Big Daddy celebrated the Saints’ long overdue ground attack Sunday by devouring shredded dirty bird. This edition of Big Daddy’ s Saints Beat, covers last weekend’ s 2nd Congressional District Election, recaps the Atlanta game, provides an in-game report from Section 645, asks Coach Payton to stay balanced, honors an old friend, and gives out his World Famous Pregame Information.
Saturday night Louisiana voters knocked down another ethnic barrier by choosing Anh “ Joseph” Cao, the first Vietnamese American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and unseated the seemingly unbeatable 9-term incumbent William Jefferson. Demographics in Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District favored “Teflon Bill,” despite his 16-count federal indictment. During his concession speech Jefferson explained away his loss by saying how difficult it was to get supporters to the polls three times. Wild Bill was referring to his usual election day expense of free Popeye’s fried chicken and bus rides to boost his turnout. Alas, without his confiscated his freezer funds (walking around cash), or support from the Democratic National Committee, Jefferson’s recourses fell short. Either one would have bought tons of chicken and bus tokens. District residents don’t care about automaker bailouts, they want Cao to unveil the Best of New Orleans East map, highlighting Quiki-Mart food hot spots.
Recapping the Falcons’ game, Jason David’ s interception gave the Saints great field position. Reggie Bush accounted for 48 of the 52-yard ensuing drive, including the touchdown. Atlanta trailed 7-0 after one, but they surged ahead 14-13 late in the second. Garrett Hartley’ s third second quarter field goal put New Orleans back in front 16-14 at halftime. Jason Elam’ s kick gave Atlanta a 17-16 advantage through three quarters. Pierre Thomas’ 7-yard touchdown reception made it 22-17 Saints. Atlanta regained the lead 25-22 with 5:47 left in regulation. During Thomas’ huge return, Section 645 reached apogee; I can’t imagine sitting anywhere else. The Saints drive stalled on the 7 yard line; Coach Payton called a fullback dive on fourth-and-1 instead of kicking a tying field goal. Mike Karney powered forward picking up the critical season-saving first down yardage. Thomas seized MVP game honors plowing across the goal line concluding a thrilling 29-25 Saints victory.
Last week Big Daddy listed terrible Sean Payton stats; today he gives you some positive news. Coach Payton’s perfect record lives on when the team commits zero turnovers. Big Daddy would love it if the team achieved that feat more often (10 times in three seasons). The Saints won the takeaway battle and capitalized on Coach Payton’s improved play-calling (32 passes and 30 runs) surpassing Atlanta to keep our faint playoff hopes alive.
Coach Payton must maintain balanced aggression offensively, pounding the ball creates easier passing opportunities, yielding more points. Imagine running 30 times against every opponent, we’d own home field advantage to the Super Bowl.
Big Daddy dedicates this week’s blog in loving memory to my dear friend, Brian Buendia. Brian passed away suddenly Thursday night. Who remembers the Hofbrau? Hofbrau sat on the corner of State and Magazine. Currently, WOW Cafe and Wingery occupies the building. Brian, the boys, and I had some great times there screaming at sporting events on TV while prominent uptown families ate streak dinners. Genius! I thought about those days a lot this weekend because Brian’s passing. Brian has been a close friend for 25 years, we’ve experienced many ups and downs over the years. I feel blessed to have known him. Brian’s spirit probably influenced Coach Payton’s decision to run the ball Sunday.
Next week ... look for Big Daddy’s blog for the Chicago game recap, Thursday night coverage from the Kingpin bar, and a special report on Vince Marinello murder case. Check out www.NOSaintsHistory.com to find facts concernig your favorite sports franchise. Now Big Daddy releases his World Famous Pregame Information: — Go Over 44 —
