If it's Friday, it's time for Ernie P.

by Ed Valentine on Oct 16, 2009 7:15 AM EDT in News Comment 83 comments

It's Friday, and that means time for our weekly chat with Ernie Palladino. I hope you guys are enjoying these as much as I am. Remember to stop by Ernie's place and check out my answers to these same questions.

1. Given the fact that Brandon Jacobs' yardage numbers are down this week, would a role-switch with Ahmad Bradshaw be beneficial to the team this week?

Ernie's answer: I'm kind of split on the question. On the one hand, Bradshaw is producing like all get-out. It seems every time he hits a hole, that's 10 yards right there. You just can't beat that, especially when he has performances like last week when he outgained Jacobs by almost 50 yards on 10 fewer carries. But then again, you don't necessarily judge Jacobs by his yards-per-carry numbers. You judge him on the number of carries he takes and the damage he inflicts on defenses. And in those catagories, his production is still up there. Going backwards from last week, he's got 21, 21, and 26 carries his last three games. That's a good way to soften up a defense throughout the game, and it makes Bradshaw that much more effective. Don't get me wrong, I'm still worried about Jacobs because he hasn't hit the hole consistently the way we all expect a 264-pound back would. But when he does, the energy expended to bring him down can only have a debilitating effect on the other side. So I say keep the pecking order the same. If anything, give Bradshaw five or six more carries, but certainly keep Jacobs in that 20-25 carry range.

2. How do you think the Giants truly feel about facing their old, abrasive teammate Jeremy Shockey?

Ernie's answer: I think if Eli Manning could twitch his nose and make Jeremy Shockey a linebacker, he'd rear back and fire a high hard one off his noggin right out of the gate. The aggravation Shockey put Manning through during his developmental years with the tight end's hystrionics was something to behold. And Manning, whether he wants to admit it or not, is better off without him. But he won't say that. And Shockey will remain a tight end, so the two might only nod politely at each other as they leave the field. But make no mistake, the Giants would love to knock the daylights out of their ex-teammate, and Tom Coughlin would love to see them do it. Shockey said this week that he left here with a bitter taste in his mouth, but never, EVER took responsibility for the behavior that led to his departure. Poor Jeremy. But that's how he is. I think the defense, which long ago developed a great respect for Manning, would love nothing better than to put the wood to him anytime Drew Brees throws his way. Bet Shockey ends up with two catches for about 14 yards and a bunch of bruises.

3. Willl this game between the 5-0 Giants and 4-0 Saints prove a measuring stick to the Giants' true strength?

Ernie's answer: Oh, geez. Another Game-of-the-Century. Look, this is a real big game for this juncture of the season. But if the Giants go down to the Superdome and lose a close one, does it mean they're a bunch of also-rans? What if they lose this one big and then run the table to 15-1? A little perspective is needed here. Yes, it's a big game. But it's not going to define their season. There are too many games left, including four division games. But a win here would certainly set them up nicely for those and tell the rest of the league that they can beat the good teams and not just the pushovers. And a close loss shouldn't send their reputation spiraling downward. To me, they're one of the top three teams in the league, and only a hideously-played blowout loss could threaten that image, and I don't think that's going to happen.

4. Assuming Terrell Thomas continues playing as well as he has, what would you do with Aaron Ross once he returns from his hamstring strain?

Ernie's answer: You're assuming Ross is coming back. Just kidding. I think he'll eventually be back. And when he does get back, it'll be a nice headache for Tom Coughlin and Bill Sheridan to have. But it may not be much of one. Thomas has played out of his mind on the right corner, and I can't see removing him for anyone. I've never been a firm believer, anyway, in the old, 'You don't lose your job because of injury.' Ross has been out so long, and Thomas has played so well, that it would probably be a real negative to turn Thomas into a part-time player again. Better to put Ross at the back of the line, on the dime, say, and let him work his way up to starting status. But the way things are going, that won't be a question for quite some time, as Ross can't seem to get back on the practice field. Thomas, meanwhile, has proven he can be around the ball wherever it's thrown, and can also get to the quarterback on the specialty blitzes. Can't ask for much more than that.

0 recs | Comment 83 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Injury/job loss

Couldn’t agree more about losing your job to a replacement. If you don’t agree just ask the guy who got replaced by then rookie Lou Gerhig and never got back into the lineup.

by 7mike on Oct 16, 2009 7:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wally Pipp

Come on, how could anyone forget that name?

by TNYFBG on Oct 16, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You were right

to check in on his Shockey answer … love it. There were a few things about the Giants that really hindered Eli’s development & Shockey was definitely one of them. I love the fact that we have a team full of team first guys now that don’t show up their QB.

by potroast on Oct 16, 2009 7:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

It’s a great answer, and actually a little more ‘emotional’ than I expected. Funny stuff, though.

by Ed Valentine on Oct 16, 2009 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think that even if Ross was 100%, he may have lost his job to TT `

in preseason. Just the fact he’s played so well (in Reese we trust…) makes it so much easier.

I don’t know what to do with Ross either. Bruce Johnson has played exceptional, you can’t even really tell that he’s just a rook. Like EP said, its probably a good headache tho cuz Ross is a good player, we aren’t talking about an also ran, we’re talking about a guy who when healthy has the capability to do what TT and even CWeb are doing.

And anyone else remember what Eli is capable of doing in domes? Usually has his best games of the year in domes. Uh Oh……

..."I predict...the Giants are #1"...

...."That's not a prediction meatman, that's a FACT OF LIFE"!.

---Carl

by FreeBradshaw on Oct 16, 2009 7:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ross...

He’s alright. He’s certainly no Webster though…

"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E

by tito (eight and oh) on Oct 16, 2009 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he's not...

but Webster’s been in the league a bit longer.

I remember that before oh…that Cowboys game in that lovely playoff run in 2007-08, people said that Webster wasn’t all that good and a bust for a 2nd rounder (he wasn’t the starter…Ross was…..)

All I’m saying is Ross has a ton of injuries that have hindered his development. If he was healthy this year, maybe he could have taken that C-Web type leap into the elite.

Its probably moot cuz TT seems to be right up there and possibly given the Giants a Troy Vincent, Bobby Taylor type tandem (hate the Eagles…but they always seem to have great CB tandems, maybe the Gints have finally found their answers?)

..."I predict...the Giants are #1"...

...."That's not a prediction meatman, that's a FACT OF LIFE"!.

---Carl

by FreeBradshaw on Oct 16, 2009 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Vincent and Taylor

that’s a blast from the past. My friggin roommate used to be so good at switching to them at the last second and picking off my passes in Madden ‘04. Of course, I used to just throw deep bombs to Shockey (he was a BEAST in that game), so it didn’t matter much.

"[The Giants] beat us down. We were beat by a grown-man team, a team we want to be like one day. They came in here and took it to us. Out-manned us, out-gunned us. ... It wasn't even close." - Raheem Morris, 9/27/09

by cjmulrain on Oct 18, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce Johnson

Meh. Yes he’s been a pleasant surprise, but he hasn’t really done anything special. Yeah I know he had that pick 6, but if you go back and watch that play, his coverage wasn’t very tight, the pass was just way behind the receiver and right at Johnson. If Ross gets healthy there’s no question that he gets back into the rotation, but until he proves himself on the field he’s the dime corner. Pretty nice to have a first round pick and former starter as a a dime corner. Barring injury though, I don’t see Ross regaining a starting job — although he could outplay Dockery and become the nickel. Thomas has a broader set of skills than Ross. He’s not as fast, but he’s a much better tackler and he stays near his receiver better.

Terrell Thomas’s development may have the additional bonus of making it more feasible to use Ross as a return man

by Tucker Fredrickson on Oct 16, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Disagree about that Pick 6

Bruce Johnson fooled Romo by acting like he was in man coverage on jason witten and then stepping up to pick off that pass intended for Crayton, and make no mistake that was a really smart and savvy thing to do for a rook or anybody. But it wouldn’t have happened if AP hadn’t audibled 5 seconds earlier, so the credit goes to Pierce mostly.

"Manning.... lobbs it! Burress, alone! TOUCHDOOOWN NEW YORK!"

by mahmoodzaky on Oct 16, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Loved the play by Johnson, but...

He was in the right spot because AP called the defense. He did have to elevate a bit and showed good hands in making the INT.

by hopeforthefuture3 on Oct 16, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was

still a terrible pass. If Romo makes a good pass it’s an easy completion.

Nothing against Johnson, but this int was not like the incredible int Webster made on the sideline against Moss in the Redskins game. The fact is, many ints are actually made by guys who are not in great coverage, but happen to be in the area of a bad throw. That’s why it’s always a little dangerous to judge players by the number of ints they have.

For example, the Eagles signed Sean Jones to replace Brian Dawkins (LOL) and all my Philly friends were crowing about how many ints he’s had and what a big playmaker he was going to be. Turns out he (and highly touted second year safety Quentin Demps) couldn’t even beat out a fifth round pick from V. Tech. who played cornerback in college.

Johnson filled in better than expected, and I hope we can keep him, because I suspect Dockery will be gone next year. But right now he’s just a gap filler with a good upside. I don’t think he’ll challenge Ross too much . . . if Ross ever gets healthy, which is beginning to seem questionable.

by Tucker Fredrickson on Oct 16, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Returner

That’s what I was going to say

Let him work his way back in returning some punts/kick offs. Can’t do worse than moss

by Willgfass on Oct 16, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love Ernie’s answer to number 3. Is it a big game? Sure. But win or lose, there’s plenty of football left to play.

Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers

Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 16, 2009 8:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

The only thing I don’t want to see is the Giants play a real stinker. Even if they do, though, it’s the sixth game of a loooooong season.

by Ed Valentine on Oct 16, 2009 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bigger game for the 'aints

Everybody, and it is weird to say everybody but it is everybody, agrees that the GMen are a legitimate playoff team and Super Bowl contender, regardless of what happens on any given week. They could have lost, and lost big, against KC or Oakland and people would still say the same thing. The Gmen at 5-1 are still the class of the NFC East.

The Saints are coming off the bye with the extra week to prepare, having last unmasked Sanchez for the rookie he is. The aint’s at 4-1 have a whole lot of questions.

It should be a great game.

by StubsNY on Oct 16, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

basically agree with you

however: re reputation and buzz, consider that Philly, coming off the TB game, is playing the Raiders and Redskins and likey will be 5-2 going into the Week 8 matchup with the Giants. Even if the Giant beat the Cards, they’d be 6-1 if they lost to the Saints. That would put a huge emphasis on the Philly game to reassert the team as who to beat in the East. If we went in and lost to put both squads at 6-2, everyone would be on Michael Vick’s jock and with the tiebreaker, the Eagles would suddenly be the midseason Beast champs.
Therefore, a victory is fairly important because if we can go in 7-0 vs. 5-2 Eagles, the pressure is less for that game in the city of fratricide.
I do agree that the Giants overall assessment would suffer less from a loss.

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Oct 16, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shockey vs. the Giants

Does anyone have the feeling that this game has more to do with Shockey (in his mind) against his old team, rather than two teams against each other? We all know how emotional he is. IMO, this will be Shockey’s SB.

Given the magnitude of this game, and if or how much the Giants get into Shockey’s head, could this be the catalyst that may determine the outcome?

by Hootman on Oct 16, 2009 8:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

not reallty....

try to remember this game is about QBs and line play, both of these team are complete,from head coaches to towel boys. shockey will be blocking most of the time he’s on the field.

only if ya’ll play a cover 2 for an extend amount of time will he see a lot of passes.

carl nicks(left gaurd) and mike bell(RB) will be the names ya’ll will be talking about after this game.

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I fully understand the concept of the big picture

It’s the sub-conciousness that may fuel Shockey. Deep down, he wants to be the star, if for only one game this season, this is the one that he really wants it to shine. On the national stage against his old team. It’s a good thing that may lead to bad things? Just saying!

by Hootman on Oct 16, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

true.....

but the second he screws up,he’ll hit the bench. he won’t get a chance to make a second mistake,especially now that our other TEs are finally healthy

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mike Bell

The same dude that played for the Broncos? Cuz hes really not that great of a back.

by wangstu13 on Oct 16, 2009 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's definitely not great

but he put up some good numbers for us in the first two weeks. Pierre Thomas is RB1, but he’s got some health issues still. I think the Saints are kinda taking a page from the Broncos’ book on running backs, anyway. No stars(including Reggie), but a consistent group effort.

Also, Bell was pushed into converting to FB for the Broncos, which set his development back two years, I’d say. He’s better than you think(or, at least, than I thought in August), but he’s not any kind of feature back.

"Brees will kill you, but he lets you decide how fast he tightens the garrote." -Chris Brown

by FuSoYa on Oct 16, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's what i said,but.......

he rededicated himself in the off season,came back hard as nails.
brees said he was the MVP in the off season and preseason

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, the Redskins and Snyder ...

are always the MVP’s of the off-season.

by Shofner85 on Oct 16, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good gawd, didn't the Broncos go through at least

A half dozen RB’s last year due to injuries? I could not have handled that too easy!

by Hootman on Oct 16, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

of course it will be Shockey's superbowl

… he plays for the SAINTS!
(awwwww goes the crowd)
He’ll probably have his typical game, play with some fire, get hit hard, and pop right up like he always did for us.

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Oct 16, 2009 9:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Shockey

As much as I’d like to see him get lit up, with Boley out, he’s a bit of a matchup problem for us, huh? Who’s covering him? Clark (shudder)? Kehl? Chase? CC? I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a BIG day if only because Web and TT have blankets on Colston and Henderson and Reggie’s dancin behind the line as he usually does.

by TNYFBG on Oct 16, 2009 9:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Reggie Bush....Wow! or should it be Whoa!

Boy that Mario Williams pick is looking like pure genius right now. Talk about picking the right horse.

by njgiant on Oct 16, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the first bush shot.....

i have been here all week (sorry) and this is the first shot at bush. i was expecting more.
i agree he’s over rated (and over paid), but if you don’t account for him he will break a big one off on ya’ll.i think he will have a major punt return in this game.

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

On that note, Feagles will play a big part in this game...

It’s going to be hard for Bush to have a major punt return with his momentum taking him out of bounds. Feagles is the best directional punter in the game. If anything, I’d bet that Feagles pins the Saints inside their 10 at least 3 times. It’s going to be hard for the Saints to sustain 80 and 90+ yard drives against our D.

by njgiant on Oct 16, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree NJ

Feagles hasn’t allowed any thing remotely close to a big return..The guy is amazing and yes he will pin them back behind the twenty all game long as usual.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 16, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

forgot about feagles......

i recant my previous statement.

feagles is money, we got a young guy punting with a big leg, he also kicks off,so don’t count on many long returns unless ya’ll are willing to bring it out of the end zone

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As long as Moss

Is not handling the returns and Hixon is, then you’ll see some good returns..Moss should change him name to “Lost”

by Bobbiblue on Oct 16, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Feagles

Probably wont get much action because we have a solid offense.

by wangstu13 on Oct 16, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well..I think

Since the Dallas game, our guys have shut down the running game pretty much..and that secondary we have on the field has not given up much, in fact they are attacking the ball…As for Shockey, I think Hoot said it..this game is in his head…and that is not a good thing for HIM..He is in for a pounding on Sunday..but I agree with Ernie and Ed..I have no problem if we lose a close game..I don’t see that happening though…Nobody has looked at who they have played..only who we have played stating how inferior they have been. The Giants don’t make up the schedule, they face whoever is on it and they are winning..the games as they should…The Saints have beat Detroit (ooooh!!)..an injured Eagles team (ooooh!!) Buffalo (oooh!)…and the over-trumped Jets..(ooooh!)..Give me break, the Giants are the first real team they face thus far.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 16, 2009 9:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Giants run D

I am not worried about it, they’re fine, but the reason they shut down their last 3 opponents is b/c we played 3 teams that absolutely can not complete a forward pass.

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Oct 16, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree 100%......

both the saints and giants face their first real test of this early season,it’s not a make or break game for either, more like a pop quiz,

hope ya’ll did ya’lls homework

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 10:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I slightly disagree

the Eagles even without McNabb and the Cowboys with Romo do count as quality foes!

by G Fan in England on Oct 16, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jolly Good!

I agree.

"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E

by tito (eight and oh) on Oct 16, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

The Cowboys can not be considered a bad team. They have an alot of talent over there. Just maybe some questionable coaching.

by wangstu13 on Oct 16, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well G..

They played a rookie QB and the eagles did not have Westbrrook..Kolb did a nice job starting but the rest of the big tools were missing..The Eagles also had alot of injuries on defense.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 16, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

west brook did play......

we held him to about 55 yds. his ankle looked good, he mad some nice cuts on it,but most were behind the line.

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes rca

But Westbrook was not even close to being 100%.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 16, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he looked good .....

he said he was 100% in the pregame interview

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah but we all know these players have that mindset..

They want to play, will themselves to play..That is why they have so many trainers and doctors monitoring them.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 16, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

in other words they lie all the time

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmmm

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Oct 16, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well we all know that in this profession a Player

Knows he has a target on his back if he can’t get on that field..It doesn’t matter who you are..A prime example just from this blog today is the Giants Aaron Ross..He could very well have lost his starting role…because they know they’ll wind up in oblivion.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 16, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

same with nesbit(saints LG)

he miss 4 game,never got his spot back,the rookie took his place,

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes another good example..

So is Culpepper..although his knee never healed quite right and took his running skills away..He wound up travelling around looking for a job..I bet if we analyzed every team we would conclude that the game today is no different than it ever has been..You get hurt, and it takes along time to get back..your gone..your instantly out of sight…We had another guy David Tyree…greatest catch in a Super bowl I ever saw..a hero..got hurt and hampered with injuries and couldn’t make the team this year..Fortunatley he hooked up with the Ravens.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 16, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

tyree is well known down here......

i don’t think ya’ll realize how popular eli is down here.every t v was tuned in for that game.it’s the catch that prove the NY press wrong about eli. put the whole anti-eli press to rest ,we take that stuff personal, like he is my nephew

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

With the huge exception of McNabb,

that’s about as good as I’d expect from the Eagles at any point this season. They weren’t any more banged up on defense than anyone else, and Westbrook was about as 100% as he’s gonna be this season, imo. The Eagles are tough, but they’ve got some big gaps in their game. With the here-today-gone-tomorrow play of the Cowboys, I think the NFC East will remain a two horse race all year, probably with y’all in the clear lead.

The Saints-Eagles game was tight, until the two back-to-back turnovers at the start of the second half. The game was over about 5 minutes into the third. Their defense really put up a stinker to balance out the game against colorblind passer Jake Delhomme, and averaged out to what they really are: top ten, but exploitable.

"Brees will kill you, but he lets you decide how fast he tightens the garrote." -Chris Brown

by FuSoYa on Oct 16, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats what i was wondering

Seeing how the score was 17-13 at the half, it seemed to turn ugly quick. So would it be a fair assessment to say that if the Eagles had minimized their TO’s, then that game would’ve been close? Or it wouldn’t have mattered?

Sometimes scores are misleading! Cough, Dallas/Chiefs, nice tackling!

by Hootman on Oct 16, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the game was not that close.............

the saints took away the run early, forced them to throw the ball,than feasted on their mistakes.
Fu SO Ya may have a different take no it .

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

IDK r c a

We went over this before…the fumble led to an 11 yard TD (babycakes) and the INT led to a 9 yard TD (more babycakes).

They definitely had a big impact on the game.

"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E

by tito (eight and oh) on Oct 16, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i know but take away the 14 points.....

it’s still a 32 -22 win. the point i was trying to make is the saints dictated the way the game was played from beginning to end.

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

plus the saints took thier foot off the gas before the start of the 4th

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly

And I said this before, I’m just a little skeptic on your D.

10 picks in 4 games is an anomaly. There’s no way you can keep that up…unless of course you can, in which case I’ll shut up.

"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E

by tito (eight and oh) on Oct 16, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

alot of those picks were gifts......

i’m a little skeptical my self, but time will tell

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i have to add....

with the death of jim johnson,and dawkins being in denver,it’s hard to know where the eagles D is. ithink those two things effected the game more than donnie not playing

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Their MLB, Stewart Bradley is out for the year too!

by Hootman on Oct 16, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're skeptical?!

I watch this team every week! I think we all expected some improvement with the new coordinator, and the two bid secondary additions(Sharper and Greer), but the TO number is very un-Saintly, historically speaking. Greer was a concern of mine before the season started, but he has shut down his guy almost without exception. No catches for T.O., and big third and short stops against NYJ. That may be full of holes, as proof that the Saints D is “legit”, but, if you’ve watched the Saints for the past two years, you’d be amazed. And we haven’t had a safety worth in pass defense than a back judge since Sammy Knight.

The Giants are a whole different test for our D than the last few teams, but it’s not just the TO’s that have impressed. The reason Brees put up the Marino numbers last year was because we were in a shootout with everybody. Defensive stops are new to us, and they have legitimized the Defense more in my mind than the turnovers.

"Brees will kill you, but he lets you decide how fast he tightens the garrote." -Chris Brown

by FuSoYa on Oct 16, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's why this is going to be such a great game.

Many questions will be answered for both teams.

"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E

by tito (eight and oh) on Oct 16, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i have been burned before.......

so i may be a little gun shy,but this is a different team.
i’m very impressed with what i’ve seen so far.

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I’m a “believe it when I see it” fan(‘06 hurt bad), but this is truly the first Saints team I can remember to be this balanced/effective. The Dome Patrol days were great, but the LB group was the only “great” thing about it. The rest of the team was like the ’00 Ravens, and our linebackers couldn’t drag the whole group to the promised land alone.

It’s been tough to stay grounded when our passing game isn’t the only right thing we have.

"Brees will kill you, but he lets you decide how fast he tightens the garrote." -Chris Brown

by FuSoYa on Oct 16, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

balanced.....what's that?

as a lifetime saints fan this the first time i can say that and believe it.

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It definitely could have stayed close

but we were outperforming them all day. We never gave up a lead, and were tied for less than two minutes, I think(could be wrong on that, but it wasn’t very long). The 2 TO’s blew it open, and gave us a very short field, but that D should have at least been able to force us to 10 points on the two tries, if they were that good. Just sayin’, Philly’s D can crush bad, or even middling opponents, but they can’t shut down an efficient offense.

"Brees will kill you, but he lets you decide how fast he tightens the garrote." -Chris Brown

by FuSoYa on Oct 16, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's the way i saw it too.

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Both teams

are in fact looking for respect given who they have played this season.

However, both teams are very strong and should make the playoffs which is really all both sets of fans are concerned about.

by G Fan in England on Oct 16, 2009 10:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i got a feeling......

these teams will meet again, maybe the NFC championship game

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To be honest with you..

That would be awesome for Saints fans..They deserve it..It would go miles towards the continued healing from Katrina..I don’t want the Giants to lose a potential meeting like that, but it would be a nice thing to see for New Orleans.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 16, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

win or lose this game we will be there in the end,ya'll too.

by r c a on Oct 16, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes the Saints

Look like a team that will have to be reckoned with in the end…that is a good thing.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 16, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

we had this chat with the panthers in week 16 last year...

neither tema made it. little early for congrats and self congrats…

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Oct 16, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very true

You play whoever is on the schedule and win the games whether they are percieved to be easy or not..This is the first huge game for us and them. As long as we keep marching towards the tournament, I am happy…That’s the important thing.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 16, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

TT

Im thinkin TT is in for a big day!

Lets go GMEN!

by wangstu13 on Oct 16, 2009 11:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Jerry Reese

Just looked at a Lindy’s Football from 2003 and the Raiders were the number 1 team in the NFL with Tampa Bay also ranked far ahead of the Giants. The Rams were also ahead of the Giants in their ratings. Our coaching and personnel decisions have allowed the Giants to come back from the brink and become competitive quickly. ONly New England has rebuilt so quickly and so effectively according to their ratings. Jerry Reese cannot be given too much credit, in my opinion, nor can Tom Coughlin. Amid all the complaints and comments it would be good to stop and give credit sometimes.

by Boyce R on Oct 16, 2009 11:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

shockey

I caint believe that everyone is talking about shockey like he`s this great player.Many times going to giant games and watching him drop pass after pass then pissing and moaning on the sidlines because he wants the ball every play. I`m looking forward to him imploding just like always. I also remember Bress yelling at him on the side lines when he first got to the saints. Does anyone really think he`s changed lol. As far as the game goes the Saints are going to be surprised by how strong the Gmen really are on both sides of the ball. I made this prediction before and I`ll do it again 27-9 Gmen.

by William L on Oct 16, 2009 11:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He will..he hasn't changed one bit..however

I give alot of credit to Brees for ripping his ass out and reminding him who it is that calls the shots in the huddle..Eli couldn’t do that with him and deal with smiley man Tiki, (equally a big mouth) because Eli was a rookie…Thank God they are gone. Eli now runs our offense in the huddle. I can hardly imagine the crap he had to deal with with those two guys in the huddle.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 16, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs