Gridiron Experts

Saints Pre-Draft Backfield Situation

The New Orleans Saints went on to win the Super Bowl last year with a high powered offense that was very pass happy.  In the upcoming season, there isn’t much reason to believe the Saints are going to get away from throwing the ball.  However, as most fans know every team needs some sort of running game in order to open up the passing game.

The Saints had a very effective group of players that helped make big plays coming out of the backfield, including; Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, Reggie Bush, and Lynell Hamilton.  These four players combined for 1,962 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns along with 697 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns.  Looking at each player’s individual numbers it is easy to see that the majority of the rushing attempts were handled by Bell and Thomas, while the majority of the receptions went to Thomas and Bush.  Below is a summary of each player’s stats from the 2009 …Continue reading Saints Pre-Draft Backfield Situation

NFL Truth & Rumors

• Darren Sproles Isn’t Going Anywhere
  Leaving it to the dramatic end, San Diego has decided to keep their running back by placing the maximum first and third round tender on Sproles Thursday.

• Lito Let Go
  Lito Sheppard and the New York Jets are finished working together as of Thursday. After a strong year together the cornerback played one season for the Jets, after being acquired from Philly at last year’s NFL draft. The release makes sense to the rumors floating around the league the Jets have been interested in trading for a corner.

• Pick Up Your Super Bowl Ring at the Door
  New Orleans Saints plan to release DE Charles Grant on Friday. The move is a small hint to what the Saints might be looking for in the NFL Draft come April.

• Antrel Rolle’s Out Of A Job
  Trying to save money (in a cap-less year?) the Arizona Cardinals have released starting safety Antrel Rolle. The move is not one we thought would happen without the word “trade” attached to Rolle’s name, but apparently the Cardinals have no plans for Rolle at all, and wanted to be rid of the situation.

• Redskins Spring Cleaning
  Guard Randy Thomas, Wide receiver Antwaan Randle El and kick returner Rock Cartwright were just a few names of the Washington Redskins that will be looking for work this season. Washington is getting a complete makeover as solid backups also heading out include: Cornerback Fred Smoot, defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin, running back Ladell Betts and backup quarterback Todd Collins. 10 players in total were let go.

This one hit summarized the whole game for the New Orleans Saints. Gridiron Experts went 14-2 with our picks in week 12 and this was one we got wrong…very wrong. The New England Patriots played terrible, while the Saints looked like a team made up of players that were twice the size and strength. Dropped balls, bad tackles and blown coverages across the board for the Brady Bunch, and we a couple injuries to the defensive line including Nose Tackle Vince Wilfork the Pat’s are in hot water again next week against the wildcat Dolphins.

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The 16-0 New Orleans Saints?

The Saints have been on a blaze this season; they have climbed the rungs of the NFL standing ladder to a more than impressive 9-0. A weak schedule and division helped the Saints to this record, but they have also pulled off some inspiring victories @ The Eagles, vs. The Jets, vs. The Giants, @ The Dolphins, and vs. The Falcons. The Saints are clearly the team to beat in the NFC this year so who will deal them the illustrious first blow? Or are we looking at the second 16-0 squad in NFL history?

The Offense is the heart and soul of this team; with an average of 36.78 points per game, the Saints are driving dangerously close to tying the New England Patriots single season scoring record of 589 points (2007) in which they averaged 36.8 points per game. If the offense is the heart and soul of this team, then the defense must be the brain and lungs, because this is a fully functioning unit who is leading the league in turnovers with 25, 17 of which are interceptions and 8 of which are recovered fumbles.

As a result of their current success, it seems more and more that the Saints are unbeatable and could possibly push for that 16-0. However I believe there is one team in the league that has something to say about it, the only 16-0 team in NFL history: The New England Patriots. Two weeks from now, on November 30th the Pats will take on the Saints in New Orleans, and you can bet both of these teams have this game circled with an extremely substantial writing implement.

The Pats bring into this game an explosive offense which is only 2nd in the league to the Saints. This means that this game is going to have some fireworks so strap in, sit down, and enjoy the show. The defenses on both sides of the ball are more than capable units, the Patriots are ranked 8th …Continue reading The 16-0 New Orleans Saints?

Surprisingly Good Fantasy Defenses

One of the most unusual subjects thus far in fantasy football is the amount of points D/STs are putting up, and the D/STs who are doing it.   In the past, the amount of points D/STs scored in fantasy football was similar to kickers.  Through the first four weeks of this season, this is all but untrue.  This season the top D/STs rank, in fantasy points, closer to receivers such as Reggie Wayne and Vincent Jackson (Non-PPR).  Is it the emphasis that defenses win championships?  Is it the bad quarterback play?  It could be what’s in the Kool-Aid, or should I say, Gatorade these defenses drink.  Whatever the answer may be there are definitely new teams at the top of the ranks.  This is the great thing about the NFL, you can go from worst to first in a matter of a year.

San Francisco 49ers If you are too young to remember him as a player, I’m sure you heard and saw  in last years press conference Mike Singletary’s intensity and tenacity.  Whether you’re outnumbered in a bar fight or need someone to lead a team that lacks discipline and respect, he’s THE man you want. His ability to turn around one of the worst teams in the NFL just by taking over the reins exemplifies his demand for respect. The troubling aspect to me about Mike Singletary is that people say he’s old school.  Come on, old school?  Tecmo Bowl couldn’t have been that long ago, right? Although he may be old school, this mix of young and old players on defense gains more and more confidence every week.  They have a great centerpiece in Patrick Willis who is having an MVP first half, leading his team in tackles (37), sacks (2.5), and interceptions (2).  Being in the NFC West, and playing the remaining majority of their schedule against offenses that rank at the top of giveaways and sacks allowed, will play a key role in the continued fantasy success of the 49ers D/ST.

New Orleans Saints Gregg Williams could run for mayor of New Orleans.  The quickness he has implemented in his defensive schemes and the ability to translate those …Continue reading Surprisingly Good Fantasy Defenses

Saints vs. Jets Preview 

To the naked eye, this game goes into Sunday as “The Saints #1 offense facing Rex Ryan’s blitzing Defense.”  That statement is not all incorrect, but the way the Saints Defense is playing there are various headlines that this game could have.   Being a New Orleans native and a Saints homer, I am putting my bias aside for this Monster Match-Up. A few questions, among many,  “What will Brees need to do that Tom Brady could not?”  “What will Mark Sanchez need to do against a Defense that is tied for most NFL interceptions (7 tied w/ Packers)?”  Both teams have much similarity.  Both have new defensive schemes, new faces, crazy fans, and both have underachieved.  Your Tivo or DVR should have been set for this game weeks ago.

Going into Sunday, both teams have been dealing with the injury bug.  The Saints lost their pro bowl left tackle (Jammal Brown), his backup (Jermon Bushrod) is doubtful for Sunday, and two Saints running backs (M. Bell & P. Thomas) have been dealing with knee injuries.  Though Thomas is listed as probable, establishing the run game is crucial for the Saints to get going. The Jets are in the same boat; five of their defensive backs either missed or were limited in practice Wednesday, including Darrelle Revis (hamstring) who shut down Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, and most likely will be lining up against Marques Colston (See Sit’em).  The Jets will need healthy DBs to counter the way Drew Brees likes to distribute the ball (avg. seven different receivers w/ reception per game).

Whether the Jets or Saints, playing at home is a definite advantage.  The “Who Dat Nation” will have the Superdome rocking and doing whatever they can to make play calling difficult for Mark Sanchez.  …Continue reading 3-0 Jets Saints: Someone’s Got To Lose

Canal Street Chronicles.com is a New Orleans Saints blog that describes themselves as the ultimate community for lovers of all things black and gold. So Gridiron Experts asked a few questions to head writer Dave Cariello about what he thought was in store for the Saints in 2009, and also how he felt the offseason went for the Saints.


Question 1:Do you believe Reggie Bush can handle the workload of a full time running back? Or will he remain more of a check down receiver for Drew Brees?

I don’t believe Reggie Bush will be used as a full time back. I think he and Pierre Thomas will split time in the backfield, with Thomas playing the role of a more traditional back and Bush being utilized in many other wonderful ways. 

Question 2: Defense was on the things-to-do list this off season, do you think the Saints have made enough improvement to help avoid shoot out type games?

Unfortunately, we won’t know the answer to that one until we put on the pads, but on paper, it would appear to be so. Only time will tell.  

Question 3: Who would you say is the most underrated player on the Saints ? (offense or defense)

Garrett Hartley, Carl Nicks, Jo-Lonn Dunbar

Question 4: The Saints have a stretch of 4 out of 5 games on the road starting in mid November, with the one home game against the Patriots. What do you think the chances are that the Saints come out ahead knowing their history of falling short on the road? (2-6 in 2008)

It’s certainly not the ideal situation but on the whole I’m pretty happy with it. Compared to the Saints schedule last year, the 2009 lineup looks much more manageable. Some of those away games are against division opponents so no doubt they will be important. A good team has to win those games.   

Question 5: What’s your prediction on the Saints record in 2009?

10-6

Tell us what you think Saints fans!