Looking At The New Orleans Saints Schedule
by Andrew602 on Jan 13, 2010 3:49 PM MST
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PrintThe New Orleans Saints ended 2009 with a 13-3 record. Let me say that 13 wins in a season is never easy to reach, let alone 13 in a row. This year, the Saints proved that they were one of the upper echelon teams of the NFL.
| Wk | Team | Rec | W/L |
| 1 | Detroit | 2-14 | W |
| 2 | Philadelphia | 11-5 | W |
| 3 | Buffalo | 6-10 | W |
| 4 | NY Jets | 9-7 | W |
| 5 | NY Giants | 8-8 | W |
| 6 | Miami | 7-9 | W |
| 7 | Atlanta | 9-7 | W |
| 8 | Carolina | 8-8 | W |
| 9 | St. Louis | 1-15 | W |
| 10 | Tampa Bay | 3-13 | W |
| 11 | New England | 10-6 | W |
| 12 | Washington | 4-12 | W |
| 13 | Atlanta | 9-7 | W |
| 14 | Dallas | 11-5 | L |
| 15 | Tampa Bay | 3-13 | L |
| 16 | Carolina | 8-8 | L |
However, glancing over the schedule, I noticed something that I couldn't keep to myself - the Saints schedule has featured less-then-stellar competition. Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to make the same arguement that you always here: "They haven't played anybody good!" But I will say that the Cardinals and ROTB faithful shouldn't be that worried.
This year, New Orleans' opponents have a combined record of 109-147, and of the 16 teams they've faced, four had winning records; the Eagles, Patriots, Falcons, and Jets. Let's think about this for a moment.
- The Eagles only win against a team with a winning record was the Falcons, who didn't make the playoffs.
- The Patriots and the Eagles were both badly knocked out of the playoffs just last week.
- The Falcons didn't make the playoffs but did manage to hang with the Saints down to the wire in both games they played.
- That leaves the Jets, who are a good team that won in the wild card round last week. The Saints also beat the Jets after they started the season 3-0.
Again, I'm not making the arguement that the Saints are a product of a weak schedule, but that the Cardinals aren't in as much danger as we may think. Yes, the Saints held the second-best record in the league, were the #1 seed for the NFC, featured five pro bowlers on the roster, and were the highest scoring team in the NFL - they earned it. But as you can see, they have a lot riding on their shoulders and many will be counting on the Saints to win - no pressure.
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Good point
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
McNabb doesn't play defense
He wouldn’t have had much to say about the 48 we dropped on them.
And maybe the Eagles would have been better off playing Kolb against Dallas, considering how pitiful McNabb was two weeks in a row.
BURN THE BLACK PANTS!!!
True, but...
Good offensive play keeps the ball out of the other team’s hands. Kolb threw 3 interceptions, two of which led to touchdowns (one was a 97-yard pick-six), and Philly had to punt 5 times. Four of those punts came after Kolb’s Eagles went three-and-out, and the fifth wasn’t much better. Kolb threw a total of nine incomplete passes in the series that resulted in punts. Of Philly’s five punts, two led to New Orleans touchdowns and two resulted in New Orleans field goals.
That accounts for 34 of those 48 points.
Neither McNabb nor Kolb play defense, but Kolb didn’t do the Philly defense any favors.
Maybe its just my computer
But does anyone else’s have the table cutting through the whole story? It’s supposed to be formatted so the text wraps around it.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
funny
It’s funny how a team that dished out so many losses gets knocked for playing teams that have losses. The only thing that this proves is that while the Saints were still healthy (or still trying to win), they beat everybody they played, regardless of how good or how bad they were. Now they’re healthy again.
If by “the Cards aren’t in danger”, you mean that the Saints won’t blow them out, then I agree – the Cards aren’t a bad team. But if by “many will be counting on the Saints to win”, you mean that the Saints will probably win because they’re the better team, then I also agree.
I’d like to see what the Cards would have done had GB not spotted them the quick 14 points.
Spotted?
Weak argument.
He is just saying, they are not invincible and that we can win this game.
Though I figure most Card fans already knew that.
They are who we thought they were!
by Jesse Reynolds on Jan 13, 2010 4:24 PM MST up reply actions
I guess I was wrong
I didn’t think the Cards were in danger. I guess I forgot how good my team is. :)
Who Dat!
I like that all Saints fans think this game is won before it's even played
Just like the Packers fans. And not many in the media are giving the Cardinals a chance in the game either. Anyone who has watched more than a couple Cardinals games in the past few years knows this team doesn’t just roll over when their backs are against the wall. I expect a great game, and I believe the Cardinals are going to come out on top.
We all bleed Cardinal Red, but most of us don't recognize it!
Not true
Long before this game, there were a lot of posters on CSC who were downright scared of Warner and the Cards. What’s going on with Saints fans is euphoria, pure and simple. They believe right now that no team can hang with them if they bring their ‘A’ game.
Hell, I believe that too. But I still worry that Warner has other plans.
BURN THE BLACK PANTS!!!
Cardinals and Saints have something in common.
If there are two teams in the NFL that should know what it’s like to have many years of futility, it’s us. In the 60’s and 70’s, Saints fans used to really look forward to playing the St. Lous Cardinals and Tampa Bay because it was one of the rare times when we thought we might actually win a game.
A lot of Saints fans (the older ones at least) pulled for the Cardinals last year based on nothing more than being conditioned to root for the underdog. Anytime some other team’s fans remind us for the thousandth time that we didn’t play that well during the final weeks of the regular season, we point to you guys and the incredible run you had in the playoffs last year as an argument against the “momentum theory”.
With all that said, we haven’t been in this position too many times in our 43 year existence and we’re just enjoying the moment. Don’t interpret it as disrespect or that we’re “assuming” anything. But, like you, we believe our team will come out on top. If we didn’t, neither of us would be very good fans.
+1
We know that pain.
Both teams feel that if they bring their A game the other can’t touch them. I hope for that kind of game.
They are who we thought they were!
by Jesse Reynolds on Jan 13, 2010 11:47 PM MST up reply actions
I second that
With the Saints eliminated, I cheered for the Cards to win the whole thing last year, and was sick that they came so close to winning it only to give the damn steelers another ring. The same will hold true this year. If saints don’t make it I hope the Cards do. Can’t stand the thought of Favre or the cowbitches being in the big game.
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Jan 14, 2010 8:06 PM MST up reply actions
your wrong we dont think its won before we play
But we are a completely healthy team now expecially on defense
We believe in our team
And win or lose we know you wont be putting 51 points on us
by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 13, 2010 8:33 PM MST up reply actions
WHATS UP WITH THE PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE???
Can someone please tell me why the playoffs are set up to where the cowboys get 8 days off and the opportunity to be fully charged for there game. Then us on the other hand end up getting 6 days off and then play a team that is completely rested because of the bye week. Why doesn’t the NFL just keep us on Sunday and the cowboys on Saturday. then all is fair and everyone can see a fully charged AZ Cardinals. I know our lines could really use the extra day off. I’m not trying to complain but does no one else think this sucks ass?
by yumacardinalsfan on Jan 13, 2010 6:02 PM MST reply actions
Well it's scheduled for the higher seeded team to rest
You just have the mis-fortune of having to play us instead of the Vikes
This way the winner of the game with the #1 seed gets an extra day between rounds
SO either the Saints or the Cards will get 8 days between games
by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 13, 2010 8:36 PM MST up reply actions
Playoff Schedule
The TV stations call the shots on who plays when.
Look at it this way—if we win, we’ll have an extra day of rest over our opponent!
by CARDS-FAN-FROM-CT on Jan 13, 2010 6:06 PM MST reply actions
That's right, keep eating...
…right out of our hand.
‘The Cards should not be that worried. The Cards are not in danger.’
You are getting sleepy…sleepy…
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Jan 13, 2010 8:32 PM MST reply actions
Actually, the NFL determined the schedule before it was even known who was playing
During the first two weeks of the playoffs, the team with the highest seeding plays on Saturday. Dallas played last Saturday because they were the #3 seed. New Orleans was scheduled to play this Saturday before it was known who they would be playing because they’re the #1 seed. Had Philadelphia beaten Dallas, Arizona would be playing Minnesota on Sunday. As the NFC and AFC Championship games are both played on Sunday, the two number 1 seeds (Colts and Saints) automatically get an additional days rest over whoever their opponent is as a “reward” for being the #1 seed, assuming they win.
But, you are correct on your second point. If the Cardinals win, they also get an extra days rest.
This post isnt true to facts
yes only those four teams finished with winning records but many of the teams the saints played crumbled for a variety of reasons AFTER they played them.. for instance the 5-0 siants beat the 5-0 Giants to send them on a terrible skid.
Atlanta was a 6-3 team the first time we played them…
This really does look like an arguement that the Saints had a weak schedule
Again, I’m not making the arguement that the Saints are a product of a weak schedule, but that the Cardinals aren’t in as much danger as we may think.
Anyhow, no matter what you’re arguing here, wouldn’t that argument cut both ways? Unless, of course, you were strictly boiling this down to playoff expectations and aspirations.
The point I'm making is that we as Cardinals fans don't shouldn't assume we're going to be destroyed by this big Juggernaut
Yes the Saints are good and earned a 1st round bye, but this isn’t the end of the line for the Cardinals either.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Cards schedule vs Saints schedule
During the regular season, the Cardinals only beat 2 teams (correct me if I’m wrong) w/ winning records, Houston and Minnesota.
I don’t think comparisons of this type mean much- I think everyone knows, deep down, that all that matters is how the teams play this weekend. If the Saints play well and Cards don’t, Saints win. If the Cards play well and the Saints don’t, Cards win. If they both play well… then we’ll see.
As a Saints fan, I’m very hopeful that with a lot of injuries healed, the Saints are very likely to play very well. But I’m fully aware that the Cards are good enough to beat us, and we may need a top-notch effort to win.
+1
I agree that the schedules doesn’t really mean anything. No doubt the Saints played extremely well during the season – but this is not about what neither of the teams used to do, but about what will happen on Saturday
If I were to gain anything from the schedules it would be that the last time you guys won against a top-10 team was week 11 – we did it this Sunday …
Looking forward to a great game!
We are red, we are white, we are Danish Dynamite!
I wasn't making an arguement for the Cardinals schedule
They were the #4 seed and won 10 games, there’s not as much expectations for the Cardinals IMO.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Look at the schedules of other high playoff seeds
And I think you’ll find that the Saints schedule is pretty comparable. If the saints had gone 16-0, you’d say they only beat 5 teams with winning records. It doesn’t really tell you much of anything at all.
Agree with the comments above about the similarities of our teams
As a long-time Cardinals fan I look forward to any game, let alone playoff game, and can’t wait to cheer on my Cardinals.
That being said these two teams are very similar. Both have been resurrected in recent years due to a high quality player (and person as evidenced by both their outside football city involvement) in Drew Brees and Kurt Warner. I don’t think any true fan would argue the fact that our confidence lies behind these two players.
I’ve seen both sides of the argument for the defenses and quite frankly I’d say that’s a toss up. There were times when opposing qb’s were downright afraid to throw the ball because of Darren “the ballhawk” Sharper and there were times that the Saints D couldn’t seem to get a break.
Immediately the injury bug argument pops into everyone’s mind (as it should). However, keep in mind the Saints have been without both (I believe) of their starting cornerbacks for over a month now. Yes they are ‘healthy’ and have rested but being out of football that long and then being thrown into a huge game they can’t be expected to pick up where they left off. Maybe they will and that will be a tribute to them, but based on history and how people are in general that won’t be the case.
I think both team’s fates are in the hands of their respective qb’s. How they perform and protect the ball. The only factor either D will play will be if they can force any turnovers which I’ll admit the Saints have the edge in the regular season (but look at out stats not only last week but in our playoff run last year, we generally step it up in the playoffs).
Good luck to both teams I’m stoked. My best friend is a die-hard Saints fan so this week will be interesting to say the least. GO CARDINALS!!!
by cardsfanforlife24 on Jan 14, 2010 9:48 AM MST reply actions
Must Win the turnover battle/protect kurt
The Cardinals can beat the Saints, I am not concerned about that. But they must win the turnover battle, Daren Sharper has been around the league, and is a seasoned veteran. The cards need to hold on to the ball! They need to limit their turnovers and create them against New Orleans. Kurt needs to continue what he is doing in the playoffs, throwing crisp, on target passes. I believe and have faith that he will do that. But he needs the offensive line to protect him like last week, with the offensive front only allowing one sack.
Some things I think most of us can agree on (and one I know we will all agree on)
- All teams can only play the schedule they’re given. “Strength of Schedule” only counts in college polls.
- Explosive offense is both teams strong suit.
- Average, at best, defense is both teams weak point.
- If I was going to place a wager on the Over/Under of 57, I think I’d go with over, but I’m not sure.
- Both teams have quarterbacks that we are and should be proud of. Both on and off the field.
- The Cardinals have arguably the best receiver in the league with Fitzgerald.
- The primary reason Colsten isn’t included in that argument is because the Saints have so many receiver options. He makes unbelieveable catches as well as Fitzgerald. He just doesn’t do it as often.
- The fans of both teams should root for the winner of this game to win the NFC Championship. (Since the winner will be going against either the Cowboys are the Vikings, it should make most people’s choice relatively easy.)
- The team that scores the most points will win.
Cowboys didn't have a winning record?
Hello? The Cowboys won 11 games? That makes 5 winning teams, not 4. The Saints also played Atlanta twice. That makes 6 games against teams above .500, 3 games against .500 teams and 7 games against sub .500 teams.
The way I count it Arizona only played against 4 teams above .500 (Indy, Minn, Houston, and GB; winning only 2 of those), 5 games against .500 teams and 7 games against sub .500 teams. You get a push for beating GB after the thumping they gave you in week 17.
So, to be blatantly obvious here, the Saints played more winning teams than the Cards this year. Let’s also remember that the Saints beat four undefeated teams (OK, I admit that the Detroit game in week 1 probably shouldn’t count).
Just the facts, Ma’am.
Either way, I look forward to watching this game Saturday. It should be exciting. I always cheer for the Cardinals, er, not ALWAYS! Geaux Saints!
Why can't you get your facts straight?
I have seen this post twice. Here and elsewhere. The Cowboys also had a winning record. So that leaves 4-1 against winning records for the Saints. Is that a factor? I hope, because the Cardinals played games against teams with winning records: Colts, Texans, Vikings and Packers and went 3-2. Advantage Saints. Also, they were shut down by the 49ers two times. Grasp on to any bogus statistics you want i guess. Bottom line: Cards have to play the well rested Saints at home this week. Come up with better analysis or don’t write anything at all. Also, do your homework next time!
We sat out against the Pack
Counting that is just trying to make your numbers look better.
Next time don’t smudge your numbers or just don’t write anything at all.
They are who we thought they were!
by Jesse Reynolds on Jan 15, 2010 5:25 AM MST up reply actions
Forgot to mention!
They beat the Falcons twice. So thats 5-1!
Put this in your pie hole
For starters, it was in Arizona against the Cardinals that the Saints captured the franchise’s first division championship with a 27-3 victory on Dec. 22, 1991. Safety Gene Atkins tied a franchise record with three interceptions in that victory.
Saints 51, Cardinals 42 — Nov. 2, 1969 in St. Louis
Billy Kilmer of New Orleans and Charley Johnson of St. Louis.
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