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Saints Stay Preseason Perfect with 23-17 Win Over Colts: Quick Thoughts
By bryanflynnThe Saints stayed perfect on the preseason with a 23-17 win over the Colts. New Orleans dominated the first half as Drew Brees saw action for the first time in the preseason.
Indianapolis couldn't get much going on offense and the Saints defense played pretty well the whole game. The Colts played their starters into the third quarter but New Orleans had pulled most their starters by halftime.
As always, the score doesn't matter in the preseason, so here are my quick thoughts:
Brees looks rusty but good
Drew Brees only played one quarter and completed 9 of 15 passes for 128 yards with two touchdowns. Yes, Brees was impressive but he also had some under throws, he almost threw an interception and had a few throws he would like to have back.
Still even a rusty Brees is better than half the starting quarterbacks in the league. And that is way Brees will be wearing a gold jacket when his career has been over for five years.
Rushing attack
New Orleans had a strong rushing attack tonight. The team rushed for 125 yards at halftime but 35 of those yards came from three rushes by backup quarter Luke McCown and Brees add another 10 yards on one rush.
Mark Ingram, Khiry Robinson and Pierre Thomas combined to rush for 80 yards on 19 carries. The rushing attack allowed Brees to take advantage of play action passes. Thomas was also the leading receiver on the night with 66 yards on four catches.
The Saints finished with 160 yards rushing but the offense struggled in the second half. Not a bad night on the ground as it looks like New Orleans is going to commit to the run a little more this season.
Great defense
New Orleans played pretty tough defense most of the night. The Saints either forced a field goal or punt most of the night.
Indianapolis scored their first touchdown because of sloppy play by the Saints defenders by miss tackles and committing penalties to keep the Colts drive alive. New Orleans busted coverage to lead a wide open receiver to tie the game at 7-7.
After that score the Saints defense shut down the Colts until the early fourth quarter. Indianapolis used a big run and a big pass to score their second touchdown of the night.
New Orleans had two goal line stands. The Saints forced a field goal during one goal line stand and stuffed the Colts offense on four down on their other goal line stand.
The Saints even forced a turnover after third string quarterback Ryan Griffin threw an interception. Brian Dixon returned the favor back using tight coverage to get his own interception.
If I was giving the New Orleans defense a grade, I would have to say they were a B+ tonight overall.
Penalties, penalties and more penalties
It was another game filled with penalties for the …
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JFP Poll: 2014 Preseason Top 25
Last season ended with Florida State at the top of the poll. While there are no free trips to Disney World for the team, it does land the top spot …
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This year could be one of the wildest in the history of the Conerly Trophy, which goes to the best college football player in the state.
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JFP 2014 College Football Preview: Bryan Flynn's Sophisticated Wild-Ass Guesses
Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi—the state's "Big Four"—have one common goal this season—reaching new heights.
