Helloooo Pat's fans.
A lurking Saints fan here. Just thought I'd stick my nose into this conversation.
1st I just wanted to thank you guys for such a great site. I come here from time to time, especially during the draft because you guys have some great posters who do good evals that help me with compiling mock drafts. Also, the times we practiced with you guys during training camp, I liked coming here to get your fan's view of things.
Anyway, from point of view, this game has me very nervous. It's a tough task to try to beat New England, but to try to beat them in Foxborough, coming off a tough loss? Yikes.
As a football fan though, I am looking forward to this game. 2 of the greatest football minds playing chess this Sunday with Sean Payton vs Bill Belichick.
How those guys adjust to what the other is doing will be key in this game. Most games I always give the coaching edge to Sean Payton, but Bill has done it for too long for me to say that.
A lot of Saints fans think this could be a redux of the 2009 MNF game we played against you guys, but no way. We are in your house, plus your defense is much much better than it was then.
I expect Gronk to play, and that will be a huge boost for your offense.
I am interested to see how BB decides to defend Jimmy Graham, and how Rob Ryan handles Tom Brady, especially if Brady goes no-huddle.
Rob also likes to play a lot of 4-2-5, which is pretty easy to run against. I wouldnt be suprised if you guys run it up the gut quite a bit.
I dont know how they will handle Gronk if he does play, we havent had to deal with a TE of his caliber yet this year. Our ILB's arent the most dynamic atheletes, good down hill thumpers. We use a lot of 3 safety sets, with Jenkins and Vaccaro lining up all over. Vaccaro has been used at just about every position save for DT. Both him and Jenkins have cornerback skill sets, so that has helped us in coverage especially against TE's and slot recievers.
Keenan Lewis has been very good at CB, Greer has had struggles due to his small size. So I would put the big WR on him.
Saints offensive line has been "OK" but far from stellar. They've struggled with stunts and delayed blitzes. Jahri Evans has been injured so he hasnt played at his normal All-Pro level. Our run game has been pretty terrible, so we've done a lot of short passes for ball control. We will still run the ball, but I dont think you guys have to worry about big run plays.
If you look at the stats, you would think Jimmy Graham is our only reciever. But dont let that fool you, if BB can scheme away Graham, then Colston, Stills, Meachem, and Toon can be very productive. Sproles too depending on how Sean decides to use him and how he is matched up.
Everyone knows how to stop Drew Brees. Gut pressure up the middle, clog throwing lanes, and play disciplined in the secondary. If safeties start biting on play action, or letting Brees munipulate them with his eyes, he will eat you up.
Should be a great game guys!!