quote:
I disagree with that. I think they're way better all around.

Graham > Shockey

Sproles > Bush

2011 Brees > 2009 Brees

2011 O-line > 2009 O-line

'09 WR's >>> '11 WR's
.... yes they were the same bunch, but this year as well as last they have not gotten seperation and performed as well. Devery and Meachem have been virtual non-factors.

I wouldn't say Brees is any worse or better now than he was then. He's the same great QB. Yes he broke a record, but that is because....

'09 Running game > than '11. Brees wasn't throwing as much, because our run game was much more consistent. This is more a product of playcalling consistency rather than personell. With the Carolina game aside, we run the ball too inconsistently this year. The ypc numbers are a bit skewed by this, because teams can give a shite less about defending our run; we rarely run twice in a row. '09 we were 7th in league for attempts/game, this year 20th. The run pass ratio in '09 was 46% run/ 54% pass; whereas, the R/P this year is 39%/61%.

The problem in a matchup like this is that an opportunistic defense ('09) will create the turnovers necessary to put a predictable offense away. Basically, it would be a repeat of the '09 SB, but the '11 saints would be playing the role of the '09 Colts.

ETA: on paper I believe this team to be more talented overall, but the Eagles say that doesn't mean shite. For whatever reason, this year's team isn't producing the way it should be on defense, and the coaches aren't running as consistent as they should.

But it's a good point someone brought up somewhere that we have held opponents to under 20 points since the bye week. If that's the case, then there's more praise that should be given to the D than I am currently giving. However, I have been majorly dissapointed in our turnover ratio this year.

This post was edited on 1/3/12 at 1:34 pm