Saints Sideline Blog

MARSHAWN MOTIVATION

Thursday, August 18th, 2011      Email Print

(Sponsored by Capital One Bank and Louisiana Cat)

DATELINE: METAIRIE, LA (Lynch's playoff run still burns)

The saying goes: its not how you start, its how you finish. The cliche surely hits the Saints "D" as hard as they hit the Niners last week. Tis a unit who hardly saved its best for last---last season. Against Seattle in the playoffs,Marshawn Lynch's 67 yard fourth quarter run seemingly dodged all 11 Saints defenders and for many around the country was one, if not THE highlight of the season. Sure it was ugly, it was uncharacteristic and for the black and gold it humbled a unit which plays with tremendous pride.

Tracy Porter whom was stiff armed almost to Vancouver by Lynch told me Gregg WIlliams fired up the play in the team's first post lockout defensive meeting. Always looking for motivation--Williams used it as a reminder of what can go wrong when you suffer a collective breakdown, but the Saints vocal defensive coordinator also knows its hardly fair to have this play symbolize what the Saints D accomplished a year ago.

Pre-Marshawn Lynch, the New Orleans defenders put up the best numbers of the Sean Payton era. They were 4th in the league in points surrendered and in passing defense. Other highlights included Malcolm Jenkins' breakout season where he almost single handedly won games against Dallas and the Rams.(Jenkins, by the way didn't play vs Seattle or Marshawn)  In addition, Sedrick Ellis had his career best season and despite being a bit sleepy in Seattle, Roman Harper took a few steps forward.

Harper told me the Lynch play was "probably the worst play I've been a part of." He was the last man on the scene lunging for Lynch to no avail as he strolled into the endzone. I talk to the other Saints left in Lynch's wake like Scott Shanle who had a clean hit on him, Jabari Greer who had a mistackle, along with Porter---all three say the play will fuel them to play better this fall. To their credit, everyone I talked to about their role made no excuses and took accountability---but also infer Marshawn's mistackles were an aberration.

Jonathan VIlma is the contrarian of the bunch---he finds no motivation. The defensive captain says the play is history and he has moved on. "We're on to the new season, we know we're not known for that."  The leader of this defense is doing what leaders do--setting the tone with a new tenor. Vilma could care less about how many times the play has run nationally, that it was nominated for an ESPY or that several national pundits who don't know much about the Saints D will point to it as the signature play of the year. He is keeping the defense's swagger intact knowing it was a blip on the radar.

Vilma is moving his defense along AM (after Marshawn) and so have the Saints.This organization has more than made steps to step things up. Knowing this team has been weak against the run, you can no longer say Where's the Beef? The Saints D-line has been bolstered by run stuffers Shaun Rogers and Aubreyo Franklin. Throw in first round pick Cameron Jordan who can play both end and tackle, Sedrick Ellis and what seems like a renewed WIll Smith in this camp and the Saints line could rival anybody in the league. Are you listening Marshawn???

This defense will hit the field this fall knowing they will have a better d-line, a deeper linebacking corp and an ever improving secondary. Marshawn Lynch is now a distant memory but serves as a  constant reminder of what can go wrong. This unit will live, learn and most importantly make sure history doesn't repeat itself.

AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

VILMA ON THE CANES- Jonathan Vilma didn't shy away from the media after practice concerning the stormy clouds hovering around his alma mater. He addressed his alleged involvement with the Canes scandal involving booster Nevin Shapiro. The former Hurricane linebacker who has been associated with Shapiro said, "I feel its unfortunate that things are being brought up now from a guy who's in jail.:"

TRACY TIMEOUT---Don't expect Tracy Porter to play versus Houston on Saturday. He was held out on Wednesday's practice as Payton wanted him to get the day off and not rush him back. The Saints coach added he is still on schedule with no setbacks.

JAHRI SITS OUT---Saints Pro Bowl guard Jahri Evans missed practice due to swelling in his knee but plans to play versus the Texans. Matt Tennant filled in for Evans.

HIGH PRAISE---While its gonna be tough to crack this Saints roster at the receiving position, Sean Payton had high praise for his group of rookies, " The list of free agents is probably the strongest group we've had since I"ve been here."

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT---Would love for you to check out our latest edition of "That's What He Sed". Its a fun weekly chat with Saints DT Sedrick Ellis. Our latest report on our website includes Big Sed's thoughts on the heat, his height, the worst drill of training camp, is this camp easier than previous ones, how he spends his off time and how much is he looking forward to "going back to Cali"---his home state? Must see TV!!!

UNTIL NEXT BLOG,
Mike Nabors
CST

By: Mike Nabors

An Emmy award winning sports reporter who covers a wide variety of events for CST. Primarily, Mike serves as the network's reporter for Saints coverage.

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