Saints Pigskin Blog

Super Saints Weekly 223

Back off Bush

            In recent weeks a trend has began among some in the main stream media involving Reggie Bush.  Several members of the media have begun to talk about the lack of “impressive” rushing yards and receiving yards that Bush has put up.  While this is still a small percentage of those who are talking about this, it’s still a discussion that those who watch football and know the sport should not be having.

            While it is true that Reggie hasn’t had some of the most mind boggling statistics, his impact on the team goes much further than statistics can show.  Since his arrival in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />New Orleans, defensive coordinators around the league have begun focusing their attention on Reggie.   By doing so, they have completely changed the methods that they previously would have used to defend the Saints and helped to open up opportunities for other Saints players.  You can see numerous examples of his impact by watching game film from any game this season.  Several times during the course of the game you will see one or two defenders devoted to spying Bush.  A great example of this was against the Falcons when the Saints ran a double reverse in which 4 Falcons were trailing Bush while Henderson ran the other way.  This gives the Saints a very useful weapon to game plan into their play calling when facing other teams, which they have been able successfully to exploit so far this season.

            Yes, it’s true Reggie has not thrown up the type of statistics that some might like him to see, but when you see how many rushing, receiving, and returning yards per game, then you must admit it is pretty impressive.  On top of that when you look at what he has done league wide in forcing others to adjust their schemes and play calling, it is truly amazing.  In under half a season, Bush has caused the league to adjust how they play the game and no matter what statistics he puts up, whether those that are amazing or those that seem normal, his impact goes far beyond what you can judge by looking at the statistics. 

Game Recap

            The Saints continued their winning ways this week by pulling out a victory against a very tough opponent in the Eagles.  Going into this week, most people expected the Eagles to come away with a win and the Saints dream start to the season to come to an end, but the Saints once again played spoiler by winning the game.  The win gives the Saints their 5th of the season, giving them an impressive record of 5-1.  The Saints can now go into this week’s bye week with momentum and the ability to know that when they take the field again against the Ravens in two weeks that they will be defending their first place position in the NFC South.  Hopefully the Saints will find the approaching bye week much sweeter as they reflect on their victory against the Eagles and prepare for the Ravens.   This bye week should also allow the team some much needed rest as they enjoy the victory.

Saints vs. Ravens Game Preview

            The Saints will head into a bye week this week, but then will have to follow up with a game against the Baltimore Ravens.  This promises to be a solid match-up against the Ravens, a team that appears to be a contender in the AFC.  For the Saints to pull out a victory against the Ravens, they will need to play a smart ball game and limit turnovers over a very stingy defense.  Defensively the Saints will need to slow down the rushing attack of the Ravens so that they can force McNair and the Ravens into being one dimensional so that they can send their blitz early and often.  If the Saints are able to do this then they should be able to find success and pull out another victory on the season. 

Player of the Game

            This week’s Player of the Game award goes to two players for their efforts in the Saints win, one on offense, one defense.  On offense Joe Horn gets the award for his six catches for 110 yard performance with two touch downs.  Defensively linebacker Scott Fujita gets the award for his impressive performance with 8 tackles and one interception.  Fujita seemed to be the spark plug yet again for the Saints defense, coming up with several big plays during the course of the game.   Overall these two couldn’t have picked a better game to step up, since this could turn out to be a key victory down the stretch as potential playoff position is decided.

Q & A

            Q & A is the question and answer section.  If you have a question you would like answered, email it to SuperSaintsWeekly@yahoo.com with the subject heading of Q&A and we will try to answer the question to the best of our ability.

Q – JB, when do you think we will see the return of Michael Lewis to the field? – Aaron; Lufkin, TX

A – Aaron, I would say that if the Saints decide to keep Lewis, his return would have to be shortly.  I’d say the bye week will play a crucial role in the Saints deciding the “Beer Man’s” future with the team.

Psycho’s View

            I’d like to begin this week by first announcing that they won’t be a SSW next week.  With the Saints going into the bye week, it is time for a much needed rest; however, we will return the following week.  With that out of the way I would like to say that overall I like the Saints standings going into a bye and I believe it couldn’t have come at a better time.  This bye also gives the Saints plenty of time and rest to get ready for the Ravens, which should benefit the team greatly.  It also should give Payton and his staff plenty of time to get things together and prepare a few surprises for the Ravens, which they have been excellent at doing so far.  With almost half the season behind them, it looks to be an exciting time to be a Saints fan with hopefully only more good things to come. 

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