What's up Saints fans? Let me tell you a little about me, Big Daddy. Watching every Saints game for more than 35 past years, Big Daddy knows Saints Football! Since people started picking my brain, I've imagined having a radio show, answering tough fan questions they demand to know. Writing a blog allows me to fulfill this dream. I am commonly asked, what the keys to winning football in the NFL? Today, Big Daddy reveals the answers:
- Control the line of scrimmage,
- Running the ball and stopping the run,
- Getting pressure on the their quarterback,
- Forcing turnovers,
- Limiting mistakes, and
- If the game plan is not working, make some adjustments.
Last season the national media and Saints fans had high expectations, excepting the franchise’s first ever Super bowl birth. However, the team suffered through another very disappointing 7-9 season. Multiple weaknesses doomed a second straight playoff appearance:
- We couldn't stop the run or pass,
- A sputtering ground game,
- No pass rush,
- Not enough forced turnovers,
- Coach Payton's finesse team philosophy,
- Poor pass-happy play calling, and
- Payton made no adjustments between his 1st & 2nd seasons.
Offseason moves using draft picks and free agent signings targeted our sub-standard defensive talent. In 2008, one big question remains unanswered, will Coach Payton make adjustments? Will he learn from his sophomore mistakes and correct them?
The defense showed vast improvement in week one against Tampa Bay, hence we won a very important division game. Even though we showed no ability to run and Coach Payton's poor play calling hampered the team.
Section 645 was rockin a**, we were going crazy! 645 fans always give their team 110%. ... Man, if you haven't watched a game from up there, you're missing out big time. The tickets don't cost much -- but what a party 8 times a year!
Before we move to Week Two, I would be remiss if I didn't discuss these new totally lame NFL fan code of conduct rules. ... What a load of PC crap! Obviously, the handiwork of some diversity-trained, clipboard-holding corporate yahoo with nothing else to do. ...
No cursing, and hot beer poured into a sh**ty plastic cup! Are you kidding me? Paying fans deserve a few perks, like yelling spontaneous four letter expletives throughout the game, or @ $7.00 a beer, what a rip off. ... Hey beerman, how about serving cold capped bottles? And loose the light beer and find the Budweiser! -- Is that too much to ask?
Lets examine the Washington game, injuries regressed the defense back 2007. Add in Coach Payton's rookie approach, which the league adjusted to last year, that equals a conference loss, which could have huge playoff implications later on.
Looking ahead, we have strong team, loaded with weapons. If we play more physical, run Deuce and Pierre, hit Reggie coming out of the backfield, throw to Shockey down the middle, and distribute the ball to our talented receivers, no one can stop us. Defensively, we need to improve our tackling, stop the run, pressure the quarterback, defend the long pass, and force some turnovers. Doing these things will guarantee a winning campaign in 2008. Coach, when opponents figure out the game plan, please make some adjustments.
Next week. ... Check out Big Daddy's blog to get expert analysis of the Denver game. Big Daddy knows fans appreciate important pregame information -- Take the points --
