What’s up Saints fans? Big Daddy is eating fish and chips listening to British invasion albums after Sunday’s game. This week on Saints Beat … Big Daddy broadcasts more Kingpin news, recaps the San Diego game, questions Coach Payton’s strategy, scans the NFC playoff probabilities, covers Voodoo Fest, and gives out his world-famous pregame information.
Because NFL officials deemed the Saints the home team in London, Kingpin leadership evoked unparalleled ingenuity erecting a mini-dome outside the bar Sunday. Mini-dome amenities included multiple Saints’ banners, large flat-screen TVs, kick-ass sound, bleachers, rabid Saints fans, and of course a white roof covering the stadium. Luckily, the Superdome’s unscrupulous, con-artist, beer vendors were not servicing the Kingpin’s die-hard fans.
Recapping the San Diego game, Taylor Mehlhaff’s field goal started the scoring frenzy Sunday, San Diego’s Nate Kaeding added a 3-pointer tying the score 3-3 after one. Second quarter action had NFL and CBS execs smiling ear-to-ear, as they watched both teams march up and down the field scoring 5 touchdowns; the Saints led 23-17 at the break. Aided by a questionable pass interference call, the Saints advantage swelled to 37-20 with 14:49 remaining in the game. San Diego’s touchdown, set up by Kaeding’s onside kick, closed the gap to 37-30 with 7:21 left. Poor offensive execution down the stretch marred Saint attempts to kill the clock. Thankfully, the Chargers’ rally fell short when the Saints batted Phillip Rivers’ Hail Mary harmlessly to the turf, sealing the Black ‛n’ Gold’s historic international victory 37-32.
Sean Payton’s quote following Sunday’s game: "It’s tough when it becomes closer than you think it should be." The quote raises red flags, making Big Daddy question Coach Payton about his game strategy. Since you (Coach Payton) love onside kicks so much, how come your team looked like a deer in the headlights when San Diego onsided us? Taking that safety was the dumbest pre-meditated play call in football history. Why didn’t you punt the ball? Were you scared your new boy punter would get it blocked? Coach Payton, the success rate of your decisions under pressure equals some of Donald Rumsfeld’s remarkable choices, like hiring Blackwater and Halliburton to privatize the Iraqi occupation. Think clearly before you act, or your lackluster performance will force you to the unemployment line!
Since the NFC is the stronger of the two conferences, the Saints’ disappointing 4-4 record at the season’s halfway point places the team last in the NFC South and 11th in the conference. Glancing over the remaining schedule, five of the last eight games are on the road. Considering the Saints 0-3 road futility and Carolina’s division lead, playing January football seems more unlikely than Joe the plumber flushing out my pipes.
Voodoo Experience organizers compiled a diverse group of headliners, out-of-town bands, and local acts to fill venue stages satisfying live music-seeking patrons. Insufficient parking areas allowed Mayor Nagin to fatten city hall’s operating budget towing and ticketing hundreds of vehicles over three days. High ticket prices, low food quality, and excessive concession costs coupled with poor event planning produced less than expected attendance figures. The sparse crowds endured completely unacceptable wait times contributing to the soft economic numbers. Shortsighted SDT Waste brass failed to provide enough trash cans or port-a-potties, causing unnecessary trash build-ups and too many side-alley urination sightings angering neighborhood residents. Like Coach Payton, Voodoo Fest needs to make adjustments to stick around.
While the Saints have bye, next week Saints Beat recaps Tulane-LSU game, Big Daddy unveils his thoughts on the Hornets upcoming season, reviews the NFC playoff picture, delivers another Kingpin update, plus special Widespread Panic Halloween bonus coverage. Always remember researching Saints history is simple, just go to: www.NOSaintsHistory.com to locate the facts you desire. Now Big Daddy releases his world famous pregame information: -- Lay the Lumber with LSU --
