Why the Saints Lost: From the Bird's Nest

[BirdofParadise]

http://espn1420.com/why-the-saints-l...he-birds-nest/

[cajun4life]

I didn't read the blog BOP, but anytime Sean Payton calls 60 pass plays the Saint's lose. We got away from the running game and it cost us. Look at all of the Saints recent losses, last 3 or 4 years. We threw the ball 50+ times and became one dimensional and we get beat every time. We were in the game with 5 turnovers and the only time we successful on offense we gave the ball to Chris Ivory and pounded the rock, bringing the safety's up and opening things up for Jimmy Graham. ____ poor coaching by Payton got the Saint's beat IMO.

[CajunRebel]

We had 5 turnovers, in horrible spots, to a very good 13-3 49ers team. But it's still Payton's fault? We put up 470 yards of offense (out gaining the 49ers) but its still Payton's fault?

I guess the old adage that only players win games and only coaches lose games is true.

[SlappyCajun]

On the Saints 4 TD scoring drives, we ran the ball a total of two times between those 4 drives. The team turned it over 4 times. Sean Peyton's game plan was just fine.

[cajun4life]

We had 5 turnovers, in horrible spots, to a very good 13-3 49ers team. But it's still Payton's fault? We put up 470 yards of offense (out gaining the 49ers) but its still Payton's fault?

I guess the old adage that only players win games and only coaches lose games is true.

Do some research and look at the games that the Saints have lost in the past 3-4 years and look at the pass to run ratio. When you become one dimensional in the NFL you lose, plain and simple. Yes the 5 turnovers hurt, but we were still in the game despite the 5 turnovers. There was never a single situation throughout the entire game where the Saints were in a position to completely abandon the running game. Look at our scoring drives, we ran the darn ball and it opened up the passing game, because we were effective. Much of the game our 3 pro-bowl OL were getting destroyed by a rookie and a pro bowl DE without them blitzing any LB's. They dropped everyone into coverage because they didn't have to worry about filling running lanes because we through the ball nearly every play.

Yes, we out gained the 49er's and still lost. I will still blame the loss on poor play calling.

[Gumbeaux]

Not sure what game you watched, C4L, but I'd imagine Chris Ivory would have gotten more yards trying to run through a steel reinforced concrete wall.

Plus, with no more Pierre to spell him, It would have been a moot point anyhow. I am still in awe of the Niner defense. Their recovery speed, coupled with how HARD they were hitting, man I know I really wouldn't want any of that on a regular basis.
They also were going for the strip every single time they touched the ball carrier - much like the 09 Superbowl Saints.

[cajunhawk]

The reason they lost...road playoff game. They are now 0-5 in road playoff games.

[SlappyCajun]

Look at our scoring drives, we ran the darn ball and it opened up the passing game, because we were effective.

You go look at our scoring drives. You are wrong. On our 4 TD scoring drives we ran the ball 3 times for about 6 yards.

[SlappyCajun]

The reason they lost...road playoff game. They are now 0-5 in road playoff games.

Why not add something intelligent.

[I Cajun Me]

I thought the Saints actually ran it well at times, but were forced to pass after 4 TOs and 17 points. The pass is what was working after the defecit and what got them back in it, so they continued what was successfull. I do agree play calling partly cost the Saints the game, but on defense not offense. I've seen people single out Harper for his coverage of V. Davis, but the big plays by Davis had Jenkins in man coverage on him. Why call the same defense that has given up big plays already when the only way SF could get back in it was a quick, long play? Rush 5 with Jenkins singled on Davis and Harper FS 25 yards off the ball and 40 seconds left? Middle was WIDE open!! Worst call of the game

[Boomer]

Just to mention a concern that I have with the Cajuns for next year---WE HAVE TO RUN THE BALL!!!! We seemto have relied so much on G-Chay's arm---Hopefully a Reed infusion to the running game will help out with a returning off line that can improve on the run blocking!!!

[CajunRebel]

Do some research and look at the games that the Saints have lost in the past 3-4 years and look at the pass to run ratio. When you become one dimensional in the NFL you lose, plain and simple. Yes the 5 turnovers hurt, but we were still in the game despite the 5 turnovers. There was never a single situation throughout the entire game where the Saints were in a position to completely abandon the running game. Look at our scoring drives, we ran the darn ball and it opened up the passing game, because we were effective. Much of the game our 3 pro-bowl OL were getting destroyed by a rookie and a pro bowl DE without them blitzing any LB's. They dropped everyone into coverage because they didn't have to worry about filling running lanes because we through the ball nearly every play.

Yes, we out gained the 49er's and still lost. I will still blame the loss on poor play calling.

C4L you are basing your entire argument on a completely irrelevant stat. Simply put when an offense puts up big offensive numbers but still loses you cannot blame it on the offensive playcalling because the offensive playcalling had good results.