Big Daddy Celebrates a Playoff Pummel

     Spearheaded by Section 645, they pumped up the Superdome’s volume throughout the playoff game. The Saints dashed Arizona’s dreams of defending last year’s NFC crown with their explosive offense, which scored five first-half touchdowns. Effective special teams (thanks to Reggie Bush), and Gregg Williams’ aggressive, opportunistic defense combined with the crowd’s relentless roaring to shatter Arizona’s dreams of defending last year’s NFC crown. In this week’s edition of the Section 645 Saints Beat, Big Daddy covers Mayor C. Ray Nagin’s final Martin Luther King Day speech, tailgates at the Kingpin, reports live from Section 645, recaps the Arizona game, provides game-winning strategy for the NFC Championship which takes place in New Orleans for the first time, and releases his World Famous Pregame Information.

     Monday marked Mayor C. Ray Nagin’s final Martin Luther King Day speech. Who could forget his eloquent 2006 MLK holiday address, in which he renamed New Orleans the “Chocolate City?” Where were you when he proclaimed these racist views? Nagin’s irresponsible behavior broke the spirit of an already fractured community more than Tiger Woods disgraced the game of golf with his “hide the Salami” antics. Remember when Nagin considered running for governor— C. Ray's arrogance didn’t let him understand that he would get less votes than a smelly fart. On Feb. 6, the electorate decides which candidate will succeed Nagin; Big Daddy expects disgruntled citizens to make an informed decision based on the issues this time, instead of reverting to Ray’s divisive method of picking public officials, which he himself relied so heavily on four years ago.

     Big Daddy’s posse took advantage of the later 3:30 p.m. kickoff to complete their customary pregame activities. The Kingpin’s tailgate party set the tone for a unforgettable afternoon of Saints football. Denise’s great hospitality behind the bar mixed with Martinique Master Chef Nat Carrier’s delicious pulled pork sandwiches put satisfying smiles on customers similar to ones you see on guys emerging from the Visions’ VIP area. Our old friends Dennis Hartman and Andrea Wilson, Illinois’ hottest couple, even swooped in to enjoy the magical vibe felt only at the Kingpin. Before walking to the streetcar stop, golden ticket holders conducted a lengthy safety meeting to check the weather. The three-pronged motivational meeting was designed to ensure that Kingpin regulars attending the game would remain sky-high for four quarters. The mini-pep rally proved to be a great success.

     Section 645ers and rest of the Superdome produced the loudest, most deafening roars in the arena’s storied existence. The incredible crowd noise coupled with the Saints brilliant performance to hand Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner his third postseason loss in three Big Easy tries. Even though Saints Beat has documented many instances of scary Superdome intensity levels, Big Daddy never encountered the amount of passion Saints fans expressed on Saturday. Who can imagine what Sunday’ s NFC Championship will bring? Perhaps another Saints rout will send a second straight Hall of Fame quarterback to the glue factory.

     The Divisional Round Playoff game began with Arizona running back Tim Hightower bursting 70 yards right up the gut to put the Cardinals in front 7-0. New Orleans answered the challenge, driving 72 yards on 10 plays, capped by Lynell Hamilton’s 1-yard plunge, tying the game 7-7. Nickel back Randall Gay stripped Cardinals’ receiver Jerheme Urban and safety Darren Sharper returned the recovery back to the Cards 37. Drew Brees hit Jeremy Shockey with a 17-yard touchdown pass, giving the Saints a 14-7 advantage. Reggie Bush’s 46-yard run made it 21-7 after one. A suspicious roughing-the-passer penalty was called on linebacker Scott Shanle to nullify a Sharper interception (Big Daddy thinks Aaron Rodgers is wondering where that call was last week). The ridiculous flag helped the Cardinals narrow the gap to 21-14 when Chris “Beanie” Wells barreled in from 4 yards out. Coach Sean Payton’s perfectly executed flea-flicker froze the Red Bird safeties, Devery Henderson blew by them, and Brees hit him with a 44-yard scoring strike. The beautiful play gave the Saints a 28-14 lead. Marques Colston’s 2-yard TD reception sent the Saints to the half ahead 35-14. Kicker Garrett Hartley’s 43-yard field goal increased it to 38-14. Reggie Bush’s electrifying 83-yard punt return nailed Arizona’s coffin shut; the scoreboard read 45-14 heading to the fourth. Leading by 31, jubilant Saints fans showed desert dwellers what professional partying looks like. Coach Payton doesn’t embarrass opponents, therefore the demolition remained a 45-14 final.

     Brett Favre and Minnesota come to town this weekend with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Big Daddy’s keys to winning the NFC Championship are pretty basic: On offense the Saints need to protect the ball, balance their play-calling (run and pass), sustain drives by converting on third down, and give Brees time to find his receivers. Stuffing Adrian Peterson’s run attempts, pressuring Favre, and forcing turnovers are Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams’ goals. Historically, special teams change the complexion of huge games all the time, so solid kick coverage against Percy Harvin and Darius Reynaud is crucial, while Courtney Roby and Reggie Bush effectively returning kicks will shift field position into the Saints’ favor. Look— it’s not going to be easy, but if the Saints play smart, the Who Dat Nation will pound drinks on South Beach for two weeks awaiting Super Bowl XLIV.