My Dallas Clark Blog

Here is another free handicapped pick for Week 2 of the NFL season this Sunday:

********BEST BET*******New Orleans Saints (-3) OVER TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: What a letdown by the Saints as they were absolutely blown out in every facet of the game on national TV against the Colts. The biggest surprise was not the struggling defense, but the struggling offense as QB Drew Brees never found a rhythm and wound up passing for only 192 yards, with most coming in garbage time, and 2 interceptions. The running game also struggled as Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister combined for only 76 rushing yards. Consider this game an anomaly however as the Saints should be able to get back on track against a weak Buccaneers team whose defense is a shell of its former excellent self. The Buc's D played well in the first half last week against Seattle but gave way in the second half as opposing QB Matt Hasselbeck threw for 222 yards and a TD, while RB Shaun Alexander topped the 100 yard mark with a 105 yard game. The Saints have a much more well-rounded offense than does Seattle and Brees should be able to throw downfield to Marques Colston and Devery Henderson with much more success. McAllister and Bush should also be able to find good running room and this will further help the passing game going into the latter stages of this encounter.

For the Buc's, it was a disappointing debut for QB Jeff Garcia who failed to bring over the magic from Philadelphia and thus wound up throwing for 201 yards and no TD's. RB Cadillac Williams also had to leave the game early with bruised ribs and his status for this week's game is currently listed as doubtful. That means backup Michael Pittman will carry the rushing load and he is a decent short-term option who can catch the ball out of the backfield. The problem here is that the passing game lacks weapons outside of an aging Joey Galloway and the Saints will have a much easier time containing them compared to last week when Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, etc. ran wild all over their secondary. The lack of good passing options will also force Garcia to hold onto to ball long enough to allow the Saints' Pro Bowl ends Will Smith and Charles Grant to put massive pressure on him and thus increase the likelihood of turnovers.
We certainly don't see the Saints starting the season 0-2 and this small line is almost insulting to such a good team. Bet hard on the Halos. THE PICK: Saints (-3)

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