quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

quote:

ORIGINAL: ronhextall

What do you do with a guy like Hill when his contract comes up?

He doesn’t play enough to pay big money but will he command big money and force you to lose regular players to stay under cap.

Are you talking about Taysom Hill? It looks like he will be a restricted free agent this off-season. I do believe that teams will offer him big money. The Saints use him very wisely and get the most out of him. My hunch is that he will try to stay there in the Bayou because he is happy there.

Or are you talking about Holton Hill? He is still on a cheap rookie contract for one more season, but there is a good possibility he will be a starter next year and get paid in 2021. I'm really glad he's on our team right now with all of the injuries at corner. I don't know if Mackenzie Alexander is going to stay with the team next year. He is the one corner that I would try hardest to keep, but conceivably we could lose three corners this off-season. I'm glad that free agency comes before the draft. I could see the Vikings selecting a cornerback early in the draft. (first or second round) With today's victory our draft status is being pushed farther back. It feels weird that the Patriots will select before the Vikings. That hasn't happened in a really long time.

quote:

ORIGINAL: SteveR

Great game. That was probably the best Zimmer-era game played. The only issue I had was we still get too conservative at times and like to sit on 10-point leads like they are insurmountable. 10-point leads are nothing in today's NFL, especially against playoff offenses.

Cousins was pretty awesome. He made some great throws. Theilen came back and made some big catches. It seems like he is more of a body-catcher than ever since he came back from injury. Maybe it is my imagination, but it seems like he is catching everything with his belly and forearms now.

Oh yeah, I remembered another issue: why did we keep calling that pitch-out play?! Argh! It was like a five-yard loss every time from about the second quarter on, and it seems like we ran it at least five times and kept putting ourselves in a hole. Fortunately, Cousins was bailing us out regularly.

Our defense played probably their best game all year. The turnovers and sacks came at big moments. Rhodes even got his head back in the game and made some plays. I still don't feel safe with him out there, though.

Now onto the 49ers. That will be another tough game and on grass. I hope they learned from the Minneapolis Miracle and don't get too high on themselves during the week and come out and lay an egg Saturday. They need to find another level of good and compete.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lars

Playing on the road is always tough - and even more so in the playoffs. A win this weekend would be a nice upset!

I was torn about playing starters last week. But what we ended up with was essentially a mini bye week. Some guys have been resting for several weeks now. I actually think that helps these guys.

I agree with others assessments that NO will bring lots of pressure on our OL and Cousins. I hope we have a nice section in the playbook for TE screens and quick slants to counter that. With all of that traffic at the LOS, we may need to pass to set up the run. The OL is going to need to play its best game of the year. They played like crap against GB, so here's hoping they play strong.

It may be hard to sack Brees, but the DL need to remember to stay disciplined and get their hands up if the rush doesn't get there. There will be opportunities for batted passes, including on bootlegs. Remember, Brees is not tall.

Zimmer is great at defense. Let's see some new coverage schemes on Thomas at a few key points in the game. As others have said, a couple of turnovers would go a along way to giving us a win here.

The pass defense - especially the secondary - has been a bit maligned this year. Maybe they have just been waiting for this moment to really shine....

MN is as good a team as NO. They are. NO has the advantage since it is at their place. But MN could roll in there with some swagger, play smart and tough, and get out of there with a win.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lars

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lars

Playing on the road is always tough - and even more so in the playoffs. A win this weekend would be a nice upset!

I was torn about playing starters last week. But what we ended up with was essentially a mini bye week. Some guys have been resting for several weeks now. I actually think that helps these guys.

I agree with others assessments that NO will bring lots of pressure on our OL and Cousins. I hope we have a nice section in the playbook for TE screens and quick slants to counter that. With all of that traffic at the LOS, we may need to pass to set up the run. The OL is going to need to play its best game of the year. They played like crap against GB, so here's hoping they play strong.

It may be hard to sack Brees, but the DL need to remember to stay disciplined and get their hands up if the rush doesn't get there. There will be opportunities for batted passes, including on bootlegs. Remember, Brees is not tall.

Zimmer is great at defense. Let's see some new coverage schemes on Thomas at a few key points in the game. As others have said, a couple of turnovers would go a along way to giving us a win here.

The pass defense - especially the secondary - has been a bit maligned this year. Maybe they have just been waiting for this moment to really shine....

MN is as good a team as NO. They are. NO has the advantage since it is at their place. But MN could roll in there with some swagger, play smart and tough, and get out of there with a win.

Well, didn't hit on all of that.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ush

My $.02 cents:

1. Great win! I was optimistic, based on Zimmer’s success at limiting Brees in the past, until I heard Hughes and Alexander were out. That really worried me....especially happening so late in the week. Kudos to Zim for coming up with a gameplan that worked. Surprised it was Sendejo over Kearse but I think Zimmer has clearly shown he doesn’t trust Kearse and only used him when he had to (Denver) due to injuries.

2. I think we got way too conservative in the 2nd half....especially after the fumble by Brees. I wanted us to go for the dagger at that point. A TD ends the game at that point. I understand wanting to run the clock but sometimes you gotta be aggressive.

3. We seem to succeed on the toss play running to our right on the long side of the field. We got stuffed inside the 5 a couple of times running to our left (Reiff/Elflein) including on last driven. Once we got it to the 2 yd line I would have just pounded Cook/Mattison right up the gut 3 straight times. We got too cute in the red zone a few times and it almost came back to bite us.

4. Bailey.....you should be able to kick it deep in to the endzone in a dome!

5. Great comeback game for Rhodes despite the mistake on Hill’s pass. He even stayed in the game when he got knocked in the shoulder . Not sure I’ve seen that from him before. Hopefully he’s fine for Sat especially if Alexander can’t play again.

6. Great finish by Kirk who looked like he was playing scared in the 1st half. Hoping this win and big throw in OT can help relax him for the big games. He has incredible weapons in Theilen, Diggs, Rudy, Cook and even Smith JR. Use those guys! I’d like to see him aggressive against SF because they will be tough to run on and we’re gonna need some big throws.

7. Griffin and Hunter were beasts today. I feel like this defense needs to play with a chip on their shoulder to be effective. They need people to doubt them....which is usually when they play their best. If we can continue to get pressure with our front 4 we can flood the zone against SF and cause problems. That’s what the Packers did to us a couple of weeks ago.

8. Screen passes were a disaster yesterday. Should have stopped trying them along with the reverses to WR’s. Also, someone needs to teach Diggs how to throw the ball away when the play isn’t there.

9. For all the talk about OPI on the last play I have a few thoughts:
1. Couldn’t have happened to a more perfect team. I will never forget how we got screwed in 2009 with a horrible DPI against Leber, the mauling of Favre and a 1st down the Saints got in OT on 3rd and short when replay showed the runner didn’t make it.
2. The non-call the Saints got that should have been DPI vs. Rudy earlier in the game that forced us to punt was worse
3. Both players were hand-fighting. For any of the national media (Harrison/Dungy) to say that was an obvious OPI call is ridiculous.
4. F the Saints and their arrogant head coach!!!!!

10. Theilen certainly redeemed himself. Game started rough for him but he came back to be the guy we know he can be. He was huge

11. On to SF. This is similar to ‘87 when we were huge underdogs on the road vs. NO and SF. Let’s hope the result is the same (minus the NFCCG that year)

SKOL

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ush

My $.02 cents:

1. Great win! I was optimistic, based on Zimmer’s success at limiting Brees in the past, until I heard Hughes and Alexander were out. That really worried me....especially happening so late in the week. Kudos to Zim for coming up with a gameplan that worked. Surprised it was Sendejo over Kearse but I think Zimmer has clearly shown he doesn’t trust Kearse and only used him when he had to (Denver) due to injuries.

2. I think we got way too conservative in the 2nd half....especially after the fumble by Brees. I wanted us to go for the dagger at that point. A TD ends the game at that point. I understand wanting to run the clock but sometimes you gotta be aggressive.

3. We seem to succeed on the toss play running to our right on the long side of the field. We got stuffed inside the 5 a couple of times running to our left (Reiff/Elflein) including on last driven. Once we got it to the 2 yd line I would have just pounded Cook/Mattison right up the gut 3 straight times. We got too cute in the red zone a few times and it almost came back to bite us.

4. Bailey.....you should be able to kick it deep in to the endzone in a dome!

5. Great comeback game for Rhodes despite the mistake on Hill’s pass. He even stayed in the game when he got knocked in the shoulder . Not sure I’ve seen that from him before. Hopefully he’s fine for Sat especially if Alexander can’t play again.

6. Great finish by Kirk who looked like he was playing scared in the 1st half. Hoping this win and big throw in OT can help relax him for the big games. He has incredible weapons in Theilen, Diggs, Rudy, Cook and even Smith JR. Use those guys! I’d like to see him aggressive against SF because they will be tough to run on and we’re gonna need some big throws.

7. Griffin and Hunter were beasts today. I feel like this defense needs to play with a chip on their shoulder to be effective. They need people to doubt them....which is usually when they play their best. If we can continue to get pressure with our front 4 we can flood the zone against SF and cause problems. That’s what the Packers did to us a couple of weeks ago.

8. Screen passes were a disaster yesterday. Should have stopped trying them along with the reverses to WR’s. Also, someone needs to teach Diggs how to throw the ball away when the play isn’t there.

9. For all the talk about OPI on the last play I have a few thoughts:
1. Couldn’t have happened to a more perfect team. I will never forget how we got screwed in 2009 with a horrible DPI against Leber, the mauling of Favre and a 1st down the Saints got in OT on 3rd and short when replay showed the runner didn’t make it.
2. The non-call the Saints got that should have been DPI vs. Rudy earlier in the game that forced us to punt was worse
3. Both players were hand-fighting. For any of the national media (Harrison/Dungy) to say that was an obvious OPI call is ridiculous.
4. F the Saints and their arrogant head coach!!!!!

10. Theilen certainly redeemed himself. Game started rough for him but he came back to be the guy we know he can be. He was huge

11. On to SF. This is similar to ‘87 when we were huge underdogs on the road vs. NO and SF. Let’s hope the result is the same (minus the NFCCG that year)

SKOL

quote:

ORIGINAL: Steve Lentz

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I had missed this. It would have been tough to call, but some kind of penalty should have called. (player running on the field when the play was still in progress) I don't know. It didn't affect the play, so maybe it was a good no call. What do you think?

https://twitter.com/i/status/1213950263582695425

Too many men on the field.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

More on the controversial game winner play:

https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2020/01/06/saints-viking-kyle-rudolph-touchdown-pass-interference-controversy

quote:

ORIGINAL: bstinger

I'd quit calling the pass to Hollins a drop. The D back made a great play and had his hand in there between Hollins hands. He was there a tad early even so could have been PI if being picky but I can't blame Hollins for a drop, it was great D.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lars

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ush

My $.02 cents:

1. Great win! I was optimistic, based on Zimmer’s success at limiting Brees in the past, until I heard Hughes and Alexander were out. That really worried me....especially happening so late in the week. Kudos to Zim for coming up with a gameplan that worked. Surprised it was Sendejo over Kearse but I think Zimmer has clearly shown he doesn’t trust Kearse and only used him when he had to (Denver) due to injuries.

2. I think we got way too conservative in the 2nd half....especially after the fumble by Brees. I wanted us to go for the dagger at that point. A TD ends the game at that point. I understand wanting to run the clock but sometimes you gotta be aggressive.

3. We seem to succeed on the toss play running to our right on the long side of the field. We got stuffed inside the 5 a couple of times running to our left (Reiff/Elflein) including on last driven. Once we got it to the 2 yd line I would have just pounded Cook/Mattison right up the gut 3 straight times. We got too cute in the red zone a few times and it almost came back to bite us.

4. Bailey.....you should be able to kick it deep in to the endzone in a dome!

5. Great comeback game for Rhodes despite the mistake on Hill’s pass. He even stayed in the game when he got knocked in the shoulder . Not sure I’ve seen that from him before. Hopefully he’s fine for Sat especially if Alexander can’t play again.

6. Great finish by Kirk who looked like he was playing scared in the 1st half. Hoping this win and big throw in OT can help relax him for the big games. He has incredible weapons in Theilen, Diggs, Rudy, Cook and even Smith JR. Use those guys! I’d like to see him aggressive against SF because they will be tough to run on and we’re gonna need some big throws.

7. Griffin and Hunter were beasts today. I feel like this defense needs to play with a chip on their shoulder to be effective. They need people to doubt them....which is usually when they play their best. If we can continue to get pressure with our front 4 we can flood the zone against SF and cause problems. That’s what the Packers did to us a couple of weeks ago.

8. Screen passes were a disaster yesterday. Should have stopped trying them along with the reverses to WR’s. Also, someone needs to teach Diggs how to throw the ball away when the play isn’t there.

9. For all the talk about OPI on the last play I have a few thoughts:
1. Couldn’t have happened to a more perfect team. I will never forget how we got screwed in 2009 with a horrible DPI against Leber, the mauling of Favre and a 1st down the Saints got in OT on 3rd and short when replay showed the runner didn’t make it.
2. The non-call the Saints got that should have been DPI vs. Rudy earlier in the game that forced us to punt was worse
3. Both players were hand-fighting. For any of the national media (Harrison/Dungy) to say that was an obvious OPI call is ridiculous.
4. F the Saints and their arrogant head coach!!!!!

10. Theilen certainly redeemed himself. Game started rough for him but he came back to be the guy we know he can be. He was huge

11. On to SF. This is similar to ‘87 when we were huge underdogs on the road vs. NO and SF. Let’s hope the result is the same (minus the NFCCG that year)

SKOL

Multiple BINGOs there. I did like that the big pass to AT in OT was on 1st down. Great call there.

The non-fumble by Cook set us behind the chains on that possession. (another bad toss play)

Should have run right at them on those goal-to-go plays or hard PA.

Thought Smith Jr. would be more of a factor.

That drop by Hollins was a killer. Ball was right on the money.

Screen passes were BRUTAL. Never hit any of them. And the WR reverse option is crap. Take it out of the playbook. If you want something like that, just go jet sweep.

quote:

ORIGINAL: TJSweens

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

More on the controversial game winner play:

https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2020/01/06/saints-viking-kyle-rudolph-touchdown-pass-interference-controversy

This quote from the article sums it up perfectly

“We looked at all of the angles that Fox afforded us, and Fox gave us some great views,” NFL head of officiating Al Riveron told a pool reporter after the game. “There is contact by both players, but none of that contact rises to the level of a foul. This is consistent with what we’ve done all year long, we left the ruling on the field. We let it stand.”

If both players engage in any level of hand fighting, short of one player throwing the other to the ground, the refs are never going to throw a flag. Had there been no contact prior to the Rudolph push, it would have been flagged. The defender had both hands on Rudolph when the push occurred.

quote:

ORIGINAL: bstinger
I'd quit calling the pass to Hollins a drop. The D back made a great play and had his hand in there between Hollins hands. He was there a tad early even so could have been PI if being picky but I can't blame Hollins for a drop, it was great D.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Phil Riewer

quote:

ORIGINAL: bstinger

I'd quit calling the pass to Hollins a drop. The D back made a great play and had his hand in there between Hollins hands. He was there a tad early even so could have been PI if being picky but I can't blame Hollins for a drop, it was great D.

My Point is that it was an incredible throw....drop or pass Defended doesn't matter; Like I said that kid is going to be pretty good. He was open all game long against the Bears against their starters.