Our "new & improved" D

[AsylumGuido]

(12-29-2010 01:04 PM)Peyton Wrote:  The Saints defense won that game. The only thing the offense did was atone for their own very huge mistake.

Brees had that great completion percentage going all night, but through 11 drives, the team had 7 punts, 2 INTs, and their longest drive had been 44 yards.

Exactly! In this type of game you play for field position. The Saints were content to control the clock with what they were given and maintain field position. Atlanta started every possession inside their own 27 yard line until the second interception in the fourth quarter. The game dictated the play.

Until the first interception the Saints had maintained a lead and field possession the entire game. They were content to trade punts at that point. Don't forget that Koenen had seven punts of his own at that point. When that pick was returned for the TD the Saints were forced to turn up the offensive heat a bit and were successful doing it.

The Falcons brought a lot of pressure most of the game and did one of the better jobs I have seen at it this year, but had the Falcons gotten off to a lead I feel you would have seen a slightly difference approach by the Saints offense.

The Saints have a very good defense this year, better than last year's, and have learned to lean on them. That is not saying, however, that the offense cannot move the ball when push comes to shove.