Saints and Panthers and Redskins and Cowboys (oh my)

We've got a rare double header today in which I'm invested in more than game's outcome.  Obviously, the primary interest goes to the Saints and the Panthers.  Not because there is anything riding on it, but because it is one last opportunity to say, "F you, Roger Goodell.  You'd be wise to watch the Superbowl from home this year".   There's nothing to even say about the Panthers because theyre terrible this year.  The Saints defense does look like it's got a flat tire somewhere but hopefully that'll get fixed next year.  I'm a big fan of the conspiracy theory that Roger Goodell screwed the Saints more than Eliot Spitzer and that Client 9 lady because he didnt want there to be a home team for the Superbowl and the Saints (prior to this clusterfuck of a season) were a good contender.  Whatever, screw him anyway.  I hope Drew Breesus (praise Breesus) has a good game and we have a good end to the season. 

Now on to a much more influential division rivalry game today, the Redskins vs. Cowboys.  I would say the majority of people I know hate the Cowboys.  I can think of three people off the top of my head that for reasons beyond my comprehension, like them.  I hope those people aren't about to read what I'm going to say.  Because it'll probably be really offensive. 

So lets take a look at the two teams.  We'll start first with the Redskins.  They've got a rookie QB who, if he's not careful, is going to injure himself.  Luckily, this guy is so good, his fumbles turn into points in a league where there is no forward progress given to fumbles in a lot of cases.  Yet he did it.  And he was like, yeah, I did that.  A lot of the receivers he has fly under the radar so teams don't really look at them during tape study sessions.  So then when RG3 throws the ball down the field, everyone thinks its going to either hit some poor camera guy in the face or knock some cheerleader to the ground, BOOM, some rando from the backfield shows up, catches it, and does the Charleston into the end-zone.  I'm not even a fan and I think that's impressive. 

The defense has always been somewhat hilarious to me in the sense that they physically like to harm people.  Not like to physically harm people, okay - because apparently if you say that Roger Goodell will show up and try to screw you and take your money like some weird, albino looking hooker.  Anyway, so no - they physically enjoy knocking people to the ground.  It gives them the butterflies in their tummies.  After they do so, they skip around in joyous celebration as (in this case) the broken Cowboy lays on the ground and can only ask, "why?" 

Aaand now on to the Cowboys....There's not much one can say about Tony Romo without making offensive homophobic jokes.  Maybe there's a reason for that, who knows.   The fact of the matter is, he's an overrated QB who has little to offer and really, really, small eyes.  Like really.  Its creepy.  His wife looks EXACTLY like her brother, which doesn't make her not attractive, it makes them both of them rather androgynous looking and I find it disconcerting. 

Their receivers alright, but its a matter of getting the ball to them.  Romo can't do it.  And when he does, he celebrates like he won the superbowl.  Dude, you just did your job.  That'd be like me celebrating each time I saw a client for 50 minutes and didn't be like, "Okay no seriously, what the hell were you thinking?"  I don't celebrate each time I don't do that, because not doing that is my job. 

I hope the Redskins win the game, because we gained an angel in the cheering section today.  It broke our hearts but he had to go where he was needed more I guess.  As I was telling a good friend of mine earlier this week, unless the previous pope was a cowboys fan, I think we've got enough pull up there to sway the man upstairs to influence the score in our favor. 

So, Geaux Saints, bless you boys.  And go Redskins.  And I miss you Jason, we all do. 

Little Ado About Football...

I've taken somewhat of a sabbatical from this blog for various reasons, and upon my return can you believe I would use it to talk about stuff other than football?  Crazy, I know. 

I write this with a heavy heart because a very dear friend of mine was killed on Christmas eve morning outside his house, from multiple gun shot wounds.  I'm about to get together with some friends as we always do when we've suffered the loss of a friend.  The world isn't as bright and sunny now that Jason's not in it anymore.  I could sit here and list the things I wish that could have happened anywhere from wishing hegot the chance to meet my boyfriend to I wish I could have prevented what happened to him somehow...I'm not going to because it wouldn't serve any purpose to let anyone know what I wish, especially when there is nothing that we can do about it. 

But, to quote the Shawshank Redemption, "I hope..."

I hope that in losing Jason we gain a greater awareness of how much we all mean to each other.  I hope that Jason's family leans on the support of so many of Jason's friends that are more than willing to shoulder any part of the burden that they can for his family.  I hope they find out who killed him.  I hope they are brought to justice.  And I hope that we find a way to perpetuate Jason's name to mean something that he stood for, to tell people who he was and why we loved him.  Like Morgan Freeman said, "I hope..."

Niner-Niner

So we're coming off a pretty strong win, and we'd all like to keep this momentum going.  What better way to do that than to beat the team that dashed our playoff hopes last year? 

Drew Breesus (Praise Breesus) is going to throw balls at more people than Channing Tatum in Magic Mike.  I say this based on assumption as I haven't seen the movie, but from what I saw in the hilarious trailers for it, I think that's pretty much what happened for 90 minutes or however long the movie is. 

I want my receivers Colston, Graham, and Henderson to make as many catches as physically possible.  Breesus' passes are easier to catch than a case of the Clap from the Tipitina Train... (those of you who know, hahahaha!).  There is no reason why there should be any dropped passes today! 

Defense....I want you to envision every SF receiver as Gregg Williams running to Roger Goodell to tattle on you some more.  Get him, drive his face into the grass, and walk away.   Whoever Harbaugh decides to play at the QB spot, picture Roger with his weird, blonde or ginger looking hair that's a mix of what would happen should Conan O'Brien and Donald Trump combine genetic materials.  And that freakin' confused look on his face....I want a pick six to slap that look right of Co-Trump's face. 

Lets get out there, play our hearts out and give Coach every reason he already has to come back to us and to be excited to do so. 

Bless you Boys and Geaux Saints!!

Flip-Flip-Flip-adelphia

As we gather here on this Monday night to engage in the weekly tradition that garners more attention than most of the monotheistic religions combined, we should take a moment and pay some respect for the people who are dealing with Shitstorm...I mean Superstorm Sandy. 

..........moment of silence...........

Aaaaand now on to football.

So we're looking at two teams that have a relatively tragic record here.  I have to be careful about talking shit about the Eagles due to the fact that my now live-in boyfriend is from Philadelphia.  But his extended family takes their liberties in talking shit about the Saints so I might be safe here.  We'll see when I get home I guess.  The Saints are coming off a loss to Denver, which sucks but we're a team in recovery mode.  Its like this entire season is reminiscent of the day after Mardi Gras where you're trying your hardest to get things done but dammit, you just dont have the motivation and you're tired and uncoordinated. 

I have a feeling that Drew Breesus (praise Breesus) will put on a good show for the home team tonight.  I need a few hand off's to PT for TD's so I can W.I.N. this week in fantasy.  My opponent, who happens to be my best friend, has Rapeless-burger and Vick as her QBs and I'll be DAMNED if my Saint of a quarterback and team lose to a man who doesnt know the meaning of and cant even spell the word, "Stop", and his back up who might be one of the worst people alive.  After the draft I was like, "Are you just like anti-women AND dogs?"  I made her look her two puppies in the eye and tell them what she had done.  They both gave her the sad face and then asked for treats.  Dogs can be forgiving like that I suppose.  If it had been cats, they'd still be milking those insults-for-picks. 

My defense needs to develop an appetite for Eagle meat tonight.  I've heard of these groups of rich people going around and eating exotic animals (weird and creepy) and I'd like my Saints to take a page from their books and take down more Eagles than a poacher with no conscience.  I want our defense to engage in such trickery that it makes the Eagles' offense look like a bunch of Angry Birds being launched in different directions, each missing their targets of course. 

Drew Breesus needs to be the Bill Clinton to his offenses' Barack Obama.  He's going to set it up, and Colston, Henderson, PT, Graham, Moore, and Robinson are going to knock 'em down.  Breesus is going to all 'Bill Clinton' the defense, make 'em feel all special and stuff, then BAM, next thing they know they're on their knees and theres a congressional hearing about their actions. 

So that being said, I'd like to conclude with a request that anyone who can, find a way to donate to our friends to the north who are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.  Those of us who call New Orleans our home know all to well what they are going through, and its cold up there.  We know what its like to see the place that we love decimated and under water.  We know what it means....  You can text REDCROSS to 90999 and donate 10 bucks to the American Red Cross who I can say with first hand knowledge is amazing at helping people in these situations.  There are countless ways to donate, and if you want to find out more, please email me at Ashleyinks@gmail.com and I will be more than happy to help you help others. 

So GEAUX SAINTS and Bless you boys!  Lets get a W over these nasty birds!!

They call it...San Diego...German for a Whales Vagina

.....actually the meaning was lost centuries ago, no one knows what it means. 

Hopefully it means a long awaited W for the Saints! 

Im very excited to see that Coach was able to come to the game.  I'm sure it means a lot to the team and the city. Coach, if you could go ahead and use the "Shinning" (we cant call it Shining or we'll be sued) you have with Breesus (praise Breesus) and get us a W, I would be oh so appreciative.  Norv Turner looks like he's spent many a-afternoon working the grapes of California and forgot the sunblock. 

 Drew Breesus, while a most excellent fantasy player, needs to get a W on the board for the city.  They need another L like they need another BP gas station in town.  Saint Cameron, please assist Saint Ellis in demolishing the other team like two Englishmen who get thrown out of a buffet for eating too much.   Jenkins, I need you to get a pick 6 and make it look as easy as picking up a sixer from the Tchoup Shop.

Colston, and Collins and Moore (oh my) need TDs EACH.  I need Breesus to throw for a TD (several if possible) to break Unitas' record.  That'd be great to see.  Esp. if Coach is able to see it.  The post is going to be short because I bo-jangled all day and didnt get around to it before the game actually started.  Plus, theyre introducing the SD team and I keep interrupting my writing to yell, "F YOU" at the Chargers.  It can get quite disruptive when you're trying to talk shit via the written word, you know?  Yet ANOTHER thing the Chargers are screwing up for us all. 

Praise Breesus.

Bless you boys and GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!!

Fail to the Chiefs

.....I never thought I would be writing from this position (thats what she said), 0-2, I mean.  But in all honesty, why wouldn't I be?  Drew was late in signing, we've had issue after issue after issue during the off season, and we don't have our coach in chief, Mr. Sean Payton.  I believe Drew Breesus (praise Breesus) when he says we've got what it takes to turn this thing around.  You know, I hope so because its really hard to talk shit when you don't have any W's.

Now I'm not too familiar with the Kansas City Chiefs, other than I have to re-spell their name every time I type because I keep putting the e before the i making me look like a simpleton.  Anyway, today would be a great day for Sprolioskies to get some points on the board and give us a W.  Oh, I remembered something else about the Che- goddammit, ChIefs, they're in Nebraska, despite what their city name would have you believe.

Too many tangents there.  Drew, we're going to play a game called, "only throw it to the Saints".  Its real easy, the instructions are in the title.  You win, your team wins and you get a high five from the city.  Sounds alluring, no?  PT, I put you in this week on my boyfriend's family fantasy team, don't make a mockery of my choices.  I need you to score more times than Kobe left alone in Colorado - you know what Im sayin.

Lance, its hard to be taken seriously with a name that rhymes with, 'prance' or, 'flash-dance'.  This is your week to make a statement and get more yards than a landscaping company that put out a Groupon.  If I were more politically incorrect or didn't have a job where I could get fired for making tongue-in-cheek jokes, I would go for it, but I can't.

According to my google search, the Chiefs are winless too.  So I guess no matter what, someone is coming out of this with a W, whether they like it or  not.  I am all decked out in my Saints gear, so I hope my team wins. 

So, as I always say - Bless you boys, and GEAUX SAINTS!!


And on an aside - 6 years ago today we were forced to say goodbye to a good friend, Liz.  Way too soon I might add.  Not more than a week ago, Liz's mom went to join her in that deluxe bar in the sky.  I miss you both, but I know you're having way too much fun up there to be down here.  Oh, and can you put in a good word with the deity upstairs for my Saints?  Thanking you in advance.  Love you both -

From Deep in Enemy Territory....

(that's what she said)

I must start out this post with a congratulations to my friend TJ who not only got engaged last night, but conversed with Mr. Jonathan Vilma about it!  Both instances are QUITE exciting.


Today is, what some may call it, the most wonderful time of the year.  And when I say, "may call it", I mean they are calling it because I got a text at about 9:30am this morning stating just that fact.  We have a veteran QB going up against a guy who was going to frat parties last fall.  A battle tested professional against a yet to be tested rookie with the weight of a franchise on his shoulders.  A Drew Breesus against an RGThreesus, if you will. 

There was quite the intrigue over the past couple of weeks regarding Chris Cooley on the Redskins team.  He was one of the last few people on the team that actually set out to be a Redskin, became a Redskin, and intended to stay a Redskin and tried to do so for his professional football career.  And in true Dan Snyder fashion he was let go.   Its moves like this that remind me of how easy it was to transition into a Saints fan from being a Skins fan.  Dan thought his money bought him a football team AND expertise in how to run it.  I'm kind of wondering if Cooley will show up in jilted-lover fashion and make a scene, which mind you in New Orleans is hard to do because that whole city is well versed in being a scene.

Now on to the Saints.....Obviously the big news that came out recently was the panel that overturned Judge Goodell, I mean Roger Goodell's ruling about the player suspensions.  The big question that comes out from that is, so is Vilma going to play?  I'm not too sure about this because he hasn't been able to practice with the team.  Coming back from a knee injury, he might need more time with the team.  One thing is for sure, having him there with the team will be a morale booster, especially at home.  Seeing Spag's defense is going to be culture shock for New Orleaneans at home and abroad who are used to the Blitz-kreig days of ol' Greggy, who last I heard was backpacking in Asia....what?  My hope is that Ellis comes in hungry and mistakes a Redskins O-line member for a red velvet cake (which in the melee of a snap could be possible), and just goes crazy.  I'd like to see Jenkins stripping the opponent of their balls Singapore criminal punishment style (look it up) and getting us some pick-6's.

I'm excited to see the arsenal that Breesus (praise Breesus) has planned to use for today.  Jimmy Graham is going to be all over that ball like a fat kid in the bulk section of the candy aisle.  Moore and Colston, which when said like that sound like a men's clothing store, I expect to have more balls coming their way than a sorority sister that made poor decisions. 

Congratulations, NFC South division Champs, thank you for allowing me to update my wallpaper on my computer.  Lets make it to the Big Game this year at home.  I am so excited that it's football season!  Geaux Saints and Bless you Boys!!!

An Open Love Letter to the City of New Orleans

Dear New Orleans,
           
                It's been about 10 years since we first met, but it feels like I've known you all my life.  I remember falling in love that first cab ride through uptown on my way to visit my best friend.  Little did we know that I'd be a full time resident in less than two years.  Seven years ago we had our hearts broken by Katrina - and she almost ruined the idea that was New Orleans.  But we also were able to mend ourselves with the help of New Orleans (and my dear, dear Saints).  Giving a good case of PTSD to all Katrina in contact with, the city overcame and the idea that is New Orleans remained - without fail, as it has for over 200 years.  We have a new unwanted visitor today by the name of Isaac who seems to not know when his welcome has worn out.  Despite this, my heart is still with New Orleans and I know that no storm can do anything to change that.... 

                                                                                              Love,
                                                                                             Ashley (Dr. Inks)

            This day of the year is one of those ugly times because it reminds us of the pain we had to go through because of Katrina.  Today we are dealing not only with the memory of Katrina but the presence of Isaac.  Going through all of those memories from Katrina while watching what's going on now makes things particularly difficult and scary.  But New Orleaneans are handling the situation as they always do - with a grain of salt...and a shot of tequila. 
        What made me fall in love with New Orleans even more after the storm is the way in which New Orleans came back and has since thrived in the face of skepticism, the ill or non-informed, and the outright haters.  The Saints were a big part of putting New Orleans in the press for good reasons, which is something that only they could have done and we might have to call upon them again this year to do the same.  All of these things I've already said countless times. 
        This year I've had the wonderful opportunity to introduce one of the most important people in my life to the most important city in my life.  As nothing is, it wasn't perfect - but that's life.  I've also had the pleasure of acting as a tour guide in absentia for a bachelorette party of ladies who had mostly never been to New Orleans.  I've had the privilege of giving friends bar itineraries for their buddy's bachelor parties, too.  I thought the hardest thing about that would be not going, but truthfully, it was giving directions to Gold Mine - sober (I've never done that before).  Hopefully my directions of, "Go down Bourbon, have a Hurricane and a hand grenade, in that order, continue to go down Bourbon, at some point, you'll know to take a left, and it'll be on your right after what seems like a block or two".  I don't know if they found it, but last I heard they all made it back.  I'm not sure I would have been able to say the same for myself.  Each trip I make the temptation grows stronger to skip the trip home.  Were it not for a few people and felines that I could not persuade to come down - I would give in to that temptation. 

On this day, seven years ago - we were faced with the idea that New Orleans would be no more.  Seven years ago on August 29th, that fear put a scar on the hearts of all who bleed black and gold, and carry that heart in the shape of a Fleur-de-Lys on their sleeves.  If you've never been to New Orleans, go.  Its an awesome city and it's so fun.  The food is delicious, the people are friendly, and the pace is blissfully relaxed.  If you need suggestions - please don't hesitate to ask.  But maybe find your own way to Gold Mine.

The Patriot(s)

....remember the days before Mel Gibson made it really obvious that he hated certain...everyone who wasn't exactly like him?  Those were the days.

So we had a short week this week and it'll be interesting to see who lets their ego slide juuuuust a little bit and pushes to win the game, Brady or Brees.  They're two pretty likeable guys by my count (all fanship allegiances aside).  You know they're both going to walk in the game, shake hands and be all like, "no its just preseason, whatev-skies," blah blah blah.  I have a hunch though that one of them...and the name might rhyme with "Shmeesus"...will let that competitive streak flare and push to win the game.  And Brady of course will respond in kind and hopefully it wont turn into a complete curfuffle.

The Patriots are pretty good every year, and in years when they don't make it to the Championships or win the superbowl, its not because some team was so much greater than them (Exception: New Orleans Saints Superbowl win 2009 season).  Its usually because they shot themselves in the foot (or in New York Giants Plexiglass Burress' case, the leg).  Bilichek (I dont know how to spell his name) is diabolical along the same lines as Payton, so I'll be interested to see what sort of fun stuff they do this evening.

Now Vilma might get a ruling as early as tomorrow according to ESPN and things are looking like the judge might be a sports fan and let the guys play.  That doesnt do anything for us this evening, but it could do a lot for the morale of the team.  This could also have implications on Payton's situation, especially if its a favorable ruling.

Brees made good initial use of Darren "I'm the littlest and fastest guy on the field look at me go!" Sproles,  and PT who is just freaking amazing as per usual. 

Notable mentions from last game: 

1.) Who the F is Travaris Cadet and where can we clone him?  I would like to file him under, "Yes, please" when forming the final roster. 

2.) I like how Roby came out of the woodwork again, showing people he's not just some, "one-quarter-night-stand".  Way to diversify yo' runs.

3.) Chase - really?  Did you not just come from saying how "ready" you were in case Breesus (Praise Breesus) didn't get his contract hammered out?  You got more sacks put on you than some poor frat pledge during rush week.  My nickname for you is going to be "Lipton" ("Lip" for short) because you basically got tea-bagged.  Do what any girl with good sense does when she sees something like that coming her way - RUN!

That all being said, I hope for a good game this evening (completely bummed because my schedule is in CST so I thought the game started at 630...I was wrong.  I have to wait another entire hour :( )  Im hoping no one gets injured and we have a good show of it.  GEAUX SAINTS and Bless you boys!

Rase-ing Arizona

I've been waiting a long ass time for this day. While it is the first preseason game and the starters are expected to play an introductory set of downs, I'm still amped. We have Breesus (praise Breesus) and I'm interested to see the new talent.  As the first preseason game I think that it's only right to wish Breesus a good game and to hope that no one on either team gets hurt.  I believe we're 'playing' Arizona, but we all know these games are little more than an organized scrimmage to help coaches and staff make the final difficult cuts to their teams.

These preseason games are a good forum for the drafted and free agents alike to make a name for themselves.  Most noteable I think this year will be the workout partner from San Diego, Marques Clark.  This guy went from delivering pizza's and coaching highschool in Cali to trying out for the New Orleans Saints because Drew Brees is that awesome. 

He was like, "Oh hey lets work out I'll throw the ball around and you catch it" and Marques was probably like, "Alright" and then Drew probably said, "Damn you're good at this you should come play for my team" and then after the guy came to from passing out at the opportunity afforded to him from Drew Breesus, he was probably like, "...Alright".   And this isn't the first time something like this has happened.  Brees has such an eye for talent I bet he could walk through a Wheres Waldo? book having spotted that stripe-shirted weirdo in 5 seconds or less on every page.  Now this season Breesus will not have the cream to his coffee, his powdered sugar to the beignet, his...coach.  Spags will have to come through in a way that he clearly did not come through for the Rams (although that switcharoo with the Rams did, too bad I don't wonder what Gregg is doing now).  I suspect that given the chance, Spags will shine.  Thats what New Orleans does, it takes things that didnt thrive anywhere else, and gives them room to grow and be whatever it is that they excel at.  Granted during my tenure there I learned that I excelled at Long Island Ice Tea's at TJ's on swizzle night, but that's neither here nor there. 

We're down a few key players most noteably Marques Colston, but like I said above, it looks like we might have another Marques C. to fill his spot. 

Our defense is going to be interesting this year.  I'm still wondering (as I'm sure he is) what will become of Jonathan Vilma this year.  I don't think for one bit that he should be suspended for a year.  My guess is Goodell is going to postpone any movement for as long as possible to make him miss as much of the season as he possibly can.  Whatever....this year we'll just kick everyone's asses for free (credit: some random picture I saw on Facebook).  Im excited for the talent that we're going to be bringing to the field.  I had to go check the Saints roster for this, but apparently Hartley is still on the team.  I hope his 'hamstring' injury has healed, although it looked pretty alright when I saw him at the Bulldog on Magazine the visit before last...granted those fancy 'ladies of the evening' he was romancing could have re-aggravated it. 

Akiem Hicks went to Regina (university?) in Canada and I fully intend on cheering him on in standard Canadian fashion by adding "ey" on the end of every cheer about him.  For example:

"RUN THE BALL EY!"

"WAY TO MAKE THAT FIRST DOWN EY!"

"YOU HIT THAT GUY LIKE YOU GOT PAID SPECIFICALLY FOR IT AS PART OF A VAGUE AND YET TO BE PROVEN BOUNTY SYSTEM EY!"






Today is the start of pre-season football, and the start of regular game day posts as well as the start of my fanatical love of the Saints and everything New Orleans.  I love my team and I love my city.  Bless you boys and GEAUX SAINTS!

There Was a House in New Orleans...

....that I call my house of worship.  However instead of being called the Rising Sun, it's called the Superdome.  Sorry, the "Mercedes-Benz Superdome".  Anyway, I just came back from a 5 day stint in the Big Easy.  There were some negatives but mostly positives to the visit.  The city still cares a lot about its Saints.  While dining at a John Besh restaurant, there was a large chalk drawing of "Free Sean Payton" and plenty of shirts saying the same thing.  Tom Benson needs to get on the ball and figure out how to sign Breesus (Praise Breesus).  I understand that the financials of the salary cap are quite complicated, but what isn't, is how important Breesus is to New Orleans and how symbiotic that relationship has become.  We don't have Payton this year to prop us up, so we need Brees.  Chase Daniel is making news talking about how ready he is and I just want to be like, "Chase, buddy, just sit down.  Thanks for the effort, keep it up  and stuff but just come on...stop it".   
       Being down there really did solidify that I would like my doctorate work to have something to do with that city.  The potential there for the city to be so much greater than it already is, is there.  I had great food with great people and I can't look more forward to returning.  God Bless New Orleans, and Bless you boys. 

Geaux Saints!
       

Sh*t storm forecast - anywhere from 3 games to a year

So Judge Goodell, I mean Roger Goodell (sometimes I get confused and have to remind myself that he's not a judge regardless of him likely prancing around in a black robe when no one is looking) handed down the sentences, I mean punishments, to the players he felt were involved in these shenanigans. Jonathan Vilma was sentenced to a one year suspension. The NFLPA has given some indication that they don't care for this ruling, and will likely support an appeal. I support an appeal. What if, regardless of Vilma offering the 10k, Favre didnt get hurt? Would Vilma still get suspended for his 10k offer, however fruitless? If not, then that leads to the thought process that it only mattered because someone got a booboo, and if the punishment was dependent on the severity and player popularity, which I'm inclined to believe it was, that would then lead one to conclude that if some popular player is injury prone on the field (like being 43 years old and named Brett Favre), if they get hurt you're screwed. Did Goodell research and evaluate every single potential offer for a "pay-for-play"? I would think not because this practice is/was widely used in the NFL and the Saints were merely the ones caught holding the bag (of 10,000 dollars cash) and so far the only team that has been so severely penalized.

Hargrove, who is now on the Packers, got an 8 game suspension. Will Smith, of the Cardinals-Saints playoff game fame, got a 4 game suspension, and Scott Fujita who's with the Bengals still I think, got 3 games. I have absolutely no idea what sort of formula Goodell used to come up with these numbers.

 I have no doubt that the Saints will do fine this year. I have every confidence in our draft and free agent class coming in. If it's one thing the Saints are good at, its making the best out of a crappy hand they've been dealt.

I'm not even going to address the locker room tapping thing except for to say, shame on you ESPN. Thats the conclusion you made and sensationalized? Thats like finding a camera phone that someone broke 10 years ago and telling everyone that while you have absolutely no proof and aren't completely sure it was ever a working phone to begin with, not to mention you're not even sure that the person who's phone it was ever used it for anything, that clearly there are illicit pictures on there and the phone was used to coordinate high crimes and treason. Idiots...

Well, enough of the venting. Bless you boys, and GEAUX SAINTS! I'm looking forward to a 2012 year and seeing the new Saints as well as the old!

(Praise Breesus).

BAFOONERY!

Well, its a dark day today in the world of the Saints. Drew is not signing the franchise tag and wanting to continue negotiations and King Roger "I think I'm awesome" Goodell suspended Coach for the entire year. And then there are the haters saying, "there go the Saints chances for an at home superbowl". The training season hasnt even started so I think it's time to chill on that. I hope that they appeal the entire year suspension, but I cant help but think that Payton is such a good dude that he'll want to take the punishment and full responsibility because he's the head honcho.

Personally, I protest Goodell's suspension of Payton for an entire year. I bet if we still had Gregg, Payton wouldn't have gotten as hard of a punishment, but clearly Goodell went to law school or has some sort of meta-understanding of Soloman's or Hammurabi's laws and feels justified in doling out sentences that he probably thought of while he was on the toilet, because honestly they're all shit. But Goodell felt that the Saints had to pay in some way, and so in addition to taking high draft picks, he takes our head coach for the year and asks for 500k. Where is that 500k going to go by the way? I hear about all of these fines, but where does the money go? If anyone knows please inform me because its a legit question.

Anyway - I've been pissed all day about this. I don't advocate people getting hurt in this aforementioned full contact game (see last post), but punish the right people. Punish the people who actually orchestrated it. Too often when things go to hell, people stand around after and look for people to blame. And instead of blaming the people who actually did it the most, people who were just in the proximity get punished, and its not fair. People start talking about other people who, "could have done something more" or, "in some way were responsible because they didn't do everything they could have" in the hindsight that we all know to be 20/20. How many of us can sit here without any doubt that in every situation we did everything we could have and everything we should have? How many of us have no regrets about anything we didn't do or something we thought we should have said?

If you think you're one of these people, you're an idiot.

Bless you boys, and GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!!!!

Saints Saints Saints.....

I know its not a game day, but with so much going on about the Saints something needs to be said.

First of all, I've long been an advocate of not hurting anyone during the game. I still am. But I also am semi-literate when it comes to the subject of Physics and realize that its a full contact sport and people are bound to get some dings here and there. We all know that Im referencing the "bounty" program involving Gregg Williams and the Saints (and every other team he worked for, aaaaand pretty much every team in the league for that matter). Of course there are players you would rather tackle than others because to neutralize their talent would benefit your team. No one is going to waste time trying to figure out the favored routes of a third stringer and follow his ass around the field "just in case". How many teams openly came out and said that their plan was to "stop" Drew Brees? And how many of those players got "performance bonuses" or bonuses in their contract if they won the game? Doesn't that technically qualify as a bounty program? Surely no one thought that these other teams were planning on stopping Breesus with some sort of riddle, trickery, or voodoo doll. They wanted to knock his ass out! That's blatant bounty program...ming. I'm aware that objectors are going to say, "Oh well, there was an additional bonus for them getting carted or helped off the field". How else do you stop someone in a full contact sport? You MAKE FULL CONTACT.

I love how after this came out all cameras focused on Brett Farve in his Wrangler jeans driving around in his muddy Jeep. The funniest part of that was that Farve was like, oh Im so glad the truth came out and stuff but whatevs, its no biggie (complete paraphrase but thats what I imagine he'd sound like). I want to be like, hey Farve were you as happy about the truth coming out when you were sending pictures of your johnson to that 20 year old? Double sided coin my good man.... and the reason you got injured wasn't necessarily because there was a "bounty" on you. It was because you're like 45 playing with a bunch of 23 year olds. Now thats just physics. And a little math.

Recent Losses....
Meachem is going to San Diego. Im sad about this because Meachem was one of my favorites. I was trying to look at trade agreements but Meachem isnt on there...perhaps theres still hope? Probably not. We've got Colston for another 5 years and thats great because he's amazing. I hope we get everything sorted out with Breesus because it would be hard to be confident in my fanship of the Saints if we let him go. He hardly seems like an unreasonable man and has clearly stated that he wants to make New Orleans his home. I'm sure the Benson family will do what needs to be done to ensure that Breesus is a Saint for life.

Thats pretty much all I have to say about the Saints at this point, hopefully Goodell isn't too high up on his horse to see that football is a contact sport, and while Gregg engaged in some un-kosher practices, the Saints let him leave and shouldn't pay the price for him being an idiot.

I Left my Wine in San Fransisco (psh! I took that shiz with me)

San Fran has got to be the most underwhelming city I have been to. And its probably not San Fran's fault. Anywhere after wine country is apt to be a let down, that's just a fact. What's been San Fran's shining light this season is the 9ers. And even with their record, no one has been like oooh, "the Niners are pretty coo". So its safe to say they're under-rated.

Its taken 6 years for the Niners to stop kicking themselves in the pants for passing over Aaron Rodgers in the draft. Alex Smith is alright I guess, but his passes falls very short of Drew Breesus. But then so did everyone else in the league... Stopping the run game is going to be key for the Saints. In various sports shows I've seen that Roman Harper is going to be the dude to watch out for, which I find to be hilarious because he's ALWAYS been the dude to watch out for. Haven't you seen his moves?? Here's to hoping Will Smith gets to pull a Kurt Warner (see: 2009 playoff game) on Alex Smith. Maybe even get a Brett Favre in on him (see: 2009 playoff game).

The odds are stacked against us for this game in the sense that were 0-4 on the road especially outside. But then again, New Orleans is used to having the odds stacked against them and coming out the victor. Examples being BP oil spill, KatrinaN FEMA, pretty much all governmental involvement, and the 2009 victory over the Colts to win the superbowl.

Breesus - I want you passing all over this defense like you're R Kelly in a video with a 14 year old. I want you to look that defense square in the eye - and pass on it. Maybe to Meachem, Graham, Colston, Henderson, maybe Moore and Collins. Feel free to toss it off to Ingrahm, Ivory, Graham again, and Sprolio-skies.

Thank you so much Saints for an amazing season. You boys have done so well and given the city another season of being proud to call themselves fans of the New Orleans Saints. I'm once again privileged to call you my team, and spread the good word of Drew Breesus and his Saints.

Praise Breesus, bless you boys, and GEAUX SAINTS!!

Coming From the Lion's Den...A Tail of Two Cities

(Before any English majors correct me, I used 'tail' because we're playing the lions)

While we didn't get the bye week (F you SF), we at least get to play at home this first game. Seeing the decorative lighting that has illustrated the Super Dome has been awesomely hilarious. However, it does make me miss home a little bit. We find ourselves in another playoff season, right as the Mardi Gras celebrations begin. This is a recipe for fantastic.

I hate to say anything bad about the Lions because I can empathize with their fans on a few levels. Because apparently I'm a really weird girl, I was listening to sports radio earlier this year while a Detroit fan was over the moon that the Lions were 5-0. And I remember when the Saints went 5-0 and I myself was over the moon. So I've been there. Then comes the bigger reason of how Detroit's Lions are that city's last hope essentially. Anyone who calls themselves even a remote Saints fan knows very painfully how that feels, and we should show their team and their fans a modicum of respect based solely on that, if not more so because they are guests in our city and we treat people with respect and want them to return.

What I CAN talk shit about is Ndamukong Suh. I have no problem hoping this guy gets injured. I can't actively wish that he does, but I certainly would have no problem if Ellis got a case of the trip-skies and fell on him. And then if Harper were to mistake him for a terrorist or Atlanta Falcon (One in the same at the Dome FYI) and make him bounce off the ground from hitting him so hard, I'd be fine with that. Maybe even if he "accidentally" got kicked in the head when someone was walking over him, like twice (taste of his own medicine?). None of this I would have a problem with because he's a dirty player, he goes out to actively harm other people, and that is not acceptable. I hate this guy, and I don't think he belongs in the league.

Matt Stafford has shown probably the second most heart that I've seen in a QB (Obvs first is Drew Breesus). This kid can play with broken/torn/ripped shoulders/fingers/muscles or anything that you could throw at him. So lets focus on catching those passes he means for his own team. Jenkins, Harper, or Sharper - I want you reading this guys face like you're a hooker looking over someones shoulder at an ATM for their pin number. Then, I want you to take his ass down faster than that hooker who just got his pin number and then get away before any flags are thrown/arrests are made. KThx. We also have to be careful of their offense, who almost beat the Packers (41-45 for reference). That's not a comfortable win by any means. I want the Saints to take down Lions like they're on a freaking Safari hunting excursion. All up on the sidelines, pointing at which ones we're going to take down. You know Gregg Williams has his little head set on being like, "Yes...I want that one....bring him down." in some diabolical voice. (That's what I imagine goes on.)

I've been hearing that this is going to be a passing game, and I'm fine with that. I deplore games that are defense oriented and finish with a score of 6 to 10 or something like that. Terrible. Let's face it, if it's a passing game - the game belongs to the Saints because that's what we do. Breesus thinks, "Hmmm...which of the 17 dudes should I throw this to? Lets go by alphabet this time, next time we'll go in numerical order." And because he is Breesus and he says it, it is so.

Thank you Saints for another wonderful season that has allowed me to fall more in love with my city and my team. This year has brought a lot of awesome ( a lot of not awesome too but that doesn't matter) and I'm glad that the Saints are part of said awesome. I'm glad that my little monster Oskar Sproles Inks came into my life in the same sense I'm glad that Darren Sproles came into the Saints' life. I was in a conversation last night about Saints fans, and we could all agree that no one has met a Saint's fan that's a jerk. No one has anything bad to say about our team that holds any weight. There's always room on the Saint's bandwagon, and everyone is more than welcome to stay as long as they'd like. There's no qualifier to be a Saints fan. You like the Saints? Welcome aboard, get yourself a Hurricane and sit and watch the game. Come enjoy the city should you be so inclined, we love visitors. Whether or not this is the last game day post of the season remains to be determined. But I love my Saints, I love my city, and I cannot wait to see you soon. Geaux Saints and Bless you Boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now lets go lion huntin'..........

Carolina in My Mind

And I say that because its really to what lengths are the Panthers going to go to win this game. Are they going to go for it at all costs or are they going to sit back and give their second stringers some time to shine? Its pointless other than pride for them, and a W is relatively important to the Saints, but not necessarily one worth injury to key players. At least in my opinion.

But looking at the list of inactives for today's game against the Panthers, we've got some key people out. Vilma's out (knee), Ingrahms out, Moore is out and I think so is Jenkins along with Casillas. Looking at that makes me think the Saints have already scrubbed this game. I guess with good reason. If we have to play Atlanta, they're super pissed at us from last week so we've got to be on our A game (which I think its total bullshit why they're pissy in the first place. Running up the score? Really? Did you see our game against Indy? No one said anything about running up the score then and that game was 62-7 for christ's sake, so.... chill-skies - you got beat, deal). So to any of the Saints that might be playing today, be safe and don't hurt yourselves.

Carolina - a 6 and 9 record with a rookie QB isnt too shabby. I mean you're not going to make it anywhere in the NFC South with that kind of record (Maybe the West but defs not the South), but its a good start. I still kind of heart Jeremy Shockey even though he plays for a division rival. There's something about that unstable look in his eye...anyway - given the set of circumstances, Carolina's done pretty well and was a formidable opponent in the previous game we had with them this season. I still think we're going to exhaust their defense like my friends probably exhausted the open bars they went to last night. Hopefully none of the Saints have the cocktail flu this morning and are able to stay hydrated. I would like to think that the New Orleans Saints training team is pretty adept at dealing with dehydration (including those from being over-served) so they'll be okay. I should really meet some of those people and learn their skills in this art of addressing hangovers....they must really know how to party...

My dear dear Saints - while you may not have been the initial reason for it, you helped give people a reason to rebuild. You gave them the hope to rebuild in the face of individuals who felt it questionable to do so. And for that the city is forever grateful. New Orleans was able to repay Breesus (praise Breesus) in some way for his service by being the stage in which he was able to break a decades long record.

I think that its important to note that this year I won my fantasy football league with the help of several key Saints players, such as Breesus, Colston, and PT. I had to do everything in my power not to just draft the entire Saints team. Which actually I think is pretty cool that as a fan, my fantasy team would be my ACTUAL team. I don't know of many other teams fans that can or do say that. Or give their pets middle names after players (ex. Oskar Sproles Inks). Soo....in the preparation of the end of the regular season and regular game day posts...its been another amazing season with the Saints, and I hope that we still have a few more weeks with them. Geaux Saints and Bless you boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!