Someone has to say it... (Saints)

[BrockMeaux]

The truth will set you free. It's not a stretch to say a team that went 7-9 the previous 3 seasons needed luck to get to 11-5.

Or, not having the worst defense in NFL history for the 4th consecutive year helped a bunch.

[cajunhawk]

Or, not having the worst defense in NFL history for the 4th consecutive year helped a bunch.

They drafted well...but the improvement in the defense was more scheme than anything. That was the air raid version of defense. Super aggressive. Once teams hone in on it...it won't be pretty. They have better talent...but it's still a talent poor defense.

[AirBill]

They drafted well...but the improvement in the defense was more scheme than anything. That was the air raid version of defense. Super aggressive. Once teams hone in on it...it won't be pretty. They have better talent...but it's still a talent poor defense.

They actually had pretty decent talent, along with all pro (Lattimore, Cam Jordan) players. But when you lose half of your starters to injury, including your starting middle linebacker (A.J. Klein), you're going to have problems.

[cajundiehard]

All you knuckleheads piling on Williams are forgetting what he did in the 59:50 before that play, including the brilliant interception of Keenum that set up the second touchdown. Dude made a mistake, which means he's human. And he owned up to it after the game, which means he's got integrity.

I'm with the rookie. Hope he gets another chance.

Yes.... and if the Saints convert 3rd and 1 with about 30 seconds left, Vikes never get the ball again... Kamara to the middle of the field was excessively conservative in that spot, IMHO.

[cajunhawk]

They actually had pretty decent talent, along with all pro (Lattimore, Cam Jordan) players. But when you lose half of your starters to injury, including your starting middle linebacker (A.J. Klein), you're going to have problems.

Actually, there wasn't much drop off from the "starters" to the backups. Manti T'eo looked good in that defense. It's the scheme. Not the talent.

[CajunPride]

The tough one was the missed neutral zone penalty on the third down just prior to the last Saints FG. No time left if that is called correctly.

Of all the poor officials, This was the most atrocious because it was impossible to miss. The Viking was way past the neutral zone. He had his head hanging over the ball so far his ears were tickling the centers butt.

[axg8750]

Of all the poor officials, This was the most atrocious because it was impossible to miss. The Viking was way past the neutral zone. He had his head hanging over the ball so far his ears were tickling the centers butt.

I gotta say the P.I. call on Crawley when Vikings reciever was holding Crawley’s arm was the worst call (and most influential) of the game.

[CajunPride]

I agree with you that one was horrible and influential and it was also early in the game. But if the obvious offsides is called on Viking defense, we get a first down (would have been our only first down by penalty of game). And we can run clock down to 4 seconds and then kick game winning shorter FG. Vikings never touch ball again and we go to Philly. IMO

[Gumbeaux]

Im totally bummed at the outcome of the game, but I dont think the franchise is cursed like it once was.

That was a rookie, playing lights out nearly all year and from all accounts being a real defensive leader for most of the season, making a bad judgement call.

Who is to say we are even this far in the playoffs without some of the other plays he made during the regular season.

I give him a pass. Hes going to be a solid player in this league, and I'm glad we have him.

Of course, the good thing about having Manti T'eo as a teammate is being able to pick the mind of someone else who had also once become the dankest meme of the sports world

[facelessjonmoon]

Actually, there wasn't much drop off from the "starters" to the backups. Manti T'eo looked good in that defense. It's the scheme. Not the talent.

Good coaching helps. I don't think it's a coincidence that The saints defense improved after replacing Vitt with Mike Nolan. Same with the DL