Despite their best efforts to fold in the 4th quarter, the Saints managed to out-Saints the Seahawks and record their first win.

In the first half they looked brilliant. Reggie Bush was darting and jiving, scampering his way to first downs. Later in the game, he looked a lot more like the Reggie we’ve come to know this year, dropping balls, losing yardage and … a lost fumble. Drew Brees, who was also in 2006 form in the first half, couldn’t orchestrate a first down in the Saints final four possessions, practically begging Mike Holmgren and the ‘Hawks to stage a comeback. They didn’t, inexplicably.

We missed Deuce on the short yardage. And while Colston scored a touchdown, he dropped one in the end zone on the same series, and looked downright sophmorish all game.

Drew found some comfort in David Patten and Lance Moore, and I expect to see them a lot more involved in the offense going forward. Also, Fred Thomas is in the d-backfield again — which considering the poor play of Jason David and others — is an unlikely improvement. The Saints recorded 5 sacks, four better than they managed all season with some well called safety blitzes among the schemes.

Stecker left the game; I hope it’s not serious because the Saints really need some veteran leadership carrying the ball.

John Madden was impressed. I was impressed.

Reggie Bush said that last year the Saints were playing for the City after Katrina. This year, they’re playing for themselves. The City is looking better in comparison. We need to help these guys along. They showed some early brilliance, luckily, and it was enough to keep them ahead in the game, which apparently makes all the difference in play-calling and comfort level for the young team.