River City Rematch

 

While the Chicks never wish harm upon players from other teams (well, almost never John Carney), we do admit to secretly doing a happy dance upon learning Jacksonville Jaguars QB David Garrard wouldn’t be suiting up on Sunday.  Before his high ankle sprain, Garrard led Jacksonville to a 4-2 record thanks to his speedy mobility paired with a laser rocket arm.  But against the Saints, he’ll be about as helpful as the lovely ladies on the sidelines holding pom-poms. 

Gray’s Anatomy

Standing in for Garrard is Quinn Gray.  We know what you’re thinking…”Who the f is Quinn Gray??”  Well, before taking the helm last week against Tampa Bay, Gray’s most recent start was in a playoff game when he played for Florida A&M back in 2001.  Given the fact that Gray had little playing experience since the very early portion of this century, the Jags were forced to become one-dimensional in their offensive strategy.  Like Sandra D., they were hopelessly devoted.  Not to a T-bird, but to a running attack with a 44-to-16 run/pass ratio.  Gray did enough to keep Jacksonville in the game and threw a crucial pass to put the Jags ahead for the win.  For that we thank him.  

A Leg Up

The running back duo now powering the Jags offense is strong enough to make their single dimension a matter of concern.  Fred Taylor, the wily 10-year veteran, and Maurice Jones-Drew, the 5’7” sophomore with a penchant for the big play, will be a real test for the Saints.  Taylor is only 67 yards away from gaining a career 10,000 yards.  When (not if) Taylor hits 10,000, he will be only the 21^st player in NFL history to reach this milestone.  It’s up to the Saints’ stingy run defense to make sure his record-breaking scamper doesn’t happen this week. 

Backs Against the Wall

The Saints have held six straight opponents to less than 100 rushing yards per game bringing back memories of the Dome Patrol days.  Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills, Vaughn Johnson and Pat Swilling must be serving as inspiration for our defense which is currently ranked 10^th in the NFL against the run.   Charles Grant, Brian Young, Will Smith and Hollis Thomas hope to extend their streak to seven games.  If Taylor and Jones-Drew can be contained, the Jags will have no choice but to rely on the unknown quantity of Quinn Gray’s passing game.  

O-Yeah!

The Saints’ offense has some hopes of their own as they contend with the 19^th ranked pass defense of the Jaguars.  Brees and his many receivers are ranked 8^th in the league after seven games.  They are finally finding a formidable rhythm because of the solidified play of the offensive line.  The O-line must stay on task through all four quarters to prevent the Jags’ defensive beefiness and physicality from ending their 4-game no sack streak. 

We believe that the Saints are meeting the Jaguars at the right time in our season.  The offense has gotten their groove back and the defense is up to the challenge of facing this AFC foe.   

Chicks Prediction: Saints 31 – Jaguars 17       

 

-Chick-a-Dee