For the first time this season, the Saints faced a team that had a charge in them. The Dolphins had won their last two games, had an extra week to rest and prepare for a home game, had the Saints coming in after a tough game with the Giants, and had a great game plan early. They got after Drew Brees, confused him and the offensive line into interceptions and sacks, and jumped out to a big 24-3 lead that most fans thought would only get bigger. The home crowd was sensing blowout. The "at home" crowd (Mainly me) was sensing that, too. Then, a break, a fumble, a touchdown just before the half, and there was life. The Dolphins will be talking about their meltdown all week but the truth of the matter is ... they were gassed by the end of the 3rd quarter. All that energy and enthusiasm on full display in the first half was gone. They had nothing left. The Saints have outscored their opponents, 74-12, in the 4th quarter, including yesterday's 22-0 fourth quarter. It wasn't the best game they've played this year by a longshot but it was easily their best win. First division game next week against the Falcons on Monday night in the SuperDome. The joint will be jumpin'. GEAUX Saints.
There was a play in yesterday's Vikings-Steelers game that just left my jaw on the floor. Adrian Peterson was led right into a defensive back on a pass play. The defender had all of the advantages. The play was right in front of him. Peterson ran over him, stepped on him, and went for another 20 yards or so. Amazing. That guy can play. (Update: 5:30PM): Found it on YouTube below. Enjoy it while it's there. Probably going to be taken down.
On the fantasy football front, both of my teams still have a chance but I need a medium game from the Eagles defense and special teams and a great game from Clinton Portis. Up by 11 and done in one game, I need to keep the Eagles D/ST under that. Down by 24 in the other with Portis and the same Eagles D/ST, I need them to combine for 25 but I'd like to see most of it come from Portis. Doubt I'll watch it.
Quote of the Day
And yet here are the Saints. They played an imperfect game, but left with a perfect record.
Gene Wojciechowski, ESPN.com
Blog of the day here.
Quote from said blog: "Sometimes life gives you lemons and you slip on the peels, stab yourself in the hand trying to slice them in half and spray yourself in the eyes with lemon juice, turning you into a bleeding, blinded mess of agony that yearns for the sweet solace of a non-citrus death. This would be one of those times."
Nice comeback by the Saints.
That steamrolling job by AP was something. Too bad that drive ended in a botched catch that was intercepred for a Steelers TD. The Vikes should have won their game yesterday.
Tough one for the Vikes yesterday and they'll be facing a team and crowd with a charge in them this week. Tough ones back to back.