Saints fans know that Drew Brees is good, and his great performance in the Superdome on Sunday is THE reason there is hope for this team. Brees tied a franchise record with six touchdown passes as he threw for 358 yards spreading the ball all over the field. Brees connected with receivers Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson, fullback Heath Evans and tight end Jeremy Shockey twice for the scores.
Sunday we learned that Saints running Mike Bell’s preseason was no fluke, and that he’s more than capable of carrying the running game. Bell rushed for 143 yards on 28 carries and left to a standing ovation from the a sold out Superdome in the fourth quarter. Bell stepped in for an injured Pierre Thomas, whose recovering from a sprained knee.
We also learned that tight end Jeremy Shockey, now healthy, indeed makes the Saints offense that much better. Colston’s touchdown in the first quarter was partly due to Shockey. Detroit double Shockey coming off the line, leaving Colston wide open in the back of the end zone for the touchdown. Shockey then showed good hands in his second touchdown of the game, bobbling, controlling and securing the football in the back of the end zone while falling down.
The play of the Saints defense was predictable and consistent with what I’ve seen all preseason. The Black and Gold D will make some plays and give up some. New pickup Darren Sharper is indeed a nice replacement. Sharper had two interceptions in the win, and linebacker Scott Shanle picked off Detroit rookie quarterback Mathew Stafford once.
The Saints defense however managed just one sack against a quarterback making his first NFL start. The Lions also at times moved the ball well up and down the field, ending their drives however with turnovers by Stafford which leads one to wonder, could a more veteran quarterback have made the game even closer?
As for what’s to ponder, well that leads us to running back Reggie Bush. Bush appeared to have one of those days where he plays like he’s not in it mentally, or tries to do too much. Bush fumbled twice in the return game. On the ground, Bush managed just 14 yards on seven carries. In the air, Bush had 55 yards on five catches. 69 yards of total offense however from the team’s highest paid player isn’t going to cut it.
Store this away, I know it’s just the first game of the season, but next year Bush will count for $16 million against the salary cap. That is way more than what Brees will cost, and if the Saints can find backs that cost considerably less than Bush, and rush for over a hundred yards, where does Bush’s future fit in with the team? Seven other receivers touched the ball aside from Bush and Brees still had six touchdowns and over 350 yards. It’s just something to think about.
The Saints overall had a good game but don’t start sharing the Kool-Aid just yet. They played the way they were supposed to against a slightly better Lions team. They were mistakes no doubt head coach Sean Payton will point out this week. Next week is your first true test at Philadelphia. The Eagles picked off Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme four times Sunday in Charlotte. In the game, Philly QB Donovan McNabb suffered a broken rib and will be questionable for Sunday’s game against the Saints.
If Brees goes off for six TD’s against Philly, then pass me a glass of that black cherry Kool-Aid. For now, just be happy the Saints are 1-0, and give thanks every day that Drew Brees plays for the Saints.
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