Now That We’ve Had A Day….

Sep 8, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; The New Orleans Saints sideline erupts following a fourth down interception against the Atlanta Falcons during a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

I’m sure everyone (Who Dat Nation at least)  is still riding some sort of ‘high’ after yesterday’s 23-17 win, and that’s great for sure. However, you know Sean Payton was all about Tampa as soon as the game ended.

I’d like to introduce a new segment, that reflects on a few things we may have missed during the game, aside from recaps.

Offense

• The Saints ran the ball 26 times (29 on the stat sheet because of the Brees kneel downs); these carries were appropriately split up between all three running backs (Thomas & Ingram – 9, Sproles – 8).
• Saints Mark Ingram rushed 9 times for 11 yards (long of 7)
• Drew Brees definitely was looking for Kenny Stills yesterday, as he was targeted 5 times on the day (2 receptions, 67 yards); Graham lead targets with 7 (Colston & Sproles – 6)
• Remember all the talk about Joe Morgan last year? Kenny Stills averaged 43 yards/catch yesterday
• Uncharacteristic as it may be, Jahri Evans had 2 holding penalties called on him yesterday – he had 5 all of last season (4 holding, 1 false start)
• The Saints rolled with only 4 wide receivers yesterday (Colston-Moore-Stills-Toon), Toon did not have a catch or target, and Tanner/Meachem were healthy inactives

Defense

• Cam Jordan, Curtis Lofton, Malcolm Jenkins, and Rookie Kenny Vaccaro took every defensive snap in yesterday’s game.
• There has been no official word yet on the status of Tyrunn Walker, Broderick Bunkley, or Patrick Robinson. Bunkley & Robinson were both in walking boots after the game, and Bunkley was on crutches. Walker was reported being on crutches today.
• Despite Bunkley leaving, John Jenkins did a very good job in his absence
• Kenny Vaccaro lead the Saints in solo tackles with 5, and Malcolm Jenkins lead in combined tackles with 6
• Parys Haralson showed he had no problems fitting in or adapting to Rob Ryan’s defense, contributing 4 tackles and a sack yesterday
• Martez Wilson was held out as a ‘precaution’ yesterday (elbow)

Special Teams

• Garrett Hartley was a perfect 3/3 on Field Goals (48, 31, 22)
• Thomas ‘The Leg’ Morstead had a monster punt yesterday, and was officially credited with a 61 yard punt, his longest? 70 yards in 2012 at home against Kansas City – imagine if he punted full time at Mile High
• Many were wondering who would step up to fill in for Courtney Roby, and it appears that Rafael Bush has taken that role
• Morstead went a perfect 6/6 on Touchbacks from Kickoffs

In General

• The attendance numbers from the game was at 72,348; which only ranks #3 on the all-time list (11/11/12 – 73,126; 12/26/11 – 73,084)
• Maybe a little shocker, but here are some analysts that did actually take the Saints yesterday: Schefter, Mort, Jaws, Schlereth, TJ, Ditka (ESPN); La Canfora, Rod Woodson (CBS)

You hear a lot of ‘reasons’ why the Falcons lost. Blame it on Roddy White not being 100%, their lack of offensive line, no Asante Samuel, or as many other of the ‘what ifs’ that exist.

Let’s look at the other side of the ball. Missing from the Saints was just a few defensive players/starters: Martez Wilson, Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, Victor Butler, Glenn Foster, Isa Abdul-Quddus, and Kenyon Coleman

Would anyone be saying this if the game went Atlanta’s way? Doubtful.