The Saints Are Who We Hoped They Were

Okay, okay, the Saints “are who we hoped they are” is a bit of a play on words by former Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green’s famous post game speech following an epic loss to the Chicago Bears.

Leading up to the Thursday night matchup against the previously undefeated Atlanta Falcons however, Green’s original line of they are “who we thought they were” could have just easily fit the mold for the Saints…and not in a positive way.

At 1-4, the Saints were on the precipice of nosediving into a top five pick in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft it seemed after seeing some of the same problems that plagued them last year pop it’s ugly head back up.

Miscommunications, lack of execution on offense as well as defense, poor tackling, high profile free agents having low profile impact, letting games slip away in an ugly fashion, questions of Brees still being an elite passer, etc. etc.

You named it, and the Saints seemed to have a question mark attached to the end of whatever it was.

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) celebrates with wide receiver Julio Jones (11) after his touchdown catch in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

When the Falcons rolled into town the Saints were at least 3.5 point underdogs in their own venue and I questioned if that number wasn’t big enough.

Atlanta actually was drawing comparisons to the Saints 2009 squad who battled back after games they should have lost with miraculous plays including an pick six in overtime last week against the Washington Redskins by former hometown guy cornerback Robert Alford who was from Hammond, LA. and played collegiately at Southeastern Louisiana University which was a short drive from New Orleans.

The ball was bouncing their way, their running game lead by Devonte Freeman was as dangerous as anyone has ever seen, the defense seemed to have rejuvenated itself under head coach Dan Quinn, and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan likewise lit a spark under quarterback Matt Ryan.

Pretty much Who Dat’s had resigned themselves to the fact that if the Saints weren’t skull dragged by the Falcons by more than two scores then it was considered a win.

But leave it to the Black and Gold to somehow find the own spark, on a sort week mind you, and have a game that was reminiscent of that championship squad we’ve seen before…including one that started a “Rebirth”.

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) congratulates running back Mark Ingram (22) after his fourth quarter touchdown run against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

It all began with a 12-play drive by the Saints where running back Mark Ingram scooted in for a touchdown that took a little over five minutes with Brees slinging passes like — well, the “old” Drew Brees.

More from Big Easy Believer

The ensuing possession saw Ryan fumble on a fourth down play at the Saints 39-yard line and gave the offense a chance to drive down and score again.

But a three and out by the Saints seemed to be the handwriting on the wall this season as the much maligned defense headed by Rob Ryan gave the offense a chance to put their foot on the throats of the Falcons but couldn’t capitalize.

Yet something seemed different as the defensive front appeared to be placing continuing heat on the quarterback and linebacker Kasim Edebali marched in for a sack that ended the Falcons drive.

It was then that the magic that everyone hoped the Saints had in them would find itself present on a night where former Saints safety Steve Gleason was not only paid tribute to, but was present at the game.

The focus of the tribute was a montage of Gleason’s famous blocked punt in September 2006 that ignited the Saints win over the Falcons that night and eventually warranted a statue titled “Rebirth” outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to honor him and his current battle with ALS.

As punter Matt Bosher was ready to take the snap, it was mentioned by television commentators he had never had a punt returned for a touchdown which was prophetic…because it was magic time for the Saints.

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Michael Mauti (56) celebrates after blocking and recovering a punt against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker Michael Mauti, a local Mandeville native who was in the stands for the famous blocked punt in 2006, came crashing through blocking Bosher’s punt and recovered it for touchdown in almost the exact same way and look that Gleason did.

The Advocate’s Joel Erickson said offensive tackle Zach Strief looked at the Jumbotron as it showed Gleason right after the scoop and score and it brought him to tears.

All around the stadium and those watching felt a little bit of nostalgia and echoed the thoughts from former linebacker Scott Fujta that night and said, “There’s no way we’re losing this game.”

The Saints would go on to handily beat the Falcons 31-21 but the score seemed skewed with standout efforts on both sides of the ball.

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) loses the ball when hit by New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) in the fourth quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won, 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Tight end Benjamin Watson had a career day catching ten receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown while defensive end Cameron Jordan erupted with three sacks and forced a fumble that he recovered to end the game with less than thirty seconds to go.

The Saints Are Who We Hoped They Were Against The Falcons

By Gene Higginbotham | Oct 17, 2015

More from Big Easy Believer