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     Saints reserves flexed their muscles down the stretch Friday night, obvious bench-strength improvements on defense and running back certainly complement the NFL’ s most prolific offense looking toward the upcoming 2010 campaign. Leigh Torrence’ s and Chris Ivory’ s fourth quarter fireworks shattered the Chargers’ dreams of a happy Big Easy ending. That won’t be the case for the thousands of black leather clad visitors (accented by purple and powder blue feathers) prancing through the Vieux Carre this Labor Day weekend. Enterprising Marigny and Bywater lads who took advantage shake-weight TV offers will see the Fruits of Labor come to fruition during the annual Southern Decadence extravaganza. In this week’s edition the

Continue reading "Big Daddy Appreciates Roster Depth"

     Big Daddy noticed that Superdome seats were filled nearly to capacity Saturday night for the preseason home opener against our closest NFL neighbor, Houston. If you have been following the 2010 NFL preseason like Big Daddy, you have observed half-empty stadiums all around the league, demonstrating how football fans in other NFL cities believe glorified practices are not worth their time. Do you know why Big Daddy loves the Big Easy so much? Besides the music, food, culture, and laid back lifestyle, evidently, we’ re the only Americans who understand that football at half-speed,

Continue reading "Big Daddy Measures Saints’ Fans Preparedness"

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     Big Daddy has been training rigorously over the past two weeks, getting ready for opening day, which is now only 20 days away. After a grueling off-season enduring the NBA Playoffs, World Cup Soccer, Major League Baseball, and the Chocolate City’ s unbearably hot, sticky Summer, lifting frosty cold longnecks gets easier every August. Both of Big Daddy’ s arms were in mid-season form before halftime of the New England preseason opener. In this week’s edition of the

Continue reading "Big Daddy Prepares For 2010, Doin 12oz. Curls"

Before the first preseason game, the Patriots held a ceremony to induct RB Sam “Bam” Cunningham into the Patriots Hall of Fame. He was joined on stage by owner Bob Kraft and fellow HoFers LB Andre Tippett, QB Steve Grogan, CB Michael Haynes, K-WR Gino Cappelletti, LB Steve Nelson, and G John Hannah. Not only was I there, but I was fortunate enough to shake Cunningham’s hand and say congratulations to the newest member while wearing his throwback jersey (thanks to Bob Hyldburg for making that opportunity happen).

Continue reading "Pick Six: Preseason Game 1"

     Hey Saints fans: Leap onboard Big Daddy’s Section 645 Saints Beat, the season-long thrill ride will take loyal readers to higher levels than they ever imagined following the Saints. Big Daddy’s weekly column provides unique critiques of each game, noteworthy current (political) events, interesting trivia, and cool historical facts filtered through a native New Orleanian’s unabridged analysis.

Continue reading "Big Daddy Revisits Super Bowl Week"

I thought Logan Mankins was going to be different. I believed he could conduct his contract negotiations privately. Because he kept a low profile after the season and through the draft, I figured Mankins would continue to keep his distance from the Patriots and let his agent and New England hammer out a new deal.

Continue reading "No Audience for Mankins' Moans"

A day after the NFL Network revealed San Diego shopped OLB Shawn Merriman during the NFL Draft to New Orleans and two other teams, the Patriots re-signed DE Derrick Burgess. Knowing what is out there, Burgess’ return doesn’t excite the fan base much.

Continue reading "A "Lights Out" Alternative"

If your jaw dropped five feet from the amount of Jahri Evans’ new contract, understand a smile of equal distance stretched across the face of Logan Mankins’ agent Frank Bauer.

 

Continue reading "Market Value Set for Mankins"

Because I’ve been immersed in my mock draft and inspired to write a few articles, I haven’t posted for a while. During this time, a lot of news regarding the Patriots crossed the news wire. I should had said a little something about every bit of news, but I was distracted.

Continue reading "Steps Behind"

Shopping for free agents in the NFL is not much different from shopping for groceries at the grocery store.  You must make your grocery list based on what you need, while keeping an eye out for great deals.  You want to avoid overpaying for something that you either don’t need or won’t be satisfied with.  You need to keep you eye out for dropping prices.  It is also essential that you stay away from flawed products that have disappointed in the past.  These are all keys to being a smart shopper in the NFL free agent market. 

Continue reading "Let's Go (Free Agent) Shopping!"

It has been a while and I don’t really have an excuse for not posting anything the last couple weeks.  I guess since the Cowboys got trounced by the Minnesota Vikings I just haven’t had much inspiration.  But I’ve come out of my temporary depression and have officially transitioned to the off-season.  In between cartons of Ben & Jerry’s and episodes of Cash Cab I have thought long and hard about what the Cowboys need to do over the  next 6-7 months in order to take the next step from playoff team to Super Bowl contender.

Continue reading "Back to the Drawing Board"

Superstar quarterback Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts were defeated by the New Orleans Saints 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV Sunday at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida.

The game was ultimately decided by a crucial Manning miscue when his pass was intercepted and returned 74 yards for a touchdown by Saints cornerback Tracy Porter with only three minutes remaining in the decisive fourth quarter.

Continue reading "Sunday Proved That Tom Brady Is Better ..."

If you're reading this, it means you're not among the thralls of New Orleans Saints fans in Louisiana or with the team in Miami that are just beginning what is sure to be a month-long party because their team just won their first ever Super Bowl. On a night thought by many to be Peyton Manning's coronation, Drew Brees ended up at the post-game podium as the MVP of the night after a 31-17 victory. Sunday's championship contest didn't get off to the most exciting of starts, but it sure finished with one.

Continue reading "Saints take advantage of Manning's ..."

Can't bet against the point spread? Feel too much pressure when deciding between your heart and your head? Vegas has you covered with these completely ridiculous prop bets, covered by Esquire. Here's a few choice selections and my useless advice.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44 Prop Bets"

The wait is over. Super Bowl 44 is nigh. Manning versus Brees starts in mere hours. After prepping you for the game yesterday with separate previews of the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, it's time to bring the two together for my Super Bowl predictions. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44"

     Did everyone recover from a wild weekend without Saints football? Big Daddy barely felt the Saints’ third bye week blow by thanks to Bobby Hebert honoring the Buddy “D” promise: to wear a dress if the Saints ever made it to the Super Bowl. Big Daddy wonders if seeing all those guys in dresses compelled the U.S. military to ponder abolishing their “don’t ask— don’t tell policy.”

Continue reading "Big Daddy Gets You Ready For the ..."

We are now a little more than a day away from the culmination of the 2009 NFL season. As we all have that inevitable Super Bowl party where no one else knows about football, I'm here to help you impress your friends with your gridiron knowledge. In this special edition of the Opening Drive I take a look at the NFC representative in SB XLIV, the New Orleans Saints.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive of Super Bowl ..."

     Who crunked it up deep into Monday morning? Big Daddy and the Who Dats showed tireless endurance to commemorate the Saints’ monumental achievement. Bourbon Street became ground zero as Saints fans taught national TV media outlets that they can no longer treat the Saints like they’re in Kansas. The all-night celebration has South Beach feeling pretty nervous. Over the Saints 43-year lifespan, traversing the yellow brick road brought some good times, and even though the Black ’ n’ Gold always fought hard, staying a loyal Saints through years of painful heartache was a true challenge. Forget wearing bags or being called Aints ever again! Now it’s our time to watch broadcasters get a little brown on their beaks complimenting Saints football. In this week’s edition of the

Continue reading "Big Daddy Finally Meets the Wizard"

Are you ready for two weeks of hype for a Brett Favre versus Peyton Manning Super Bowl?

Well TOO FREAKING BAD! The Saints were having none of it today. And what a coincidence that in a year marred by missed field goals, it was on the leg of lesser-known Saints kicker Garrett Hartley that the Saints earned a spot in their first ever Super Bowl with a 31-28 win over the Vikings.

Continue reading "Saints in the Super Bowl after 31-28 ..."

Here it is: the last weekend of real football. Conference Championship Sunday is here and isn't lacking for drama. From Brett Favre and Peyton Manning's legacy to the Jets' dominating defense or the surge in New Orleans, every team is a great story. Who do I think will make it to the Super Bowl in Miami? Read on in this edition of the Opening Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Conference Championship ..."

     Thank goodness The Times-Picayune finally jumped on the Big Daddy bandwagon by printing the “Big Daddy’s Suggestions to Promote Intensity” excerpt in the Living section article “ A playoff pep talk from your fellow Who Dats” last Saturday. Saints fans heeded Big Daddy’ s advice.

Continue reading "Big Daddy Celebrates a Playoff Pummel"

     Last Saturday and Sunday, America watched eight teams battle through Round 1 of the NFL playoffs. The four wildcard winners earned the right to travel to the hostile environments of the teams who garnered the best records throughout pro football’ s regular season. Wow, enjoying the playoffs stress-free, while the Saints got rested and ready made Big Daddy feel more relaxed than Tiger Woods when he travels the world. Hey local golf fans, are you pissed? Tiger’ s doing a sex clinic in Mississippi, but he won’t support the Zurich Classic. The Reverend Al Sharpton hopes there’s no white chicks on staff, otherwise Nike’s golf division will forced to break out the Salt Peter to keep Tiger’s Driver in the bag. In this week’s edition of the

Continue reading "Big Daddy Uses Second Bye to Prepare"

     Sunday’s pathetic showing in North Carolina ignited harsh Saints criticism on all the national networks. Broadcasters told America that no NFL team has ever made it to the Super Bowl after loosing their final 3 games. Lambasting the Black ’ n’ Gold has become more trendy than misguided saps adding the latest, greatest apps to their wireless devices to improve their lives. If the Who Dat Nation’s psyche got discouraged that easily, Saints ownership would have moved the team to another city a long time ago. Sadly, the only way to silence those critics is to win the trophy on February 7, 2010. In this week’s edition of the

Continue reading "Big Daddy Takes Third Straight Loss in Stride"

After Tim Hightower took the opening hand-off 70 yards for a touchdown, all I could think of was how awful the Saints fans would feel if their team lost in their playoff opener. Luckily for them Reggie Bush showed up with his bird-killing cleats on, leading the Saints to a 45-14 thrashing of the Arizona Cardinals to kick-off the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Continue reading "Reggie Bush goes off as Saints crush ..."

Here we are at the second week of the NFL playoffs again, which brings up the same question every year.  Is it better for teams that have clinched first-round byes and playoff seeds to rest their players at the end of the regular season, or play them to keep on a roll going into the playoffs?  Lets look at both sides of the issue.

Continue reading "Rest vs Rust in the NFL"

In case you haven't heard, we're knee-deep in the NFL playoffs. Today kicks-off the best weekend of football all year. Eight teams remain in the Super Bowl hunt, with the top seeds in each conference joining in on the action. Let's not waste any time, here's the Opening Drive for Divisional Saturday in the NFL!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Saturday"

     Back-to-back Saints’ losses has Big Daddy incensed. Even though the Saints clinched home field advantage for the first time in franchise history. The Saints reached this unprecedented milestone thanks to their recent nemesis, the Chicago Bears, who knocked off Minnesota in 2009’s final Monday Night Football game. The improbable overtime victory allowed the Black ’n’ Gold to back into the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Imagining this day in past years, Big Daddy envisioned popping champagne (like Tim Whitmer must have each time he landed a lucrative insurance deal as the Jefferson Parish CAO) to commemorate such a monumental achievement. In this week’s edition of the

Continue reading "Big Daddy Exhales a Painful AARGH!"

The Cowboys have a huge match-up this week against the #2 seed Minnesota Vikings.  But, I don’t think that will keep any Cowboys fan from relishing in what has transpired over the last month.  Over these last 4 weeks the Cowboys have exercised all of their “demons” and now simply have to go into the Metrodome and take on the 12-4 Minnesota Vikings led by Brett Favre to advance to the NFC championsip.  Piece of cake, right?  Well before we stuff ourselves, let’s digest the last month of the season and see what the Cowboys were able to stomach (pun intended). 

Continue reading "Exercising the Demons"

     Saturday night football in the Superdome had every member of the Who Dat Nation dreaming of an undefeated season with the Saints sporting a 13-0 record. Big Daddy’ s experiences have taught him how great expectations in sports can quickly crash and burn. Guiding the team through the emotional rollercoaster of an NFL campaign requires Coach Payton to juggle more than Tiger Woods managing his harem. Perhaps Tiger should make a guest appearance on HBO’ s series about Mormons,

Continue reading "Big Daddy Blames Lack of Balance ..."

After another dramatic Colts win, the still-undefeated Saints try their luck against the Cowboys on Saturday night while the second seed in the AFC is on the line on Sunday. Let's start the Opening Drive of week 15 in the NFL!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 15"

     Sunday’ s lackluster Saints performance encouraged devoted Saints onlookers to do their best Fred Sanford impersonations (grabbing their chest, sensing “ The Big One” ), while the Saints struggled, but held off those rotten “ Dirty Birds” . The Saints surpassed another milestone in this magical 2009 season. Previously, 12 wins stood as the team record for the most wins in any season, which they achieved under Jim Mora in 1987 and 1992, led by Bobby Hebert and the awesome “ Dome Patrol” . As the pressure mounts on the ’ 09 players to stay perfect, Big Daddy believes the double-time formula will reduce Saints fans’ unbearable stress to a manageable level. If you normally drink one beer a quarter, make it two and everything will be all right. For those fans who don’ t drink, you better find Dr. Feelgood before the playoffs start. In this week’s edition of the

Continue reading "Big Daddy Embraces Lucky 13"

The Dallas Cowboys have entered their December swoon, and yet I'm not worried.  The defense couldn't contain the pass.  The offense couldn't punch it in from the one yard line.  And off we go to New Orleans, a team that will pass all over you, that will stuff you at the line.

Continue reading "Big Test Coming for Big D"

     How many Saints’ fans wrote off the Saints when Washington lined up their game-clinching 23-yard field goal? This year’ s “ Finish” mentality has produced the franchise’s best season start ever, not to mention the team’s most unbelievable victory in 43 years Sunday. Previous season mottos never produced the results that the ’ 09 slogan has. Big Daddy wonders if the Saints brought in Tiger Woods to demonstrate how awesome happy endings feel? Tiger always benefits from coming hard at the end both on and off the course. If it works for Saints fans for the next 13 years, the Superdome staff will have lots of new banners to hang. Seriously, Big Daddy wants Saints fans to understand the significance of a team that wins games they should lose. Haven’ t we suffered the downside of that equation for far too long? Hell yeah! But now its our time! In this edition of the

Continue reading "Big Daddy Believes In Miracles"

     Forget stressing out about the threat of Swine Flu, Black ’ n’ Gold Fever is spreading across the country faster than U.S. Attorney Jim Letten opens new corruption investigations at City Hall. Prior to the game, the biased Northeastern-controlled television sports media told national TV viewers that the team of the decade (New England) would expose those fraudulent Saints. After the Saints pummeled New England Monday night, the Fever’s infection rate reached epidemic proportions. Worried Americans started seeking a cure to this peculiar new virus. Well don’t be frightened, Big Daddy knows the only remedy: Jump on the “Who Dat Bandwagon” rolling through your city and start enjoying life. In this week’s edition of the

Continue reading "Big Daddy Cranks the Volume to Eleven"

Wow, the weeks after the Patriots lose are certainly depressing. This is the 4th time in 2009 that I've found myself entering a football-free bubble. When the Patriots win I pretty much watch every bit of football news I can get my eyes on. Everyone loves to hear all the commentators glow over their team.

Continue reading "Patriots Turn the Page to the Miami Dolphins"

To this point of the season the Cowboys have taken care of business, for the most part.  The Cowboys could very easily be 9-1 had they just maintained their composure against the likes of the New York Giants and Denver Broncos.  But instead of dwelling on what could have been, the ‘Boys did a good job of moving on as they went on to win 6 of their next 7 games and claim 1st place in the NFC east.  Unfortunately, none of that matters now.  The Cowboys are 8-3 with the Philadelphia Eagles in a close trail at 7-4, and the Giants still kicking at 6-5.  And being that the final five games of this season are in the dreaded month of December, the phrase “anything can happen” is an understatement. 

Continue reading "Going Forward: Can the Dallas Cowboys ..."

Seems to me like many Patriots fans out there aren't quite as depressed by last night's debacle as they were after the loss to the Colts. Around this time every year you start to really know how good your team is, or isn't. The Saints are good. Really good. The Patriots are not.

Continue reading "Picking Up the Patriots Pieces"

     Sunday’ s flawless Saints performance had Big Daddy sifting through his old VHS library to determine whether the ’ 09 Saints unseated Bo Derek’ s smoking hot yellow one-piece as the real perfect “

Continue reading "Big Daddy Enjoys Bountiful Pirate Raids"

As I watched the Patriots get beat down by the Saints, I couldn’t stop thinking about an article I wrote earlier this season called “ Love Letters.” The idea was I wrote two letters from the fans perspective to DL Richard Seymour and WR Jabar Gaffney. The letters pointed out how the team missed their contributions on the field.

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 12"

Who dares taunt the Football Gods? Thy name is Reggie Bush.

 

Back in October, the New Orleans running back was asked if the Saints could go undefeated. He answered with, “"Can we go undefeated? Yes.  I do think we have the players, the chemistry, we have the heart and dedication, the coaching staff, we have the players."

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 12"

With three utterly craptacular contests on Thanksgiving, I’m looking forward to a little competitive football this Sunday. However, it’s not until Monday that the real showdown of week 12 takes place. Let’s get some Opening Drive in your diet!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: week 12"

The Patriots are already deep into preparations for the undefeated New Orleans Saints, possibly the toughest opponent of the year. Any news outside of their scope of focus is a distraction.

 

Continue reading "Bill Belichick's Nemesis"

     New Orleanians began their work week all smiles again Monday morning courtesy of the Saints’ record-setting 9-0 start. Even though our wallets were decimated for the ninth straight game, Saints fans ain’t complainin’. As the Saints aim to complete their second of three triumphant visits to the Sunshine State Sunday, Big Daddy mentally prepares to go where Who Dat has gone before. In this week’s edition of the

Continue reading "Big Daddy Feels Turbulence on Cloud 9"

     The Saints have gotten unprecedented rewards out of this season’s motto, “Finish!” Sunday the Who Dat Nation watched the Saints turn in another dominant second-half performance after trailing early to post a new franchise record 8-0 start. Saints fans remember last year’s painful gut-wrenching losses, when the team displayed innovative ways to snatch defeat from the hands of victory in the fourth quarter. In this week’s edition of

Continue reading "Big Daddy Navigates Uncharted Waters:"

Just like the Patriots addressed the secondary with defending tall receivers in mind, the Miami Dolphins did the same in the off-season. The difference was the source of the remedy.

 

New England signed free agent veteran cornerbacks Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden. Miami went the younger route and drafted Vonta Davis and Sean Smith.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 9"

     Big Daddy's spectacular Halloween weekend could not have ended any better than with a Darren Sharper pick to clinch the victory against the hated Dirty Birds on Monday night. Don’ t you feel sorry for people around the country living in cultureless gated communities whose neighbors are from anywhere USA, half of which will move within a year chasing a more lucrative job to fulfill the false illusion of sprawling malls, 401(k)s, mortgages, car payments, and college funds which define success in today’ s misguided America? In this edition on the

Continue reading "Big Daddy’s Unforgettable Halloween:"

     The Saints unbelievably exciting come-from-behind victory forces Big Daddy to start working on his Super Bowl Shuffle, preparing for the Black ’n’ Gold’ s next visit to South Beach— in early February. Boy, things looked bleak until Drew Brees’ touchdown just before halftime sparked an amazing turn of events. Having a record of 5-0 following our destruction of the vaunted Giants felt great, but the Saints late afternoon fish fry had Little Havana muttering all sorts of Cuban expletives. In this week’ s edition of

Continue reading "Big Daddy Handles The South Beach Dress Rehearsal:"

 

This weekend Denver faces yet another stiff challenge, and four division match-ups make the Opening Drive! Oh yeah, and some guy named Favre returns to the second team he played for. No big whoop. Let’s analyze! 

Continue reading "Joe’s NFL Opening Drive: Week 8"

     Big Daddy has a new appreciation for Frank Sinatra's famous New York, New York hit after the Saints completed their domination of the New York triangle. First they sent Buffalo to a watery grave over Niagara Falls, then put the Jets into an uncontrollable tall spin, and finally turned those scary Giants into frozen peas. Are you smiling, Big Daddy can't stop laughing out loud. In this week’ s edition of

Continue reading "Big Daddy Celebrates Owning The Big Apple:"

Wow, it was blowout city this weekend. 11 of the 13 NFL games in week 7 were decided by ten points or more. That’s just ridiculous. Maybe it was good I was moving furniture on Sunday… wait, no it still wasn’t. To the Final Drive of week 7! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 7"

Hopefully RB Laurence Maroney doesn’t think he’s off the hook after rushing for 123 yards (7.7 average) and a score. If anything, the expectations have gone up. It’s nice to see you blow up in one game as the undisputed primary ball carrier. But can you do this week after week after week?

Continue reading "Staying On the Run"

In a crazy week six in the NFL, we saw both New York teams fall, one squad completely give up, and three teams continue their undefeated ways. The Final Drive of week six starts right now! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 6"

With a busier schedule than normal, the Opening Drive was relegated to Sunday morning! Here’s my quick takes on some of the weekend’s NFL match-ups. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 6"

     Big Daddy felt more dazed and confused than Guantanamo Bay detainees suffering through a week without Saints football. LSU failed to fill the enormous void, thanks to awful play-calling and a pathetic performance by quarterback Jordan Jefferson. As LSU tailgating reached an apogee, the Tiger faithful hoped for another memorable night in Death Valley. Unfortunately, Jefferson’s reaction time was slower than that of George W. Bush when aides told him the nation was under attack. Thank the sweet Lord Jesus for Drew Brees. In this week’s edition of

Continue reading "Big Daddy Survives The Bye Week"

     Sunday’s rain showers didn’t slow down Black ’n’ Gold tailgaters readying themselves for battle. Entering the Superdome, Big Daddy encountered Jets fans displaying their typically rude, loud-mouthed New York attitudes, demonstrating why many despise New Yorkers. Cocky Jets fans’ relentless attempts to diminish Who Dat intensity were less effective than the Army Corps’ levees. After the Saints forced Jets fans to “eat it!” all day, those Yankees had nothing to say. In this week’s edition of

Continue reading "Big Daddy Screams For Defense"

Someone finally looked like a rookie quarterback; things are going south in Tennessee, and some guy named Brett Favre made headlines. I wrap up week four in the NFL with the Final Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 4"

In week four of the NFL season, at least one more undefeated team will fall. AFC forces meet in Boston, and one of the best rivalries in the league takes it to a whole ‘nother level thanks to a certain unretiring quarterback. Week four Opening Drive commence! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 4"

     Sunday’s 3 o’clock start allowed Big Daddy extra time to properly prepare for a tough road test. Monday morning smiles around the Big Easy has made work so much easier as the Saints continue marching through the NFL almost as quick as than Mayor C. Ray Nagin accepts free first class vacations to Hawaii and the Bahamas from “friends.” In this week’s edition of

Continue reading "Big Daddy Says “Ask And You Shall Receive”"

     Saints Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams received the game ball from New Orleans' 27-7 win Sunday, reportedly to a roar from the team's locker room in Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium that could be heard several rooms away.  Hopefully Williams smiled upon thinking about the thousand and one sports critics who said "sure the Saints can score points, but their DEFENSE sucks."  The NFL, and really all sports teams with the exception of Notre Dame and the Yankees and their ilk, exist on a Show Me First basis.  Notre Dame looks like they might not be horrible this year, and Lou Holtz says he wouldn't be surprised to see them play for the national championship.  The Yankees sign another $10 million-plus bat or arm, and they can't be beaten. You know other teams like that. But many teams have to prove a point over and over to replace the popular misconception of them.  Just the other day someone told me that the Ravens couldn't keep their current success going because "they're a defensive team, and their defensive numbers have dropped."  Like my jaw. Sure, historically the Ravens have been a defensive team, but the team is only 13 years old. And no matter how old a team is, its focuses and strong/weak points can change.  I'd assume they'd have to in order to stay relevant in the modern NFL (how you doing back there, Cleveland?).  Truth be told, it looks like the Ravens have compensated beautifully on the offensive side for the defensive decline.  "Historic" Ravens football?  No. Winning football? Yes. No team has ever stayed good by doing the same thing over and over with no change.  Want proof?  The Oakland Raiders.

Continue reading "In Defense of the Saints Defense"

     Experienced Big Daddy readers know a Saints road trip means a Kingpin blowout. Sunday’s relentless beat-down served notice to the football world that the Saints Are Coming! Perhaps Fats Domino’s old hit song “Blue Monday” soothed the City of Brotherly Love after the Saints took the Eagles to the woodshed Sunday. In this week’s

Continue reading "Big Daddy Kicks Off Kingpin Season"

     The Pontchartrain Expressway presented perfect shelter form Sunday’s downpours. Big Daddy’s entourage enjoyed the bridge planers’ vision, who included such wonderful amenities in their design, allowing us to complete vital pregame activities. Hopefully, Sunday’s monsoon will give future outdoor stadium developers less credibility than Chinese dry wall manufacturers. This week Big Daddy’s

Continue reading "Big Daddy’s Wet & Wild Adventure:"

 

With 16 games in the regular season, losing your first two isn’t a cause for panic, but it is a cause for concern. In the Week 2 edition of the Opening Drive, here are some teams who need to avoid an 0-2 start.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 2"

Suicide Pick.

The Lions travel to the big Easy. Saints have high hope this year after Drew Brees awesome season last year. One more Touchdown drie and he would of had a new record. Now to the Contest. The Lions have won outright the last 2 times they where dogs against the Saints. The under is 8-2 last 10 times these teams meet.

Continue reading "Week 1 NFL Season!!!!!!! Sweet!"

     Was it Halloween or Mardi Gras last Thursday night? Guys dressed like football players displaying Arena League talent tortured Saints fans worse than a Abu Grab sleepover. Preseason finales produce yawning spells throughout entire stadiums, while TV viewers simply flip to the Food Network. Big Daddy knows that football squads become cohesive units when coaches drill every offensive play and defensive scheme into players’ heads. Practicing each playbook entry until everything runs smoother than James Bond operating in a singles bar. This week’s

Continue reading "Big Daddy Says Lets Get It On:"

     Big Daddy never really experienced getting high on life until doubling his pleasure Saturday afternoon by watching the Saints pummel Oakland while enjoying the eye-popping sights and awesome slides of Gulf Islands Water Park. What a day! Dominance this preseason has Saints fans placing wagers on their heroes to win their first Lombardi trophy. Big Daddy says if you got the money— Do it! If not, just relish the extra bounce in your step. In this third edition 2009,

Continue reading "Big Daddy’s Got A Feeling:"

     Kingpin regulars got served a heaping helping of Black ’n’ Gold passion Saturday night, courtesy of Big Daddy. The Saints inspired and aggressive play drew constant Big Daddy roars, curing patrons from their infection of Crescent City Malaise, a condition which strikes local residents every August, sinking victims into a coach potato hibernation. Hopefully, those lucky few will spread the “Good News” vaccine— Watch Saints Football! In this week’s edition of

Continue reading "Big Daddy Loves Intensity:"

     The recession has crippled the “living big” option for many Americans these days, but the unthinkable 222 days between Super Bowl Sunday and opening day makes the economy’s pain penetrate deeper for football fans, even Big Daddy. Saints fans in attendance Friday displayed youthful exuberance anticipating great success in the upcoming campaign. In this first edition of

Continue reading "Big Daddy Knocks Off The Rust:"

I’m not much of a poker player, but since the beginning of training camp, head coach Bill Belichick has been exchanging cards, looking for a full house.

 

They looked at QB Cleo Lemon. DE Kevin Carter seems to be getting serious consideration. QB Matt Gutierrez was cut and QB Andrew Walter signed to replace Gutz.

Continue reading "Ninkovich in the Cards"

The Higher The Hope, The Harder It Falls (Thus Far)

     Being a Saints fan has to be one of the most frustrating things in all of pro sports.  You are from Louisiana; they are the Saints…you have no choice.  Dammit, you have no choice.  You watched them trade draft picks to Dallas for Steve Walsh, you watched them grow great defensive players and then promptly trade them once their salaries got too expensive, you watched them trade seeming nobodies who quickly became somebodies on other teams (Bobby Hebert, I’m looking mostly at you), and you’ve watched them somehow manage to beat some pretty good teams during the regular season only to turn around and get facialed by the 2-10 Browns the next week.  The uncertainty killed you, but it’s also what made the Saints the Saints.  I can’t think of another fan base in any pro sport that has gotten so much morose pleasure out of being shitty.  Remember the paper bags over the heads with “Aint’s” written across?  The fans were pleased with their own creativity, which at least tried to offset the INCREDIBLE lack of creativity in Jim Mora’s offense.  But that was I different era.  I’ll move on.

Continue reading "New Orleans Saints-Draft Picks and ..."

Doug Marrone was hired by the Syracuse Orange to replace Greg Robinson who basically didn't take the Orange anywhere but down. Doug Marrone was the New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator since 2006.

Continue reading "Doug Marrone, New coach for Syracuse ..."

 As football fans across the globe cast their longing eyes in the direction of the April draft, I decided that now might be a good time to reflect on draft classes of the last 10 years. Too often in this business, we rush ahead to the next big event without taking pause to evaluate the past and learn from it. In a way, this study will still be a celebration of the coming 2009 draft as I believe it will shed some light on certain overlooked trends that no one ever stops to consider. I will begin with a class by class showdown of sorts at the quarterback position over the last 10 drafts.  This is part II in the series:

Continue reading "NFL Quarterback Draft Class Showdown: 2002 vs 2001"

Brett Lorenzo Favre, the beloved gunslinger from Southern Mississippi who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons, made his first pass completion on his way to prominence as a Packer to himself and adorned a New York Jets uniform in his final season, announced his retirement yesterday…again.

Continue reading "Favre Retires. Finally. I Think."

     As the NFL crowns a new champion in Super Bowl XLIII Sunday evening, Big Daddy looks forward to watching the game, enjoying the Boss’ halftime show, laughing at the best commercials, and devouring master chef Eric Labouchere’s wonderful spread at the infamous Kingpin bar. Saints fans always take advantage of Super Bowl parties to whip their perfectly sculpted bodies into Mardi Gras shape. Big Daddy’s 21st

Continue reading "Big Daddy’s Super Bowl Pregame Show:"

     Last Sunday, football fanatics watched the NFL’s final four produce two great grid-iron battles. Super Bowl representatives were determined by offense in the NFC and defense decided the AFC. While high-quality football captivated the nation, Saints fans second-lined around town celebrating Gregg Williams’ arrival. In this week’s edition of

Continue reading "Big Daddy Criticizes NFL Refs:"

     Big Daddy enjoyed the Kingpin’s awesome atmosphere last weekend watching the BCS Championship and the NFL’s Divisional Playoffs, and their Elvis party Saturday night shocked the world! This week’s edition of

Continue reading "Big Daddy Says Trash The BCS:"

     Tiger roars rocked Atlanta Wednesday evening, jump-starting Big Daddy’s New Year’s Eve festivities long before midnight. LSU’s dominance helped Louisiana forget the pain of a dreadful ’08 as we rolled into 2009. This week, Big Daddy’s

Continue reading "Big Daddy Kisses 2008 Goodbye:"

     After all the bad things that happened in 2008, losing to Carolina got Big Daddy’s New Year’s drinking started early to numb the pain of a terrible year. This week Big Daddy’s Saints Beat blog delivers coverage of the New Year’s Eve Mid-City bonfire, gives the season’s final section 645 report, recaps the Carolina game, wonders if Jake Delhomme cursed the Crescent City, questions Sean Payton’s comments, releases his

Continue reading "Big Daddy Thanks Deuce In Finale:"

     After the Saints soiled Detroit’s White Christmas, Big Daddy enjoyed the soothing sounds of Motown awed by the artists’ talents and fashion sense. Too bad Lions’ players don’t have that smooth style. This week Big Daddy’s Saints Beat blog examines Bernard Madoff’s ethics, features the season’s final Kingpin update, recaps the Detroit game, covers the New Orleans Bowl, and releases his

Continue reading "Big Daddy Digs Motown’s Groove:"

Continue reading "Motivated Nfl pick for week 16"

     Volume 15 of Big Daddy’s Saints Beat is a special midweek report helping Saints fans pass the time after the Saints appearance on the NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football. This midweek edition compares Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards, examines corporate sponsors, questions NFL officials inaccurate spotting of the football, gives expert analysis by

Continue reading "Big Daddy’s Midweek Report:"

     Big Daddy’s affinity for the Windy City waned after watching wintry conditions benefit the Bears to end the Saints’ season for a third straight year. This week Saints Beat covers the Vince Marinello murder trial, measures Saints fan enthusiasm at the Kingpin bar on Thursday night, recaps the Chicago game, grills Sean Payton for his ineffective short yardage play-calling, and releases his

Continue reading "Big Daddy Challenges Mickey Loomis:"

Well, they’re alive for another week. They needed two clutch Robbie Gould field goals in a comeback effort to survive, but the Chicago Bears defeated the New Orleans Saints in overtime last Thursday night. It was by no means a pretty victory, but when you’re in the midst of a playoff race, winning is the only thing that matters. 

Continue reading "Bears Rebound in OT to Beat Saints"

The Bears won a game they had to win. And, they nearly gave it away.  The Bears had three turnovers, that last one late in the 4th quarter, when Kyle Orton threw an ill-timed interception.  The Saints scored a TD to take a late lead, but the Bears came back and tied the game up on a Robbie Gould field-goal with :02 left. 

Continue reading "Bears Slip Past Saints in OT"

Thats right- the Saints were guaranteed a trip to the 2009 Super Bowl today as 3 inches of snow fell on New Orleans. For only the SECOND time since 1989, New Orleans took on snow on a bizzare Thursday, December 11th. Select schools and businesses closed througout a city which is home to NO snowmobiles or drivers who know how to handle snow on the roads. Many joyfully speculated that the occasion was rare enough that the Saints must be on their way to good fortune.

Continue reading "Saints guaranteed Super Bowl victory!"

The Saints travel to Soldier field to take on The Bears. The Bears are the favorite at home. Not sur why since they have a bad passing D, and the Saints love to pass. The Bears also are able to put points on the board. So this should be a good game. Rember it is in Chicago so the weather could be an issue. The Bears and Saints are both coming off a lose and have slim hopes for post season. A lose tonight by either will send them to an early season with no chance at a playoff birth. As of right now they both are on the outside looking in.

Continue reading "Thursday Night football"

The Saints are marching in to Solider Field tonight. Ugh. (That exclamation is directed at both the overused lyric reference and the impending contest.) In the midst of a fight for their playoff lives, the Bears and Saints can ill afford another loss on their records. One team is going to walk off the field wondering what went wrong this season while the other will keep fighting to extend theirs. If the Bears expect to defeat the top-ranked aerial assault that is Drew Bress and the Saints, Lovie Smith’s defensive expertise must be in full effect.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: New Orleans ..."

     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

Continue reading "Big Daddy Loves Balance:"

     Big Daddy dusts off his golf clubs for Winter golf while the Saints quietly finish another disappointing year on December 28th. This week Big Daddy’ s Saints Beat

Continue reading "Saints Shatter Big Daddy’s Dreams:"

So week 13 is in the books, and after a satisfactory win at San Diego, it's on to Cajun Country for the Falcons. In their last meeting with the Saints(6-6), the Falcons literally dominated from the first snap, picking off Drew Brees's first pass from scrimmage. They scored first, and never looked back.

Continue reading "Game Preview; Falcons vs. Saints"

     Big Daddy gobbles an array of exotic cheeses following the Saints Monday Night thrashing of the Packers. This week Big Daddy’s Saints Beat grades Superdome crowd control, recaps the Green bay game, delivers the much anticipated section 645 update, questions Coach Payton’s decision making, examines the Saints playoff chances, and releases his

Continue reading "Saints Satisfy Big Daddy:"

Continue reading "Week 13 Saints vs. Bucs"

This is an ongoing record of the funniest sport quotes from the major and local sports talk shows like ATH, PTI, Jim Rome, etc.  Feel free to contribute some of you own from TV and radio or comment on the ones you see here. Your new quotes will be integrated daily as part of the ongoing record.  To post a quote or make a comment just follow the comment link at the bottom.

Continue reading "Funny Sports Quotes Returns!!"

Check it. A quick review. About two weeks ago against the Jets, Matt Cassel becomes the first player to pass for 400 yards and run for 60-plus. The following week he throws for 415 yards, becoming the first Patriot to throw two consecutive 400-yard games.

Continue reading "Getting the Most Out of Cassel"

     Big Daddy dives into real Bar-B-Q (not that Kansas City-style s**t) enjoying the Saints’ first road win, though the ‘W’ comes at the expense of a cream puff softer than the 1980 Saints; we’ll take it. This week Big Daddy's Saints Beat wonders if Lee Zurik has proper protection, reports more Kingpin news, appreciates Mayor Ray Nagin, recaps the Kansas City game, glances over the NFC wildcard race, says goodbye to an old friend, and releases his World Famous Pregame Information.

Continue reading "Big Daddy Needs 5 More Wins:"

This is the kind of game the Saints often find a way to lose. The Chefs' offense has been improving and they had Larry Johnson back from his - um, off-the-field issues. Drew Brees was spectacular as always but the true star of this game was the defense. They stuffed the Chiefs on two crucial goal line stands, sacked the mobile Thigpen four times and came through when they had to.

Continue reading "Saints Dodge The Tyler Thigpen Bullet"

Division races in the NFL became much clearer in week ten's action. While some teams are completely out of the picture, others have made things very interesting. Let's take a final look at week ten in the 2008 NFL season.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 10"

     Big Daddy searches for old Beach Boys records to heal these bad vibrations engulfing New Orleans following Sunday’s unacceptable outcome. Saints Beat asks for U.S. Rep. Bill Jefferson’s assistance, recaps the Atlanta game, reports fan reactions at the Kingpin, questions the Saints’ lack of focus, predicts probable NFC playoff teams, and releases his

Continue reading "Saints’ Effort Disgusts Big Daddy:"

     Big Daddy's Saints Beat reveals his NBA playoff predictions, recaps Tulane-LSU game, wonders who's kicking for the Saints this week, examines the NFC playoffs, gives a special election report, bonus coverage from Widespread Panic's Halloween Show, and releases his world famous pregame information.

Continue reading "Big Daddy Eats Halloween Chocolate:"

     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.

Continue reading "Big Daddy Flies The Union Jack:"

A week filled with late game nervousness and dominant performances. The Texans were the ones doing the prowling as they tore apart the Bengals. 'America's Team' didn't look so sharp, but they found a way to win. The NFL brought a real shootout to London (hopefully no one was hurt!) and Brett Favre didn't look good for the second consecutive week, but thankfully for the Jets, they played the Chiefs. I'll cover those games in this week's Fallout report!

Continue reading "NFL Week 8 Fallout"