike Lee was about to punch Tony when he touched his leg. Or maybe he liked it. That was very awkward for me.

[Groundhog]

Ping: Atlanta's run defense

You guys are needed.

[dime]

that was kind of brutal...spike lee seems very inarticulate. maybe he's nervous?

[VPI97]

One of the guys on Atlanta sports radio nailed it earlier in the week...there was zero chance the Falcons would win this game due to all the stuff going on. The only thing I wonder is who Arthur Blank pissed off to get us scheduled against the Saints this week.

[mrsimperless]

Tony just touched him again! For the love man, stop it!!

[miami_fan]

Turn the sound down and listen to the game on the radio.

That team does a better job.

Some of us don't get that option either!:mad:

[Warhammer]

I am getting absolutely sick and tired of people talking about how the government needs to do more for NO. Look dammit, Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast of MS and did a lot more damage there. Half of the problems in NO were due to the people and local government in LA. I wish people would stop talking about what the government is going to do for them, and just do what the people in MS have been doing and do something for themselves.

Sorry for the rant, but this stuff has been pissing me off lately.

[Vegas Vic]

Looks like a clear tip, unless you're an Oregon replay official.

[miami_fan]

I did not know that could be challenged

[DeToxRox]

One of the guys on Atlanta sports radio nailed it earlier in the week...there was zero chance the Falcons would win this game due to all the stuff going on. The only thing I wonder is who Arthur Blank pissed off to get us scheduled against the Saints this week.

That's bullshit. I don't buy that excuse at all. These guys are professionals. Atlanta is just playing shitty, but don't blame it on the off the field stuff. The Saints want it more.

[Tigercat]

I am getting absolutely sick and tired of people talking about how the government needs to do more for NO. Look dammit, Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast of MS and did a lot more damage there. Half of the problems in NO were due to the people and local government in LA. I wish people would stop talking about what the government is going to do for them, and just do what the people in MS have been doing and do something for themselves.

Sorry for the rant, but this stuff has been pissing me off lately.

You do realize there are plenty of poor areas of MS with no development going on? Now, there are 10x more people without help in N.O. The difference is the number of people we are talking about. Thats why you don't hear more people bitching about MS, if they had the same population number as adversely affected, people would be bitching about them too.

It has nothing to do with local government, it has everything to do with a massive disaster. Debate if the federal government should have done more or should do more all you want, but don't play harsh judge over people who have been through hell if you haven't lived in it and next to them.

(And I have with people from both Louisiana and MS with family in both areas.)

[mtolson]

Looks like a clear tip, unless you're an Oregon replay official.

Yes, it was a tip. But when I paused my DVR it shows Bush getting knocked of course while the ball is in the air. Surprised they missed this.

[VPI97]

That's bullshit. I don't buy that excuse at all. These guys are professionals. Atlanta is just playing shitty, but don't blame it on the off the field stuff. The Saints want it more.
Yeah, you're right...emotion, momentum & adrenaline in professional sports is all a myth. Good call.

[miami_fan]

I thought this was a football thread. I can't bitch about ABC not covering the game if FOFC can't do the same

[DeToxRox]

Yeah, you're right...emotion, momentum & adrenaline in professional sports is all a myth. Good call.

If Atlanta can't get up knowing what the Saints will be about then they're not a good team. If Atlanta played with their energy they should win, they are supposed to be more talented. That's no ones fault but their own. Emotion, momentum and adrenaline are an advantage but talent is the equalizer.

[Warhammer]

You do realize there are plenty of poor areas of MS with no development going on? Now, there are 10x more people without help in N.O. The difference is the number of people we are talking about. Thats why you don't hear more people bitching about MS, if they had the same population number as adversely affected, people would be bitching about them too.

It has nothing to do with local government, it has everything to do with a massive disaster. Debate if the federal government should have done more or should do more all you want, but don't play harsh judge over people who have been through hell if you haven't lived in it and next to them.

(And I have with people from both Louisiana and MS with family in both areas.)


I do business in both areas and have yet to hear any one in MS bitch about how the government isn't helping them. I deal with a lot of the people that are responsible for the water systems in the areas and have yet to hear any of the bitching and moaning in MS that you hear in LA.

Also, the MS Gulf Coast area still has 250,000+ people, so its not exactly small potatoes.

[JeeberD]

Yay Brian Young!

[Galaxy]

Let's leave the New Orleans/Gov't stuff out of this thread (start a new one if you want).

[Tigercat]

Visit areas along the coast of Waveland and Biloxi before and after the storm and in the poorest areas you will see areas with as little progress as the 9th ward. Again, yes you don't hear them bitching on a national scale because they don't have the same number of voices. (There is no massive urban area in MS that was whiped out like in Louisiana.)

[Galaxy]

WOW

[mtolson]

This field is terrible. It's only a matter of time before we see a torn ligament.

[VPI97]

If Atlanta can't get up knowing what the Saints will be about then they're not a good team. If Atlanta played with their energy they should win, they are supposed to be more talented. That's no ones fault but their own. Emotion, momentum and adrenaline are an advantage but talent is the equalizer.
Based on the game I'm watching, I'm fairly certain that you have no idea what you're talking about.

[Tigercat]

Let's leave the New Orleans/Gov't stuff out of this thread (start a new one if you want).

Believe me, as a Saints fan I would want nothing more. But what can you do when someone who doesn't live down here takes a swipe at you, your city, your neighbors, and your family?

But yea, the Saints are kicking some ass, so its all good. :)

[mrsimperless]

This field is terrible. It's only a matter of time before we see a torn ligament.

Isn't it field turf? I thought that stuff was supposed to be pretty good. The Colts installed it last year and I haven't heard anything but good things about it, especially compared to Concrete(Astro)Turf. I'm sure it's not as good as grass, I did think it was the next best thing.

I do agree that it looks crappy. I just don't understand why.

[Galaxy]

The halftime isn't going to be "expanded" is it?

[JeeberD]

What it sounds like is that the Field Turf is too new and hasn't had a chance to settle yet. Therefore, the turf is way too loose and it's difficult for the players to gain traction...

[Tigercat]

What will be lost in this game regardless of the outcome is that this Saints team is pretty good. Very well coached and some pretty good talent. The biggest weakness is at DB, but outside of Steve Smith, I am not sure who in the division will really be able to exploit that.

[k0ruptr]

saints kinda remind me of the panthers superbowl team a couple years back... not saying thats where there headed. but a similar team I think.

[k0ruptr]

WOW carney murdered that ball!

[DeToxRox]

Based on the game I'm watching, I'm fairly certain that you have no idea what you're talking about.

The Falcons still can execute. If they get open and Vick makes the throws, the crowd can't defend that. It doesn't turn 53 guys into a Superhero. Seems like Atlanta is just looking for excuses which is bullshit. The Saints are playing well. The Falcons are not playing well. Mora is being out coached horribly. That has NOTHING to do with the crowd or the circumstances.

[Eaglesfan27]

What will be lost in this game regardless of the outcome is that this Saints team is pretty good. Very well coached and some pretty good talent. The biggest weakness is at DB, but outside of Steve Smith, I am not sure who in the division will really be able to exploit that.


Agreed. I honestly thought the Saints weren't as good as the Falcons before this game. I know momentum, emotion, etc are helping the Saints tonight significantly, but the Saints are showing they are a better team than I thought they were. I thought they only won the first 2 games because of weak teams, but this win isn't just a slight lead, but a complete ass kicking.


Of course, I still hope the Eagles crush them in a few weeks ;)

[LloydLungs]

Agreed. I honestly thought the Saints weren't as good as the Falcons before this game. I know momentum, emotion, etc are helping the Saints tonight significantly, but the Saints are showing they are a better team than I thought they were.

I still think the Falcons are better, but I really think the Saints have got themselves a coach. The Haslettian 12-men-on-the-field-after-a-timeout notwithstanding.

Tigercat, thank you so much for speaking up for New Orleans. I'm just not in the mood tonight to argue this.

[mrsimperless]

The Falcons still can execute. If they get open and Vick makes the throws, the crowd can't defend that. It doesn't turn 53 guys into a Superhero. Seems like Atlanta is just looking for excuses which is bullshit. The Saints are playing well. The Falcons are not playing well. Mora is being out coached horribly. That has NOTHING to do with the crowd or the circumstances.

Who from the Falcons was making excuses?

[DeToxRox]

Who from the Falcons was making excuses?

Refering to the city of Atlanta/Fans from a previous post about how "there is no way the Falcons can win this game".

[ISiddiqui]

Oh, come on... you can't diminish the effect this home field crowd and emotion have on the Saints. The Saints are a good team, but this event is really playing a very big role in this game. Remember the Saints barely beat Cleveland and Green Bay, while Atlanta blew out Carolina and Tampa Bay. Unless you think Cleveland and Green Bay are better than Carolina and Tampa, then you have to admit the home field is playing a pretty big role here (otherwise, I think it'd be a much closer game, with maybe a FG seperating the two teams at the half).

[DeToxRox]

Oh, come on... you can't diminish the effect this home field crowd and emotion have on the Saints. The Saints are a good team, but this event is really playing a very big role in this game. Remember the Saints barely beat Cleveland and Green Bay, while Atlanta blew out Carolina and Tampa Bay. Unless you think Cleveland and Green Bay are better than Carolina and Tampa, then you have to admit the home field is playing a pretty big role here.

Yes but for someone to say that Atlanta had no chance coming into this game because of this is ABSURD. If this were the case the Yankees would've won the 2001 World Series.

[Tigercat]

Agreed. I honestly thought the Saints weren't as good as the Falcons before this game. I know momentum, emotion, etc are helping the Saints tonight significantly, but the Saints are showing they are a better team than I thought they were. I thought they only won the first 2 games because of weak teams, but this win isn't just a slight lead, but a complete ass kicking.


Of course, I still hope the Eagles crush them in a few weeks ;)

Yea, I would think Atlanta is better than the Saints overall this year. But not as much as some might think. IMO, Atlanta is a bit overrated.

Before tonight I thought the Saints were an 8-8 team. Could end up better record-wise, because the Saints can stop the run and again I am not sure who in the NFC South will be able to fully exploit the Saints weakness at CB. If the Saints had to play a team like Indy or the Patriots twice this year, it would be pretty ugly. Need some CBs as soon as FA starts next year.

(Eagles game could be ugly too if Mcnabb is in the groove for that one.)

[JS19]

Not really sure if this qualifies for this thread or not but since it happened during it this is where it's going. I believe it was Tirico who said something along the lines of "the Saints have an opportunity to do something no team has ever done, be able to play for a community that has been through such a tough time".

This pissed me off. Maybe it's bc i'm from NY and it hits close to home, but what the hell did the Mets/Yankees/Giants/Jets do when games resumed after 9/11?

[Lorena]

Antmeister and I got a laugh after the "Fajita" screwup and the "Mr. Clutch" comment Theisman made after Crumpler dropped so many passes.

Classic :D

[Tigercat]

If Marques Colston keeps it up, the rookie of the year might be from the Saints, but the fourth to last picked player from Hofstra instead of the second pick from USC.

Colston has been all kinds of fun to root for so far this year, I might have to get a jersey.

[mrsimperless]

Refering to the city of Atlanta/Fans from a previous post about how "there is no way the Falcons can win this game".

Alright.

While I don't agree with the "no chance" statement, I definitely don't think you can discount the emotional impact of the game on the players. Hell, how many of the Falcons players themselves deep down wouldn't mind seeing the Saints win the game? Not saying they actually want to lose or would ever knowingly contribute to that, but you can't say that the hype is a complete non-factor.

And if you're a Falcons player and you come into the SuperDome and destroy the Saints tonight then suddenly you're the bad guys for "disappointing" all of the Saints fans who've already been through so much over the past year, not to mention the entire rest of the country that seems to be behind them.

They're kind of screwed both ways.

[ISiddiqui]

Well, not just that, but I'd imagine that there wouldn't be a team all year that'd be on an emotional high as the Saints are on tonight.

[DeToxRox]

Alright.

While I don't agree with the "no chance" statement, I definitely don't think you can discount the emotional impact of the game on the players. Hell, how many of the Falcons players themselves deep down wouldn't mind seeing the Saints win the game? Not saying they actually want to lose or would ever knowingly contribute to that, but you can't say that the hype is a complete non-factor.

And if you're a Falcons player and you come into the SuperDome and destroy the Saints tonight then suddenly you're the bad guys for "disappointing" all of the Saints fans who've already been through so much over the past year, not to mention the entire rest of the country that seems to be behind them.

They're kind of screwed both ways.

I don't buy that about the Falcons winning. If they win, hats off to them. That doesn't make them bad guys. It's patronizing to think they'd let the Saints win for a feel good story. This is still a football game, and that is all it is.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, the Giants really were worried about being the bad guys last year in their game against the Saints..

[Tigercat]

It comes down to coaching I think. Look how good a job Payton has done of keeping the Saints level headed throughout the game. You don't see Saints players losing their composure nearly as much as Atlanta players are, and don't the Saints players have more reasons for letting their emotions get the better of them?

Its not emotions thats winning the game for the Saints, but more levelheaded football.

[Logan]

Not really sure if this qualifies for this thread or not but since it happened during it this is where it's going. I believe it was Tirico who said something along the lines of "the Saints have an opportunity to do something no team has ever done, be able to play for a community that has been through such a tough time".

This pissed me off. Maybe it's bc i'm from NY and it hits close to home, but what the hell did the Mets/Yankees/Giants/Jets do when games resumed after 9/11?

That Mets-Braves game after 9/11 was one of the greatest things I've ever seen.

[FBPro]

Friggin HOMER calls or actually LACK of calls against the 'Aints.

[Tigercat]

Eh? There was that questionable removal of the pass interference call that kill a drive and a questionable hold that reversed a 18 yeard run for the Saints. I would say this game has been called even.

[FBPro]

Your location tells it all.

[BrianD]

Which calls have been bad? I haven't noticed much in the way of bias.

[Buccaneer]

Which calls have been bad? I haven't noticed much in the way of bias.

Vick being 9 for 27. Obviously some of those incompletes were completes. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Vick being 9 for 27. Obviously some of those incompletes were completes. :)


:D




Talking of location, what part of the SE are you from, FBpro?

[RendeR]

Not really sure if this qualifies for this thread or not but since it happened during it this is where it's going. I believe it was Tirico who said something along the lines of "the Saints have an opportunity to do something no team has ever done, be able to play for a community that has been through such a tough time".

This pissed me off. Maybe it's bc i'm from NY and it hits close to home, but what the hell did the Mets/Yankees/Giants/Jets do when games resumed after 9/11?


I'm not trying to bust your chops here, but 3000 people died that day, a tragedy. That day was a NATIONAL tragedy. It wasn't JUST about NYC, people from all over this country were killed or had loved ones killed. Every team in every league played for those people that year.


The entire Gulf Coast region including the METROPOLIS of New Orleans was inundated with 10-20 feet of water. People in the HUNDREDS of thousands were directly injured/displaced/etc.

Be pissed off if you want but quite frankly the twin towers attacks don't really compare well with what katrina did to that region. Why? because NYC had the support of EVERYONE, New Orleans has the Saints and The Saints and New Orleans coming back together as they have is, to me, a bigger commitment, as its just one team trying to lift an entire region up out of a really depressing place.

[FBPro]

Well, Falcon's played like crap but more than one call that I saw(or lack of a call) was also crap.

[JS19]

I'm not trying to bust your chops here, but 3000 people died that day, a tragedy. That day was a NATIONAL tragedy. It wasn't JUST about NYC, people from all over this country were killed or had loved ones killed. Every team in every league played for those people that year.


The entire Gulf Coast region including the METROPOLIS of New Orleans was inundated with 10-20 feet of water. People in the HUNDREDS of thousands were directly injured/displaced/etc.

Be pissed off if you want but quite frankly the twin towers attacks don't really compare well with what katrina did to that region. Why? because NYC had the support of EVERYONE, New Orleans has the Saints and The Saints and New Orleans coming back together as they have is, to me, a bigger commitment, as its just one team trying to lift an entire region up out of a really depressing place.


I see where you are coming from, but I still think it was an idiotic thing to say. A terrorist attack or natural disaster, it's still a national tragedy IMO. Last summer New Orleans had the support of everyone as well. I undertsand what you are saying about the Saints "trying to life the region up". Bet IMO thats exactly what all NY teams did after 9/11. They tried lifting the spirits of NYers, just like i'm sure the Giants tried lifting the spirits of California. My point is, I just think is was a very idiotic thing to say.

I should add, i'm not trying to bring down the significance and importance of what the Saints are doing/have done, i'm all for it.

[BishopMVP]

New Orleans has the Saints and The Saints and New Orleans coming back together as they have is, to me, a bigger commitment, as its just one team trying to lift an entire region up out of a really depressing place.This is probably a pretty absurd nitpicking point, especially not being from the region, but I always got the impression that LSU (and its football team) meant more to most people from that area (Pumpy excepted) than the Saints did.

People who actually know what they are talking about, feel free to correct me.

[EagleFan]

12 for 31? lolololololololol

Now you know why the commercial goes with the halfback pass.

[Tigercat]

This is probably a pretty absurd nitpicking point, especially not being from the region, but I always got the impression that LSU (and its football team) meant more to most people from that area (Pumpy excepted) than the Saints did.

People who actually know what they are talking about, feel free to correct me.

To New Orleans, the Saints mean more by a lot. To the entire New Orleans area, the Saints mean more by a little. To South Louisiana as a whole, LSU football is king.

The thing about the city is, that there was a big hole left when Tulane drifted into obscurity wayyy back in the day. That hole was filled by the Saints. New Orleans is one hell of a unique place with strong people, but even so I can't imagine the city's identity without the Saints, I just can't.

[bob]

Random question - when they moved the monday night game to ESPN, did they have a rule allowing the teams playing to have the game shown on normal broadcast TV? I ask b/c the ESPN telecast was on the local CBS channel here in Atlanta as well as ESPN.

[Pumpy Tudors]

This is probably a pretty absurd nitpicking point, especially not being from the region, but I always got the impression that LSU (and its football team) meant more to most people from that area (Pumpy excepted) than the Saints did.

People who actually know what they are talking about, feel free to correct me.
Wow, I'm surprised to see my name come up, considering that I don't really remember talking about LSU or the Saints that much. I guess this could be a reference to my recent post saying that I'm not much of an LSU fan anymore. Anyway, about me, you're right. I wasn't a Saints fan at all until last season, but my connection to the area and everything that happened with Katrina made me appreciate that football team (and hundreds of other things) more than ever.

Tigercat's assessment is right on the money, too. There are lots of people in New Orleans who love LSU football, but the Saints are #1 down there. I was probably considered the village idiot because I placed Tulane football above the Saints and LSU. :D

As for whether the city would be the same without the Saints, people have wondered that for years, I'm sure. Tom Benson's been hinting at (or downright threatening to) move the team for 20 years. I think the people of the city would handle it reasonably well, but things would be pretty different. Honestly, I don't think it would affect the city that much, but it's all speculation anyway.

By comparison, though, if the Steelers left Pittsburgh, there'd be some serious shit going down, and I'd get the hell out to the west coast before the riots consumed the entire eastern half of the country. Poo on the Steelers.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Random question - when they moved the monday night game to ESPN, did they have a rule allowing the teams playing to have the game shown on normal broadcast TV? I ask b/c the ESPN telecast was on the local CBS channel here in Atlanta as well as ESPN.
This rule has been in place since the old Sunday night games on ESPN and TNT 15 years ago. If the local team is playing on cable, an over-the-air station will broadcast the game, too.

[bob]

This rule has been in place since the old Sunday night games on ESPN and TNT 15 years ago. If the local team is playing on cable, an over-the-air station will broadcast the game, too.

Wow, guess i missed that. I'm not really a Falcons fan, but I just noticed that last night.

[albionmoonlight]

Great to see the Saints play well.

Even better to see them win.

And, speaking of the Falcons, what is the shelf life on gimmicky offenses in the NFL? Two games? After this week, opposing teams will have tape of two games where the spread option worked for Atlanta, and one game where it didn't. It won't get any easier for them as more and more tape builds up.

[Samdari]

GREAT defensive gameplan, there really getting to the outside, and keying on crumpler, there gonna have to force vick to throw to the wideouts

That college spread option type offense was bound to only work for a couple games in the NFL. As good as Vick is at running the ball, gimick offenses just don't work in the NFL. At some point you just have to line up and run the ball, or just drop back and pass it, and have the defense not know which you are going to do.

[ISiddiqui]

Well, you never know, the Run and Shoot worked for a number of seasons for teams like the Houston Oilers. Just because they had one bad game with the spread option, doesn't mean its done for. After all, it isn't like Tampa (who had tape of the Panthers' game) has a horrible defense.

[BrianD]

Well, Falcon's played like crap but more than one call that I saw(or lack of a call) was also crap.

Ah yes, that clears it up. Thanks.

[bulletsponge]

Well, you never know, the Run and Shoot worked for a number of seasons for teams like the Houston Oilers. Just because they had one bad game with the spread option, doesn't mean its done for. After all, it isn't like Tampa (who had tape of the Panthers' game) has a horrible defense.


i was a witness to the "run and shoot yourself in the foot" offense. the best the oilers could ever do in it was 10-6. and once teams figured out how to D it, it became ineffective. the oilers talent on offense was good at the time, a good o-line and good rb. but they screwed up by going to the run and shoot when they could have been a great well rounded offense. id doesnt matter though, Vick nor any QB can run thier team to the Superbowl. and as evidence tonight, he cant throw either.

[BishopMVP]

I was probably considered the village idiot because I placed Tulane football above the Saints and LSU. :DI knew about your Tulane connection, which is why I threw your name out there as maybe not as big an LSU fan. Didn't mean to make it sound like I was calling you out or anything ;) As for whether the city would be the same without the Saints, people have wondered that for years, I'm sure. Tom Benson's been hinting at (or downright threatening to) move the team for 20 years. I think the people of the city would handle it reasonably well, but things would be pretty different. Honestly, I don't think it would affect the city that much, but it's all speculation anyway.

By comparison, though, if the Steelers left Pittsburgh, there'd be some serious shit going down, and I'd get the hell out to the west coast before the riots consumed the entire eastern half of the country. Poo on the Steelers.That's kind of why I figured people didn't care about the Saints quite as much. I know Benson is a dick, but if the team is constantly threatening to move, that can't be good for fan loyalty.Vick nor any QB can run thier team to the Superbowl. and as evidence tonight, he cant throw either.I don't know if I'd use this game as evidence Vick can't throw. Not that he's great at it, but at least when I was paying attention, it seemed Atlanta's receivers were locked down most of the night.

[ISiddiqui]

... or dropping passes that hit them in the hands (*cough* Crumpler).

As for no QB can run their team to the Superbowl, didn't Vick almost do so a few years back? He's not the same as previous QBs who ran (and he's got some more talent around him than, say, Bobby Douglas).

As for the best the Oilers could do was 10-6, I imagine that is forgetting 1991 (11-5) and 1993 (12-4), right?

edit: Oh, and before I forget, the Bills' K-Gun offense was an offshoot of the Run and Shoot. They were pretty successful as well. They also used another 'gimmick' in their K-gun, using no-huddle for most of the game instead of just within 2 minutes.

[FBPro]

Ah yes, that clears it up. Thanks.

Anytime:rolleyes:

[Desnudo]

Isn't it time to just replace the roll-eyes with a middle finger? The roll-eyes is so passive-aggressive.

[albionmoonlight]

Isn't it time to just replace the roll-eyes with a middle finger? The roll-eyes is so passive-aggressive.

I agree. If you have contempt for others on the board, fine. It's the internet; having contempt for you fellow man is almost a height requirement.

But if you have such contempt, then just show it. Give 'em the tried and true finger. Don't hide behind cutsy Mr. rolleyes.

(Note, not directing this at FBPro in particular. Just talking about the issue generally.)

[flere-imsaho]

1. I had to turn it off at halftime. The endless hyperbole about "isn't it great what football can do" and "New Orleans fans have something to cheer about now" and "isn't so-and-so great for doing X for the people" was simply too much. The Spike Lee crapfest was just icing on the cake. The juxtaposition of Lee saying things like "it's still bad - they haven't even started construction in the 9th ward" with "oh hey, ball on the 50-yard line" was too much.

2. LOVED the Saints' plan for Vick (& Dunn, for that matter). Keep everything inside and hope for the best. It was too crowded for Vick (and, to a lesser extent, Dunn) to get anything going, and they still had enough pressure to get Vick to hurry his passes more than usual. Good stuff. As someone else said - this is basically a roadmap for how to defend Atlanta.

3. Thiesmann's an idiot. I am not a bit fan of Kornheiser, but it's nice to have him there to point out some of Joe's idiocies. Egad.

[hhiipp]

Best parts of the broadcast last night, Theismann said something about how the players were going to have to run with their shoulders above their legs, and Kornheiser ripped on him. And then during the pass interferance/flag picked up when Theismann said "There has to be a reason he whipped it out" and Kornheiser started laughing.

[Samdari]

edit: Oh, and before I forget, the Bills' K-Gun offense was an offshoot of the Run and Shoot. They were pretty successful as well. They also used another 'gimmick' in their K-gun, using no-huddle for most of the game instead of just within 2 minutes.

The Run-N-Shoot is a 4 WR offense that basically has no TE, and depends very much on QB and WR making reads pre and post snap, so has no real set plays called.

The K-Gun was a fancy name for a no huddle offense that ran real NFL plays (including runs) used a TE and sometimes FB and had plays called at the line of scrimmage.

I hardly call the K-Gun a gimmick offense - they could line up and run or throw and do both effectively. Both the Run-N-Shoot and the offense Atlanta has been running are one dimensional. Both depend on unfamiliarity and thus seem very successful in the short term, but have yet to have long term success.

[Towelhead]

Not really sure if this qualifies for this thread or not but since it happened during it this is where it's going. I believe it was Tirico who said something along the lines of "the Saints have an opportunity to do something no team has ever done, be able to play for a community that has been through such a tough time".

This pissed me off. Maybe it's bc i'm from NY and it hits close to home, but what the hell did the Mets/Yankees/Giants/Jets do when games resumed after 9/11?
-----------
You're right--the loss of life in the towers was great. but imagine if all of Broadway had been destroyed. Throw in a looted and burned Wall Street, Sacks 5th Avenue having to leave NYC, and hundreds having perished inside Yankee Stadium while it was 90' in the shade. Then, imagine one third of the rest of Manhattan having to live in a trailer that rocks whenever there's a breeze.

I'm telling you--without lying--that when I was finally able to see the Superdome in use for a game, I got choked up and cried.

For weeks, I thought I had no home. For months, I thought I had no job. For a year, I had no team to root for. I have been a Saints fan since birth and I can't begin to tell you how much having this game played in the dome meant for us.

[Towelhead]

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I have been a Saints fan since birth and I can't begin to tell you how much having this game played in the dome meant for us.

Ok, I'll try.

I didn't have to be in my Fema trailer watching a 13" TV--I got to see the game in an actual house, but surrounded by other cheering fans, as opposed to the searing fans in the trailer (the fans just push hot air around)

Morten Anderson, who I idolized as a kid (I told my mom that I wanted to be Swedish when I grew up) was kicking for the enemy. AGAIN. And splitting the uprights with ease. AGAIN!

The dome that I kept associating with rape, murder, sleepless nights, and death became a fading memory, replaced by thoughts of elation, joy, and butt kicking.

After Steve Gleason blocked the punt, I had to start taking heart medication. ok. that's not a very good thing, but I survived the night without having to eat an army ration (MRE).

I was able to see a bustling town, a full superdome, and safety in the streets, also dulling the memories of an abandoned, leaking dome; chaos in rivers that used to be streets; and a town that, when I returned, was torn asunder, with entire square miles of development ruined (if not totally f*cked).

But, as a Saints fan, we have a distaste for Falcon flesh. When the Saints were winning regularly, we still lost to the Falcons. Most games against the Falcons have fewer than 3 points difference in the final score for each team. Our best coach (Jim Mora) 's son, Jim Mora, Jr.--also a former Saints coach--is the Falcon's coach.

Wayne Gandy, our weight-watcher-slash-alleged-run-stopper was stopping the run (in previous games) for the Dirty Birds.

The Falcon Fans are just plain mean. hehehe I remember the Deion Sanders "First Down" celebration that their fans emulated. GRRRRRR.

When was the last time the Saints played in (much less won) on MNF? Bobby Hebert (later a falcon QB) was starting, so you can imagine. Some people pray for money. I prayed for a MNF win for YEARS.

New Coach. Comes in and cleans house. No more Brooks. No more criminals. No more headaches. No more cell phones hidden in the uprights. Surprise. Wins appear.

And the game brought people to stay in hotels that had just been rebuilt.

To compare the 9-11 tragedy to "the worst natural disaster since Noah's flood" (tsunamis notwithstanding) is unfair, but we needed this team. We needed this game. We needed this win. This was our superbowl.

[Logan]

I'm not going to begin to even attempt comparing the two disasters. For me to do so, in the way it is apparent you were affected, I would have had to have been pulled from the rubble of one of the towers. My only point is...a lot of people identified the towers with their "home." Yes, it's not in the same way that your home was destroyed...but that is how some people feel, and you can't change that. You say you saw the Superdome and cried. Well, that's how a lot of people who visit Ground Zero feel. And it's not just because of the loss of life, it's because New York is a special place to many people in a way that those who aren't from around here couldn't understand.

All the best to you.

[LloydLungs]

The Falcon Fans are just plain mean.

I could've done without the "HURRICANE VICK CATEGORY 7" sign last year in San Antonio, a month after the hurricane. Pretty much nothing offends me, but good grief...

To compare the 9-11 tragedy to "the worst natural disaster since Noah's flood"

Of course, New Orleans -- as opposed to most other areas clobbered by Katrina -- was an engineering disaster, not a natural disaster.

[EagleFan]

I don't know if I'd use this game as evidence Vick can't throw.

True, there are so many examples to choose from so why limit yourself to just one.

[Buccaneer]

I could've done without the "HURRICANE VICK CATEGORY 7" sign last year in San Antonio, a month after the hurricane. Pretty much nothing offends me, but good grief...



Of course, New Orleans -- as opposed to most other areas clobbered by Katrina -- was an engineering disaster, not a natural disaster.

Except that TowelHead believes that there had been no disasters between the time of Noah and Katrina. I recall something happened at Galveston...

[ISiddiqui]

The Run-N-Shoot is a 4 WR offense that basically has no TE, and depends very much on QB and WR making reads pre and post snap, so has no real set plays called.

The K-Gun was a fancy name for a no huddle offense that ran real NFL plays (including runs) used a TE and sometimes FB and had plays called at the line of scrimmage.

I hardly call the K-Gun a gimmick offense - they could line up and run or throw and do both effectively. Both the Run-N-Shoot and the offense Atlanta has been running are one dimensional. Both depend on unfamiliarity and thus seem very successful in the short term, but have yet to have long term success.

Ran "real" NFL plays so it isn't a gimmick? Having a no huddle all game definately sounds gimmicky to me if we are defining it such. And, of course, the K-Gun was considered an offshoot of the Run and Shoot.

A one dimensional offense doesn't necessarily make it a gimmicky one (see Atlanta 2004). Furthermore, it isn't like Atlanta couldn't run prior to this season and came up with some gimmick so that they could move the ball on the ground.

[Towelhead]

Except that TowelHead believes that there had been no disasters between the time of Noah and Katrina. I recall something happened at Galveston...

HEY!

Actually, I was quoting a commercial that ran down here on the radio for the week b4 the game. It basically was a letter to Atlanta asking them to let the Saints win the game, since we just went "through the worst disaster since Noah's Ark [sic]" . . . and if the Saints had lost, all the despondent fans would take their FEMA trailers to Atlanta in protest. "Oh, and we hate your peaches. Signed, New Orleans."

chuckle.

[Towelhead]

Did neither team do a walk though at the Superdome prior to today?

Yes, the Saints did a practice or two within a few days of the game. Coach Peyton said he tried to simulate the anticipated roar of the crowd during practice.

After hearing the clamor that erupted when Gleason blocked the punt, I can't imagine what training the team had. Running plays in the middle of a jackhammer contest? Calling plays during cannon practice? hmm

Incidentally, Gleason is our "Rudy"--he's the walk-on that made the team against all odds, but he never forgets to take care of the community. For a few years, he refused to drive a car that consumed regular fuel. What a guy. Donated his hair 2 years ago to a company that makes wigs for kids with cancer.

Ack. Getting emotional, again.

[Raiders Army]

Not trying to start anything, but there was something that was said during the broadcast that I just didn't understand. One of the announcers, Kornheiser I believe, said that he talked to a guy who didn't have a home and didn't have a job and he bought six season tickets...that's how much the Saints mean to New Orleans. He said that he bought season tickets, not that he was given them. Does anyone know:

#1: How did he buy the tickets with no job?
#2: If he received money for something, then is he also receiving food and shelter from some other organization?
#3: Why did he feel the need to buy six season tickets? Why not one?
#4: Are the Saints really all that to the citizens of New Orleans?

[Buccaneer]

TowelHead, you said the word "commercial". No wonder I wouldn't have heard that.

[JonInMiddleGA]

He said that he bought season tickets, not that he was given them. Does anyone know:

#1: How did he buy the tickets with no job?
#2: If he received money for something, then is he also receiving food and shelter from some other organization?
#3: Why did he feel the need to buy six season tickets? Why not one?
#4: Are the Saints really all that to the citizens of New Orleans?

Maybe he was the guy mentioned in this article.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=2483639

[albionmoonlight]

Not trying to start anything, but there was something that was said during the broadcast that I just didn't understand. One of the announcers, Kornheiser I believe, said that he talked to a guy who didn't have a home and didn't have a job and he bought six season tickets...that's how much the Saints mean to New Orleans. He said that he bought season tickets, not that he was given them. Does anyone know:

#1: How did he buy the tickets with no job?
#2: If he received money for something, then is he also receiving food and shelter from some other organization?
#3: Why did he feel the need to buy six season tickets? Why not one?
#4: Are the Saints really all that to the citizens of New Orleans?

I can't really speak to #1 and #2 without knowing his situation. Though I do think that it sheds some light unto the ongoing vitality of the "season ticket sellout." If Visa and Mastercard are financing a lot of these tickets, then people won't be able to keep doing it year after year.

As for #3, the NFL has pretty much said that whether the team stays in the Gulf South region depends on whether it gets support or not. The owner does/did? want to move the team. It has been made pretty clear to people that selling tickets and suites is VERY important in terms of what the NFL decides to do with the team in 3-5 years. It's not just a matter of wanting to see the Saints. It's a matter of wanting to keep the Saints in the New Orleans Area.

As for #4, I would say yes. The team has gotten great support through the years despite being the worst team in the history of the NFL. And, unlike a lot of other markets, New Orleans has only had one professional major league team (notwithstanding brief affairs with the NBA). This isn't a New York or Chicago or Philadelphia where there are multiple teams in multiple sports to distract one from the primary team.

In addition, the presence of the Saints indicates that New Orleans is still a major American city. It may not be right that Americans use sports as a barometer for such things, but we do. No one likes to be thought of as second class, and the presence of an NFL franchise helps New Orleans to maintain its image as a first class tourist destination.

So, I do think that the Saints are all that to the people of New Orleans.

[WSUCougar]

Incidentally, Gleason is our "Rudy"--he's the walk-on that made the team against all odds, but he never forgets to take care of the community. For a few years, he refused to drive a car that consumed regular fuel. What a guy. Donated his hair 2 years ago to a company that makes wigs for kids with cancer.
...and he's a Washington State Cougar. :cool:

[Raiders Army]

I can't really speak to #1 and #2 without knowing his situation. Though I do think that it sheds some light unto the ongoing vitality of the "season ticket sellout." If Visa and Mastercard are financing a lot of these tickets, then people won't be able to keep doing it year after year.

As for #3, the NFL has pretty much said that whether the team stays in the Gulf South region depends on whether it gets support or not. The owner does/did? want to move the team. It has been made pretty clear to people that selling tickets and suites is VERY important in terms of what the NFL decides to do with the team in 3-5 years. It's not just a matter of wanting to see the Saints. It's a matter of wanting to keep the Saints in the New Orleans Area.

As for #4, I would say yes. The team has gotten great support through the years despite being the worst team in the history of the NFL. And, unlike a lot of other markets, New Orleans has only had one professional major league team (notwithstanding brief affairs with the NBA). This isn't a New York or Chicago or Philadelphia where there are multiple teams in multiple sports to distract one from the primary team.

In addition, the presence of the Saints indicates that New Orleans is still a major American city. It may not be right that Americans use sports as a barometer for such things, but we do. No one likes to be thought of as second class, and the presence of an NFL franchise helps New Orleans to maintain its image as a first class tourist destination.

So, I do think that the Saints are all that to the people of New Orleans.

Thanks. I never thought of it that way. Interestingly enough, I see a certain parallel between El Paso and New Orleans. El Paso is one of the largest cities in the U.S. and the largest without a professional sports team. The Diablos (a minor league team for the Diamondbacks) receive a lot of support in the community around here as well as the UTEP Miners. The Sun Bowl is a big draw bringing income into the community and Glory Road helped a lot as well. I wonder what would happen if El Paso got a professional football team...

...but we all know that the NFL will give one to L.A. before El Paso. ;)

[Towelhead]

#1: How did he buy the tickets with no job?
#2: If he received money for something, then is he also receiving food and shelter from some other organization?
#3: Why did he feel the need to buy six season tickets? Why not one?
#4: Are the Saints really all that to the citizens of New Orleans?

Not to belabor this, but I had a lot of money saved when I lost my job (ok, it wasn't really lost. I know just where I shoved it). It occurred to me more than once to buy season tickets for myself and my family. Had I known that I was going to stay in New Orleans for at least one more year, I'd have bought 3. Unemployment notwithstanding.

This is my second consecutive year not playing FFL. UGH. When will the withdrawal symptoms go away!?!?!?!