[Hazlett]

Just thought I would share this....a Saints fan giving his view on RG3 and the game.

I got this from the Saints Report forum: I dont have 10 posts yet, so I cant actually post the link.



1st I think everyone needs to take a step back and get some fresh air. We've had one of the toughest off season ever for an NFL team and we've been living off hopes and dreams for the past few months. Today we got actuall football and now we are faced with actually digesting it. Its tough to swallow a loss like this but I think us as lifelong Saints fans have to chill and put things in perspective. Easy to overreact (we are fans thats what we do) but lets please try to be a little sane.

- Defense had no idea RG3 will play this well: RG3 played outstanding. Don't think it was just our D playing poor. We went into this game with almost no film on this guy and how he and his new skill players will be utilized in this offense. RG3, although not as seasoned, presents the same threat as Aaron Rodgers. He can throw extremely well, and can run. He is even more athletic and faster, and has great control over his body. What shocked me is his poise and control over the offense. Not to mention the Skins came with a great plan, get him comfortable with short passes, see how the defense adjusts, then hit us with the run game and down field throws. Add in the secondary injuries and it just didn't click. I liked RG3 coming out and knew he would be a handful in this game, but he looked ridiculously good. Skins might win 11 games this year if he keeps it up.

- Offense could not get into rhythm: It reminded me of when we played the Rams last season. we simply could not establish rhythm or tempo..2 important factors to how our offense operates. Drew completed less than 50% of passes...seriously. Drops, penalties, poor blocking, injuries, sluggish play, etc all played a factor. They simply didn't "do their jobs" . It was very disappointing. Yet they still scored points. I have no doubt they will be chomping at the bit to get things fixed. I do think we missed Payton obviously, the guy is one of the best coaches in the league....I think we fooled ourselves into thinking we wont face some adversity. But I think we have the people in place to work through this. Accountability is the biggest thing we are missing right now. Payton was the head honcho in the building, he could have any player cut, he has Loomis and Benson's ear at all time. That leadership vaccum is there now...who is in charge? This is something that will HAVE to be worked out internally. The buck needs to stop with someone. But lets face it, turn about 5 of those drops and fumbles into catches and its a different game.


Everyone just calm down. Lets see how this team adjusts and bounces back from this. Maybe they wont, maybe they tank and go 2-14.....yep...exactly...you know they wont. We lost one game, there are 15 more for us to get the corrections in place and move forward. I feel good about this team. The fight they showed at the end gave me the confidence where I know we are ok. Drew hates losing and I expect this to be his worst game of the year by far, same for the D. Greer will be back. Lofton and Hawthorne will be healthier. We'll have more tape on our opponents. Guess will mesh and begin to play more as a TEAM again.

Will they be perfect? No, wont happen because we are not a perfect team. Lets take it a game at a time and continue to support our HOME TEAM, our SAINTS!!!

Meanwhile, do yourself a favor and avoid twitter, nfln, and espn