November Theatre
November 5, 2007
Daniel Rodrigue, Sr.
November 7, 2007
Jacksonville was able to move the ball through the air, but Fred Taylor and Maurice-Jones Drew ran into a stifling run defense that surrendered just 88-yards rushing Sunday.
As a result, the Saints were able to record a seventh consecutive game in which they’ve held an opponent under 100 yards on the ground.
“We thought this would be one of the better running teams we played all year,” said New Orleans coach Sean Payton. “I said it before the game and I’ll say it now – they have two really good backs that do really well with their scheme, and their offensive line is really tough.”
But not too tough for the Saints defensive line, a group that is earning a reputation for suffocating rushing attacks.
“Fred Taylor needed 69 yards to get to 10,000, and he didn’t do it,” said New Orleans defensive end Charles Grant. “The front seven did a great job.”
€Drew Brees eclipsed the 400-yard passing plateau for the second time in his career by netting 445. Both performances came with New Orleans.
Aaron Brooks is the only other Saints quarterback to accomplish such a feat.
“Drew managed the game well and had a pretty good feel for what we were seeing defensively both in the coverage and pressure aspect of it,” Payton said.
€ The Saints have outscored their past four opponents 122-67 after being outscored 119-51 through their first four.
Against Jacksonville, New Orleans also tied a franchise record with 32 first downs.
€ Jacksonville’s defense allowed only 99 points in its first five games, but has given up 93 in its past three.
€ David Patton’s 4-yard touchdown reception at 2:02 of the fourth quarter was his first in a Saints uniform. Billy Miller’s 57-yard reception in the second quarter that set up Bush’s second touchdown was the longest of his career.
€ Olindo Mare went 2-for-4 from field goal range, completing attempts from 46 and 34 yards out and missing from 43 and 52 (both within the final two minutes of the first half).
€ The Saints inked a deal with free agent Matt McCoy Saturday in a push to bolster the organization’s linebacker and special teams units.
McCoy was drafted by Philadelphia in the second round of the 2005 draft (63rd overall). He was released by the Eagles on Oct. 27.
Through 26 games, McCoy made 10 starts and registered 85 tackles and two sacks. He also forced three fumbles and made 34 stops on special teams.
McCoy left an indelible mark at San Diego State, where he finished with 396 tackles and eight sacks over three years.
€ Robert Meachum (wide receiver), Jeff Faine (center), Fred Thomas (cornerback), Jay Bellamy (safety), Scott Shanle (linebacker), Andy Alleman (guard), Brian Young (defensive tackle) and Ronnie Ghent (tight end) were listed as inactives prior to Sunday’s game.
Jaguars inactives included David Garrard (quarterback), Josh Scobee (kicker), Justin Durrant (linebacker), Derek Landri (defensive tackle), Brian Williams (cornerback), Uche Nwaneri (guard), Greg Estandia (tight end) and LSU grad LaBrandon Toefield (running back).
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Daryl Smith, left, knocks New Orleans Saints running back Aaron Stecker (27) out of bounds in the first half of their NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007. Stecker was reaching for the first down maker and did not reach it. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
