Today was a bad day for the New Orleans Saints and their die-hard fans. A huge opportunity to seriously be entertained as a playoff contender, after a horrendous 0-4 start, is now gone. Technically, playoff hopes are still alive. Today's effort, however, should give us plenty of evidence why that will not be the case. One caveat to this dire prediction: if the rest of the NFC continues to play equally lousy football, maybe 3 or 4 wins would do it. But when the Saints line up to play their next five opponents, they face two additional opponents: the NFL referees under some type of orders from the Godell Gestapo and their fiercest opposition: THEMSELVES.
First things first. Today's loss to San Francisco, a powerful opponent, was the THIRD time this year that the Saints failed to defend the dome. To be a champion you can't have mediocre performance at home. Just one more home loss makes them a .500 home team and you just ain't gonna win anything with that type of home record. Unacceptable. Next, we know well in advance of this game that we have a horrible defense. With some recent incremental improvement, the defense can only still be classified as horrible. We get by with a powerful offense; and an offense that recently found its running legs. Today, our offense stunk and when Drew Brees throws not one but two interceptions that result in pick six instant touchdowns, you are doomed. Add to that the pitiful offensive line play, exacerbated by injuries to first, second and third string tackles, and a lack of a running game and the offense is not that good.
Let me expand on Drew Brees because I am but one lone voice concerned about the big contract. I surely wanted Drew back and leading this great offense, but I think the organization paid a dear price, both in dollars and talent lost. Simply said, Drew cannot possibly perform like he did today with Saints fans expecting victory.
The Saints find themselves at 5-6 with 5 games left starting with a short week road trip to Atlanta. The Falcons will be favored and rematches don't always bode well for the Saints. If they find themselves at 5-7, pretty much stick a fork in playoff hopes. After that game the Saints still have to face the Giants, also on the road, Tampa, Dallas on the road and Carolina. Only Carolina is bad, and they beat the Saints. 7-9 is looking like a best case scenario, with 8-8 not out of the question. To expect the Saints to bounce back from today's butt whipping and win 2 on the road against the Falcons and Giants is a bit much.
Sean Payton is still the X factor in all of this. How much of this is directly attributable to his not being present. Not present on the sideline is bad enough, but all week long too is obviously more than even a good team can overcome. Speaking of overcoming, one need only to watch the Saints season, game by game, and not wonder if the NFL really wants to teach them a lesson from an officiating point of view. Now I know this sounds like I'm a "homer"and trying to deflect from the Saints. I am not giving the Saints any cover here. Someone simply watch the film today and tell me how one offensive and two defensive pass interference calls were missed; rather blantantly.
A huge step backwards; thats all I can say. Strap it on for Thursday; the Saints must line up against the Falcons. We can hope!
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