Five Questions with Canal Street Chronicles

by Sean Yuille on Sep 11, 2009 12:00 AM EDT in Five Questions Comment 39 comments

To get ready for Sunday's game I exchanged five questions with Canal Street Chronicles, SB Nation's Saints blog. My answers to his questions can be found here, and his answers to my questions are below.

1. Pierre Thomas is questionable for Sunday's game because of a sprained right knee. Do you think he will play, and if he does, how much of an impact will he have?

Canal Street Chronicles: I really don't expect him to play. Sean Payton said [Wednesday] that he was optimistic about getting Thomas some work [Thursday] but I just don't think it will happen. Personally, I'd like to see the Saints take it easy with him and make sure he's really healthy. I don't think any good can come from pushing Pierre before he's really ready.

If Pierre is out of the lineup, I would expect to see Mike Bell get a bulk of the carries on Sunday. He's looked great in pre-season and is a more than adequate substitution. Fantasy football fanatics, consider yourselves warned.

2. Sticking with running backs, what role can Lions fans expect to see Reggie Bush in on Sunday? Now that Thomas has seemingly taken over as the starting running back (assuming he plays), is Bush more of a "get him the ball any way you can" type of player?

CSC: Oh man, I can't believe you just asked me this question. This is the singular most divisive question in Who Dat Nation and a point of great debate. Personally, I don't view Reggie as a between the tackles type of runner. Never have. The Saints may need to hand it off to him a few times just to keep the defense honest but Reggie is most dangerous when he can get in space. Quick screens, tosses and short slants seem to work best. Head coach Payton is an offensive play calling wiz; I trust him to utilize Reggie better this season than in seasons past. Bush is also nice to have for punt returns when a game is on the line.

3. One of the knocks on the Saints the last few seasons has been their defense. What is the outlook for that unit this season?

CSC: The outlook is bright, it really is. There have been numerous upgrades on the defense this off-season, the biggest of which was a change in defensive coordinators from Gary Gibbs to Gregg Williams. Much of Williams' philosophy revolves around creating turnovers and Saints fans have seen lots of that so far. And here's a fun fact: The Saints allowed the second fewest points during the pre-season. That's a huge step for a defense that was once a laughing stock. So Saints fans are pretty optimistic this year, moreso than years past. You might not believe this but I really feel they've got the potential to become a top ten defense. In reality, as long as the offense continues to dominate, the Saints should need only a mediocre defense to win games. New scheme, new philosophy and new faces should equal success for the Saints in 2009.

4. Speaking of defense, who is going to be responsible for covering Calvin Johnson on Sunday, and how do you think he will do against Megatron?

CSC: The Saints best cornerback is now probably Jabari Greer, the teams big off-season acquisition. I'd expect him to be matching up against Johnson the most this Sunday. However, with Johnson's talent as a receiver, I'd say he's got the advantage and think Greer will certainly have a tough task on his hands. You can also look for veteran safety Darren Sharper to offer some help over the top. Lions fans should be pretty familiar with Sharper.

5. In a division that is always stacked with solid teams, where do the Saints fit into the NFC South's picture for 2009?

CSC: It's a pretty tight race between the Saints, Panthers and Falcons. Depending on what you read, one of those three teams will win the division. Obviously, I think the Saints have the edge but the Falcons scare me the most. The Panthers seem to be on the decline and the wheels have fallen completely off in Tampa Bay; nobody is expecting much from them. It's obvious and cliche but those games will be most important this season.

Bonus Question: Do you have a prediction for Sunday?

I think the game will go very much like last season's contest between the two teams. I'll say 45-17. Sorry.

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Top Ten Defence

If the Saints end up with a Top Ten D, I think they’ll be a good chance of making, and/or winning the Superbowl.

2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).

by Hyperion Ecta on Sep 11, 2009 12:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If the Saints have a top ten defence I'll eat my Daunte C. jersey.

Sorry, I know they have upgraded their defence but that is a huge jump. Take a look at the defences that are now considered top ten. Who of those would you put the Saints ahead of?

I have to admit that I did not see the Saints v. Lions game last year. I was surprised that we only scored seven points. Were they good or were we bad?

by NorthLeft12 on Sep 11, 2009 7:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

First off, please don’t risk that. It wouldn’t taste good. Granted your odds aren’t too good on having to waste a perfectly good jersey that way, but GW has a history of top-10 defenses with less-than-entirely-stellar casts. So while unlikely its not remotely impossible. And really beyond the top 5 to 7 it’s pretty much open game for whomever can step up. The Bucs last year were top 10 and few expect them to be again. So were the ‘boys although they have at least a decent chance of returning to those ranks its not guaranteed. The Patriots were as well but they faced a pretty soft schedule that would hurt their repeat chances. As a case in point last year the Bengals were 12 overall and they were actually pretty decent but they weren’t great and the team as a whole sucked. So top 10 isn’t really that unbelievable. Nor would it guarantee any playoff or super bowl appearance. Tampa and Dallas both missed out on that last year despite their top-10 defenses and the ’boys at least had a good offense to go with it.

As for the game last year, it was a bit of both. The Saints offense really was that good, but your offense came out looking OK and then seemed to just fall apart after CJ’s TD was called back by a penalty.

Well anyway as soon as this week’s over I’ll be rooting for you guys to win a few. I want the Bucs to always retain the worst loss streak ever.

by FriarBob on Sep 11, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why don't you ask the Jaguar fans about Gregg Williams?

Their defence went from #2 ranking to #17. I am sure there were other reasons for the decline besides Mr. Williams’ taking over the job. They just escape me right now.
Those Washington defences always had a very good secondary;Sean Taylor, Shawn Springs, Fred Smoot, Laron Landry, Carlos Rogers and some solid LBs and lineman. They may not be household names but they were good.
The Titans teams were loaded on defence. Jevon Kearse, Samari Rolle, Blaine Bishop were frequent Pro Bowlers. The other guys were quite good too. His first two years as DC the Titans were ranked 16th and 17th.
The Bills were 21st, 15th, and 2nd during his head coaching time there.

If you are counting on him to transform your defence, good luck. He will improve it but top ten is a real reach.

by NorthLeft12 on Sep 11, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um, yeah, that’s easy one to answer. Injuries. Out the wazoo. Add in player conflicts and suspensions as well. Then throw in a severe clash in style between GW and the head coach and for good measure add a dollop of no offense to help out and makes it pretty hard to have a good defense.

Yeah I am counting on him to improve us. But you know how you guys think of Matt Millen? That’s what we think of Gary Gibbs. Complete incompetent boob who could have done a better job by not showing up on Sunday at all. So when you’ve got that kind of standard to work from improvement is all-but guaranteed.

But I’m not saying he will make us top-10. I’m just saying it’s possible. Because it is.

by FriarBob on Sep 11, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh and I forgot to mention the loss of a really good DC to the Atlanta HC job… that alone makes a difference…

by FriarBob on Sep 11, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Urk wait sorry I meant DL coach (I think)…

by FriarBob on Sep 11, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hello Friar"tuck rule" Bob

You likey with a name like Friar you may already be called tuck. I beleave I read somewhere that you guys drafted a ton of defencive players this year, is that so? If so I would be very sceptical of going to a top 10 D in 1 year, injuries are 1 thing and trust us we know about injuries killing teams here at the POD. Reading 1 of the above posters (northleft) about Jacksonville’s D going south so fast, 2 years ago during the offseason they let go of their best DT and I am almost positive the ther one left the same year for freeagency. They also had a few major injuries going into last year at key positions and that really screwed Williams on what he could do; at least in Jacksonville.We as lions fathful should know what that feels like. But with all those rookies what can he do if he loses 1 or 2 key guys? I mean do your Saints have anykind of depth on the line? And between the 2 D-cordinators I will take Gunny 9 out of 10 times over Williams. Assuming that Gunny gets to actually run the D this year or any year for the sake of the converation, he’s been known for blitzing and pressure his whole career, except when with the worst head coach in the league Herm Edwards that didn’t let him blitz. I don’t think any of us on the POD think that our D line can generate pressure on their own and we definitely have 3 big-time studs at LB, that should be able to get nto Brees’s head a little.As for Bush. . . . .Beer and Poo-Nanny are REAL COOL, But Reggie is going to ge introduced to a rookie named Delmas, enjoy watching him lay the wood sunday on some poor guy coming over the middle. For the Saints fathful I hope he doesn’t take off someones head. As for our sake I can’t wait to see him take off someones head.He’s going to get burned some this year just because he is a rook, but he sure does have a meen streak in him.

by davis0169 on Sep 11, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not exactly

A “ton” of defensive players, they only had 1 pick on day 1, which they wisely spent on Malcolm Jenkins. Their next pick was rd 4 which they spent on Chip Vaughn (loved this pick) and ILB Stanley Arnoux. Their final pick in the 5th rd was on a punter. (sorry I’m a closet Saints fan, still don’t want them to win week one however)

We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne

by detpistons3 on Sep 12, 2009 3:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

dep3

It was ATL that I was thinking of, not NO. I did a little research last night, at the time I was posting NO jumped into my head. Damn “smoking” gun. And like you, I too half ass root for them, mostly cause they were the lions for years. You know what I’m talking about, fans in the stands with the brown paper bags on their heads and all.

by davis0169 on Sep 12, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha np

I’ved loved them ever since they drafted Reggie Bush (which is good, I’d rather root for them than the Texans). I was always a huge Reggie Bush fan coming out of college and even though he didn’t pan out in the NFL, I still follow the Saints closely, not as much as the Lions but still pretty close. A Ravens-Saints superbowl would make me happier about football than I’ve been in years.

We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne

by detpistons3 on Sep 13, 2009 3:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Both

They (offensively) were very good, we (both defensively & offensively) were atrocious. Look, the Saints D might be improved… and I like Gregg Williams… but they will not have a top ten defense. I personally think there are going to be a lot of burst bubbles down in Who Dat country when the Lions put up big yardage against the Saints on Sunday.

Also… Jabari Greer is your big FA pick-up? I wouldn’t be very excited about that. Heck, both Henry and Buchanon are better than Greer. I’d be much more excited about their first round rookie CB than Greer. He’s a retread. Johnson will absolutely eat him alive. I think they should nickname him Pastrami Sandwich for this Sunday, because he’ll be devoured by Calvin before the first quarter is over.

I will be very surprised if it’s a blowout. I say something like 33-24… which way that goes… I don’t know.

by DrewsLions on Sep 11, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I say

We lose by at least 2 TDs, Brees will pick us apart all game long (not a knock on the Lions, he does that to everyone), and their D will be much improved over last year, not top 10 but close. The Lions offense will surprise people, and I can see us having a good day passing the ball and running the ball, but we lose a high scoring game. I go 34-20

We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne

by detpistons3 on Sep 11, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huge said Lions 28.....Saints 24

And he predicts 4 TD passes by Stafford…..lol

by KDawg on Sep 11, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

See...

I’m getting more “kool-aid drunk” by the hour. Each day, the score gets closer and closer in my mind. I’m just really excited. I’m like a chihuahua gettin’ busy with a table leg right now. Sunday can’t come quick enough!

by DrewsLions on Sep 11, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey you 2!

What the heck you guys agreeing? what’s that all about? You’ve been for a few days now. Dep3 said it right guys Brees just does that to everyone, well since the last 2 years in SD and every year since being a Saint; thank god he’s me FFL QB. There is a part of me that just doesn’t want to see pick-6 all day with Staff infection if we have to get beetin down I pray for Brees to throw for 4 and run 1 or 2 in on sneeks.Just saying!

by davis0169 on Sep 11, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know what you mean

It’s hard to not get excited about this new look Lions team, and you have to believe that with everything Schwartz has done the Lions can potentiallly upset superbowl contenders, but I tried to keep objectivity here, and it pained me not to predict we were going to win by 40 pts and Brees becomes Joey Harrington.

We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne

by detpistons3 on Sep 12, 2009 3:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No way they have a top 10 defense....

……he said they allowed the 2nd fewest pts in preseason……I dont put much stock in that……. a team I know went 4-0 in preseason last year and then proceeded to go 0-16……The lions may not win but it wont be a blowout like last year.

by BennieBladesFan on Sep 11, 2009 9:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good questions Sean

And good responses too (I read your answers on Canal Street Chronicles). I have to say I admire the optmism of all the Lions fans on POD and cannot wait for the game. I don’t think it will be close, chiefly due to our porous defense. I just want to see the team make positive plays on both sides of the ball. Small steps – 0-16 isn’t repaired in one offseason.

I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver

by NYCLionsfan on Sep 11, 2009 10:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I can't wait...

for the Lions to shock the world. If you want to go based off of preseason rankings, we have the NO.1 offense and a top ten defense. Exactly, doesn’t mean much. Theres no reason why our offense can’t be as high-powered as New Orleans, and our defense could be just as good or better, so why aren’t we predicted by some to win the super bowl.

Like Drews_Lions said, Saint’s fans better get ready for some bubbles to burst.

by lions_sucker on Sep 11, 2009 1:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

the reason

why your offense wont be as dynamic as ours for the foreseeable future is drew brees. i watched calvin play a lot in college and he is good, but drew brees can take late round wr’s and make them look like probowlers. yall are headed back in the right direction, but it will take years to undo the damage that your clown gm has done. best of luck after the game, yall are by far my favorite team in the north (by favorite i mean least hated)

by DrewBreesManCrush on Sep 11, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahh thats funny

I still wish Culpizzle was starting. and to all of you Saints fans, I’m not knocking that O you have, but “IF” our offence continues lik they have, well let me put it this way; Peyton only touche the ball 3 times in the first half. We can actually play a ball controlled style of game and keep our D fresh and Brees on the sidelines.

by davis0169 on Sep 11, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think we're all grasping at straws here...

Saints fans are praying that the the defense really is improved and Lions fans are hoping this season is nowhere near as awful as last season.

If you guys are optimistic and hopeful enough to think Sunday’s game won’t be a blowout, than I think it’s fair for us to think the Saints might POSSIBLY have a top tier defense. Crazier things have certainly happened.

Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!

by Saintsational on Sep 11, 2009 1:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Very true

It should be a good game.

by KDawg on Sep 11, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can agree with that

2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).

by Hyperion Ecta on Sep 11, 2009 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just can't wait

At least I get to see MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEchigan get it on with all those touched alterboys from southbend!!!!! GOOOOOOOOO BLUE! and then on Sunday I can say the same thing, GOOOOOOOOOOOO BLUE! And kevin smith; and megatron, and staffinfection. The next dynamic duo too take the record away from Manning and Harrison.

by davis0169 on Sep 11, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yup....

…..Michigan beats em this week and sparty next week

by BennieBladesFan on Sep 11, 2009 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shoot sparties

are having a damn hard time with Lefevor and the Chip’s today. I gotta say this to the entire BIG 11 or 10. Beware of the MAC.

by davis0169 on Sep 12, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

sean yuille your too honest

on the 5 questions asked about us you said we would lose in both scenarios bro at least say u could see us winning one. even there fans think its funny u picked them in both scenarios. i agree the saints are good but bro we do have a shot every team has a shot. idk im just saying i felt no pride in that answer.

but dont get me wrong you do a very good job as are moderator here at the pride

Kevin Smith let em kno, Ernie Sims Break em, Calvin Johnson you already Kno
2009 Detroit Lions 6-10 to 8-8

by DetroitLions 4 life on Sep 11, 2009 5:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You're right, I was being honest

I don’t think we will win on Sunday, so why would I lie and say I think we will? It’s possible, I just don’t think we will.

Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog

by Sean Yuille on Sep 11, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We're going to win....:o)

by KDawg on Sep 11, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pope Sean Paul

How could you do that. And in that I meen have an opinion of your own.But as our Flag waver on another site Damn bro.You saw how we controlled the ball with K smoooooth in there. I know it wasn’t Staff leading the way in that game but the O-line has looked damn good this year in every game. Staff isn’t going to be rushed all that much I don’t think. You guys know that I thought we had a shot at playoffs anyhow and winning is contagious. I don’t think we have a shot being that it is at NO but we definitely have a shot. Hey if this was last yer at this time and I told you that Arizona was going to te Superbowl and ATL was going to be contenders, and Miami was going to turn around a 1-15 season with a nw coach and Pennington at the helm what would you of told me.

by davis0169 on Sep 11, 2009 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That you were nuckin futs!

by KDawg on Sep 11, 2009 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Control the time of possession with our new O line and Smith. Cunningham’s new defense, new weight lifting program, almost all new defensive players, Stafford to Johnson, a win is more than possible.

When the LEGAL side-effects of a substance, cause more harm to the person, than the side effect of the substance its self, we have an injustice.
- Jimmy Carter

by BIGWalt2990 on Sep 11, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know guys,,,,,

Something I often wonder about is how it seems like not many people truly believe in the Lions….and why other team’s fans seem to have more faith in their teams, even if it is not warranted. Has anyone here ever studied or done any research pertaining to Quantum Mechanics and the Quantum Foam? One of the theories is that we all are connected in mind, body, and spirit in some form or another….meaning there is a collective subconscious. Have you ever wondered why thoughts and ideas that you have, which you think are innovative and unique, suddenly appear on TV or you hear the same thing soon after you thought of it? That is because somewhere, someone else is having the same thoughts as you are or doing the same thing that you are doing, at the exact same time (or it has already been thought of or done in the past). Some say it is coincidence, while others theorize that it is a manifestation of the collective subconscious…..pretty heavy huh?

Another theory that goes along the same lines has to do with perception. One one person has a perceives something differently than everyone else, then that person is often an outcast or considered an idiot. Society has created its own reality, based on the accepted perceptions of the collective majority. Anyone who does not follow the rules of this reality is considered a bad person. What if each and every person in society decided to reverse their perceptions on what was acceptable and what was not? Then that perception would also become reality, right? So if every Lions fan truly believes in their team, and they perceive them as successful, maybe that perception would also become reality. If not, what would it hurt?

Everyone…..do me a favor and just say these words each and every day until the Lions play on Sunday, and try your best to truly believe it. “The Lions are a good organization. They are going to be successful this season. The Lions are going to beat the Saints on Sunday. Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Kevin Smith are awesome football players. The Lions defense is going to be much improved and the Lions will be competitive in every game. The Lions will avoid injuries and they will end up with a winning record this year. I love the Lions”. Let’s just see what happens. What can it hurt…..LOL!

by KDawg on Sep 11, 2009 10:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Damn....I really should proof my posts.....

2nd paragraph, 2nd sentence…..add “When” to the beginning, omit the extra “one” and the words “has a”. The sentence should have read “When one person perceives….”.

by KDawg on Sep 11, 2009 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like you.

Are you sure you aren’t a transplanted Saints fan?

Here is what can happen: The Saints are famous for playing down to their opponents. They’ll beat somebody like the Eagles one week and then lose to St. Louis the following week. Being as this is the season kickoff game, that may not happen this time.

But, you never know! BTW, I still think your logo looks like a lion with a huge boner. That’s something to be proud of, right?

If we could just sythesize life in a laboratory, we could prove that the creation of life requires no intelligence.

by Tigernut on Sep 12, 2009 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs