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C.J. Spiller’s decline hits new low with release from Saints

Fourth-quarter performances are a big reason why the New York Giants are 1-0 and the New Orleans Saints are 0-1 going into their matchup Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

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Spiller left Clemson after the 2009 season as its No. 3 all-time rusher with 3,547 yards. “Pete did a phenomenal job in ’11, phenomenal job in ’12, and really did a great job on Sunday (the Saints had 507 yards and 34 points against Oakland)”. Edwards was placed on injured reserve September 5, but the team is hopeful he can return before the end of the season.

The Saints had six running backs on the roster before cutting Spiller, who never produced as hoped after his 2015 signing.

Don’t be shocked if a barn-burner very similar to SAINTS 52-49 Week 8 victory over Giants last season is in the offing.

“Just a bad day overall, bad technique”, Smith said.

Let the record show that Spiller didn’t burn a bridge on the way out of town and will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to have played in New Orleans.

Spiller was inactive in Week 1, with Saints coach Sean Payton explaining that it was a game-plan decision to go with veteran runner-receiver Travaris Cadet ahead of him. Not too many rookie quarterbacks win their first game against a good team.

The Saints couldn’t hold on, and Cooks record-setting touchdown (part of his six receptions, 143 yards and two touchdowns) all of a sudden became nearly an afterthought.

“If you’re not doing things like that then you’re going to have a hard time”, Del Rio said.

After all, how proud could the unit feel about slowing an offense led by Dak Prescott? We’ve got to do our part, protect the ball, sustain drives, convert on third downs.

Because that figures to be the norm for the two outside pass rushers, the Raiders need to get pressure elsewhere. It’s usually when their teams play one another or at Pro Bowls.

Rent-a-kicker Randy Bullock missed an extra point last week, but regular kicker Josh Brown returns from suspension this week.

NY also released Brown’s replacement, Randy Bullock, and re-signed defensive tackle Montori Hughes, who had been waived on the final preseason cutdown. “Offense has to score points”, said Beckham. “They have some good young talent”. He told ESPN’s Josina Anderson of his release that he “didn’t see it coming”. “We can’t look at past year and say that that’s the type of game it’s going to be”, Brees said.

“We don’t take what the defense gives us; we take whatever the hell we want”, Davis once famously said. “I’m not going to lie to you”, Smith said.

Delvin Breaux, a Saints player, will not be present as he is still nursing a broken fibula. He will be out around six weeks.

Oakland also scored on two short touchdown runs, something Del Rio hinted might have factored into the decision to go for the game-winning two-point conversion.

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New Orleans defensive tackle Nick Fairley, linebacker James Laurinaitisand New York cornerback Janoris Jenkinswere teammates in St. Louis.

Damon Harrison puts pressure on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott