Thanks, Terrance Copper: Steelers 38 Saints 31

Terrance Copper makes up for dropping a big pass
by fumbling a key reception a few plays later.

There are at least 4 NFL rules that were illustrated in the game this afternoon:

1. A team with a 300-yard passer loses a lot of those games.
2. A team with a 200-yard rusher wins most of the time.
3. If you're -3 in turnover ratio, you're gonna lose no matter how well you play.
4. If you're the Saints, and you're playing against a mediocre LSU defensive back, he gets to be a hero. Thanks, Ryan Clark, for recovering two fumbles. Couldn't have done that for the Tigers, right?
   

Of course, rule #4 could apply to any Louisiana player or former Saint that the Saints go up against.

And then there's this:

1. Reggie Bush fumbled vs. Carolina: LOSS
2. Reggie Bush fumbled vs. Baltimore: LOSS
3. Reggie Bush fumbled vs. Pittsburgh: LOSS

Yes, that double-reverse was amazing. But you can't afford to fumble 3 times in 9 games. In my opinion, at least two of those turnovers directly impacted a loss (this week's and the one in Carolina where the Saints were in field goal range). I have given him the benefit of the doubt so far. But now it's time to step up.

And don't get me started on Terrance Copper. Yes he had 90+ yards receiving, but he dropped too many balls and cost the Saints a chance at a tie on the final drive. TWICE. He made a big play in the Eagles game, but what else has he done? This is the guy you brought in instead of keeping Fred McAfee or Mike Hass?

The one silver lining about the loss: it's out of conference. Two of the Saints' losses are against the AFC. That comes in handy for tie-breakers.

THE GOOD

• Drew Brees threw for 398 yards and looked like the ultimate team leader.
• Marques Colston: 10-169
• Bush and McAllister: 25-109-3
• Aaron Stecker made his first major offensive contributions of the year.
• How did Brees get that first down on his scramble on the final drive.
• Reggie Bush's touchdown run (and dive)
• The snap to McAllister and the touchdown
• The Saints scored a touchdown on the two-minute drill in the first half.

THE BAD

• The defense gave up 467 yards of offense
• The defense gave up 3 touchdown passes
• The defense gave up a 200-yard rusher
• The defense gave up two 70-plus yard runs
• Minus-3 on the turnover ratio (already discussed)
• Reggie Bush's fumble (already discussed)
• Terrance Copper (already discussed)
• Challenging the Reggie Bush fumble
• Nice bite on the pump-fake, Jason Craft. You're getting on this list a little too often.
• What was up with kickoffs and coverage? The Steelers' field position was too good all day.

THE UGLY

• You're playing against a team that can't hold on to the football. Big Ben has 14 interceptions in about the equivalent of six games. AND YOU STILL CAN'T FORCE A FREAKIN' TURNOVER???????????? WHAT THE HELL IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE DEFENSE NOT FORCING TURNOVERS??????????????????? I CAN'T TAKE IT ANY MORE! I'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS FOR OVER A MONTH NOW!
• 3rd quarter meltdown: Jahri Evans' personal foul costs the Saints a chance for at least a FG.
• 3rd quarter meltdown: Reggie Bush fumbles on the next drive. The Steelers score on the next play.
• 3rd quarter meltdown: The Saints drive down the field immediately afterwards, and John Carney misses a FG.
• The Saints are prepared to down a punt at the 3 yard line. But Omar Stoutmire and Bryan Scott can't down the ball. Willie Parker's off to the races a few plays later.
• Terrance Copper (one more time). Yes, Marques Colston dropped a couple too. But he's earned a reprieve.

Next weekend, I WILL BE IN THAT NUMBER. Mr. and Mrs. DarDar will be back down for Thanksgiving vacation. We have already been guaranteed the family tickets for the Bengals game. Maybe I'll see some of you there. I can hardly wait.

SEYMOUR D. FAIR ADDENTUM: Is it me or does it seem Deuce isn't getting enough "touches?" I know the circumstances forced "throw mode," but even the first two drives of the second half before the game slipped out of control Deuce wasn't even on the field. Secondly, Jason Craft is terrible--I mean bad. He was bad last season and somehow he's still on the roster.

TAGS: NFL, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Marques Colston