Before we talk Black ’ n’ Gold, Big Daddy must vent about the despicable officiating which crowned Alabama the 2009 SEC Western Division Champs last Saturday. Seeing the continuous favoritism aid Alabama throughout the contest, Big Daddy understood that the SEC’s top brass met with the officials to fully explain how important a Florida/Alabama Championship match-up would be to their job security. Naive viewers might have noticed “the foul stench in the state of Denmark,” but orchestrated flag throwing never fools obsessed football junkies. That said, nothing could have prepared Big Daddy or LSU fans for what transpired with about 5:30 remaining in the game. Officials on the field called Tiger cornerback Patrick Peterson’s obvious interception an incomplete pass, drawing absolute outrage from every Kingpin patron. Tiger faithful felt certain the replay booth would correct the egregious mistake, giving LSU one more chance to defeat the Crimson Tide. However, the replay booth confirmed the ruling on the field, cementing the tainted victory. Since the zebras (guided by the SEC) used the Tim Donaghy approach to ensure the desired outcome, we’ll never know whether blunders like LSU Head Coach Les Miles’ decision to go for 2 in the third quarter, the foolish waste of all three timeouts early in the second half, or the injury to starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson cost the Tigers a shot at this year’s Western Division title. What a shame!
Moving on to Sunday, prior to the game, Section 645 veterans seemed out-of-synch. The usually electrified air lacked its normal high octane levels. Carolina’s fast start, which stunned Saints fans throughout the Superdome didn't help. The Panthers quick 14-0 lead temporarily quieted the deafening noise other opponents could not handle. Former Saints’ backup quarterback— now Carolina starter Jake Delhomme— capitalized, sending his squad to halftime break ahead by 11 points. Thank goodness Superdome event planers scheduled that riveting performance by the Saintsation alumni dance troupe during Morten Andersen’ s induction into the Saints Hall of Fame. There were so many classy ladies shaking those money makers, they lit the fuse that sparked a second half filled with frightening displays of Section 645 passion, inspiring the Saints to dismantle their eighth straight foe. Totally Awesome!The Carolina recap begins with Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams breaking free for a 66-yard touchdown run on the game's second play, putting the Panthers ahead 7-0. Constant Carolina pressure forced a Drew Brees fumble, and linebacker Jon Beason recovered at the Saints 11. DeAngelo Williams made it 14-0 after one when he ran it in from 7 yards out. John Carney's 23-yard field goal got the Saints on the board, but trailing 14-3. Carolina kicker John Kasay 32-yard 3-pointer pushed the Panthers back in front by 14 at 17-3. Carney’ s 25-yard kick sent the Saints to the locker room behind 17-6 at the half. Drew Brees’ 63-yard pass to Devery Henderson set up Pierre Thomas’ 10-yard TD run, closing the gap to 17-13 Panthers early in the third. Kasay's 25-yard boot boosted Carolina’ s late third quarter advantage to 20-13. Brees’ 54-yard scoring toss to Robert Meacham tied the game 20-20 heading to the fourth. The Saints offense took possession of the ball at their own 2 yard line and moved 76 yards on 13 plays into scoring position, where John Carney’s 40-yarder gave the Saints their first lead, 23-20. Thomas Morstead’s beautiful 48-yard punt pinned Carolina inside the 5 yard line. Williams fumbled Delhomme’s first down handoff and Saints defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove recovered and barreled into the end-zone, capping the Saints thrilling but often tense 30-20 victory over bitter division rival Carolina.
Changing gears for a moment, Monday night the NFL network aired the original— “ Six Ways to Sunday” from the Lost Treasures of NFL Films. The pilot episode featured the 1976 Saints preparing for a week 9 showdown with the Green Bay Packers. NFL Films planned to a nationwide theatrical release to spur interest in the new project. The show’s theme would be to visit each NFL franchise to show how they got ready Sunday. Saints Head Coach Hank Stram’s top-notch hair pieces and double-knit polyester, full length coach’s pants exhibited unmatched fashion sense for the whole world to appreciate. Do you think Hank used Brü t? Of course he did! The show also focused on players working on new wrinkles in practice and learning proper execution techniques from their assistant coaches in classroom lectures. Seeing the old David Drive practice facility again brought back memories of a team that struggled mightily during the John Mecom, Jr. era. If you grew worshiping the Saints like Big Daddy, watching your childhood heroes playing one more time is priceless. Who wouldn’t want to see Archie Manning, Tony Gallbreath, Tommy Meyers, Derland Moore, Bobby Scott, Bobby Douglas, Elois Grooms, Chuck Muncie, Henry Childs, Joe Federspiel, Jim Merlo, and Rich Szaro? Sadly, since Hank Stram was fired after the 1977 season, NFL Films scrapped the venture and vaulted the video for more than 25 years until the NFL Films brought it back through their Lost Treasures of NFL Films series. Hey ladies, don’t you think a “Six Ways to Sunday” DVD would be a great stocking stuffer?
Tune in to the Section 645 Saints Beat next week when Big Daddy recaps the St. Louis game, reports live from the Kingpin, forecasts the New Orleans Hornets new season, and delivers an emotional farewell to former U.S. Representative from Louisiana’ s 2nd District William “ Dollar Bill” Jefferson. If you’ re looking for some cool trivia facts to impress your old lady, just log on to: www.NOSaintsHistory.com and she’ll think you’re the best ever. Hey, lets not forget to Click for Cans at: www.chunky.com/ClickForCansLanding.aspx every chance you get. Now Big Daddy releases his World Famous Pregame Information: — Take the Saints minus 14 —
