[barrett]

Originally Posted by Keith

Lots to pick at in a tight game.

Second half defense? 27 points allowed. Kinda have to think Romeo got out-maneuvered here. Colvin seems to be who we thought he was. On that last pass completion to set up the game-winning FG, the DBs were all back but collapsed to their man... all except Colvin.

Watt double teamed all night. Couple LB blitzes worked ok, but pass rush is going to be an issue. Probably going to be an issue against guys like Brees (and Brady) anyway.

That drive with about 4 mins remaining. 2nd and long? Draw play for no gain. Third and long? Sacked (was this the Tunsil sack? I think so). Then go ahead and let that clock run while the punt team finishes their smokes before taking the field. I mean... yeesh.

And how about we let Duke Johnson run between the tackles more than he has in his NFL career? Or give the ball back to Hyde immediately after he busted a nice run (and was probably a little gassed)?

Taking a timeout only to then challenge a (yes, poor) spot in the first half... only to then lose the challenge and a second timeout. Hey, at least O'Brien didn't lose another 2021 draft pick there.

A lot of positives though. Tunsil was otherwise really good. I hope the Texans don't ruin him. Hyde was a welcome surprise. Watson is who we thought he was. Hopkins finally scored some "drops" but was still his amazing self. Some sweet luck on poor refs hating on the Saints (that end of 1st half time runoff was piss poor and the roughing the kicker call on Fairbairn's missed XP was fortunate).

A road loss to a non-conference opponent. If Watson's back is just a bruise, then the team came out relatively healthy. Looked like a squad capable of taking the division. Defense would stilll seem to be a matchup nightmare with the Pats offense.

The timeout/challenge bungling was unforgivable. Just challenge the play. The NFL's challenge system is a mess but that one was all on BOB.

The roughing the kicker call was questionable but if they had called running into (which was an easy call) the result is the same re-kick. That was not a bad break for the Saints, it was just phenomenally stupid football.