Pats Pulpit: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Around SBN: Baby Boilers no more: Michigan State-Purdue Preview

Q & A with Canal Street Chronicles

Canalstreetchronicles_medium

Yes sir, ladies and gentlemen.  This coming Monday, we have one heck of a matchup.  The undefeated New Orleans Saints host our very own New England Patriots in the Big Easy, Nawlins', home of gumbo, Dixieland, and Drew Brees.  However, there's more to this team than the incredibly talented quarterback who seems to have firmly planted himself in any discussion about top quarterbacks in the NFL.

The New Orleans Saints are loaded with talent, the type of talent us Patriots fans are used to having on our own team.  Very few are tops at their position, but they excel at playing as a team, a formula Coach Sean Payton is not shy about crediting  the Patriots for:

"You look to duplicate, or try to duplicate," Payton said. "You spend more time talking about doing all the right things and trying to pay close attention to what New England has done as an organization. Certainly, they have been at the forefront of our league. If you were in business, it would be silly not to pay attention to how they’ve been successful, their formula and their recipe.

Leading up to what purports to be an awesome matchup, the Canal Street Chronicles "head coach" Saintsational and I exchanged questions with each other.  Without further delay, our Q & A after the jump.

Star-divide

Do you feel like the 10-0 Saints aren't getting the respect they deserve for an undefeated team? If so, is it the media driving this lack of respect?


Well, first I think we should define the term "respect" in this situation. If we're talking about respect from the general football fan, I think the Saints get plenty. Everything I've read on Canal Street Chronicles from other teams fans proves they acknowledge the talent. Furthermore, I've had a lot of people tell me the Saints are their second favorite team behind their own and that they're rooting for us.

But if we're discussing respect in terms of media coverage, I don't think they get as equal a share as other teams like the Cowboys, Patriots and Colts, even when they're playing just as good or better football. But I understand the reasoning behind it. The Saints have shown brilliance before but never been able to sustain it. That just doesn't compare to ten solid years of success like the Colts and Pats have had. I think there is a hesitance by most people to start heaping praise for fear that the Saints are just a flash in the pan. I think much of the media still needs a little more proof. I'm hoping the Saints have it in them.


Educate us Patriots fans. We know all about Drew Brees, but who are the "other guys" you would consider at the top of their game, the guys making Drew (and the Saints) successful?


The offensive line is first and foremost. Without them doing an excellent job of protecting Drew and keeping him clean, he wouldn't be able to do the amazing things he does. Guards Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks are having superb seasons and Jermon Bushrod has stepped up big time protecting Drew's blind side, filling in for starting left tackle Jammal Brown.

Give credit also the the gaggle of talented receivers the Saints have collected like trophies over the past couple of years. Each and every one is a threat and with so many, game planning is a headache. Probably most at the top of his game right now is third year receiver Robert Meachem out of Tennessee. Sean Payton said himself that good things just happen when Meachem gets the ball.

Finally, the emergence of a running attack and a more balanced offense has a lot to do with the success of Drew and the Saints. With a trio of running backs to hand the ball off to, the Saints just haven't had to rely on Brees and the passing game as much this year. That's very important.

Talk a bit about the Saints' cornerback situation. Veteran Mike McKenzie was brought back after being released in March, a move that makes the Saints look a little thin at corner. Is that your perception? Is that a spot you worry about or do you feel NO is capable of compensating?


The Saints are definitely a little banged up at the cornerback position. Before signing Mike McKenzie this week, the Saints also signed former Ravens Pro-Bowler Chris McAlister. With starting cornerback Tracy Porter out a few more weeks and backup Leigh Torrence placed on IR, these signings were necessary from a depth standpoint. I don't expect either McKenzie or McAlister to start on Monday but I do believe they will be called in to help cover Randy Moss, Wes Welker and company as part of the Saints game plan.

Most importantly will be the status of starting cornerback Jabari Greer. If he's healthy enough to return on Monday night, then the cause for concern is significantly reduced.

Where do you think the Saints will have the most trouble with the Patriots? Conversely, in what area do you think New Orleans has a clear advantage?


First and foremost, I think both of these teams are very talented, very well coached and match up well.

I'm definitely worried about the Patriots passing attack. Brady is obviously a supremely talented quarterback and he's got quite a few weapons at his disposal, all of whom can spread the field. With a banged up secondary, I'm afraid the Saints will need to play conservative defense for fear of giving up the big play, which won't allow for an aggressive pass rush on Brady and will allow him to take all day with his throws.

I think the Saints have an advantage on offense because of their balance. We all know Drew Brees and the passing attack is extremely potent but so is the Saints running game. They have the ability to keep defenses guessing, wear them down and go with whatever's working.

I also think Sean Payton is at the top of his coaching game right now.


Which Patriots player(s) do you feel are the most dangerous, the players Sean Payton will key on the most? What will be the matchups to watch?


Randy Moss is the obvious answer which is why the status of starting cornerback Jabari Greer is important. Having played for Buffalo and against the Patriots twice every year, he's the Saints best option to cover Moss. I also expect the Saints to bring in extra help for him.

Because of the attention Moss will demand and his ability to stretch the field vertically, I think Wes Welker becomes equally dangerous. He's a great receiver with great hands and a knack for finding open field. Brady and Welker have a certain chemistry and I worry about a lot of short, quick strikes that eat up clock and wear down the Saints defense.

A big shoutout to Saintsational for answering my questions.  Don't forget to checkout Canal Street Chronicles for my answers to his questions.

0 recs  |  Comment 40 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

More from Pats Pulpit

Super Bowl Coverage

Feb 2010 by MaPatsFan - 15 comments

Give Bill O'Brien Another Chance!

Feb 2010 by The Hill - 46 comments

Comments

Display:

Great Q&A. This is definitely great insight on the opposition.

P.S. As a Hofstra alum, Marques Colston is my boy!!

Beer is good! And stuff!

by R_Adragna on Nov 27, 2009 2:07 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I grew up in Hempstead

Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!

by Saintsational on Nov 27, 2009 9:54 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Really? That's neat!

Beer is good! And stuff!

by R_Adragna on Nov 27, 2009 11:06 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

yup

walked over hempstead turnpike in that covered walkway many a time.

Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!

by Saintsational on Nov 28, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

The guys over at the Saints blog....

…are really nice. I recommend heading over there just to wish them luck and perhaps answer a few questions.

by The Hill on Nov 27, 2009 4:25 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

true but few of their fans dont have any class

i didn’t see trash talk like this from the Colts

by mathew.40 on Nov 27, 2009 7:15 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't say classless...

…I would say extremely homeristic. But what team doesn’t have that? If you aren’t a homer, how can you be a fan of the team?

by The Hill on Nov 27, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

its just

the talk of “o we are 10-0, and come talk to us when your team is 10-0” or the whole spygate thing
it seems like they think they already won SB 44

by mathew.40 on Nov 27, 2009 7:29 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

agreed

a devout homer can still respect other teams and their fans

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Nov 27, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

That's true.

But I’ve only seen 3-4 of their posters be blatantly rude and disrespectful towards us.

by The Hill on Nov 27, 2009 7:41 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

CSC Rocks!

Y’all should come down to Nola for the game! Win or lose, it would be a great time!

by xen-cuts on Nov 27, 2009 4:36 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Would love to!

Where can I get a good gumbo? You know, one with some kick to it?

Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Nov 27, 2009 8:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

You know what...

there is one place in Boston in like Inman Square I think. They have Abita beer. I’m blanking on the name but it’s your only good bet for some gumbo.

The old HOB used to have decent gumbo, too. Not sure about the new one.

by xen-cuts on Nov 28, 2009 8:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

In Nola,

I’d suggest trying out Mr. B’s. It’s reasonably priced and has solid gumbo. I also like Cafe Luke a lot.

by xen-cuts on Nov 28, 2009 8:12 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks xen-cuts

Usually I like my food super spicy, but ya gotta be careful when you say that to chefs of certain “styles” of food.

Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Nov 28, 2009 8:14 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

That would've rocked!

I’ll have to check these guys out. Props on the tip.

Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Nov 30, 2009 10:56 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Would love to in near future.

One question though: What is the place you would personally recommend for great spicy and fried shrimp (outside of Ruby Tuesdays, of course)?

Beer is good! And stuff!

by R_Adragna on Nov 27, 2009 11:05 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

In Nola I'd probably go with ACME

but you can get that stuff anywhere. The real gem at ACME are the raw oysters. They are amazing! I’d probably go to Drago’s as a second choice.

by xen-cuts on Nov 28, 2009 8:12 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

In Boston...

I’d probably go to Yankee lobster or LTK. I really don’t like Legal Seafood.

by xen-cuts on Nov 28, 2009 8:13 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Also

the Ruby Tuesday dig is not cool and I’m trying to ignore it.

by xen-cuts on Nov 28, 2009 8:14 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Just noticed that Kazcur was on Friday limited.

I don’t think he’ll be starting on Monday. I’m guessing:

Matt Light will get some reps at LT and Vollmer will start at RT with Kazcur at back-up. If Light’s in trouble, Vollmer will go to LT and Kazcur will come back in.

by The Hill on Nov 27, 2009 8:49 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

If Vollmer doesn’t play, Matt Light might start at left, and LeVoir at right with Kazcur backing up. I’m sure hoping Vollmer plays, and Light is playing for his job.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Nov 27, 2009 8:53 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

We have are hands full.

I hope are D can mix it up just enough for Brees not to pick up on coverages every play. Pressure will not be great. If we get a lead we better not play prevent offense like the Colts game. I think if we can contain Bush on the outside I really don’t see us getting burned. My fearless forecast: Brees 27-41 240yds 2TD and BRADY 32-41 332yds 3TD and 1 rush TD. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. With finals coming up I have to play hooky Monday or at least leave early. Moss can clinch my playoffs spot in Fantasy Football too! Oh yea going against Brees. GO PATRIOTS! PATRICK CHUNG INT!

Jack of all trades-Master of None.....

by Peter Chung on Nov 28, 2009 12:40 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

go to their website.

some of their fans are talking sanchize, thinking they already went 19-0 and won the SB and talking smack about the spygate and how we are overrated and going to get whomped

by mathew.40 on Nov 28, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

A New England Patriots Blog

Media requests: Please email patspulpit at gmail.com

Start posting about the Patriots »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Comcast NFL RedZone Moments from SB Nation

Music City Miracles
Tennessee Titans Red Zone Report
Bleeding Green Nation
Comcast NFL Red Zone stat of the week - Something doesn't have to give
Niners Nation
49ers Red Zone numbers: How effective are they?

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Smpavatar_small
Caption Contest

Recent FanPosts

Patriotsthrowbacklogo_small
Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning: Who's the Best? - Part V
August_2008_175_small
10 Super Bowl Observations
August_2008_175_small
Parcels or Belichick?
Small
I've been looking for potential RBs in the second round.....
Bill_belichick-vader_mask_small
Patriots announce 2010 Defensive Coordinator... Bill Belichick?
12-22-07_1831_small
Luck or destiny?
Small
Patriots interested in CFL sack leader
Nnamdi_small
The End of an Era?
Bill_belichick-vader_mask_small
Is a Bill Belichick style defense now obsolete?

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Latest NFL Headlines from SB Nation

SPONSORS


Managing Editor

Patspulpit_small MaPatsFan

Contributing Writers

Belichick_2_small Marima

Smpavatar_small SlotMachinePlayer

Small Comedic.Sans

Bg_small The Hill