Turning the Page: Saints at Cardinals Game Plan

[kerouac9]

There are ways that the Cards, even as currently constituted can win this game. Any given Sunday, blah, blah, blah. I actually think the team is going to be up for this game. I think they feed off the crowd, but they're going to have to earn that energy early. Here's what I would do:

1. Don't blitz. You play Drew Brees like you play Kurt Warner: Rush four and flood the zones. The Saints have good WRs, but not great ones. If you can play zone defense behind a four-man pass rush, you can get to Brees or force him to check down. The trick is to vary your blitz packages. Utilize the speed of Adrian Wilson and Daryl Washington; overload one side of the line. But only bring four.

2. Run the ball The Saints have a good secondary and good pass rushers, but a soft middle of the defense. Their tackles can be attacked. Run the ball straight up the middle. This means more Beanie Wells and less Tim Hightower, who is a much more effective zone runner (this is why you see OL standing around on THT's runs and not when Beanie's toting the rock). Keep the Saints' offense off the field and you stand a chance.

3. Stay tough in the red zone. The Cards' D has been solid in the red zone when they're not giving up the big play. You win games at home when you force the opposing team to settle for field goals in the red zone. The Saints don't have a rush offense while Pierre Thomas is on the shelf. Stay disciplined in coverage and lock down on Jeremy Shockey (for God's sake).

4. Get the crowd involved early. If there is a jailbreak blitz in the playbook, use it early (and then never again). The crowd is going to come in restless no matter who the starter is at quarterback. The Cards are going to have to earn their support. Get the ball up and downfield to Larry Fitzgerald. Let him make a play. Run a flea-flicker to take advantage of an aggressive defense. Anything to get the crowd involved and a factor.

5. Protect the passer. News Flash: The wide receiver corps is inexperienced. Defuse that problem by getting your experienced players on the field. Ben Patrick and Steven Spach should be featured players. Not only are you getting more veterans involved in the offense, but you're also creating favorable matchups with the Saints' below-average linebacking corps.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Good thoughts!

 

[MrYeahBut]

I know Shockey isn't a world beater, but put someone on him that can cover, forcryingoutloud...or whatever TE is in the game




.

 

[bg7brd]

Good post! It's nice to see some positive thoughts again.

 

[Mulli]

There you go again k9, trying to convince me the Cards have a shot against the Saints.

 

[JeffGollin]

It's hard to game plan when you're not positive who your starting QB will be. But assuming it's Hall, I think you're spot-on.

On offense, I'd try keep the ball away from Brees by running a lot (Saints have given up an average of 105 - 110 yards a game thus far this season).

And I'd try to give Hall a lot of short, "safe", rhythm throws (i.e. surrogate running plays) designed to move the chains (& avoid big plays by a very good Saint secondary).

Both of the above strategies are designed to eat up clock and keep Hall upright.

On defense - we may have to concede that Brees is going to rack up 30 - 50 points anyway and to either (a) keep up with him or (b) play keepaway by running the ball a lot and moving the chains.

One wild card (that could go either way) is special teams - We have guys who can block kicks and LSH who can go the distance. (Only thing is - they have Reggie Bush so we'd better be mentally-alert).

Finally, what I don't like (and am unwilling to accept) is the tendency of our team to cave, lose its poise and stay down once it gets beaten up a little bit early in games. The hallmark of consistently successful NFL teams is their ability to come back from as much as 17 - 20 point deficits to win a couple of tough games in the 2H. We have yet to show that resliancy (& we're going to need it).

 

[Cardiac]

There are ways that the Cards, even as currently constituted can win this game. Any given Sunday, blah, blah, blah. I actually think the team is going to be up for this game. I think they feed off the crowd, but they're going to have to earn that energy early. Here's what I would do:

1. Don't blitz. You play Drew Brees like you play Kurt Warner: Rush four and flood the zones. The Saints have good WRs, but not great ones. If you can play zone defense behind a four-man pass rush, you can get to Brees or force him to check down. The trick is to vary your blitz packages. Utilize the speed of Adrian Wilson and Daryl Washington; overload one side of the line. But only bring four.

Please call Davis now and walk him through this. I would add that make sure the D-line is paying extra attention to getting their arms up to help make the throwing lanes even smaller.

2. Run the ball The Saints have a good secondary and good pass rushers, but a soft middle of the defense. Their tackles can be attacked. Run the ball straight up the middle. This means more Beanie Wells and less Tim Hightower, who is a much more effective zone runner (this is why you see OL standing around on THT's runs and not when Beanie's toting the rock). Keep the Saints' offense off the field and you stand a chance.

It is time to focus more on the run and especially early in the game. Interesting observation about the oline and how they block for Beanie.

3. Stay tough in the red zone. The Cards' D has been solid in the red zone when they're not giving up the big play. You win games at home when you force the opposing team to settle for field goals in the red zone. The Saints don't have a rush offense while Pierre Thomas is on the shelf. Stay disciplined in coverage and lock down on Jeremy Shockey (for God's sake).

How do we lock down Shockey or any good TE for that matter? Play more nickle packages and put Rhodes on the TE? The D-line has to do a better job in controlling the LOS and stopping the run. The Saints have two excellent OG's so it won't be easy.

4. Get the crowd involved early. If there is a jailbreak blitz in the playbook, use it early (and then never again). The crowd is going to come in restless no matter who the starter is at quarterback. The Cards are going to have to earn their support. Get the ball up and downfield to Larry Fitzgerald. Let him make a play. Run a flea-flicker to take advantage of an aggressive defense. Anything to get the crowd involved and a factor.

I like the jailbreak blitz idea. I would add that even if they don't use it again they should show that look several times and then fall back into coverage.

5. Protect the passer. News Flash: The wide receiver corps is inexperienced. Defuse that problem by getting your experienced players on the field. Ben Patrick and Steven Spach should be featured players. Not only are you getting more veterans involved in the offense, but you're also creating favorable matchups with the Saints' below-average linebacking corps.

It would be great if we had a better weapon at TE but I agree with your thought process here. It would also help with the run game by having more two TE sets.

Great post and this is the perfect example of what more threads should look like.

 

[MrYeahBut]

(Only thing is - they have Reggie Bush so we'd better be mentally-alert).

I think Bush is out with injury

 

[kerouac9]

Cardiac--

I think that Shockey is an easier matchup than Miller or Gates. I think you bracket him and play a cover-three with Wilson lurking in the middle zone and Lenon and Washington defending the hook zones. I'm more worried about Shockey in the red zone than anywhere else. I think that part of it is on Wilson that he needs to play his man and not worry about looking into the backfield. He's not being disciplined when he's in man coverage.

I'm not that worried about stopping the run because Ladell Betts sucks (but that's been a problem already). If we can get some early stops in run support, Brees will go away from it.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

There are ways that the Cards, even as currently constituted can win this game. Any given Sunday, blah, blah, blah. I actually think the team is going to be up for this game. I think they feed off the crowd, but they're going to have to earn that energy early. Here's what I would do:

1. Don't blitz. You play Drew Brees like you play Kurt Warner: Rush four and flood the zones. The Saints have good WRs, but not great ones. If you can play zone defense behind a four-man pass rush, you can get to Brees or force him to check down. The trick is to vary your blitz packages. Utilize the speed of Adrian Wilson and Daryl Washington; overload one side of the line. But only bring four.

2. Run the ball The Saints have a good secondary and good pass rushers, but a soft middle of the defense. Their tackles can be attacked. Run the ball straight up the middle. This means more Beanie Wells and less Tim Hightower, who is a much more effective zone runner (this is why you see OL standing around on THT's runs and not when Beanie's toting the rock). Keep the Saints' offense off the field and you stand a chance.

3. Stay tough in the red zone. The Cards' D has been solid in the red zone when they're not giving up the big play. You win games at home when you force the opposing team to settle for field goals in the red zone. The Saints don't have a rush offense while Pierre Thomas is on the shelf. Stay disciplined in coverage and lock down on Jeremy Shockey (for God's sake).

4. Get the crowd involved early. If there is a jailbreak blitz in the playbook, use it early (and then never again). The crowd is going to come in restless no matter who the starter is at quarterback. The Cards are going to have to earn their support. Get the ball up and downfield to Larry Fitzgerald. Let him make a play. Run a flea-flicker to take advantage of an aggressive defense. Anything to get the crowd involved and a factor.

5. Protect the passer. News Flash: The wide receiver corps is inexperienced. Defuse that problem by getting your experienced players on the field. Ben Patrick and Steven Spach should be featured players. Not only are you getting more veterans involved in the offense, but you're also creating favorable matchups with the Saints' below-average linebacking corps.

The key match up on defense is, our FS, SS or NB on the Saints TE, WR#3 or WR#4.

Colston vs. DRC - is OK
Henderson vs Toler - is OK
Meachem vs Rhodes - is OK
Moore vs M.Adams/A.Wilson is scary....really, scary.

,and of course he have to stop the run. With the Saints starting running backs hurt, they are in perfect position to run for 100+ against our defense, since they will be starting a 3rd string "never heard of him before" RB.

The key match up on offense, is our run game vs. their run defense.

One can only hope and pray Max Hall is the starter, and that it will force Whiz to run the ball more.

Hopefully Beanie Wells can get his head out of his arse, stop complaining, and have a game.

**NOTE: Beanie wants to play more ? Then learn how to pass block.


Good post. I still say we are going to get killed, but good post.

 

[Duckjake]

Cardiac--

I think that Shockey is an easier matchup than Miller or Gates. I think you bracket him and play a cover-three with Wilson lurking in the middle zone and Lenon and Washington defending the hook zones. I'm more worried about Shockey in the red zone than anywhere else. I think that part of it is on Wilson that he needs to play his man and not worry about looking into the backfield. He's not being disciplined when he's in man coverage.

I'm not that worried about stopping the run because Ladell Betts sucks (but that's been a problem already). If we can get some early stops in run support, Brees will go away from it.

This is key. Both Atlanta and San Diego just gouged the right side of our defense and Tolbert had a career high rushing vs the Cards adding his name to the list with Nick Goins and more recently Justin Forsett and Maurice Morris.

I just hope the Cards have finally figured out how to fix the problem because I sure don't want to see either Betts or Chris Ivory run for over a 100 on us.

 

[CaptTurbo]

I predict fitz's first long bomb-like catch if Hall plays. Hall can put some air under the ball and let fitz go get it. DA cant do that.

 

[Cardiac]

Cardiac--

I think that Shockey is an easier matchup than Miller or Gates. I think you bracket him and play a cover-three with Wilson lurking in the middle zone and Lenon and Washington defending the hook zones. I'm more worried about Shockey in the red zone than anywhere else. I think that part of it is on Wilson that he needs to play his man and not worry about looking into the backfield. He's not being disciplined when he's in man coverage.

I'm not that worried about stopping the run because Ladell Betts sucks (but that's been a problem already). If we can get some early stops in run support, Brees will go away from it.

Now that you mention it Adub looking in the backfield is his biggest problem (besides his hips).

Sean Peyton won't let Brees abandon the run, especially since we haven't shown we can stop it. We also have a history of letting 2nd and 3rd string RB's run all over us. Having said that I hope you are right.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Saints at Cardinals Game Plan - bet as much as possible on the Saints at -7

I suppose if the Panthers can hang in there, we can, but I just don't see it happening. They absolutely embarrassed us in the playoffs last year, and I don't see anything much different happening this time around. Payton will coach circles around Davis.

 

[kerouac9]

The key match up on defense is, our FS, SS or NB on the Saints TE, WR#3 or WR#4.

Colston vs. DRC - is OK
Henderson vs Toler - is OK
Meachem vs Rhodes - is OK
Moore vs M.Adams/A.Wilson is scary....really, scary.

,and of course he have to stop the run. With the Saints starting running backs hurt, they are in perfect position to run for 100+ against our defense, since they will be starting a 3rd string "never heard of him before" RB.

The key match up on offense, is our run game vs. their run defense.

One can only hope and pray Max Hall is the starter, and that it will force Whiz to run the ball more.
Hopefully Beanie Wells can get his head out of his arse, stop complaining, and have a game.

**NOTE: Beanie wants to play more ? Then learn how to pass block.


Good post. I still say we are going to get killed, but good post.

The thing about the first bolded is that the Saints are great at moving their receivers around to get favorable matchups. Karlos Dansby had no chance against Marques Colston in the Divisional Championship game, but that's what the scheme dictated.

I was just thinking about this: We can't play more zone defense because DRC can't/won't tackle anybody. He can't be the last line of defense in Cover-3 because if Jeremy Shockey is running at him he's going to dive at his ankles and laugh about it on film Tuesday. Hopefully this is being rectified.

As for Max Hall starting leading to fewer passes: I'll believe it when I see it. I thought the same thing with Derek Anderson starting, and we saw how that worked out. I'd expect more passing to get Hall's confidence up and get some coverages on paper for later in the game.

As for Beanie and pass blocking, THT didn't look good protecting Hall or Anderson last week. Productivity in the run game > pass blocking. We know the team's going to pass when they come out in 4 WRs anyway.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

As for Max Hall starting leading to fewer passes: I'll believe it when I see it. I thought the same thing with Derek Anderson starting, and we saw how that worked out.

Hell, Anderson or Hall, it doesn't matter if our defense continues to let opponents score on nearly every possession. That's what's been dictating the heavy passing numbers.

 

[kerouac9]

Hell, Anderson or Hall, it doesn't matter if our defense continues to let opponents score on nearly every possession. That's what's been dictating the heavy passing numbers.

That is not the case. If you look at my OC thread, you'll see that the plan has been to pass more than 60% of the time coming out of the lockerroom. Yes, the passing numbers get worse as the game goes on, but it's not like we're coming out of the lockerroom with a run-first mentality.

We've been throwing short passes and then apparently trying to run into a defense that is only defending the first seven yards after the LOS.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

That is not the case. If you look at my OC thread, you'll see that the plan has been to pass more than 60% of the time coming out of the lockerroom. Yes, the passing numbers get worse as the game goes on, but it's not like we're coming out of the lockerroom with a run-first mentality.

We've been throwing short passes and then apparently trying to run into a defense that is only defending the first seven yards after the LOS.

My point wasn't about early in the game, although we are passing a lot early in the game as well.

 

[Duckjake]

Hell, Anderson or Hall, it doesn't matter if our defense continues to let opponents score on nearly every possession. That's what's been dictating the heavy passing numbers.

San Diego scored on their 1st,3rd and 4th possessions. It was so bad that we even scored a TD on one of their drives.

Atlanta scored on their 1st,3rd, and 4th drives as well.

Oakland scored on drive 2 and 4.

 

[Russ Smith]

Now that you mention it Adub looking in the backfield is his biggest problem (besides his hips).

/QUOTE]

Yep he and Rolle both did that last year, drove me nuts. It's one thing to read the QB's eyes, quite another to keep looking in the backfield and completely lose track of your man.

 

[kerouac9]

Yep he and Rolle both did that last year, drove me nuts. It's one thing to read the QB's eyes, quite another to keep looking in the backfield and completely lose track of your man.

And it leaves him flat-footed. That's what happened on one of the big Gates catches was the Wilson was running with him (which he has the ability to do), but he was staring into the backfield and when Gates broke he route back to a post Wilson didn't see it and was suddenly three steps behind.

Guys can talk about trusting their teammates as much as they want, but if your captain can't trust his guys to do their jobs, it's a real problem. After that, ADub seemed to give up altogether.

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

There are ways that the Cards, even as currently constituted can win this game. Any given Sunday, blah, blah, blah. I actually think the team is going to be up for this game. I think they feed off the crowd, but they're going to have to earn that energy early. Here's what I would do:

1. Don't blitz. You play Drew Brees like you play Kurt Warner: Rush four and flood the zones. The Saints have good WRs, but not great ones. If you can play zone defense behind a four-man pass rush, you can get to Brees or force him to check down. The trick is to vary your blitz packages. Utilize the speed of Adrian Wilson and Daryl Washington; overload one side of the line. But only bring four.

2. Run the ball The Saints have a good secondary and good pass rushers, but a soft middle of the defense. Their tackles can be attacked. Run the ball straight up the middle. This means more Beanie Wells and less Tim Hightower, who is a much more effective zone runner (this is why you see OL standing around on THT's runs and not when Beanie's toting the rock). Keep the Saints' offense off the field and you stand a chance.

3. Stay tough in the red zone. The Cards' D has been solid in the red zone when they're not giving up the big play. You win games at home when you force the opposing team to settle for field goals in the red zone. The Saints don't have a rush offense while Pierre Thomas is on the shelf. Stay disciplined in coverage and lock down on Jeremy Shockey (for God's sake).

4. Get the crowd involved early. If there is a jailbreak blitz in the playbook, use it early (and then never again). The crowd is going to come in restless no matter who the starter is at quarterback. The Cards are going to have to earn their support. Get the ball up and downfield to Larry Fitzgerald. Let him make a play. Run a flea-flicker to take advantage of an aggressive defense. Anything to get the crowd involved and a factor.

5. Protect the passer. News Flash: The wide receiver corps is inexperienced. Defuse that problem by getting your experienced players on the field. Ben Patrick and Steven Spach should be featured players. Not only are you getting more veterans involved in the offense, but you're also creating favorable matchups with the Saints' below-average linebacking corps.

Hmmm...sounds like a certain someones gameplan for the Niners vs Saints game a few weeks ago. But I thought "getting the crowd into the game, and being amped up fro the game", would have no bearing?

Bottom line is the Saints are not the team , thus far, they were last year. Especially on the road. Should have success with

1. running the ball-but must stay committed
2. I dont think our 4 man rush can get to anyone alone. I think you have to bring pressure but bring it from odd angles. Safeties, cb's.

Agree with the rest of your post. Hope its a good one.

 

[kerouac9]

Hmmm...sounds like a certain someones gameplan for the Niners vs Saints game a few weeks ago. But I thought "getting the crowd into the game, and being amped up fro the game", would have no bearing?

Bottom line is the Saints are not the team , thus far, they were last year. Especially on the road. Should have success with

1. running the ball-but must stay committed
2. I dont think our 4 man rush can get to anyone alone. I think you have to bring pressure but bring it from odd angles. Safeties, cb's.

Agree with the rest of your post. Hope its a good one.

The Cards have a better home field advantage than the 49ers do, if only by virtue of playing in a dome. I don't watch enough 49ers games to know if their d feeds on the crowd, but I know ours does.

Still

I think you can get to Brees with a 4-man rush, but not a standard rush. I'd much rather protect the pass and hope that Calais Campbell finally defeats a block than hope Brees doesn't locate the hole in our zone blitz.

 

[LVCARDFREAK]

The Cards have a better home field advantage than the 49ers do, if only by virtue of playing in a dome. I don't watch enough 49ers games to know if their d feeds on the crowd, but I know ours does.

Still

I think you can get to Brees with a 4-man rush, but not a standard rush. I'd much rather protect the pass and hope that Calais Campbell finally defeats a block than hope Brees doesn't locate the hole in our zone blitz.

I dont completly disagree. If the choice is to ever leave it up to Brees to make a play or something else, mostly im taking something else. I hope we can get a pass rush on him with 4, but I just dont see it. Maybe your right if we can bring 3 and blitz a safety or a corner, but if he has time it could get ugly

 

[Rats]

There are ways that the Cards, even as currently constituted can win this game. Any given Sunday, blah, blah, blah. I actually think the team is going to be up for this game. I think they feed off the crowd, but they're going to have to earn that energy early. Here's what I would do:

1. Don't blitz. You play Drew Brees like you play Kurt Warner: Rush four and flood the zones. The Saints have good WRs, but not great ones. If you can play zone defense behind a four-man pass rush, you can get to Brees or force him to check down. The trick is to vary your blitz packages. Utilize the speed of Adrian Wilson and Daryl Washington; overload one side of the line. But only bring four.

2. Run the ball The Saints have a good secondary and good pass rushers, but a soft middle of the defense. Their tackles can be attacked. Run the ball straight up the middle. This means more Beanie Wells and less Tim Hightower, who is a much more effective zone runner (this is why you see OL standing around on THT's runs and not when Beanie's toting the rock). Keep the Saints' offense off the field and you stand a chance.

3. Stay tough in the red zone. The Cards' D has been solid in the red zone when they're not giving up the big play. You win games at home when you force the opposing team to settle for field goals in the red zone. The Saints don't have a rush offense while Pierre Thomas is on the shelf. Stay disciplined in coverage and lock down on Jeremy Shockey (for God's sake).

4. Get the crowd involved early. If there is a jailbreak blitz in the playbook, use it early (and then never again). The crowd is going to come in restless no matter who the starter is at quarterback. The Cards are going to have to earn their support. Get the ball up and downfield to Larry Fitzgerald. Let him make a play. Run a flea-flicker to take advantage of an aggressive defense. Anything to get the crowd involved and a factor.

5. Protect the passer. News Flash: The wide receiver corps is inexperienced. Defuse that problem by getting your experienced players on the field. Ben Patrick and Steven Spach should be featured players. Not only are you getting more veterans involved in the offense, but you're also creating favorable matchups with the Saints' below-average linebacking corps.

Add get some takeaways and you may stand a chance. Have to limit there opportunities and that would be by running the ball and not fumbleing it. Take it away once or twice and keep the game close. Not expecting much but would like to see us in the game into the 4th qt.