The Good, Bad and Noteworthy From the Saints Game

[jap1]

Good:

1. The playcalling - I was glad to see the OC stick to the running game late in the game, even though we were down. This is what I was asking for last week. The big runs by Charles worked because the defense was getting worn down.

2. The defense in the 2nd half. Both the pass defense and run defense was outstanding in the 2nd half (I couldnt watch the 1st half). The only 2 2nd half scores that NO got were after turnovers and with a short field. The run was getting stuffed up the middle by the DL, and the DL was also occasionally giving a pass rush. Id like to see more frequent pressure on the QB, though.

3. Good job by the OL, even with Hudson out. The line was doing a decent job in both pass and run protection. Not great, but decent.

4. Arena is getting close to breaking some punt returns. All around the special teams looked better.

Bad:

1. Inability to SCORE in the redzone. We need to get more TDs and less FGs.

2. Either WRs werent getting open or Cassel couldnt find them. Without looking downfield it is hard to tell.

3. Bowe had another easy drop that could have been critical. We were able to overcome it, but that deep pass should have been caught.

4. Judging from what Mccluster's injury looked like, he is probably out 6-8 weeks minimum.

Noteworthy:

1. Jeff Allen played well as Guard.

2. Hillis was missed. Im hoping he just pulled a muscle and will be back this week.

3. Baldwin is making more of a presence in the passing game. I hope it continues.

4. Lilja did a great job at C. Hudson's loss was not as noticeable.

[jap1]

I am all for throwing on first down and going deep every once in a while. But everyone knows that on 2nd at 10. We are running. They need to mix that up more. How about a play action or a quick slant. Something that gets us a couple yards. Instead of leaving a 3rd a 8. Now, I am not really complaining about running it on 2nd and 10 as you need to get yards, but when it becomes a deja VU over and over.... Lets try something different.

Sorry, I misinterpreted your complaint. I agree the predictability is not good. Hit Bowe on a quick slant and it is just as good as running it for 3/4 yards with the chance of him breaking a tackle or two and making the 1st or at least 3rd and short.

[Eydugstr]

The thing that stood out to me the most was how our linebackers took over that second half. After the first half, when Brees was getting a clear line of vision and ripping up our secondary, the LB's really took it upon themselves.

[Seek]

The thing that stood out to me the most was how our linebackers took over that second half. After the first half, when Brees was getting a clear line of vision and ripping up our secondary, the LB's really took it upon themselves.

DJ and Berry seemed to be communicating much better. That is for sure.

Another thing I noticed. Jackson was on the sideline a bunch.