Saints paying the price for saving a city

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans it left the city in shambles. After 2005, it seemed liked the city went through setback after setback. When the Saints finally played its first home game after the disaster, it was moving. But, this was a city that needed more. The city needed a Super Bowl. It needed a team to believe in, a team that could, when it seemed like everything else was stacked against the, give the city something more than pride. Hope.

This was a city that needed a victory like no other city. And this was a team willing to do anything to bring it to them.

Now, they’re paying the price. Say bye to Sean Payton for the year. Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams may never get a job in football again unless Roger Goodell has a change of heart. When the Saints won in 2009, it was one of the more inspirational moments in football history. To see Drew Brees holding up his child. To know that in New Orleans, fans finally got a glimmer of hope. That all was not wrong with the world. That things were getting better.

Now, that Super Bowl win is tarnished as is Payton’s and William’s legacies. Was it worth it? I suppose the real answer to that is to ask the people of New Orleans. I hope it was. Because, as of right now, you’re paying a steep price for it.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

NFL playoffs, here we come

The time is upon us. The NFL playoffs are about to begin. Time to separate the men from the boys, as the saying goes. Today, I’ll be looking at Saturday’s games: Cincinnati at Houston and Detroit at New Orleans.

Bengals vs. Texans

This game is probably the most intriguing Wild Card match up. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, though he has struggled in the latter part of the season, has gotten Cincinnati to the playoffs. However, receiver AJ Green and running back Cedric Benson provide the Bengals with a lot of balance. And, with a decent defense, Cincy could be poised for a run.

Houston has had a string of bad luck. Between losing Andre Johnson, then losing quarterback Matt Schaub and finally, backup quarterback Matt Leinart, the season has been a nightmare for the Texans. Quarterback T.J. Yates is expected to go. Of course, running back Arian Foster and tight end Owen Daniels means the Texans still have offensive weapons. Also, don’t underestimate the energy in that building, as its Houston’s first playoff game.

Prediction: I think this game will be close. But, I think the Bengals will find a way to get to Yates. Cincinnati wins 24-17.

Lions vs. Saints

Detroit threw everything it had against the Packers last week. Offensively speaking, it looked sound, scoring 41 points. However, that was also against a defense that was resting several players. Defensively, the team gave up a Packers record in passing yards and passing touchdowns by a player…to backup Matt Flynn. That doesn’t bode well when facing the Saints in New Orleans. In short, Drew Brees will carve the Lions defense up. Suh is not going to be able to get to Brees enough.

The question becomes can Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson score enough points to match the Saints?

Prediction: The answer is no. Saints win 42-28.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

Kaepernick makes debut with 49ers

Former Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw for 119 yards and two interceptions in his debut with the San Francisco 49ers as San Francisco lost 24-3. Kaepernick entered the game in the second quarter. He was also sacked four times, including three in a row, as the 49ers offensive line struggled. Kaepernick also had 47 rush yards, including a 28-yard scrambled that set up the team’s only points, a field goal just before halftime.

After the game, Kaepernick tweeted “Felt so good to be on the field again, but much to learn from tonight! I will be better I promise you that!”

Former Nevada defensive end Dontay Moch made his debut with the Cincinnati Bengals, who lost to the Detroit Lions 34-3. Moch had one tackle before injuring his foot in the first quarter. He didn’t return to the game.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.