Saints versus Rams - Trap Game?
by edpjr on Nov 8, 2009 9:00 PM CST
61 comments
If memory serves, wasn't it a couple years ago when a dismal Scott Linehan 0-8 Rams club came off the bye week and beat a pretty decent New Orleans club? I'm not saying it's likely to happen again next weekend, or that there's even the slightest chance the Rams can win. But, NFL teams rarely go undefeated. Even Monsters like the Saints can have a bad day. What we need to have a shot at winning is a Saint's bad day coupled with the Rams playing way over their heads plus getting all the breaks. The Saints did not exactly run away with today's game against the Panthers (whom I consider to be a weak team). This year the Saints have exhibited a superior offense reminiscent, "choke", of the greatest show on turf. But I think the key to some of the Saints wins is forcing the opponent to beat themselves with turnovers. If the Rams go out there next week and throw 50 times with a couple INT's, we'll get slaughtered. However, if the Saints are looking down the schedule to games with teams like NE, we may be able to catch them offguard. If by some miracle the Rams can consistently block and run the ball, SJax will burn some serious clock keeping Drew Brees and co. off the field. There are some other key aspects too; (1) we cannot settle for FGs. Getting 3 points versus 7 against New Orleans is the kiss of death. (2) We cannot turn over the ball - period. The Saints feast on these opportunities. (3) We will have to be both lucky and innovative. That will require some trick plays and gutsy calls like going for it on 4th down. And why not, what's a 1-7 team got to lose? Lastly, (4) we cannot tolerate any foolish "false start" penalties from a guy that should stay glued to the bench. So, if everything goes absolutely perfect, it could be the upset of the year. But, if somehow we're actually leading in the 4th quarter, don't count your chickens before they hatch. Our D-Line is just plain bad and generally gets even worse late in the game. The old vets like Little and Hall are pretty much spent and I still have NO faith in Chris Long. So Brees could bomb us out in the 4th quarter. After all, just two or three more sacks this season and we might be 3-5. That's my take. I don't expect to win or even cover, but it's possible...
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you get a big fat rec for the optimism my friend
it’s very welcome.
jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 8, 2009 9:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Every game is tough in the NFL...
I think the games leading up to BYE’s are often the “trap” games as the professional player is figuring out where to take the family on vacation.
The Saints won’t overlook the Rams. They’re focused and playing every game for its own merits. Plus, we’ve fallen behind big two weeks in a row, our coach will have plenty to talk about this week with the players.
You can win if you play ball-control offense, run until S-Jax’s legs fall off and bait Brees into 3 int’s and have some huge special teams plays…. Just not sure how you’re going to stretch the field without a reliable #1 or #2 receiver. Isn’t Avery hurt again?
by TigerPaw on Nov 8, 2009 9:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
avery and burton are fine and ready to go
i know that doesn’t exactly scare you, but just FYI.
jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 8, 2009 9:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jackson's legs don't fall off
Anyone who saw the Detroit game last week knows that.
Wheee~! We have a win!
My heroes had the heart to lose their lives out on a limb
And all I remember Is thinking, I want to be like them
by CoachConnors on Nov 9, 2009 7:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well only 1 team
has been 16-0, so…
by loyal2therams on Nov 8, 2009 11:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Shhhh...
don’t tell Mercury Morris.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Nov 9, 2009 7:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
hahaha
yes he is something else isnt he
by simone219 on Nov 9, 2009 7:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If by "something else"
you meant “raging deuchebag”? Then, yes, he is “something else”.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Nov 9, 2009 7:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bulger against Darren Sharper
It’s going to be up to SJ to win the game…
I believe in 2010
by ram_rod on Nov 9, 2009 1:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Dont
think the saints fan and owner have a short memory.We remember all those years we were beat down by the rams when we were in the same division.The only thing that would be better then totally beating down the rams in their own building,Would be doing it to the 49er’s
by simone219 on Nov 9, 2009 6:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
There isn't one player or one coach remaining from those teams.
No one cares except the fans.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Nov 9, 2009 7:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yes
thats why i didnt mention the players and coaches
by simone219 on Nov 9, 2009 7:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, my bad.
I just had a memory run though my head when I read your original comment. About a month or so ago, some beat reporter in Chicago was talking to one of the young players on the Bears about Mike Singletary and they guy was like “yeah, he seems like a really cool coach…yada, yada, yada.”
Then the reporter mentioned that Singletary used to play linebacker for the Bears and the guy had no idea. I think he said something like “hmm. I’ll have to look that up.”
A good majority of the guys in the league have no more idea about what’s happened 30 years ago let alone 5 years ago than the man on the moon.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Nov 9, 2009 7:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's a good thing--
Short memories are great-because several years ago we were up like 32-3 and then executed an on-side kick and recovered! Boy were the Saints pissed. They screamed about it for days. Hope no one there remembers it—
by Knoxfan on Nov 9, 2009 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I remember how pissed Haslett got with that stuff
then the next year he did it to us.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Nov 9, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If Ed can thinks its possible the rams can beat NO then I can surely expect a win right?!
P.S. Next to Seattle I hate the saints the most. So hopefully they will lose.
Football players, like prostitutes, are in the business of ruining their bodies for the pleasure of strangers. ~Merle Kessler
by mlkgandhiv2k on Nov 9, 2009 10:19 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I also rec'd you.
Football players, like prostitutes, are in the business of ruining their bodies for the pleasure of strangers. ~Merle Kessler
by mlkgandhiv2k on Nov 9, 2009 10:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well as a saints fan i used to hate the rams
but they have become so irrelevent for such a long time its really hard to hold a grudge
geaux saints
by simone219 on Nov 9, 2009 3:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I couldn't stand the Saints when it was Martz vs. Haslett.
For a short period, that was a hell of a matchup.
But, that’s ancient history now.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Nov 9, 2009 4:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I haven't liked the Saints since 1971...
…when a rookie QB named Archie Manning scored a TD (disputed) against the Rams on the last play of the season opener to win 24-20. That fluke win ended up costing the Rams the NFC West title that year.
by edpjr on Nov 9, 2009 6:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Bye week after a win -- hooray for the "what if" optimism!
I agree, it’s a very welcome development. In my mind, I try to stay realistic but I never lose track of “any given Sunday”.
I also agree that the Saints could be looking past the Rams. It happens. Look what the Pack did against the formerly winless Bucs this week. The Bucs had the league’s longest losing streak at 11, too. They happen to be the Saints next opponent after us, too…
I’m sure the coaches will be all over telling them look what the Bucs did this week, and what the Rams did last week, but they’re human. Hopefully the Saints little scare this week (and a crazy win by the Bucs over the Pack) didn’t wake them up from their mid-season fantasies of winning the SB. First 8-0 start in team history, some of the Saints have to be a little high on themselves.
My heroes had the heart to lose their lives out on a limb
And all I remember Is thinking, I want to be like them
by CoachConnors on Nov 9, 2009 6:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Well we just saw what a Good D and a good RB can do
and I think our RB is better. But I dunno if our D is as good as Carolina’s.
by kinzav29 on Nov 10, 2009 12:07 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
yes we seen what they did also
they lost
by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 10, 2009 7:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
Saints look awesome, they got that 2001-2002 Rams feel to them. ‘Team D’ that produces the turnovers on a consistent basis, an offense that has too many weapons to cover all of them, and a QB that knows what’s happening on every play. In all seriousness I think the best way to keep this game respectable is to pound Jackson constantly, turn it into a game like that dolphins-colts game a few weeks back (dolphins also lost too, dunno what to do to win). I feel like the Saints O might b scoring on 2-6 play drives, then the Rams get the ball to Jackson for as long as we can keep them on the field then we give the ball back for another Saints score.
However, a couple turnovers could turn this game into a much more interesting one. Any given sunday, Saints got the talent/momentum/matchups, maybe the odds are stacked a little too much in their favor?!?! haha Hope the game is a good one, can’t take too many more embarrassments.
by kinzav29 on Nov 13, 2009 3:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the jets showed everyone how to beat the saints
stop the run,and pressure the quarterback with your front four and play zone defense,run the ball and try to control the clock and tempo of the game
the only problem is everyone knows that but no one has been able to do it
by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 10, 2009 7:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
on a GREAT day, the rams can do all four of those things
especially stopping the run and controllng the clock with their run. i think the real difference maker is going to be whether the front four, and them only ie no blitz, can consistently get pressure on drew brees. if that happens, he will be forced to make throws that he wouldn’t normally, and it could create some turnovers for the rams secondary.
jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 10, 2009 12:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Stop the run – Check
Pressure the QB w/ front four – Problem!!! Rams can’t do that.
Play zone defense – Problem!!! Our CBs are inexperienced and Brees & his WRs height will expose our weak interior. OJ will need to wake up for this weekend’s game.
Run the ball – Maybe. NO will stack 9 in the box and make Bulger win the game on his own.
by 81 Witness on Nov 10, 2009 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Saints have a good D, they won't put 9 in the box very often
8 maybe, but not 9. But if they do, they’ll see a TE in motion to the slot or twin WR sets and that’ll chill them out. I could easily see Fells with another TD if they want to go 9 in the box. Not that “a” TD will win this game. I’m just sayin…
My heroes had the heart to lose their lives out on a limb
And all I remember Is thinking, I want to be like them
by CoachConnors on Nov 10, 2009 4:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
true
And our front four is just not playing well this year hopefully Long had a ah ha moment over the bye and gets brees to the turf. It will be a very difficult game with the passing attack stretching the field and your running backs taking advantage of that. We need turnovers bad they are game changers and momentum swingers. Brees is a true professional and i don’t think he will get discouraged by a int or 2 especially knowing he might get a safety from our secondary. Bulger against Sharper might be painful to watch but Steven vs sharper will be a joy.
by keeperskillz24 on Nov 10, 2009 11:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Anything can happen...
Let’s just suppose, Danny Amendola get’s his first peek at the end zone this week, and OJ get’s a D score…
SJAX has a decent week finding the end zone, and grinding 100+ yards.
I do believe in order to win this game, we would need all 3 teams to score because our offense simply can’t scoe enough points to beat NO on one of their average 20 points Sundays.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
by VTramsFan on Nov 10, 2009 9:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
bye the way
the saints average 39 points a game not 20
by simone219 on Nov 11, 2009 5:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
My apologies (that’s freakin’ scary)… My point was, that even on the Saints worst day, the Rams could NOT beat that total offensively.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
by VTramsFan on Nov 11, 2009 6:58 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
The Saints Lowest Point Total
was against the Jets at home…
Jets: 10
NO: 24
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
by VTramsFan on Nov 11, 2009 7:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
point being: the rams HAVE to score touchdowns
in all reality, bulger and the offense are going to have to put up AT LEAST 24-30 points in order to have a realistic shot at winning this game. i’m sorry, but i just don’t see that happening unless jackson has an out of this world game or bulger decides to play like it’s 2003 again.
jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 11, 2009 11:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And if my aunt grew balls
She’d be my uncle.
by dbcouver on Nov 12, 2009 1:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
!!! lol
A comment I’m sure ed will appreciate :-)
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
by VTramsFan on Nov 12, 2009 7:08 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Saints fan here.....
Good luck on Sunday. Never know what will happen. Keep your heads up! Let’s both just hope and pray for no injuries.
GEAUX SAINTS!
by dmcgoey on Nov 12, 2009 8:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rams need a Q.B. I have the answer for you..
I have been reading some fans what the rams to sign Jason Campbell when he becomes a free agent, This is a hugh mistake, he is a looser, do you think the Redskins would let him go if he was worth a crap.Now I am going to tell you who is out there that is a great Q.B that has been looked over and could come in and get the Rams winning right away and would not cost alot of money because he has not been givin the chance to play yet but will be one of the great ones as soon as he is given the chance, He has always been a winner and always will but like Bretts early years he has not had his chance yet so the Rams need to steal him from Green Bay and let the winning begin in St. Louis his name is Matt Flynn remember the name and go sign Matt and everything will fall into place for the Rams.
by bigbaddon on Nov 12, 2009 11:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
"do you think the Redskins would let him go if he was worth a crap"?
Yes I do. They have a history (very recent, too) of making horrible decisions.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Nov 12, 2009 12:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, another team dear to my heart...
…has made years of bad and questionable decisions. I want NO part of Campbell. I think it would be Tony Banks II.
by edpjr on Nov 12, 2009 5:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
go sign Matt and everything will fall into place for the Rams
ohhhhh k.
There it is, Devaney. You have your blueprint for success.
My heroes had the heart to lose their lives out on a limb
And all I remember Is thinking, I want to be like them
by CoachConnors on Nov 12, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the Saints 2009 schedule
While I give them credit for being 8-0 and winning some blowouts, a quick review of NO schedule makes me question IF they’re truly the #1 team in the NFL. Do wins over poor to average teams like the Lions, Panthers, Bills, Dolphins, and Jets really mean alot? Their other three wins came against the Falcons (who are pretty good most of the time), the Giants who are sliding right out of the playoff hunt, and the Eagles (who can lose to teams like Oakland). While the 2nd half of their schedule is mostly a breeze with two games against Tampa, and games with Carolina, Washington and us. I have to wonder how they’ll fair against NE, the Cowboys and in the 2nd matchup with Atlanta?
It’s worth considering how different things might have been if the Saints had had to play teams like the Vikes, Cards, Colts, SD, Steelers, Cincy, or Denver. The playoffs may be interesting…
by edpjr on Nov 12, 2009 6:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jets are a quality team
Especially due to their ability to run the ball down almost anyone’s throat, and their very strong LB/SS corps. They don’t belong on the list of poor to average teams (although they do need to figure out the Dolphins or they aint goin nowhere)
I worry about the Saints ability to score instantly. We have a serious need this week to control the pace and keep them off the field. I guess I could say that any week, but that’s what I’m concerned with most against the Saints because I think it’s the probably only way the Rams give themselves a shot at winning.
My heroes had the heart to lose their lives out on a limb
And all I remember Is thinking, I want to be like them
by CoachConnors on Nov 12, 2009 7:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I bet you would love to have them nobody wins
truth is everybody the saints have beaten were never the same eagles were ubdefeated at the time bills were 2 and 1 giants were 5-0, falcons had 2 loses but are better than any Nfc east team and the Saints will destroy Dallas by 20 points and there blue print will be there for everyone to see so there season will be over, viking lost one but lucked out on S.F and lucked out at the end to Ravens so go Saints…
by bigbaddon on Nov 13, 2009 12:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know...
There have been some pretty powerful NO teams before that locked up in the playoffs. That’s why they’ve never been to a Super Bowl. I’m not so sure the Saints will beat Dallas or NE. Even though I’ll be pulling for them cause I hate the Pats. And the Cards could give them trouble in a post-season game.
by edpjr on Nov 13, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not the Cardinals
The Vikings might, but the Cardinals have a lowsy run-game. We’d destroy the Cards.
"The key to them winning is to limit their quarterback to under 20 throws a game." -Cris Carter
by Hooahsaint on Nov 14, 2009 12:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not a trap game. New Orleans is VERY aware of STL.
The division change was not enough to erase the rivalry that has existed for years. This is one of those games that could be close. What better way for a team to right its ship than knocking off an undefeated team. It may be just another game for the Saints, but it could be the Rams Superbowl this year.
I expect STL to come out swinging and if the Saints don’t respond, it could get ugly fast. The Any Given Sunday rule is always in effect.
In any case, I’m looking forward to Sunday, and here’s to no injuries for either side.
"The key to them winning is to limit their quarterback to under 20 throws a game." -Cris Carter
by Hooahsaint on Nov 13, 2009 6:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Then how did the Saints overlook the 2007 game...
…when the previously 0-8 Rams scorched their tails? Back when they were in the NFC West, the Saints were always a thorn in the Rams side from the days of Archie Manning through Jim Haslett.
by edpjr on Nov 13, 2009 4:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That was two years ago. It’s a vastly different team now.
"The key to them winning is to limit their quarterback to under 20 throws a game." -Cris Carter
by Hooahsaint on Nov 14, 2009 12:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But it's a valid point.
If, 2 years ago, the Saints overlooked the Rams, then why would this team, being so aware of the rivalry 8 years ago, all of a sudden be “VERY” aware of the Rams.
It doesn’t make sense.
Basically, none of they guys on the Rams or the Saints could give two shits about 2001. Most of those guys were in high school (or middle school) back then.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Nov 14, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Aren't the team leaders basically the same guys?
Sean Payton, Brees, Bush, Vilma, Fujita, Charles Grant…who else?
Jabari is new, right? But I thought the core of this team are the same guys who overlooked us before.
There’s no injuries? Uh, no, that’s not accurate.
The Rams have been fighting injuries in key spots all year long. I’m not offering pre-game excuses mind you, just saying ‘no injuries’ isn’t accurate. Saints have Darren sharper as questionable too, far and away their best hands in the secondary, on pace for a career year leading the Saints with 7 INT’s this year. I wouldn’t get my feelings hurt if he sat this one out. =)
by CoachConnors on Nov 14, 2009 3:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
he meant he's hoping neither team suffers any injuries during the game.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Nov 14, 2009 4:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh! I'm good with that then, lol
Thanks…I speed read sometimes and lose all comprehension.
Saints fans think the key to winning is not partying too hard the night before.
“there is almost no way the Saints can lose this game”
I sure hope the players feel exactly the same way.
by CoachConnors on Nov 14, 2009 4:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope they do too
but I highly doubt they do.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Nov 14, 2009 8:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
09 Saints are better than 07 Saints
The 07 Saints were 4-4 heading into that game and finished 7-9 that year. The 07 Saints were very inconsistent that season and had 299 yards total while giving up 409 yards to St. Louis.
The 09 Saints look much better, as does Drew Brees, offensively. The 09 Saints are 8-0 and looking good (having scored 303 points to the Rams’ 77). The Saints have had 300+ total yards in every game they’ve played, with 100+ yards in both passing and rushing per game in all but one (the Saints had 84 rushing yards last week against the Panthers). The good news for the Rams, though, is that the Saints have had at least one turnover in all but one game (against the Giants). Since the big win over NYG, the Saints have turned the ball over 10 times in three games.
The Saints’ D has been somewhat shaky. They’ve allowed 200+ total yards in every game this year, having given up 300+ in every game since their week 5 bye. The D has also given up 2+ touchdowns in every game this season.
I imagine the Saints offense will whop our weak defense, but who knows… given the stats on their defense, can we manage to score some points and shock these guys? Right now we’re 14 point underdogs. Even though I don’t have much hope, there’s some to be had, and I’d love to see our guys get their second win off a previously-undefeated team like the Saints.
Best moment I've ever seen at a game in person
"If it was Zoom Zoom'd, we'd be doom doom'd" - making fun of myself for my bad luck streak in the 2009 season
Looking forward to Cardinals baseball in 2010!
by zoomzoomj88 on Nov 15, 2009 8:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Interesting stats
I wonder how much of them came in garbage time.
I hope the optimism sticks even if we get a L today.
We have a couple of very winnable games on the way.
by CoachConnors on Nov 15, 2009 10:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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