Three Cheers for Sean Payton
 

Yes, Payton has made some mistakes this year. I still think the reverse call at the end of the Tampa game was bad, and it is not clear how much fault Payton bears for our absolutely miserable off-season--and if you are seeking the reason for a disappointing 2007 season, look at this year's free agency efforts and draft.

But I still think that Payton is one of the better coaches in the NFL. He is intelligent and creative, has a sound philosophy on the team he wants to build, apparently works well with others in the organization, has (I still believe) a good eye for talent, and has produced a disciplined team. And with a team that started 0-4, we saw no public discord, and the team has since gone 6-3.

Unlike the large margin of error in college ball--where, as Nick Saban and Bobby Petrino can now attest, exercising control over players requires less subtlety and intelligence and God does favor the biggest battalions--the margin of error in the NFL is small. The talent is too evenly distributed, and the coaching overall is too good. Injuries can make or break a team's season, and overall good health was a major reason for a successful 2006 season just as key injuries have adversely affected our 2007 season.

However, after 29 regular season and two playoff games, this is my verdict on Payton: He is the brightest coach we have ever had and, after Jim Mora, the best. He is clearly superior to Haslett in judgment and discipline, and after a few more seasons, we might be saying he is our best coach ever.

And for those few who spoke of the "fever" and actually sought a new coach recently, take the long view. I realize that Saint fans learn early in life to take the long view because the short view too often engenders much discomfort. But Payton in year one brought us to a conference championship game and in a disappointing year two still has the team in the playoff hunt with three games remaining. Disappointing year. Still in the playoff hunt in week 14. That is an achievement.

And 80 miles up the road, LSU is playing for a national championship. Ask yourself whether you would rather have as the Saints' coach Sean Payton or Les Miles. The disparity in coaching ability between the two is so great that my knuckles should be rapped for posing the question.

So as Atlanta fans watch Bobby Petrino quit after 13 games--a blessing in disguise for the Falcons--here's three cheers for Sean Payton. Regardless of how the next three games turn out.

Re: Three Cheers for Sean Payton
 

I like him as a coach but he has to learn from his mistakes and grow as a coach. His decision to go for it on 4th down in the 1st quarter on our side of the 50 is not a good decision. With a tie game against a team that might struggle on offense why give them a short field to work on. Not saying you shouldnt take chances but atleast weigh the pros and cons. Is it more important to sustain the drive and still have 60-70 yds to go or is it not worth the risk and give the other team the ball in almost fg range. I think it was a terrible call late in the game against TB to run a double reverse and I think it was just as careless to turn the ball over on downs early in the game on the wrong side of the 50. The TB game that call lost the game for us and against the Falcons they didnt take advantage of the gift but it doesnt mean it was a good time for that risk.

Re: Three Cheers for Sean Payton
 

Good game. come on you Payton bashers. You have to give him so credit.

Re: Three Cheers for Sean Payton
 

I still don't like his game planning (see too many trick plays), his commitment to players that seemingly are not the best option for a position (see Simoneau & David), his lack of adjustments (see the second half of most of our games), his one-trick-pony offense (compare last year to this year - same same), his off the field dramatics and symbolic getures (see bandwagons, burials, mousetraps, etc.), his lack of ability to prepare players for games (see how it's a different problem-area every game we lose - inconsistant), and his petty temper tantrum moments (see challenging a 4 yard catch made by Joe Horn for no conceivable football reason - it wasn't a first down, it wasn't a big gain, it wasn't anything).

Other than that, well he's a FINE coach......

Re: Three Cheers for Sean Payton
 

You are a funny dude Frenzy

Re: Three Cheers for Sean Payton
 

I like Payton and enjoy his play calling even if some think it's too "tricky" at times. To me, there's nothing better than watching the Saints execute one of them well. (Then again, there's nothing worse than seeing them blow one, either.)

I think he's brought some cohesiveness and discipline to the team that was sorely lacking when Haslett was coaching.

As far as his gimmicks (mousetraps, bandwagons and funerals) I guess you do what you think will work and motivate your team. Maybe some of them worked, maybe some didn't. I don't find fault with it (though I did have an issue with the whole "let's bury last year" thing) and figure he's figuring things out as he goes along.

At least I hope he is.

Re: Three Cheers for Sean Payton
 

The opening reverse was a message to the team, We are going to keep doing this until you get it right. The going for it on 4th down in the first quarter was a message to the Falcons, We are going to keep doing this until we beat the crap out of you.
Three cheers for Mr. Payton!

Re: Three Cheers for Sean Payton
 

Credit where credit is due. He has done a good job despite the mistakes. I prefer the much of the team I am seeing now. Other pre-Payton errors made more errors just in basic play. Now we have to improve the playing staff.

BTW that Brees' drive with the one incomplete pass was a thing of beuty. THat was a big lights out message to them Dirty Birds