New Orleans Saints kicker John Kasay kicked four crucial field goals as the Saints just barely escaped Atlanta with a victory. Atlanta head coach Mike Smith went for it on fourth and inches in overtime on his own 30, clearly fearing giving the ball back to Drew Brees for another drive, essentially sealing the game for the Saints.
I know what you’re saying– “No way, Joe. It was a gutsy call on 4th.” I disagree. First he trotted out the punting team. Smith didn’t go for it because he had faith in his offense to get it done. He just figured that his squad had an equal or better chance to get it done from an inch out on one play Drew Brees and company had to take it 80 or so yards. He must have thought the odds of the Saints doing that were pretty high.
After all that internal debate he’s a loser unless he gets the first down–a coward for not going for it or a fool to give it back to Brees. It was a tough day to me Mike Smith.
The Saints lost the coin toss again to start the game, and then again in overtime. The latter of those marked the 11th straight time the Saints have lost a coin toss. If you and I were to sit down and flip coins, our odds of one of us achieving that feat (if you can call it that) is 1 on 2056. Incredible.
With the win the Saints pulled to 7-3, two games ahead of the Falcons in the NFC South. They hold the fourth playoff seed overall pending the result of 49ers-Giants.
