Because of Weak Defense, Saints Must Go “All In” on Offense

In the middle of the 4th quarter last Sunday, the New Orleans Saints offense was looking for the kill shot against the Raiders.

They had a first and goal from the Raiders 8-yard line and a touchdown would have put the Saints up 31-19 with under nine minutes to play.

Instead, the Saints were forced to settle for a field goal making it a 27-19, a one possession game.

The rest as they say, is history.

On their second play of the ensuing drive, the Raiders busted loose for a back-breaking 75 yard touchdown run and converted the two point conversion to tie the game up.

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) takes off on a 75-yard touchdown run against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Raiders won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

That sequence completely changed the momentum of the game, and the Saints would ultimately lose a heart-breaker — despite the valiant effort of Drew Brees to get them into position for a potential game winning field goal.

They say that hindsight is 20/20, but I’m willing to bet if Sean Payton had the opportunity to do it over again, he would have gone for it on fourth down instead of settling for the field goal.

The Saints followed this aggressive strategy early in the first half, converting a fourth-and-one touchdown pass to Willie Snead.

This was a similar scenario, with the Saints settling for the field goal from the Raiders’ two yard line.

They actually initially lined up to go for it.

Commentator Ronde Barber was mind-boggled by the apparent decision; commenting on air that he disagreed with it.

I was ecstatic by the decision given that if the Saints converted it, they’d probably seal the game; and even if they failed, Oakland would be backed up in the shadow of their own goal post, an advantageous situation for our young defense.

Instead, they burned their last time out with over eight minutes left to play.

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton calls a time out in the fourth quarter of their game against the Oakland Raiders at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Raiders won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The mishandling of the timeouts would come back to burn the Saints in their comeback attempt.

“At this point, the Saints should know who they are”

Some fans will make the argument that settling for the field goal was the right decision and that the Saints should be able to protect a fourth quarter lead.

I would counter with one of the most popular definitions of insanity: “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.”

They have proven over and over, and over again, that they are completely incapable of holding a lead with their defense in the fourth quarter.

I respect the decision that was made Sunday because it’s a new season, and the defense deserved a chance.

However, moving forward, the Saints should know who they are, and Sean Payton should coach the offense accordingly.

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) takes off on a 75-yard touchdown run against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Raiders won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

One of the main reasons the Raiders won was the gutsy play-calling of Jack Del Rio.

While he will ultimately be celebrated in this game because of his choice to go for the win with the two-point conversion after the last Raiders score, many fans and pundits don’t realize, he went for two point conversions on THREE different occasions in the 4th quarter.

They were successful on 2-3 attempts.

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Earlier this off-season, Drew Brees was on record as saying he would love to go for two points every time.

While I’m not blaming the Saints for the way they handled their PATs on Sunday, it might be something worth looking into.

It sure worked out for the Raiders.

Too many times in the past few seasons, which have resulted in 7-9 records, the Saints have played conservatively offensively with the lead.

I wouldn’t have a problem with this strategy, except it puts the game in the hands of their hapless defense.

At this point, the Saints should know who they are.

They would be better served always assuming they are playing from behind when it comes to offensive decisions.

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a catch for a two-point conversion while defended by New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (46) late in the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Raiders won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Sure, maybe the Saints can find some sort of pass rush, maybe their young corners will rise up to play like seasoned veterans, and maybe the line will do a better job of fitting against run plays.

That’s a lot of maybe’s and if’s — especially when weighed against the fact that I KNOW what Drew Brees and the offense will do.

Next: How Desperate Are the Saints For a Pass Rush?

I’ll leave you with this thought.

If you have a choice of who you want on the field with the game on the line, who would you choose: The Saints defense in a must hold situation with under two minutes to play, with opposing offenses knowing they are going for it on all four downs?

Or Drew Brees and his explosive playmakers on a fourth down conversion attempt?

It’s past time that the Saints embrace who they are, and start letting their best players decide their fate in 2016………..