The New Orleans Saints have won their first 10 games -- the first 10-game winning streak in franchise history.
But as well as the Saints have played so far, their head coach said after today's 38-7 blowout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he thinks they're getting better.
"I
like where we're at. We're 10-0 and we beat a division opponent on the
road," coach Sean Payton said. "I thought we got better today."
They're certainly better than the 1-9 Bucs. After toying with Tampa Bay in the first quarter, the Saints methodically dominated the last three quarters, and they did it mostly on the ground.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees had what for him are rather pedestrian numbers, completing 19 of 29 passes for 187 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions. But the Saints (playing without injured running back Reggie Bush) ran the ball effectively all day. Running backs Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell combined for 24 carries, 167 yards and two touchdowns.
The Saints' defense, meanwhile, forced Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman to commit four turnovers. It was a one-sided mismatch of a game featuring one of the worst teams in the league losing to one of the best.
And if the Saints really are getting better, the rest of the league had better watch out.
Payton thinks 10-0 Saints are getting better
Posted by Michael David Smith on November 22, 2009 8:49 PM ET
They played a great solid all around game for the most part. WhoDat !!! Superbowl bound!!!
He is trying to future pace the thoughts of his team. A good coach or manager will do this.
who dat
geaux saints
10 n 0
Next week will be a real test for them. The Patriots are real good on both sides of the ball. Not to mention that this could be a real trap game for them. They just beat a bad team in a large way, and that can sometimes create some overconfidence. Now here comes the Pats, who have quietly built a solid season this year. No one is really talking about the Pats, but they are very good. They are capable of putting up big numbers, even against good defenses, like they did against the Colts and Jets the past two weeks. Meanwhile, the defense they have built is very solid. I am surprised that NO ONE is talking about the Patriots defense. They surrender very few points, allowing only seven points by the Jets offense this week.
Not saying that the Pats will definitely win this one, but all the cards are there for an upset of NO this week.
>the Patriots defense. They surrender very few >points, allowing only seven points by the Jets >offense this week.
Ooooooh, their defense. Heard it already. Heard it about the Eagles, Heard it about the Jets (over and over and over again), Heard it about the Giants.
Bring it on, Hoodie. Who dat?
Saints have been playing "trap" games, since week 1.
Bring it on, Hoodie. Who dat?
stanjam:
The Saints and Patriots should be a great game. I would imagine it will be hyped to the max. I don't think you have to worry about the Saints looking at the Patriots as a potential trap game. If anything, the Saints will treat this game as the equivalent of a playoff game.
Lots of people are talking about the Patriots. If they had beaten the Colts, most people would say they would be the team to beat in the AFC. Even with the loss they are even money to be in the Super Bowl, even though getting there will probably mean a road trip.
The Saints offense is pretty good too averaging 36.9 points per game. In point differential (scored vs. given up) the Saints lead by 165 to 126 as compared to the Patriots.
Strange at it is, but both teams need this game. The Patriots need to keep pace for a first round bye in the AFC and the Saints need to stay ahead of the Vikings for the first seed. Both teams should bring their "A Game".
I agree the Bucs are probably one of the worst teams right now. The whole "organization" including the coaching staff seems to be in on the job training. I was impressed with the rookie qb Freeman's command of the first drive and score of the first quarter. They {the Bucs} looked like they were finally in the groove. After the Packers game and the strong showing against the Dolphins, I was almost beginning to feel a little Buc fever again. Then came the rest of the story!
Gotta hand it to Brees and the Saints . This looks like the year they go to the big show.
So with some good defensive talent in the draft{go Eagles and anyone else on the Bears schedule!}, there is always next year. Rebuilding sucks.
A logical Saints fan? Wow. Maybe unicorns and leprechauns do exist. That could be the best Monday Night game in a while. At least since the Vikings kicked the Packers asses.
Saints look pretty solid right now. I think they could even handle the Mighty Dallas Cowpies.
Home field advantage clinches SB berth for NFC teams. Here is hoping the Saints get it over the Viqueers so we don't have to see Favre cry or Chilly wear drag on the plane trip to Miami.
Saints could prolly take down the cross dressing Viqueers in Minn, it would just be better to see em do it in New Orleans. Nice story for the city.
It will be a great battle but..... I thinks the Saints just have more weapons to out score the Pats.
Stanjam is such a homer. I mean come on dude, using the "none is talking about the Patriots" line from a homer like you just proves you are a deuchbag. Get some sense. You are embarrassing the rest of the Patriot Nation.
10 N O, Who Dat!!! Black & Gold Superbowl.
If the Saints beat the Pats, all the Super Bowl hoopla will be legit. It doesn't hurt to play in the second crappiest division in the NFL.
purpleguy:
First, the Saints have played only three games against divisional opponents, so that hasn't really factored into their record much yet.
Second, with the Lions, Bears and Packers in the North with the (purple) Vikings, I wouldn't talk too much smack about the South. I'd take Atlanta over Green Bay, Carolina over Chicago and guess Tampa-Detroit would be a pick'em.