The Saints

[ethurst22]

Okay the Saints are 13-0 but you can't think that some of that luck from that leaf, whatever its called on their helmet is going to run out soon.

They have NO running game and they are playing in a CFL offensive set and teams have not figured it out? Drew Brees is the perfect trigger man for that offense. The defense is held together by Vilma and crazy glue.

My question is that if the Saints get to the playoffs, will they go all the way. My answer is no. what does everyone else think?

[fyo]

I think you underestimate the Saints' D. Their run D is bad - but can afford to be if the offense can put up points. The pass D, however, is very good. Only ONE team in the league is better against #1 receivers. The same against tight ends. Sure, they're pretty average against other targets, but that still makes them a top pass D.

To say they have "NO running game" is... shocking, to say the least. Pierre Thomas is doing some very solid work. Objectively, looking at advanced stats, their running game is second best in the league.

[ethurst22]

I think you underestimate the Saints' D. Their run D is bad - but can afford to be if the offense can put up points. The pass D, however, is very good. Only ONE team in the league is better against #1 receivers. The same against tight ends. Sure, they're pretty average against other targets, but that still makes them a top pass D.

To say they have "NO running game" is... shocking, to say the least. Pierre Thomas is doing some very solid work. Objectively, looking at advanced stats, their running game is second best in the league.

You gotta admit fyo that they have been extremely lucky. I can't count at least 5 losses if teams had not have called bonehead plays or a certain kicker could have hit a 23 yarder to go up by 10 against them in under two minutes.

[bsmooth]

Barely beat a Falcons team missing their starting QB, etc. This team has struggled against mediocre to bad teams and have had several escapes. I do not think they are going to make it all the way through the playoffs playing better teams consistantly

[fyo]

You gotta admit fyo that they have been extremely lucky. I can't count at least 5 losses if teams had not have called bonehead plays or a certain kicker could have hit a 23 yarder to go up by 10 against them in under two minutes.

They've been lucky, no question. Not as lucky as that other undefeated team... but yeah, they've been lucky.

[Phishfan]

The Haterade is flowing today.

[Sunstroke]

You can look at 80% of the games played in this league and say "couple of lucky breaks, or that team doesn't win."

New Orleans has won all 13 games they've played so far... I just don't get the hate.

Some people must really be desperate to retain the "no one but us" perfect season distinction or something.

[Spider-Dan]

You can look at 80% of the games played in this league and say "couple of lucky breaks, or that team doesn't win."

Yes, but normally those breaks even out.

IND and NO have gotten virtually every break.  I mean, Drew Brees threw an INT that resulted in a NO score in the same game that WSH missed a ~20 yard FG to go up 10 with <2 minutes remaining.

[Denver_Bronco]

New Orleans is a sissy, finesse team that is going to lose in the playoffs at the first hint of adversity.

[jtex316]

Sunstroke just said what i've been saying for ever. All this hate simply boils down to 1972. It's just so pathetic already.

So let me do what everyone does to me - flip the argument. Every time I talk about the Dolphins, someone immediately goes and flips the argument to the Giants. So now every time someone talks about either the Colts or Saints getting lucky, I will point out that the Dolphins have won 6 games by 6 or fewer points, and 5 of 6 of those were last second, "lucky" plays. The Dolphins could easily be 2-11 at this point, but a "few lucky breaks" and they're 7-6 now.

[StL FinFan]

I have no particular hate for either team, so I am enjoying watching them play each week.

[Dave Gray]

I will point out that the Dolphins have won 6 games by 6 or fewer points, and 5 of 6 of those were last second, "lucky" plays. The Dolphins could easily be 2-11 at this point, but a "few lucky breaks" and they're 7-6 now.

The Dolphins have been much more unlucky this year, than lucky.  We gave away 2 games that we should have won.  We had big leads late and squabbled them. 

Please, enlighten me on the 5 lucky plays.

[Sunstroke]

IND and NO have gotten virtually every break. 

There's a quality "can't support it with stats, but it sounds pretty serious" kind of statement.

What you probably meant to say, if realism was a goal, is that during the limited time that you've actually been watching them, they appear to get a lot of breaks.

"They get virtually every break" does sound better though...especially if you italicize the "every" for effect.

New Orleans is a sissy, finesse team that is going to lose in the playoffs at the first hint of adversity.

New Orleans has beaten both "in playoff position" teams that have shown up on their schedule this year, so your comment comes off sounding a lot like a donkey braying for someone to come clean the shit out of its stable.

[bsmooth]

The Haterade is flowing today.

How is it hate to notice that they have squeaked by several teams that they should have blown out of the stadium? This team should not have to count on missed chip shot field goals and INT's that turn into td's to beat bad teams.
Maybe they will go undeafeated to the SB, but based on their habits shown this season one can legitimately question wether they can beat good teams week after week without the letdowns they have shown

[Phishfan]

^^^ Because every team in the NFL has had a letdown over the course of the season. Each one has gotten a lucky break. Those have been clearly ignored. This thread is nothing but hating on what is easily one of the top teams in the league.