Houston at New Orleans NFL Capsule Week 3

HOUSTON TEXANS (2-0) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-1)

SERIES

11/18/07: Saints 10 at Texans 23. Houston QB Matt Schaub completes 21 of 33 passes for 293 yards with 2 TD for 112.3 passer rating as Texans shutout New Orleans in 2nd half.9/14/03: Saints 31, Texans 10. New Orleans outscores Houston 24-0 in 2nd half. QB Aaron Brooks passes for 2 TDs.CBS (12:00 PM CT): Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf. SIRIUS: 86 (Hou.), 148 (NO). XM: 225 (NO).

STATS

Brees: 58-86-689 (2C)-6 (2C)-0-114.9 (3L)Sproles (RB): 15 (T1C)-118-7.9-1Rackers: 21 (T1C) (6/6 PAT; 5/5 FG)Kasay: 22 (1L) (7/7 PAT; 5/5 FG)

NOTES

TEXANS:  Aim for 1st 3-0 start in franchise history…QB MATT SCHAUB has 71.7 comp. pct. (38 of 53) this season, best in NFL. In last meeting vs. NO, Schaub passed for 293 yards with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 112.3 rating. Schaub (1,242) needs 2 comp. to surpass DAVID CARR (1,243) for most in Texans history…RB ARIAN FOSTER (1,906) needs 94 rush yards to reach 2,000 career. RB BEN TATE (116, 103) needs 100 rush yards vs. NO to join CADILLAC WILLIAMS (3 straight games in ’05) as only players in NFL history with 100+ rush yards in 1st 3 games of career…WR ANDRE JOHNSON aims for 3rd straight game with 7 catches, 90+ rec. yards & TD. Had 6 rec. for 120 yards (20 avg.) with TD in last game vs. NO…TE OWEN DANIELS posted 18th career TD rec. last week & 1st of season…Defense ranks 1st in NFL in points allowed per game (10) & passing yards per game (162.5)…DE ANTONIO SMITH aims for 3rd consecutive game with sack…CB JOHNATHAN JOSEPH posted 1st INT with Texans last week…SAINTS: Since joining NO in 2006, QB DREW BREES leads NFL in att. (3,099), comp. (2,078), yards (23,607) & TDs (161). Brees has won 14 of past 19 starts at home (incl. playoffs), completing 500 of 712 (70.2 pct.) for 5,533 yards with 46 TDs vs. 16 INTs for 105.2 rating. In past 6 vs. AFC, has completed 174 of 237 (73.4 pct.) for 1,900 yards with 16 TDs vs. 7 INTs for 106.9 rating…RB-PR-KR DARREN SPROLES had 8 catches last week, incl. 12-yard TD. Leads NFL with 7 catches on 3rd down. RB PIERRE THOMAS has 5 TDs (4 rush, 1 rec.) in past 6 vs. AFC…WR DEVERY HENDERSON had 3 catches for 103 yards & TD (79 yards) in Week 2 & aims for 3rd in row with 100+ yards & TD. Had TD catch in last meeting. WR ROBERT MEACHEM has 19 career rec. TDs & 13 have gone for 25+ yards. Averages 29.4 yards per TD catch (559 yards). TE JIMMY GRAHAM had 6 catches for 79 yards last week. Has 5 TDs in past 5…Since entering NFL in 2006, S ROMAN HARPER has 12 sacks, most by DB. Had 2 sacks & FF last week. DT SEDRICK ELLIS aims for 3rd in row vs. AFC with sack.

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Gridiron Gab Week Fifteen Preview – New Orleans at Baltimore

Opponent: New Orleans Saints

Record: 10-3

Head Coach: Sean Payton

Big Test

The Saints come to Baltimore playing their best football of the season. On the other end of the spectrum the Ravens offense have struggled to run the ball and have been inconsistent protecting quarterback Joe Flacco. Defensively, the Ravens gave up a 21 point lead in their game against the Texans on Monday night.  Sunday versus the Saints is a huge test for the Ravens defense and the Ravens offensive line.

The Saints

It all starts with quarterback Drew Brees who is in command of the offense.  Brees has thrown for 3855 yards, with 28 TD’s and 18 Int.’s.  The Saints have numerous weapons on offense with receivers Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Robert Meachem and TE Jeremy Shockey. RB Reggie Bush who has been sidelined for most of the season must be accounted for on the field. The run game is lead by Chris Ivory who averaging 5.3 yards a carry.  The unit is ranked 7th in points scored (25.4) and 3rd in passing yards at 285. The run game is ranked 22nd at 101.1 yards.

Of late: The Saints are taking deeper shots down field and spreading out defenses. Rookie tight end Jimmy Graham is becoming more involved in the offense. Running back Pierre Thomas is back in the fold after being injured.

The Saints defense have played consistent this year.  The unit is ranked 5th in points allowed,18.9.  Against the run they are ranked 16th (107.8 yards). Linebacker Jonathan Vilma (88 combined tackles, 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles) covers a lot of ground. The secondary plays the pass well ranked 5th and surrendering just under 200 yards a game. The Saints utilize their safeties well.  Strong safety Roman Harper is an impact player with 6 forced fumbles, 3 sacks and 1 interception.  Free safety Malcolm Jenkins in another impact player and has filled in well for the injured Darren Sharper.  Cornerback Tracy Porter has 1 and 1 forced fumble.

Player Match-ups:

LT Michael Oher vs. DT Sedrick Ellis: Eliis has 5 sacks on the season. Oher and the offensive line have to tighten up protections.

Ravens O-line vs. Saints D-line: The Ravens may continue to go with Oniel Cousins at right tackle (as they did Monday night) and Marshal Yanda at right guard in an effort to improve the run game. The Saints are ranked 16th against the run this year.

QB Joe Flacco vs. SS Roman Harper: Looks like teams will continue to bring their safeties until Flacco can audible to a quick pass (hot read).

RB Ray Rice vs. LB Jonathon Vilma The Saints have an excellent secondary and the Ravens will want to establish the run.

Ed Reed vs. Drew Brees: The Saints spread out defenses and will attack the secondary, Reed didn’t have his best game against the Texans, he’ll be an important factor slowing down the Saints offense. Brees is playing true to form now, but he does have 18 interceptions on the season.

T-Sizzle/D-line vs. Saints O-line: You think the Ravens defense will go with the 3 man rush after last week? Let’s hope not. A key will be the pass rush, getting to Drew Brees. Suggs will need to have a good game.

Ravens Linebackers vs. TE Jeremy Shockey: Linebackers McClain and Gooden must be physical in order to throw the with the Saints Tight end off his routes. Shockey is the third leading receiver on the team with 37 receptions and 3 TD.’s.

CB Josh Wilson vs. WR Marques Colston: It’s looking like Wilson is matching up against the opponents number one receivers. Colston has 76 receptions, 921 yards 7 TD’ and is averaging 12.1 yards a catch. A tough match-up for any cornerback.

PLAYER WHO MAKES THE HIGHLIGHT FILM:

Jonathan Scruggs: Ed Reed

After a down week against the Houston Texans, Ed Reed will need to have a bounce back outing against the New Orleans Saints. Early forecasts for the game suggest cold and snow/rain. If the Ravens are going to win it’s going to start with Ed making Drew Brees pay for mistakes made in sloppy weather.

Matt Jergensen: Terrell Suggs

“Pressure is the name of the game on defense. Matt Schaub threw the game away on the play before the Josh Wilson’s pick. Suggs was in the end zone grasping at the Texans starter looking to start the Safety dance. He caused the game to change. Hopefully he’ll do it again against a great offense.”

Gene Winner: Ray Rice

“The Ravens coaches aren’t done trying to make this a more physical offensive line. Look for Ray Rice to have some success this game.”

Recent News:

Cousins officially moves up depth chart

“Oniel Cousins’ stint with the starters against the Houston Texans was not an experiment, as his name was officially promoted on the Ravens’ latest depth chart.Cousins started his first game of the season – and the fourth of his three-year career – at right tackle in the Ravens’ 34-28 overtime victory. Cousins’ addition to the first team let Marshal Yanda slide down to right guard, his more natural position. And, it also meant the Ravens could use former starting right guard Chris Chester, one of the Ravens’ most athletic linemen, rove as a blocking tight end in a jumbo package. It is unknown whether Cousins’ starting role is permanent, but the depth-chart change means Cousins is at least expected to be with the ones this weekend against the New Orleans Saints.”

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Gridiron Gab Week Twelve Preview: New Orleans at Dallas

New Orleans Saints (7-3) vs. Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
When: Thursday, November 25 at 4:15 pm EST
Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX
Media: FOX

There are very few teams in the league that are flying as high as the Cowboys are. After a disastrous 1-7 start to the season the Cowboys have won two in a row and are looking to make it three tomorrow. As Thanksgiving approaches, he Boys haven’t had much to be thankful for this season. They’ve lost their star quarterback, changed coaches, and suffered through a very disappointing season. One thing that will make the players and fans feel better is if they can get a win on Thanksgiving over the potent defending Super Bowl champs, the Saints.

This will be the first time that the Saints and Cowboys have met on Thanksgiving. Dallas holds a 27-14-1 record on Thanksgiving and have won their last four. This year will be a lot tougher. The Saints, led by former Cowboys coach Sean Payton, come into this weeks game on a bit of a hot streak. After a slow start the Saints have really turned it on of late winning their last three games and have started to look like their old selves again, that is bad news for the Cowboys, especially their defense.

The Saints have a very potent attack, particularly through the air. Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees is one of the best in the league. He has a great arm and a ton of weapons at his disposal. When the Saints and Cowboys clashed near the end of last season, the Cowboys won because Brees had little time to throw. The Cowboys will have to mirror that blueprint this week, something they haven’t done consistently all season.

The Cowboys are also a team that is looking like it’s old self. Interim head coach Jason Garrett has his team playing at a much different level the last two weeks. While the offense has sputtered at times, it has been the defense that has looked completely different.

For the Cowboys to win they will have to be able to put up a lot of points. One thing is certain, the Saints will score. QB Jon Kitna is going to need to be sharp. The offensive line is going to have to have its best game of the season and allow Kitna to find his receivers. TE Jason Witten will figure to get a lot of catches as the Saints will blitz often trying to get to Kitna. We have seen the last two weeks when Kitna has time to throw he still has a rocket arm. The Cowboys will also need to control the clock by running the ball and keeping the Saints off the field. The Cowboys run game has been awful this year, and hasn’t looked a lot better lately. While it has improved modestly, the Cowboys stats are a little inflated because of a couple big runs. The coaching staff would like to see the Cowboys run more consistently and gain between 4 and 5 yards minimum a carry. Lately, the Boys have been around 2 of 3. Part of the problem has been defenders in the backfield and the Cowboys unwillingness to disguise their play calls. When everyone knows you’re running it makes it tough to get very far.

The Cowboys will be unable to rely on undrafted rookie Bryann McCann to continue to score like he has, but it would be nice if he is able to help solidify the secondary. New Orleans receivers go 5 deep. All guys capable of starting on other teams. The Cowboys will have to play sound football and get some pressure on Drew Brees in order to coral this potent attack. Saints RB Reggie Bush is looking to make his return to the lineup this week, which would give them another weapon.

The most surprising part of the Saints in 2010 has been their defense. They rank fourth in the league in both points allowed and yards allowed. They have the second best pass defense and have been able to generate some key turnovers this season. Look for the Cowboys to try to expose the Saints defense with Jason Witten and Dez Bryant. Bryant has been coming on of late and he has tremendous speed and elusiveness, which the Saints will be mindful of.

The Cowboys face a tough task on Thursday. While Jason Garrett has been able to go 2-0, I doubt he will be able to make it three. Saints will take it 30-21.

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GridironGab Week Eleven Preview: Seattle at New Orleans

It seems like a weekly ritual, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll calling his team’s upcoming matchup a challenge; however, he recognizes that Week 11 presents something even more arduous than usual.

Leaving the Pacific Northwest to take on the defending Super Bowl champions.

“This is a really big-time challenge,” said Carroll, at his Wednesday press conference from the Seahawks’ Renton, Wash. training facilities, of facing the New Orleans Saints. “This quarterback. This, this head coach. This defensive coordinator – all of these guys have just expertise out the, out the wazoo.”

The quarterback position is arguably the most noticeable for New Orleans. Drew Brees was crowned last season’s Super Bowl MVP in the team’s 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and finds himself among the top in the National Football League in passing yards this year.

“They’re averaging almost 50 throws a game the last three weeks, so, why not?” asked Carroll.

“He does everything right. He understands. He does a marvelous job of checking off and adjusting and doing the things that great experienced quarterbacks do. Moves perfectly in the pocket to find his throwing lanes and he has every throw.”

While Brees has excelled this season, his success has been tempered as defenses have used two-deep zones to hang back in coverage and take away the deep ball – a staple in the Saints’ aerial attack last year. Because of this, wide receivers Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem have been relatively quiet. Both had career seasons last year, but both have less than 24 receptions this season.

“You have to do everything,” said Carroll of how to defend Brees. “You can’t just cover. You can’t just rush. You won’t be able to just blitz him and knock him outta the boat because he’ll tear ya up.”

Helping to possibly relieve some defensive attention off Brees will be Reggie Bush. The running back is set to return to the Saints’ lineup after missing the past seven games with a broken fibula.

“He’s just a factor, you know?” asked Seattle’s Carroll, who coached Bush in college at the University of Southern California. “They use him in so many different ways and he’s so explosive that you have to pay attention to him.”

While New Orleans’ offense has been noteworthy, its defense has been even better.

Led by coordinator Greg Williams, the unit’s jumped from 20th in points allowed in the NFL and 25th in yards allowed last season to fourth and third, respectively.

“Over the years, Greg’s done so much stuff and he’s always been on the cutting edge of aggressive attack,” said the Seahawks’ head coach.

Subduing that aggressiveness will be even more important this week than others for Carroll and the Seahawks because starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has a broken bone in the wrist of his non-throwing hand. However, Carroll won’t change the team’s offensive game plan due to the injury.

“Our plan is that we can do whatever we want to do,” said the head coach.

With the game plan intact, wide receiver Mike Williams will look to continue to be a prominent fixture. His 145 receiving yards in last week’s win in Arizona was the best single-game performance of his four-year career in the NFL and, in Seattle’s last three wins, the wideout has had at least 10 receptions.

Sunday’s kickoff for Seattle (5-4) and New Orleans (6-3) from the Superdome is set for 4:05 p.m. Eastern.

Can’t get enough NFLGridironGab?  Follow SeahawksGab Editor Devon Heinen on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DevonHeinen.

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