Back on January 21st, today seemed years away. But after a long and successful offseason, today is here, and today is the day where 'maybe next year' becomes 'maybe this year'. It's the greatest time of the year, where hope and optimism reign supreme. Everyone is equal at 0-0 and no one, not even the Lions, are out just yet. This year is sure to be a bit different one for me. For years, the Saints got zero pub in the offseason, and when people saw me wearing my Saints gear around town, I was greeted with smirks, smart comments, and the occasional 'you mean the 'Aint's?'. It's crazy how times have changed so quickly. But when you have Reggie Bush handed to you, a magical season, and the NFL's most high-powered offense, people begin to show respect. People invite you to play in the Hall of Fame Game, networks schedule you for opening games and Monday Night, and ESPN "experts" give you some love. Just yesterday, when I sported my Saints shirt around campus, there were no laughs and there were no jokes. What I saw was fear. But I guess I'd be scared too if I saw #25 and #26 in the backfield at the same time.
Back to the game tonight- there's no doubt it's one heck of a way to open the season. Beating the Colts in their first home game after the Super Bowl is no easy task, and the RCA Dome will be rockin' for sure. We (the Saints) will have to stay composed and stop the big plays. Look for Pro Bowler Will Smith to torch the Colts' new rookie-LT Tony Ugoh and get to Peyton a few times. If we can put some pressure on him like the Chargers and Steelers did two years ago, we'll increase our chances for success a lot more. We absolutely cannot let him sit back in the pocket relaxed, or he will carve up our D like he did four years ago.
The other key for us is to stop Dwight Freeney. Thankfully, I feel pretty confident because we can just trot out Pro Bowler Jammal Brown, the meanest and nastiest LT in the game today. Look at this mug shot. Wow. He means business.
The Colts will score their points, but we just can't give up the big plays. Fred Thomas you hear me? Look for how Brian Simmons, Kendrick Clancy, Jason David, and Kevin Kaesviharn fit into the Saints' D. Also look for Reggie to have a big night because like they say- Big players make big plays in big games. At the end of the day, the Saints prevail 33-30. Like I'd ever pick against them. That's all for now. I have to report home to reunite with my Saints family for the game. And did I mention there is much red beans n' rice to be eaten?
In the meantime, get pumped for the game by clicking here. WHO DAT!
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