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Photograph by Jonathan Bachman
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Hot Gumbo:
- Sean Payton — So made a pretty mystifying decision early in the fourth quarter when he called a timeout before unsuccessfully challenging a Marque Colston incompletion in the end zone, but he called an otherwise flawless second half for the Saints. Also, he gets major props for this quote: “I don’t know that we’re playing a lot of attention to where this mark compares at the halfway point to previous seasons. There hasn’t been a rich history hear in terms of successfull football teams.” Honesty! So refreshing.
- Robert Meachem — Five receptions for 98 yards including a beautiful 54-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown makes this one of Meachem’s best games as a pro. He honestly looked three or four steps faster than Carolina’s entire defense on several occassions.
- Devery Henderson — Three receptions for 93 yards is impressive, even if 63 of those yards came on one play. (Actually, that might make it more impressive).
- Will Smith — Two sacks and the forced fumble that was recovered for a touchdown. Smith made up for all of the defensive line’s shortcomings in the first half.
- Jonathan Vilma — The man was all over the field, recording 10 solo tackles and two for a loss.
Spoiled Crawfish:
- DeAngelo Williams — For that ridiculous 66 yard touchdown run on the Panthers’ opening drive and for putting up 149 yards on the Saints D (which still hasn’t figured out a way to keep opponents’ yards down). You’re a stupid, ugly jerk, Williams. You deserved to get stripped on that fourth-quarter play.
- Jake Delhomme — He didn’t have a complete meltdown like he’s had so often recently but he also didn’t do much to help his team. 17-of-30 for 201 yards and a lost fumble won’t cut it. Also, you play for the wrong team, jerk.
- Chris Gamble — For intercepting Brees and making him look bad after the Saints defense gave Drew a short field. Who do you think you are, Gamble? You think because you have a sweet name you can try and ruin Brees’ QB rating? Go fall out of a moving vehicle.
Room-Temperature Abita:
- Drew Brees — Another week, another uneven performance. 24-of-35 for 330 yards and a touchdown are great numbers if you don’t take into account the interception and lost fumble. Unfortunately, we do take the bad with the good and right now it’s making Brees look ordinary. Frankly, that’s kind of unsettling. “I take complete responsibilty for the way we came out offensively,” he said. “I’m disappointed in myself for starting off that way.” It’ OK, Drew, we still believe in you.
- Reggie Bush — Speaking of ordinary, Bush had 53 positive yards on the day which is pretty, well, average. He did have an incredible one-handed catch though, so you gotta give him that.
- Marques Colston — Caught a huge 45-yard pass but it was the only one he had all game. Also ran a sloppy route that contributed to Brees’ interception and dropped a pass in the endzone. Not the best day for Colston.
- Roman Harper — Had a career-best 10 tackles, including four for a loss. Now why doesn’t he deserve Hot Gumbo, you ask? Well because he’s a freakin’ safety and they should never have that many tackles. Ever.
