Saints road to repeat is not an easy task

Judging by the Saints first half performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they have a monumental task of trying to repeat this season.

The Saints defensive frontline was pushed around by Tampa Bay creating holes for LeGarrette Blount and Carnell Williams. New Orleans’ corners were also beat from time to time by the Bucs receivers. Tight end Kellen Winslow had two catches in the first half alone.

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On offense, Drew Brees extended his streak of games with at least one interception thrown to twelve, which is the most since Jon Kitna in 2006. His interception in the first half wasn’t his fault though. Reggie Bush proved once again that he isn’t an every down back by failing to catch some wide open passes. Some of those passes could’ve led to wide open opportunities downfield. He can’t throw a decent block. T

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he only thing he’s good at? Getting hand-offs and bursting through holes. His speed is above average and he can excel in the open field. Unfortunately, that’s his only strength.

Tampa Bay’s defense was able to chase Brees around mainly because their secondary clamped down on the Saints’ receivers. That’s a great thing to say about the Bucs because when Brees scrambles it usually leads to a completed pass. Brees is a great rhythm passer and Tampa Bay forced him to throw a little early or a little late. Brees hasn’t played up to his Super Bowl MVP standards. He has thrown 21 interceptions on the season. To Brees’ defense, he hasn’t been receiving the type of protection he got last season. The Bucs locked on him repeatedly. They forced a fumble and collapsed on him consistently.

What’s baffling is that New Orleans’ defense continued their single coverage downfield despite being beat at least two times for touchdowns. They blitzed at the wrong time and should’ve called zone after being beat twice for touchdowns.

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Maybe we’re focusing too much on a game that was meaningless for the Saints. But some miscues maybe telling signs of New Orleans’ shortcomings.

With teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots, the New Orleans Saints find themselves on the outside looking in. They’re in the same position as they were last year, despite being the defending Super Bowl champs. They’re underdogs. Maybe that’s the way they like it. Maybe that’s all the motivation they need to do the unthinkable. Repeat.