Monday Morning Cheerleader: Ashlyn of the New Orleans Saintsations
By Steve Mazzucchi
Esquire
It had the aura of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object: The New Orleans Saints and their high-flying, 36-points-per-game offense facing off against the New York Giants and their stingy, 14-points-per-game defense. But then the Saints went out and put up 34 in the first half on their way to a 48-27 blowout. In the wake of the bayou boys’ best start since Jim “Playoffs?!?” Mora was coaching in the early nineties, fifth-year Saintsation Ashlyn Falgout is understandably pumped. The law school-bound U. of New Orleans senior, avid outdoorswoman (“I once caught a 16-pound redfish”), and future politician (“I’m very interested in economic development”) educated us on New Orleans’ tough new D, the dreaminess of Drew Brees, and, yes, the likelihood of a Cajun-fried Super Bowl — not to mention blowouts of the Pats and ‘Boys along the way.
ESQUIRE: At what point did you know this one was over?
ASHLYN: On our first drive, when Mike Bell went in for the touchdown on fourth-and-one and we went up 7-0. This is the fifth game we’ve scored on the first drive, and when we do that, I think, “Oh yeah, it’s in the bag.” It’s not cocky, it’s confident. I can say that because, trust me, we’ve been through some rough years.
ESQ: What’s the atmosphere like in the dome when the Saints’s offense is rolling?
AF: It’s unbelievable. I couldn’t hear anything. I couldn’t even hear our music because the fans were so loud. Of course, they are louder when we’re on defense. I was completely lost. I was just like, “Okay, everybody cheer, have fun, good deal.”
ESQ: Four of the five Giants wins came over some pretty bad teams. Did you think they might be overrated?
AF: I don’t think I did. I mean, with the Saints’ luck, we were really nervous when we played Detroit. We didn’t want to come in too cocky. New York is still a really good team — of course they have a New Orleans boy as their QB! — but we were more prepared and effective today.
ESQ: Indeed. You guys hung nearly 500 yards and 48 points on what was the No. 1 defense in the league. What makes the Saints offense so good?
AF: Balance. Our offensive line creates tons of protection — Drew Brees was hit just three times today and not sacked at all — so we can run and pass and spread the ball evenly. We use our tight end Jeremy Shockey, who came from New York, as a scoring player. We have great runners in Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas, and Reggie Bush. And then Marques Colston, Lance Moore, and Robert Meacham all had touchdowns today, too. We have several guys working great together. I would like to see Bush play a little more as a slot receiver. He has the speed and vertical to be very effective in the slot.
ESQ: Brees always seems to do and say the right thing. Is he as dreamy as he seems?
AF: I’ve worked with him for the United Way and, honestly, yes. Anytime you need someone to do a community activity or charity, he and his wife are always there. He is really a great person — a great asset to the team and the city.
ESQ: As potent as the offense is, it’s been spectacular for years. Meanwhile, the defense has improved from twenty-third in yards allowed per game last year to sixth so far this season. What’s been the key to revamping the D?
AF: Gregg Williams, our new defensive coordinator, has done a great job changing the way they play. Since training camp, he’s had a policy: if the ball hits the ground, you have to pick it up and run with it, regardless of whether a flag is thrown. You saw that in Scott Shanle’s fumble recovery at the end of the first half. It’s amazing to watch them now. They’re always running, working hard all the time. It’s mostly the same guys, but a totally different defense, really playing as a team. But the real reason we’re winning is the cheerleaders, of course!
ESQ: Is there any area where you think the team could still improve?
AF: Only our team can bring us down. I think if we can avoid injuries and keep working hard, we can go all the way. The NFC championship game is on my birthday, so that’s going to be a great present for me when we win and go to Miami for the Super Bowl.
ESQ: Someone’s confident. The Saints haven’t trailed all season. Do you think they could struggle if they fall behind?
AF: I don’t think so. Toward the end of games, teams in the lead tend to play a soft prevent defense, and we can score two, three, four TDs in a quarter. So if we do trail, it’s not going to be too hard to recover.
ESQ: Looking at the rest of the schedule, only the Falcons, Patriots, and Cowboys have winning records. Can anyone stop you guys?
AF: A lot of people say the Patriots and Cowboys, but I know we are going to blow them away, so I don’t feel threatened. The fans have a lot to do with it — their energy gets the players pumped up and hitting hard and being successful, and it goes full circle. The Cowboys game isn’t until December, and every one of my friends has claimed my two tickets. They’re fighting for them. I’m like, “Come on, y’all.” I’m putting everyone’s name in a hat.
ESQ: You can put ours in. Anything we’ve forgotten to cover here?
AF: Did I mention we’re gonna win the Super Bowl? Did I say that already? I think that’s it.
