Monday, January 22, 2007

Unhappy Days

I heard on the radio this morning that today, statistically, is the unhappiest day of the year. I didn't realize until then that there were so many Saints fans in the world. Yes, the Saint's magical season spilled right out of the cauldron yesterday. The Saints outplayed Chicago in the early part of the game, but several horrible calls by the referees stymied the Saints and let Chicago get a couple of field goals. In the second half we came back, but the Bears played a great game in that half, especially the defense, and in the end we couldn't get it done. Drew Brees didn't have his best game, but it was truly a team loss. The offensive line couldn't keep the Bears off of Brees and he seldom had any time to throw. Deuce hardly got to carry the ball, but when you're down from the beginning in the score it makes it hard to establish a running game. And while the defense played heroically along the line in the first half under rough field position conditions, they were unable to get much pressure on Rex Grossman, and they finally wore down in the fourth quarter and the Bears salted it away. Fred Thomas, one of our cornerbacks, will probably get a lot of blame, and he didn't have a great game, but to place the loss at his feet would be an absolute mistake. As I said, it was a team loss. The one highlight for us was Reggie Bush. But for the first time in many a year I believe we will be going into the new season with a new outlook, and with new hope. Go Saints!

15 comments:

Sidney said...

I heard something about it being the unhappiest day. I felt sorry when I heard the Saints didn't win, though I guess it's a great day for Wayne Sallee and Da Bears.

Eric Paul said...

Up to yesterday the Saints played admirably. Though they lost Sunday, you have to admit, they rallied the city in a way the mayor could not, something to be said for that.

Charles Gramlich said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Charles Gramlich said...

I agree,Eric, but when you have a mayor who makes such divisive comments as calling for a "Chocolate city" you don't have to reach very far.

Sid, I've generally liked the Bears myself. Walter Payton was, in my opinion, the best all around running back in NFL history. Still, I wish we'd have beaten them.

Sidney said...

Yeah, I like the Bears and I like being in Chicago on a Sunday when they're playing and get caught up in the spirit. But I was rooting for the Saints for sure and would've loved to see them in the Super Bowl.

Eric Paul said...

The Choco City comment still haunts baldy to this day. What infuriated me the most about his outburst, was that he chose MLK's birthday for that absurdity, totally counter to the spirit of Doctor King. This time around he was thankfuly silent...well, made silent!

Stewart Sternberg (half of L.P. Styles) said...

Here's to The Bears, Wayne. Here's to any one other than Indiana.

Stewart Sternberg (half of L.P. Styles) said...

I thought the Saints this year were amazing. With Bush and McAlister, with the defense coming to the fore as it did, the receiving core...this is a team poised for a couple of good runs.

Here's to the Saints next year. At least you aren't a Lions' fan.

Wayne Allen Sallee said...

well, charles and sid, we still have...da cubs...

Wayne Allen Sallee said...

oh, and just because stewart sternberg thought himself important enough to post twice, i was amazed at watching him on the field, at a time i didn't quite get football. i volunteered after his cancer was discovered, but tests showed that, even if i had donated part of my liver, it wasn't 10o per cent compatible and the cancer was spreading too fast.

Wayne Allen Sallee said...

um, walter payton on the field, not sternberg. oops. late night at the print shop.

Charles Gramlich said...

Yeah, I knew you must have meant Walter Payton, Wayne, because Stewart played Tight End on that team. I believe.

JR's Thumbprints said...

I'm hoping the Colts win the Superbowl, but usually defense wins games.

Danny Tagalog said...

There's a good Bush about, eh? I could sure do with some of the British kind - but one prefixed with Reginald doesn't sound so good! Pleased your tean is winning!

J. Bruce Fuller said...

I've cried 26 years in a row over the Saints... They went far and that made it hurt more... Ho hum, it's hard being a Saints fan...

I'll root for Indy 'cause I'm bitter, haha.