Nemo
Veteran Starter
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2001
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Yesterday's game was painful to watch, in that the Saints, for the most part, gave the game away. Sure, Parker had a pair of great runs, but if the Saints don't turn the ball over three times, the Saints win the game pure and simple - if Bush does not fumble and we go up on the Steelers by 14, the runs probably don't happen due to the Steelers being in catch up mode.
Our offense (other than the turnovers) looked very good, and if we can get into the playoffs with a healthy unit, anything can happen (even a wildcard can get hot and win it all - just ask the Steelers). Bush appears to be learning not to bounce every run outside, Colston is unstoppable and when Horn gets back in he should have a field day. Our weaknesses on D are obvious (non-existent LB play on the perimeter, pitiful play from our CBs overall), but we do have a pass rush and can stop the run up the middle.
The key for this team is to win their four remaining home games - the Bengals, 9ers, Redskins and Panthers are all beatable teams. If we don't turn the ball over and play with intensity, there is no reason we cannot win all 4 of these games. Win those and we are 10-6 and have a great shot at winning the division.
The remaining road schedule, however, is very tough - Falcons, Giants and Cowboys. All three are likely playoff teams. For each game we drop at home we need to steal one of these on the road, which won't be easy. Win our 4 home games and steal just one of these on the road and we are 11-5 and likely have a 1st week bye in the playoffs.
Cincy is an absolute "must win" - the same could be said for every game, but there is a reason Vegas spots 3 points for the home team and we need to take advantage of this factor. We are coming off a tough loss, their D looks to be a soft as ours (they could not hold a 21 point lead) and their key RB is more of a between the tackles runner, who I think we can stop.
Circle the wagons and win at home - that is our key.
Our offense (other than the turnovers) looked very good, and if we can get into the playoffs with a healthy unit, anything can happen (even a wildcard can get hot and win it all - just ask the Steelers). Bush appears to be learning not to bounce every run outside, Colston is unstoppable and when Horn gets back in he should have a field day. Our weaknesses on D are obvious (non-existent LB play on the perimeter, pitiful play from our CBs overall), but we do have a pass rush and can stop the run up the middle.
The key for this team is to win their four remaining home games - the Bengals, 9ers, Redskins and Panthers are all beatable teams. If we don't turn the ball over and play with intensity, there is no reason we cannot win all 4 of these games. Win those and we are 10-6 and have a great shot at winning the division.
The remaining road schedule, however, is very tough - Falcons, Giants and Cowboys. All three are likely playoff teams. For each game we drop at home we need to steal one of these on the road, which won't be easy. Win our 4 home games and steal just one of these on the road and we are 11-5 and likely have a 1st week bye in the playoffs.
Cincy is an absolute "must win" - the same could be said for every game, but there is a reason Vegas spots 3 points for the home team and we need to take advantage of this factor. We are coming off a tough loss, their D looks to be a soft as ours (they could not hold a 21 point lead) and their key RB is more of a between the tackles runner, who I think we can stop.
Circle the wagons and win at home - that is our key.
