The mainstream media was up in arms this week about Reggie Bush's comments that he believes the Saints can go undefeated this season.
Tedy Bruschi said that Bush "spilled that filth" about going undefeated (not that he's protecting his Patriots). Throughout the week, various ex-players and analysts have called Bush out for his remarks. They said it's way too early to talk about being undefeated. Almost universally, the former Heisman winner was creamed for speaking his mind. But, why is it that only certain athletes can come out and speak positively about their team? Let's look at Bush's quote in its entirety:
"Can we go undefeated?" Bush said. "Yes. I do think we have the players, the chemistry, we have the heart and dedication, the coaching staff, we have the players."
What the F*&% do you expect him to say??
"No, we can't do it, why would we think that we can win every game."
"You know, we have to play the Bucs twice, including at Tampa, so those are going to be tough games."
"I know that meatheads like Mark Schlereth and Tedy Bruschi are going to be listening so I don't want to say anything that might upset the apple cart and disrespect the legacy of the 18-1 Patriots."
"Actually we'll lose on Monday against Atlanta... so all of this undefeated talk is ridiculous."
"Ya know, I'm just concentrating on my girl Kim... I don't really care that much about how the team performs. I love my uncle Bruce though."
(Ok, so he actually did tweet that he loved Bruce Jenner, but moving on...)
Are you kidding? Do you think Jimmy Rollins is going to tell Jay Leno that he predicts the Yankees to win in the World Series too. We hear all the time that athletes don't speak their mind enough, that we're tired of hearing cliches like "one game at a time" and "one play at a time" and "never overlooking an opponent." And yet, when an athlete actually speaks his mind, he gets shut down. The truth is, only speak out positively about your team if you're already a media darling. It's hypocrisy, and it's a load of bull.
In truth, the Bush bashing speaks more to the point that he has had a solid yet unspectacular career in New Orleans. Injuries has played a part, and so has his propensity to put the ball on the turf. Most ex-players and analysts have never been Bush fans, whether it is his finesse style, the controversy swirling around his USC days, or the celeb relationship w/ KK. However, nobody can deny his positive impact for the Saints attack. You only have to see his 24 foot long jump into the endzone on Sunday in Miami. So, when he speaks out, much like other favorite media punching bags, the sharks will circle.
But, this fake controversy is overlooking the real story.
The Saints actually do have a legitimate chance to go 16-0. If that SI cover jinx doesn't kick in at least...
Sure, we're used to seeing the Saints be awful. Sure, teams aren't supposed to go undefeated throughout the season in the NFL. Sure, there's still more than half of the season to play. But, this team might just have what it takes to run the table. Here are 5 reasons why it could happen....
1) QB Play & Leadership
Nobody, including Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, is a better QB than Drew Brees. Brees has to be put on the pedestal that has been occupied exclusively by Brady and Manning. With Brees leading the Saints offense, they're never out of a game. The 21 point comeback against Miami was accomplished with a flair and ease that is unfathomable. The Saints can march down the field and score on any team in the league (48 points against the once vaunted Giants D). They're on pace to break the all-time scoring record, and the signal caller is the main reason why. Since he's been in NO, the numbers say that Brees has been among the league's best and most consistent QB. However, perhaps more important, is Brees' leadership qualities. The Saints #9 is the unquestioned leader of the team, and someone that all 53 players rally around. Maybe the only team that can match these Saints' firepower are those guys below...
...and yes, I'm pumped about the sequel!
2) The Dome Patrol
The Saints D is legit. For years, all Saints fans have asked for is a defense in the Top 15 to give this team a chance to compete. They wanted a D that could play on the same field as the days of the Dome Patrol when LBs like Swilling, Mills, Johnson and Jackson all made the Pro Bowl in the same year. Well, the Dome Patrol is back. The two most important offseason additions anywhere might be D Coordinator Gregg Williams and Free Safety Darren Sharper. Sharper is putting up Defensive MVP numbers with 3 Pick 6s already, shoring up a Saints secondary that has been the achilles heel in the Payton Era. Also, give it up to Payton for sacrificing some of his salary to sign Williams. The ex-Buffalo head coach has given the Saints D life with an aggressive, attacking style, which is tied for the league lead in takeaways. People like Tony Kornheiser say that they need to see the Saints win a defensive struggle to truly believe... maybe he didn't see this team hold Buffalo and the Jets to one offensive TD combined. The vastly new and improved defense makes this team an elite force.
3) Balance
Would you believe that the Saints actually have a higher ranked rushing attack than passing attack? Yes, the Saints run the ball, and do it darn well too. They're the 3rd best rushing team in the NFL and the 6th best passing team. Running backs Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, and that man Bush have led a renewed rushing attack. This means that the Saints aren't only balanced, but can close games that they could not in the past by running the ball in the 4th Quarter. Bell and Thomas have 5 TDs between them and have rushed for 657 yards through 6 games. The ability to run the ball is perhaps the biggest reason why this team has made a quantum leap this season.
4) Homefield Advantage
When the Saints are good, the Superdome is the toughest place to play in the league. Granted, that doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it is a French Quarter fortress. They've scored over 30 points in 6 of their last 9 home games, and they've exceeded 45 points in 2 of 3 home games this season. This team is absolutely built to run wild in the Dome and with a renewed defense and euphoric crowd, they'll be very hard to beat. Remember, they handled both unbeaten New York teams easily at home beating one with defense (2 D TDs vs the Jets) and the other with offense (48 pts vs the Giants). Three of the four toughest tests on the schedule come at home: Atlanta and New England, both on Monday night, and Dallas.
5) The Schedule
Perhaps the most important factor that favors the Saints. Their schedule is incredibly easy in their last 10 games. Their remaining opponents have a combined record of 23-42. 23-42!!! They get to play Tampa and Carolina twice. They get tough road tests at worldbeaters St. Louis and Washington. Let that sink in, 6 of their last 10 are against horrible, horrible teams. (BTW, check out our take on why there are so many awful NFL teams here) And, as stated previously, their toughest games are all at home. A Dec. 13 date at Atlanta is really the only tough road game that the Saints have to play. If they hold serve at home and win at Atlanta, an undefeated season isn't possible, but likely.
What do you think? Can the Saints do it? Or is all of this undefeated talk crazy and uncalled for? Leave us a comment and let us know what RSS Nation has to say...
