Tobias-Reiper

VERY successful first year for Sean Payton, and GREAT year for the Saints. Nevermind Katrina; under normal circumstances, this would've been a tremendous success regardless...
Rookie coach.
Rookie defensive coordinator.
Patched-up o-line playing together for the first season, with a rookie starting
New set of reject LB's, the Oreo Patrol
QB coming off a serious injury to his throwing shoulder.
RB coming off a serious injury to his knee.
A kicker carrying an AARP membership card
Fred Thomas

So, I'm not going to sit here and ***** and moan about the game...
...yes, Drew Brees was off.
...yes, they abandoned the run.
...yes, ther were horrible calls go againts the Saints.
...yes, Payton blew it sending Cundiff to try a long field goal rather than punt it.
etc, etc, etc
Ok. It's over and done.

But, seeing what I saw this past year, I have the utmost confidence that this type of year is going to be more of the norm rather than the exception in the next 4-5 seasons to come:
- This team is truly 1-2 defensive players away from dominating on defense. The loss of Harper at safety hurt, but he'll be back next season. I expect Payton to address both CB and the interior d-line this offseason. Hollis is fine, but IMO Young is the weak link in the d-line.
- The offense is set with Reggie, Deuce, Drew, Marques, Karney... the o-line is only going to get better as they practice and play together longer, as they are a very young group. The only thing that the offense lacks is a true threat at TE.
- And most important of all, Sean Payton is no Jim Haslett. He's going to cut and sit anybody who's not on the same page as everyone else, and not just bring in athletes just because of their talent.

So, Thank You Saints, all of you, yes, even you, Fred Thomas , for a great, unforgettable season.

WHO DAT!!

'Cause the simple man pays the thrills, the bills and the pills that kill

Bobaganoosh

Of course the loss stings right now, but as we all put it in perspective, what a phenominal season we just witnessed. I do believe that this team is built to win next year and the year after and lets just hope they keep on improving.

I am going to say that the anticipation for the Saints football is going to be at an all time high come June and July.

Congrats to the black and gold, thanks for everything.

TheDeuce

Good post T-R, some nice points. I am truly excited about the future of this franchise.

Fleured

don't forget to add a Joe Horn who will be so determined to contribute to take the team to higher highs. I'm excited to see how productive he will be.

TheDeuce

I think I'm almost done with Joe Horn... the only thing he's been good at lately is getting hurt. I love Joe, and I know how he means to this team, but the guy just isn't worth the money we're doling out to him. We need to figure out a plan for him if he goes down again next season...

SapperSaint

I'm with you 100% T-R.

I am also starting to feel the same way about Mighty Joe the way you do, TheDeuce.
However, I am going to give him the faith for next year. Then...Maybe.

Fleured

exactly. He deserves the benefit on more year for his leadership and veteran reliability when he is healthy. If he does go down mid-season next year, then some considerations would be wise.

pakowitz

i was disappointed at first after the loss but after looking back on this season and thinking about all the great things this team has done for me and for the rest of the saints nation i cant be too disappionted... i never thought we would win 8 games all year much less the NFC championship game... what a wild ride its been and i cant wait till next year!! super bowl bound baby!!

LongTimeFan

It does "sting but it would have been worst IMO if we would have lost only by 3 points with just seconds left on the clock, we were kind of let down slowly in the game, until the 4th QTR that is..

APSaintsfan

TheDeuce yes Joe Horn on me too, and you know one more season and Joe might have virtually all the Saints Receiving record. I am just like you on if he goes down mid-season again then it is over for him.