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Luke McCown Shines In Loss To Panthers

0-3 is not the way the New Orleans Saints wanted to kick off the season, especially with two of those losses to division opponents. The Saints are now tied with the Ravens, Lions, and Bears as the worst teams in the NFL. With Drew Brees out last week, it was journeyman back up Quarterback Luke McCown’s opportunity to shine in Sunday’s contest against the Carolina Panthers for the first time since playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2007 (which was a win against the Saints).

In Brees’ absence, McCown filled in admirably throwing 31/38, 310 yards, and one interception which was not even McCown’s fault but a tremendous interception by Panthers Cornerback Josh Normand. McCown showed that he is an impressive game manager after being in the league for 12 years and still has some zip in his throws. McCown was almost perfect statistically until the final drive of the game which saw both Willie Snead and sure-handed Marques Colston drop 3 passes between each other. After the game, Drew Brees updated everyone on his current health status and listed himself as “day-to-day” and remains optimistic to play this Sunday night against an impressive Dallas Cowboys team that looks like it can contend, even without Tony Romo and Dez Bryant.

The game plan entering into the contest was simple, keep it simple. Throw short/intermediate routes and run the ball in which the latter obviously failed. Again. Mark Ingram, the team’s leading rusher with only 14 carries for 50 yards, was able to manage a touchdown in the red zone much like he did against the Buccaneers. However, he again lacked the fire we saw him run with last season which convinced the team to re-sign him.

Khiry Robinson only managed 12 yards on 7 carries and a 2-yard touchdown, but otherwise struggled against a stout defense. One of my biggest complaints was the lack of touches C. J. Spiller has had since the team signed him. After being limited to a measly 4 touches last week, his touches did not improve yesterday despite playing in about 9 more plays than he did before. A $4 million a year contract should warrant way more than 3-4 touches a game. Head Coach Sean Payton in an interview with Christopher Dabe of the Times-Picayune, said “I got to get him more opportunities. “He’s healthy, and shoot, he needs more than anybody to stay actively warm as opposed to one play every 12 of 14 plays.”

The wide receiving corps did appear to be a little better, but still with much work to be done. Willie Snead, 5 catches for 44 yards, has really taken advantage of his opportunities and appears to have dethroned fellow receiver Brandon Coleman for the team’s #3 receiver. Despite a drop on the last drive of the game, Snead has continued to impress.

Speaking of Brandon Coleman, much like this past preseason, he has again been a non-factor with only 1 catch for 9 yards. He had a big play opportunity given to him later in the game, but was unable to catch the ball successfully.

Marques Colston should’ve had a much better game than he did, only securing 4 catches for 47 yards along with 2 dropped passes. Brandin Cooks, the team’s leading receiver with 7 catches for 79 yards statistically had a solid game has yet to cross the goal line.

The offensive line owed few apologies to Luke McCown on the day allowing only one sack, largely in part to McCown hanging on to the ball too long. They did fairly decent, however, they didn’t do much justice to help a failed running game.

The defensive game plan was also simple. Make Cam Newton beat you using his arm and it worked to a “T”. And I mean that in Cam Newton beat the Saints using his arm. Newton showed great touch on his passes and the defense gave him a helping hand by blowing coverages combined with poor tackling.

The Saints had no answer for Panthers Tight End Greg Olson who had a career day with 8 catches, 134 yards, and 2 touchdowns. The Saints mainly placed Safety Kenny Vaccaro in man coverage against him, but even Vaccaro had no answer to a guy who is almost twice his size.

Brandon Browner made his fair share of mistakes as well as he was unable to stay in man to man coverage against rejuvenated Wide Receiver Ted Ginn Jr. who had 4 catches for 93 yards. This team can’t wait to get Keenan Lewis back, who has been getting ready to begin practicing with the team. Jairus Byrd supposedly has been practicing as well and could possibly get a couple of snaps this weekend against the Cowboys if there aren’t any new setbacks.

I don’t think we can say enough about Linebackers Stephone Anthony and Hau’oli Kikaha so far. Despite the poor defensive play we have seen this season, these two have been bright spots, along with Cam Jordan. Hau’oli Kikaha his second straight sack in as many games and now has 18 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles and is on pace for Defensive Rookie of the Year if he keeps his production up. Stephone Anthony, while not putting up Kikaha’s numbers, has been very solid so far this year putting up 5 tackles yesterday. He still needs a little work in coverage, as I’ve said before, but he’s slowly showing improvement.

The defensive line struggled pressuring Newton and outside of Jordan, they have collectively struggled. Akiem Hicks and Jonathan Jenkins have to do a better job shedding blocks as they have young talent behind them, Tyeler Davidson and Bobby Richardson, chomping at the bit for more playing time.

Special teams did a much better job than last week. Zack Hocker completed his lone field goal attempt (31 yards) and his lone extra point. This doesn’t mean he’s out of hot water just yet. After a poor performance last week, this was for sure going to be a test to see if he sticks around much longer.

Marcus Murphy has been explosive since putting on a Saints uniform hasn’t he? His 74 yard punt return for a touchdown that put the Saints in a one possession game was huge. He tried to give the Saints another shot at getting ahead, but the team’s worn out defense had to immediately get back on the field and Cam Newton was able to take advantage of it.

This weekend is hands down a do-or-die situation for the Saints. The season is on the line as there has only been 3 teams since the NFL-AFL merger that has made the playoffs after starting the season 0-3, the 1998 Buffalo Bills were the last to accomplish this feat eventually going 10-6. The next four games on the Saints’ schedule is Dallas, @ Philly, Atlanta, and @ Indy. Despite the Cowboys’ injuries, they are still a tough opponent. Philly looks to start piecing their team together. Atlanta is on fire starting 3-0, and Indy will look to get back on track in the next couple of weeks.

Folks, the next few games will not be easy and will require the absolute best the Saints can be if they look to redeem themselves. In all three of the Saints’ losses, they have mostly been within one possession of winning the game. Regardless of who’s under center, the Saints still have a chance and McCown proved that yesterday.

Author: Spencer Galland

Raised in both Louisiana and Mississippi, I’ve become a life long fan of the New Orleans Saints and other regional sports teams, such as the Ole Miss Rebels, LSU Tigers, Atlanta Braves, New Orleans Pelicans, and several other small town colleges and teams. I grew up playing football, basketball, baseball, and martial arts.
Also want to thank you, reader, for taking the time to read my work and hope you follow along with me as I grow into this new found passion to express my love for the sports world. Thank you.

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