So the preseason matters after all.
After wading through a 1-3 preseason campaign, which the Saints struggled to score and struggled to stop anyone from scoring, New Orleans came up with a dud Sunday in its 27-10 defeat at the hands of the beat-up Seattle Seahawks.
In a city where losing has become second nature and the last two late season slides have broken the hearts of many, I guess it is natural to try and skate around what the Seahawks proved- the Saints have a long way to go.
I almost feel sorry for the people who continue to have optimism that “This year will be the year.”
Everyone should have learned from the preseason that even though the Saints made some off season moves, Aaron Brooks had off season shoulder surgery to repair his throwing arm and though locker room cancer Kyle Turley was long gone that there are too many question marks to get pumped about the 2003 season.
Even though it is only one week of the NFL season and all teams experience some difficulties in their opener, I noticed several things from Sunday’s game that concern me.
1. Attitude- Even when the Saints were down 24-3 in the second half, there was no sense of urgency, no hop in their step. It seemed like everyone was just loafing around waiting for someone else to do something. But that’s OK, right Aaron, just laugh it off if something bad happens.
2.Offensive Line- Turley is gone and so are his locker room antics, but one thing that he brought to the table every Sunday was intensity and fire. Add that to a rather large talent level and Wayne Gandy, the Saints starting left tackle acquired from the Steelers in the offseason, has some large shoes to fill. Aaron Brooks was pressured constantly, and rarely did anything ever develop down the field.
3. Defense. The Saints were missing linebacker Derrick Rodgers due to suspension and the defense is probably just getting used to having Jay Bellamy at safety in place of the injured Mel Mitchell. But after starting out strong in the first quarter, the defense disappeared in the second quarter, giving up 21 points. The Saints deficiencies along the defensive line were exploited, as Seattle piled up 151 yards.
4. Playcalling – It seems like the only plays offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy knows are Deuce McAllister up the middle or a slant to Donte Stallworth or Joe Horn. Tight end Ernie Conwell did have four catches, but it seemed like the Saints offensive game plan was vanilla, or one used for the preseason.
Like I said, it is just the first week, but after such a dismal preseason and a poor opening game performance, I don’t think there is any reason to be excited about the Saints.