Is That Mike Martz in a Sean Payton Disguise?

Is That Mike Martz in a Sean Payton Disguise?

For three weeks I, as well as every sports columnist, analyst, former player and arm chair quaterback, have repeatedly offered the Saints a winning formula, yet coach Sean Payton, calling the plays from the field, is apparently over on the sideline drawing up plays. “Look here guys, Reggie is this stick, Drew, you're the rock. Drew, you're going to hand the ball off to Reggie and he's going to lateral it back to you, then Drew, hit this blade of grass (Marques Colston) down field...it'll be awesome!”

For those that watched this nonsense with dropped jaw, there is a universal awareness that this playground gadget play is exactly how the Saints opened the second half offensively. The only people that could be more confused than those of us that had to watch this garbage play calling was the team on the field wearing the gold helmets with the fleur de lis. “What coach? We're gonna run a gadget play after we marched the ball down field in the second quarter and scored a touch down?” That's right, ridiculously talented offense, you're going to try and “out-smart” this Tennessee defense...according to over-analyzer Sean Payton.

After a deep discussion with a colleague, it seems that something got into the head of Sean Payton after the Dallas game in 2006. The game was dubbed by a few as “the perfectly called game,” and since then, Sean Payton has quickly become the latest head coach to fall victim to Mike Martz-itis. My advice: Sean, get those pursed lips off your face, take that color coded “crap board,” and burn it. Either play football (as opposed to gadget ball), or let the plays come from upstairs. Clearly you cannot see the game that everyone else is watching, and this Monday night debacle is on your shoulders! When you have a load of weapons, fire them – there's no need to show everyone how you can shoot them behind your back, between your legs or with your eyes closed. Point and shoot, coach.

Now, it looks as if one of his weapons will more than likely be on the shelf for the remainder of the season. Preliminary reports stated that Deuce McAllister tore his ACL, landing awkwardly after grabbing an errant pass during the 1^st quarter. Although such a loss could seem detrimental to the Saints season, fans may rest easy. At this point it was looking as if McAllister might only get 30 carries for the entire 2007 season, so there might not be much of a difference of him watching from the sideline in street clothes or in a uniform.

What Happens Now

After being called an overrated running back from the time he entered the league, it looks as if Reggie Bush might actually be playing the position of running back for the first time in his NFL career. He is listed as a running back, but there is no question that the position he currently plays has been worthy of a new name: Utility Threat, perhaps?

When considering last season, he was a primary slot receiver that lined up in the back field on occasion to run the ball. The criticism that he's received in regards to his sheer running ability is unfounded – there simply isn't enough evidence to prove that he can't run between the tackles. It doesn't help his cause when it seems that Sean Payton has no interest in dominating the line of scrimmage, or running the ball between the tackles. Unfortunately, when the big plays aren't popping, such a game is necessary to win a few 14 – 10 type battles.

The Saints will enter their next contest on October 7^th, after enjoying a bye week to sort a few things out (or start the season over). Carolina will come to town for a divisional match up that could get the Saints right back into the thick of things, even at 1 – 3. This bye week could be exactly what the doctor ordered – hopefully it isn't ordered by a Dr. Kevorkian.

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