Three weeks after the Rams beat the Saints in the conference championship game play off, reporter Jeff Duncan is still trying to sell the notion that the so called "no-call" caused the Saints to lose the game and a trip to the Super Bowl. He can not admit that the Rams out played the Saints in that game and that Payton's play calling and Brees interception in over time was the big reasons the Rams won.
As this writer said many times in the past, Payton needs to put down the cheat sheet, let his offensive coordinator call the plays so Payton himself can pay more attention to what is taking place on the football field. Tom Landry, long time coach of the Dallas Cowboys was the most successful play calling coach but Payton is no Tom Landry. And the two most winning coaches in the big games and in winning world championships are Bill Belichick and Vince Lombardi, left the play calling to their offensive coordinators. Belichick and Lombardi used their time to be involved in what was taking place on the football field.
Duncan in his Times Picayune column of 2/10/19 said the "no-call" robbed the Saints of the NFC championship and there fore set up a tainted Super Bowl. Duncan is so far off base with his apple polishing statements and sour grape remarks and does a disservice to his audience. Duncan also made the stupid statement that the Saints were the best team in football. Duncan's big problem really shakes out to be how wrong he was in his prediction about the Saints beating the Rams and how they were going to do it which never materialized.
Make no mistake, this Saints loss, if blame is the name of the game, belongs with Payton's play calling, Brees interception in overtime and the Saints poor performance inside the Rams 20 yard line when the Saints had to settle for field goals. And to follow Terry Bradshaw's logic that any time your team is inside your opponents 20 yard line and you don't throw the ball in the end zone at least once, shame, shame on you. Well the Saints were on the 13 yard line of the Rams and threw two passes, both of them short passes and no shot was taken to the end zone. What a shame.
That is the real reason the Saints may not overcome the loss. Give credit to the Rams coach and quarterback. Payton was out coached and Brees was out played. The numbers tell the story. The Rams defense made the necessary adjustments since their loss to the Saints during the regular season and the Saints forgot the game is never over till its over.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Ditto Head Conservative Journalist Cal Thomas Continues To Misrepresent The Facts
In a Times Picayune column of 2/3/19 titled, "What became of Country before Party" Thomas thinks back to 1968 when democratic majority leader in the U.S. Senate, Mike Mansfield said he would work with then elected President Nixon and put country before party. Thomas then tries to compare that to the democratic party's attitude before the 2016 Presidential election and says some democrats have not had a single pleasant word for President Trump. (When has Trump ever had a pleasant word for anyone?)
Thomas then questions the patriotism of todays democrats (the usual personal attacks against them by so called conservatives) But Thomas is silent on Trump's relationship with communist Putin and his willingness to collude with Russia and put Russia first over country in order to win election. Thomas is also silent on former speaker of the House, republican Newt Gingrich who vowed to destroy President Clinton, shut the government down and ruled with personal attacks and lies. Nor did he mention the name of republican senator Mitch McConnell who vowed to make President Obama a one term President and would not work with him or help his agenda. He did not bother to mention those two names in his article because it would tell the real story of a republican party who put party before country.
And of course he did not mention Trump who has put himself above country, rejects the country's constitution and institutions, brought shame to the White House and committed traitorous acts and continues to do so, especially with the nations intelligence community. Thomas is Trump's ditto head and partner in blame who refuse to accept responsibility for their own un-American actions and deeds. They truly deserve each other. And when it comes to putting party before the country, it started with the Newt Gingrich era, and continues to this very day with an extreme conservative ideology of the republican party. The November elections told the real story who can be trusted to put country first.
Trump's support for Putin and his lack of respect for American intelligence agencies also have testified to Russian involvement to help Trump win the 2016 election, coupled with the republican party's enabling of Trump, represents all the proof needed how the party has turned their backs on America and its people. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thomas then questions the patriotism of todays democrats (the usual personal attacks against them by so called conservatives) But Thomas is silent on Trump's relationship with communist Putin and his willingness to collude with Russia and put Russia first over country in order to win election. Thomas is also silent on former speaker of the House, republican Newt Gingrich who vowed to destroy President Clinton, shut the government down and ruled with personal attacks and lies. Nor did he mention the name of republican senator Mitch McConnell who vowed to make President Obama a one term President and would not work with him or help his agenda. He did not bother to mention those two names in his article because it would tell the real story of a republican party who put party before country.
And of course he did not mention Trump who has put himself above country, rejects the country's constitution and institutions, brought shame to the White House and committed traitorous acts and continues to do so, especially with the nations intelligence community. Thomas is Trump's ditto head and partner in blame who refuse to accept responsibility for their own un-American actions and deeds. They truly deserve each other. And when it comes to putting party before the country, it started with the Newt Gingrich era, and continues to this very day with an extreme conservative ideology of the republican party. The November elections told the real story who can be trusted to put country first.
Trump's support for Putin and his lack of respect for American intelligence agencies also have testified to Russian involvement to help Trump win the 2016 election, coupled with the republican party's enabling of Trump, represents all the proof needed how the party has turned their backs on America and its people. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Job Creation For January 2019
The U.S. Labor Department reported the U.S. economy created 304,000 jobs in January and that the unemployment rate increased to 4% from the 3.9% in December. It was the 100th straight month of positive job growth. The department also reported (1) Average hourly earnings rose only 0.1%, the smallest since 2017. (2) The 312,000 jobs that were reported to be created in December was revised down big time to 222,000 jobs.
For Trumps first 24 months in office a total of 4,653,000 jobs have been created for an average of 193,875 jobs per month. In President Obama's last 24 months in office a total of 4,931,000 jobs were created for an average of 205,458 jobs per month. Note: As mentioned before the numbers do not reflect the corrections made by the Department of Labor that they make from time to time and does not really change the difference a significant amount.
Other economic and fiscal news released this week reported: (1) The federal budget deficit for this fiscal year which ends 9/30/19 will show another large increase from last years federal budget deficit. (2) The Trump-GOP tax cut did not change Corporate Americas plans for hiring or expansion. (3) New Jersey increased the minimum wage to $15 an hour to be implemented in steps over a certain period of time.
Over 20 states have now raised the minimum wage since the democratic party raised the issue and guess what? The sky is not falling as the republicans predicted.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
For Trumps first 24 months in office a total of 4,653,000 jobs have been created for an average of 193,875 jobs per month. In President Obama's last 24 months in office a total of 4,931,000 jobs were created for an average of 205,458 jobs per month. Note: As mentioned before the numbers do not reflect the corrections made by the Department of Labor that they make from time to time and does not really change the difference a significant amount.
Other economic and fiscal news released this week reported: (1) The federal budget deficit for this fiscal year which ends 9/30/19 will show another large increase from last years federal budget deficit. (2) The Trump-GOP tax cut did not change Corporate Americas plans for hiring or expansion. (3) New Jersey increased the minimum wage to $15 an hour to be implemented in steps over a certain period of time.
Over 20 states have now raised the minimum wage since the democratic party raised the issue and guess what? The sky is not falling as the republicans predicted.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, February 1, 2019
Part IV, The Los Angeles Rams vs. The New Orleans Saints: The Aftermath: Sour Grapes, Excuses and Notes.
Contrary to the continuing story line that the so called "no call" is the reason the Saints are not playing in the Super Bowl is a fairy tale by those who thought the Saints were the best team. But on that day it was the Rams who were the better team and the Ram's coach and quarterback's performance, exceeded Payton's and Brees performance.
And now Payton's comments about the Saints possession on the Rams 13 yard line with under 2 minutes left in the game do not wash. Payton was playing for the field goal and never once threw to the end zone. Instead, he called 2 short passes that were incomplete that stopped the clock. After that mistake it was the Rams all the way. Note: More than 20 years ago, former quarterback Terry Bradshaw made a comment and said, anytime you are inside your opponents 20 yard line and do not throw the ball in the end zone at least once, shame on you. Well the Saints who were on the Rams 13 yard line never even tried to throw in the end zone.
Cam Jordan, Saint defensive end was quoted as saying after the last two playoff losses, it takes a miracle to beat the Saints. No Cam, not a miracle, just bad judgement on the part of the Saints. Note: Brees interception in overtime and the Saint's having to settle for 3 field goals were critical to the Saint's loss. So was Brees low pass to Thomas that fell incomplete.
Note: Did anyone notice on the "no call" how the Saint's receiver never protested the lack of an interference call? He just got up off the ground and walked away. Normally, most receivers say something to the refs when they believe they were interfered with. This writer thought that was strange. We are also now hearing how this season will help the Saints next season for more progress. The usual banter. The Saints regular season success this past year will not determine how good or bad the Saints will perform next year.
The idea of replaying the Rams is so silly. If that would ever take place every team who had a "no call" go against them would have the NFL in court and the league tied up in litigation over other petty complaints. Note: Just suppose for a minute the ref would have flagged the Rams on the play and the Rams challenged the call and won the challenge. As every fan knows, calls are also reversed. Would that have made a difference? Or would the noise be much louder?
The apple polishing sports reporting by sports writers put the Saints on a level well above the reality of objective reporting. There is only one way you can deal with that. Face the facts.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
And now Payton's comments about the Saints possession on the Rams 13 yard line with under 2 minutes left in the game do not wash. Payton was playing for the field goal and never once threw to the end zone. Instead, he called 2 short passes that were incomplete that stopped the clock. After that mistake it was the Rams all the way. Note: More than 20 years ago, former quarterback Terry Bradshaw made a comment and said, anytime you are inside your opponents 20 yard line and do not throw the ball in the end zone at least once, shame on you. Well the Saints who were on the Rams 13 yard line never even tried to throw in the end zone.
Cam Jordan, Saint defensive end was quoted as saying after the last two playoff losses, it takes a miracle to beat the Saints. No Cam, not a miracle, just bad judgement on the part of the Saints. Note: Brees interception in overtime and the Saint's having to settle for 3 field goals were critical to the Saint's loss. So was Brees low pass to Thomas that fell incomplete.
Note: Did anyone notice on the "no call" how the Saint's receiver never protested the lack of an interference call? He just got up off the ground and walked away. Normally, most receivers say something to the refs when they believe they were interfered with. This writer thought that was strange. We are also now hearing how this season will help the Saints next season for more progress. The usual banter. The Saints regular season success this past year will not determine how good or bad the Saints will perform next year.
The idea of replaying the Rams is so silly. If that would ever take place every team who had a "no call" go against them would have the NFL in court and the league tied up in litigation over other petty complaints. Note: Just suppose for a minute the ref would have flagged the Rams on the play and the Rams challenged the call and won the challenge. As every fan knows, calls are also reversed. Would that have made a difference? Or would the noise be much louder?
The apple polishing sports reporting by sports writers put the Saints on a level well above the reality of objective reporting. There is only one way you can deal with that. Face the facts.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Another Huge First For PolitiDose
PolitiDose has reported in commentary over the past 8 years how Republican tax cuts that favor Corporate America and the wealthy never produce the jobs, Corporate investment or an economic boom the GOP always predict. And true to a false ideology and fondness of giving tax breaks to those who need them the least, President Trump and the GOP's $1.5 trillion tax package that was passed in 2017 failed the test again.
Now comes a report by the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) in a quarterly report published Monday in a business condition poll, 84% of those business polled reported that the corporate tax reform has not caused their firms to change hiring or investment plans. The White House had predicted that the massive reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% would boost business spending and job growth.
We know from facts that the economy did better in every phase under the Clinton Administration than the Reagan or Bush 43 administrations even though Reagan and Bush cut taxes sharply while Clinton raised taxes on those making over $200,000.00 a year. We also know from fact that corporate investment in plant and equipment increased at a higher percentage rate under Clinton than Reagan or Bush. The final outcome of the Trump GOP tax cuts won't be known before Trump leaves office but history and precedent tells us the 2017 tax cuts will not produce what was predicted because trickle down economics never has. Its a fairy tale too many Americans have swallowed.
And to top it all off, the Trump administration is predicting the economy in 2019 will become slower and less productive than last year while deficit spending will continue to climb. So now with two years under his belt as President, Trump continues the big spending, a massive increase in debt and now a shutdown that lasted 35 days with a threat of another shutdown to come. Yes my fellow Americans, Trump and the GOP are one and the same.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Now comes a report by the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) in a quarterly report published Monday in a business condition poll, 84% of those business polled reported that the corporate tax reform has not caused their firms to change hiring or investment plans. The White House had predicted that the massive reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% would boost business spending and job growth.
We know from facts that the economy did better in every phase under the Clinton Administration than the Reagan or Bush 43 administrations even though Reagan and Bush cut taxes sharply while Clinton raised taxes on those making over $200,000.00 a year. We also know from fact that corporate investment in plant and equipment increased at a higher percentage rate under Clinton than Reagan or Bush. The final outcome of the Trump GOP tax cuts won't be known before Trump leaves office but history and precedent tells us the 2017 tax cuts will not produce what was predicted because trickle down economics never has. Its a fairy tale too many Americans have swallowed.
And to top it all off, the Trump administration is predicting the economy in 2019 will become slower and less productive than last year while deficit spending will continue to climb. So now with two years under his belt as President, Trump continues the big spending, a massive increase in debt and now a shutdown that lasted 35 days with a threat of another shutdown to come. Yes my fellow Americans, Trump and the GOP are one and the same.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Part III The Los Angeles Rfams vs. The New Orleans Saints: Aftermath
The aftermath is not going away concerning the no call for those who were so sure the Saints were going to the Super Bowl. For them, it was ordained or the Saint's destiny, even though in sports, nothing is won until its won. Reliving THE PLAY or the game will not change a thing. This writer believes the following comments are in order.
The "no call": Owners and coaches are familiar with NFL rules and regulations and that there are loop holes in them that need to be addressed. They also have known for years that many mistakes have been made by the refs where the NFL officials acknowledge those mistakes but there are no remedy in the rules. And the Saint's owner, coach and players knew that there were no remedy for the so called "no call." So its up to the owners to see that necessary changes to the rules have to be made. They know a "no call" could be made in a game before it takes place.
The best comment in the aftermath of the game came from the Rams offense tackle Andrew Whitworth in a Times Picayune article dated 1/25/19. Whitworth, a native of Monroe, Louisiana who played on LSU's national championship team some years ago said the reaction to the "no call" was sour grapes and gave a number of reasons why in his comments. Whitworth, although a Ram player surely has some feelings for the Saints and Louisiana football in general and is not just sounding off to protect the Rams victory. I would encourage those who missed his article to go on line and read his comments. They were thought out and presented another side to the story.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The "no call": Owners and coaches are familiar with NFL rules and regulations and that there are loop holes in them that need to be addressed. They also have known for years that many mistakes have been made by the refs where the NFL officials acknowledge those mistakes but there are no remedy in the rules. And the Saint's owner, coach and players knew that there were no remedy for the so called "no call." So its up to the owners to see that necessary changes to the rules have to be made. They know a "no call" could be made in a game before it takes place.
The best comment in the aftermath of the game came from the Rams offense tackle Andrew Whitworth in a Times Picayune article dated 1/25/19. Whitworth, a native of Monroe, Louisiana who played on LSU's national championship team some years ago said the reaction to the "no call" was sour grapes and gave a number of reasons why in his comments. Whitworth, although a Ram player surely has some feelings for the Saints and Louisiana football in general and is not just sounding off to protect the Rams victory. I would encourage those who missed his article to go on line and read his comments. They were thought out and presented another side to the story.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The "PEOPLE's HOUSE" Is Reopened
Trump's shut down of the "people's house" has ended until February 15 and those government workers who worked without pay for over a month will finally see a pay check. The shut down was an un-Presidential act of an autocrat who was willing to hold government employees hostage because Mexico refused to pay for Trump's un-American wall. The shut down began on Trump and the republican's watch in December when they controlled everything.
The democratic party's (the mature party) position from the beginning was to fund the "people's house" and not shut it down and handle border security separately. Trump rejected that and during the shut down but changed course this week and accepted the democrat's position and signed the order to reopen the government.
Trump and his party tried to use the "wall" issue to try to paint the democratic party as weak on border security and that they wanted open borders. But the facts prove they were wrong and only the usual lies that Trump and his party engage in on a regular basis. The democratic party has a record of providing funds for border security in every piece of legislation they have proposed concerning immigration including the most recently one passed by the democratic controlled U.S. House this month.
Trump and the GOP tried to sell the lie of a emergency national security problem at the Southern border, something no other President would even try. And the real story on immigration is that Trump and his party did not sponsor or introduce any immigration reform before congress in the last two years when they controlled everything. The people were exposed to their rhetoric only and no action.
During the next two weeks while congress looks to agree on a border security proposal the democratic party will do its part to provide the necessary funds but no wall. America does not build walls to keep people out. America has always used its ingenuity to protect the country and its people. And America has always had leaders with courage who stepped up at crucial times with wisdom to overcome the extreme.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The democratic party's (the mature party) position from the beginning was to fund the "people's house" and not shut it down and handle border security separately. Trump rejected that and during the shut down but changed course this week and accepted the democrat's position and signed the order to reopen the government.
Trump and his party tried to use the "wall" issue to try to paint the democratic party as weak on border security and that they wanted open borders. But the facts prove they were wrong and only the usual lies that Trump and his party engage in on a regular basis. The democratic party has a record of providing funds for border security in every piece of legislation they have proposed concerning immigration including the most recently one passed by the democratic controlled U.S. House this month.
Trump and the GOP tried to sell the lie of a emergency national security problem at the Southern border, something no other President would even try. And the real story on immigration is that Trump and his party did not sponsor or introduce any immigration reform before congress in the last two years when they controlled everything. The people were exposed to their rhetoric only and no action.
During the next two weeks while congress looks to agree on a border security proposal the democratic party will do its part to provide the necessary funds but no wall. America does not build walls to keep people out. America has always used its ingenuity to protect the country and its people. And America has always had leaders with courage who stepped up at crucial times with wisdom to overcome the extreme.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Good News: New Orleans Murder Rate Down in 2018
The recent news about New Orleans murder rate being down in 2018 to the lowest levels in decades was met with mixed reactions. But no matter how one looks at the number it is good news for the city and its people. This writer believes former Mayor Mitch Landrieu started the city off on a new path to make the improvement possible.
Landrieu was the first Mayor in the past 20 plus years who took the first public step in recognizing the crime problem in New Orleans and then taking steps to address the matter. The Mayor worked to seek improvements to NOPD, pay raises, more officers to be in line with the number of officers needed to police a city the size of New Orleans. The two leaders Landrieu appointed to lead the department did a good job in making progress that would ultimately lead to a reduction in crime and the murder rate.
What the city needs to do now under the leadership of Mayor Cantrell is to not let up and continue the progress made and have NOPD fully staffed with qualified officers and the financial resources to get the job done. 2018 need not be just a one year improvement if Mayor Cantrell keeps crime a top priority.
But make no mistake it was Mitch Landrieu who took the first step in actually recognizing the problem and took action. Landrieu is a true public servant and America and New Orleans needs more political leaders like him.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Landrieu was the first Mayor in the past 20 plus years who took the first public step in recognizing the crime problem in New Orleans and then taking steps to address the matter. The Mayor worked to seek improvements to NOPD, pay raises, more officers to be in line with the number of officers needed to police a city the size of New Orleans. The two leaders Landrieu appointed to lead the department did a good job in making progress that would ultimately lead to a reduction in crime and the murder rate.
What the city needs to do now under the leadership of Mayor Cantrell is to not let up and continue the progress made and have NOPD fully staffed with qualified officers and the financial resources to get the job done. 2018 need not be just a one year improvement if Mayor Cantrell keeps crime a top priority.
But make no mistake it was Mitch Landrieu who took the first step in actually recognizing the problem and took action. Landrieu is a true public servant and America and New Orleans needs more political leaders like him.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, January 25, 2019
Part II: The Los Angeles Rams vs The New Orleans Saints: The Hype, The No Call, The Predictions, The Stats and The Lack Of Objective Thought
There are two thoughts that can be applied to the game. (1) When the hype becomes larger than the game, its time to tune out the game. (2) It ain't over till its over. Sports writers and sport shows on radio and TV in New Orleans made up their minds long ago that the Saints would be in the Super Bowl and provided what they thought were stats to back up their position. Many confused Brees personal records with team accomplishments. Brees was put on a pedestal and there fore the team must be the best in the NFL. Some writers even believed it was actually the Saints destiny to be in the Super Bowl. (they even used the wrong word, DESTINY)
Being objective took a back seat to the real world of competition and the Saints were ready to take a fall. The fall came later and at the worse possible time but it started with the Dallas game because the Cowboys knew how to defense the Saint's offense and the Saints point production fell the balance of the regular season and in the playoffs. Through the first 11games the Saints averaged 37 points per game. In three games with Dallas, and Carolina (2) they averaged 15 points per game and with the Eagles and Rams in the two playoff games they averaged 21-1/2 points per game. Opponents who know how to play good defense change the stats.
Sports writers convinced themselves long ago the Saints belonged in the Super Bowl and that they were the best team in the NFL. It was apple polishing at its worse level and no objective thought was given to the real "stats" they could not concern themselves with. Their description of the Saints offense as being prolific does not square with the fact that the Saints beat only 5 teams with a winning record. In other words the Saints beat a lot of bad teams that were poorly coached on defense. But when the Saints played Dallas and Carolina, two teams who knew how to play defense, the Saints offense was just an average offense.
And the stage was set that the Saints offense would be just an average offense in the playoffs as they scored only 20 points against the Eagles and 23 points against the Rams. That was a far cry from their average of 37 points in those first 11 games. The home field advantage and the crowd noise makes for good copy but both the Rams and the Patriots won on the road.
Those who used the so called "no call" as the excuse why the Saints lost the ball game is pure sour grapes. The Saints lost the game because they failed to make the plays on several occasions when they had a chance to open a big lead. Payton also erred near the end of regular time when he called for two passes instead of a run to keep the clock moving. The rams were left with enough time on the clock to score and tie the game and send the game into overtime. And Brees interception and turnover in overtime gave the Rams good field position and they took advantage of it and kicked the winning field goal.
There were three no calls that the Saints and sports writers don't seem to want to talk about because they should have been called against the Saints. replays during the game showed that the Saints should have been flagged for two face mask violations and one holding violation on a Ram receiver. All three took place on 3rd down so the Rams had to punt. If the calls were made the Rams would have had 3 first downs and their drives would have been kept alive. So when the NFL examine the "no call" the Saints are crying about they should also examine all the other "no calls" and then make their comments..
The bottom line to the Saints season tells the story of a news media bent on hype and clichés instead of objective analysis and a willingness on the part of the news media to over blow the accomplishments of the Saints and to apple polish personal records of some Saints players. One of the news papers was about Sean vs. Sean, the experience coach vs. the least experience coach. Not really a good story but it keeps the hype going.
The sports writers and sports show hosts were so wrong about their predictions it gives this writer the feeling that is why they have been blaming the Saints defeat on the "no call." They are looking for vindication But the Saints elimination was easy to understand and simple. They lost because the Rams were better than the Saints in Sunday's game on offense nd defense. Personal records would play no part and the great Saints offense that was predicted to blow out the Rams was a no show. The Rams offered the Saints competition, something sports writers lost track of.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Being objective took a back seat to the real world of competition and the Saints were ready to take a fall. The fall came later and at the worse possible time but it started with the Dallas game because the Cowboys knew how to defense the Saint's offense and the Saints point production fell the balance of the regular season and in the playoffs. Through the first 11games the Saints averaged 37 points per game. In three games with Dallas, and Carolina (2) they averaged 15 points per game and with the Eagles and Rams in the two playoff games they averaged 21-1/2 points per game. Opponents who know how to play good defense change the stats.
Sports writers convinced themselves long ago the Saints belonged in the Super Bowl and that they were the best team in the NFL. It was apple polishing at its worse level and no objective thought was given to the real "stats" they could not concern themselves with. Their description of the Saints offense as being prolific does not square with the fact that the Saints beat only 5 teams with a winning record. In other words the Saints beat a lot of bad teams that were poorly coached on defense. But when the Saints played Dallas and Carolina, two teams who knew how to play defense, the Saints offense was just an average offense.
And the stage was set that the Saints offense would be just an average offense in the playoffs as they scored only 20 points against the Eagles and 23 points against the Rams. That was a far cry from their average of 37 points in those first 11 games. The home field advantage and the crowd noise makes for good copy but both the Rams and the Patriots won on the road.
Those who used the so called "no call" as the excuse why the Saints lost the ball game is pure sour grapes. The Saints lost the game because they failed to make the plays on several occasions when they had a chance to open a big lead. Payton also erred near the end of regular time when he called for two passes instead of a run to keep the clock moving. The rams were left with enough time on the clock to score and tie the game and send the game into overtime. And Brees interception and turnover in overtime gave the Rams good field position and they took advantage of it and kicked the winning field goal.
There were three no calls that the Saints and sports writers don't seem to want to talk about because they should have been called against the Saints. replays during the game showed that the Saints should have been flagged for two face mask violations and one holding violation on a Ram receiver. All three took place on 3rd down so the Rams had to punt. If the calls were made the Rams would have had 3 first downs and their drives would have been kept alive. So when the NFL examine the "no call" the Saints are crying about they should also examine all the other "no calls" and then make their comments..
The bottom line to the Saints season tells the story of a news media bent on hype and clichés instead of objective analysis and a willingness on the part of the news media to over blow the accomplishments of the Saints and to apple polish personal records of some Saints players. One of the news papers was about Sean vs. Sean, the experience coach vs. the least experience coach. Not really a good story but it keeps the hype going.
The sports writers and sports show hosts were so wrong about their predictions it gives this writer the feeling that is why they have been blaming the Saints defeat on the "no call." They are looking for vindication But the Saints elimination was easy to understand and simple. They lost because the Rams were better than the Saints in Sunday's game on offense nd defense. Personal records would play no part and the great Saints offense that was predicted to blow out the Rams was a no show. The Rams offered the Saints competition, something sports writers lost track of.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Los Angeles Kicks Saints Out Of Playoffs: Rams Win In Overtime 26 - 23. Part I
Saint quarterback Drew Brees and his team received the kick off in overtime after regular time expired with the score tied 23 - 23. But Brees turnover, an interception by the Rams gave the Rams good field position and a successful 57 yard field goal to send the Rams to the Super Bowl and end the Saints season.
It was a bitter defeat to a Saint team that New Orleans sports writers and sports show hosts predicted would go to the Super Bowl the past 6 weeks. The Saints had more than enough chances to put the Rams away, had to settle for 3 field goals inside the twenty and dropped a touchdown pass in the end zone in the first quarter Saints receiver Michael Thomas was held in check by the Rams defense and the Saints had less than 50 net yards rushing.
Times Picayune sports writer Jeff Duncan made a fool of himself in more than one article when he predicted the Saints to win the game by 13 points, that the Saints rushing attack would pound the Rams and open up Brees passing to burn them. Of course, none of that took place and the Rams actually outgained the Saints on the ground and in the air. The Saints defense also allowed the Rams to drive for the tying field goal in regulation time with only 1:41 minutes left on the clock.
Duncan also predicted the good times would roll for the Saints in the second half and that the fourth quarter would be one big black and gold party. Yeah, right, except it was a Ram party who outscored the Saints in the second half and then win in overtime. Part II will deal with all the hype of the past 6 weeks about the Saints going to the Super Bowl prematurely and all the stats that was supposed to support the claim which played no part in the outcome of the game. The Saints lost to the Rams at home and the stadium crowd noise was no factor. The Patriots won their game on the road.
NOTE: Sports writers reminded the fans all year long about Brees record setting performance but once again in the NFL, coach Bill Belichick and quarter back Tom Brady took their team farther than Payton and Brees took the Saints. Not only are the Patriots going to their third straight Super Bowl, Payton and Brees will never win as many world championships, conference titles, division titles, playoff games or have as many winning seasons as Belichick or Brady. In fact the Saints have only 3 winning seasons in the last seven years. Can any one remember the last time the Patriots had a losing season?
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
It was a bitter defeat to a Saint team that New Orleans sports writers and sports show hosts predicted would go to the Super Bowl the past 6 weeks. The Saints had more than enough chances to put the Rams away, had to settle for 3 field goals inside the twenty and dropped a touchdown pass in the end zone in the first quarter Saints receiver Michael Thomas was held in check by the Rams defense and the Saints had less than 50 net yards rushing.
Times Picayune sports writer Jeff Duncan made a fool of himself in more than one article when he predicted the Saints to win the game by 13 points, that the Saints rushing attack would pound the Rams and open up Brees passing to burn them. Of course, none of that took place and the Rams actually outgained the Saints on the ground and in the air. The Saints defense also allowed the Rams to drive for the tying field goal in regulation time with only 1:41 minutes left on the clock.
Duncan also predicted the good times would roll for the Saints in the second half and that the fourth quarter would be one big black and gold party. Yeah, right, except it was a Ram party who outscored the Saints in the second half and then win in overtime. Part II will deal with all the hype of the past 6 weeks about the Saints going to the Super Bowl prematurely and all the stats that was supposed to support the claim which played no part in the outcome of the game. The Saints lost to the Rams at home and the stadium crowd noise was no factor. The Patriots won their game on the road.
NOTE: Sports writers reminded the fans all year long about Brees record setting performance but once again in the NFL, coach Bill Belichick and quarter back Tom Brady took their team farther than Payton and Brees took the Saints. Not only are the Patriots going to their third straight Super Bowl, Payton and Brees will never win as many world championships, conference titles, division titles, playoff games or have as many winning seasons as Belichick or Brady. In fact the Saints have only 3 winning seasons in the last seven years. Can any one remember the last time the Patriots had a losing season?
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
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