Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

Yes this is WhoDat, no aliens have not stolen my body, no I'm not drunk, yes I have had my daily dose of WhoTang.

Believe it or not, I see the upcoming season as a win-win proposition (or at least there's a 90% chance of that). Should the Saints falter and end up 8-8 or worse, I truly believe that fan and media pressure will cause Benson to make a change. Of course, I don't see that happening. I actually believe that despite having a coaching staff that is IMO less than stellar, the Saints will overcome this season.

Consider:

Many of the recent Super Bowls have been played by teams that came out of the middle of the pack the year before. Many have had "young" coaches within their first three or four years (OK so it's Haslett's 5th, close enough).

There's no question that a top flight RB leads to success in this league and we've got that. We've also got a QB capable of breaking out and WRs to rival those of the "greatest show on turf". Our O-line is young and nasty, but anchored by a seasoned vet, deep, and seemingly stable.

On D, there is no doubt questions remain... BUT... our D-line should be much improved and it all starts there. If nothing else, the youth and depth we have in our front 7 will allow for plenty of rotation and that means they'll still be coming on strong late in games and late in the season. There's no question we're talented as hell and if our guys play to prove something, we may just have the makings of something special.

Couple that with our late season success - often an indicator of teams on the rise - and there are many reasons for optimism this year.

Of course, it still is early - we're not even in pads yet - and there is this nagging voice in the back of my head saying, "but this is the Saints we're talking about." Nonetheless, I just may let myself believe this year boys. With the depth we have, even injuries should not slow this team down (or be an excuse) as it has been in previous years. We've got all the makings of a special year. Now we just need a touch of LUCK (saintfan) and a little magic.

Bless you boys - this may be the year. ;)

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

And the crowd goes wild.......



http://www.dla.mil/OTF/crowd.jpg

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

I think I know that girl on the end there.

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This is most definately our year.

I used to have that same little voice (\"but it\'s the saints\") but I beat the crap out of him for lunch money.

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

cough, cough, (choking on my beer) talk about optimistic....................
there comes a time to see the light for all..................
what better time than now...the time to jump on the band wagon......
if watson is what the coaching staff thinks, look out.............swamee

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

Hey, I’m always optimistic. It’s a new season and anything can happen. Since WhoDat is feeling optimistic, I’m going to play devils advocate. I’m going to break it down in the areas I feel are the most important. In order of importance!

I’ve always felt the less question marks you have heading into the season the better off a team is. Anyway, here’s the way I see it.

1. Stopping the run up the middle.
· Jonathan Sullivan – The one guy that REALLY has to step his game up.
· Brian Young – High motor guy, but is he the real deal?
· Courtney Watson/Cie Grant – Neither one has any experience in the NFL. Completely unknown how they will do!
2. SLB/WLB
· Sedrick Hodge/James Allen – Both players have not stepped their play up to a level that is acceptable. This year one of them must do so.
3. Cornerbacks.
· Jason Craft – The simple truth is we don’t know how he will do. He may play great or he may not.
· Fakir Brown – Same as Craft.
· Ashley Ambrose – It appears his best days are behind him, but that might not be the case. Jay Bellamy proved that last year. But, he can’t be counted on.
4. Safety
· Tebucky Jones – Has his tackling improved or will we see more of the same?
· Mel Mitchell – Is he fully recovered and if so, is he the real deal?

Bottom Line: We only have three proven players on defense: Darren Howard, Charles Grant and Fred Thomas. When you get right down to it, that’s it. I can sugarcoat it, but that’s the way it stands. Now, there’s all kinds of reasons to be optimistic- but we have 3 guys out of 11 that we know for sure they will bring it each week. Compared to other defenses around the league and that’s not a good sign.

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

That\'s not to mention a fumbling quarterback, one WR who can barely play consecutive games, a blazing rookie WR with a drop problem, a TE with a history of mental mistakes, and a new center, something which could elevate or devastate the chemistry of a line.

And if Deuce gets hurt, a gag of hasbeens and neverwillbes behind him.

I\'m sorry, I can\'t do it. We\'re gonna win it all this year, come hell or high water. I believe.

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kenpersons --

It\'s right before the start of a new season and most every team has a legit shot of going all the way. I don\'t think anyone wants someone telling them their team can\'t do it. I know I don\'t.

I REALLY feel we have the strongest and most complete team in the HISTORY of the New Orleans Saints. While we might be lacking in some areas, we have enough talent to make it all the way. We just need the one thing that\'s been lacking. And that\'s for all these players to come together as a TEAM.

The encouraging thing is, the coaches seem to realize this and are taking the proper steps.

GO SAINTS!!!

I\'m just no good at this pessimisim stuff.. :P

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I beleive that the Saints will win the division with an 11-5 record. My reasons are simple the Saints will control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. We have arguably the best D and O Line in the game this year. Depth, strength and speed.

This is the first year in a long time that I actually believe we will having a winning record, win the division, make the playoffs and possibly win the BOWL.

Geaux Saints!!!!!!!!

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Folks,

Welcome to the Twilight Zone.

Sir WhoDat (Joe!)

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

Nice post WhoDat. I\'m not sure whether to applaud or cry - probably, I\'ll just do both.

Either way, three things:

(1) Billy, why isn\'t Rogers (WLB) a proven player. He is solid, has good experience, and is by no means a rookie. I think I agree that Bellamy and Ambrose are question marks if they are asked to do too much, but I think both are solid role players if not starters.

(2) WhoDat, I always wonder about these \"historical\" arguments. It seems that there is trend x, where x usually has something to do with W/L; y usually follows from x (e.g. SB victors tend to come from teams that were middle of the pack the year before); given that trend x, we should expect y. It seems to me that these arguments very much depend on three things: (1) what x is, (2) how W/L has anything to do with x, and (3) the actual reasons that x is connected to y. While I agree with your optimism, do you think that the fact that we have a few features of SB victors from the past few years, we have reason to believe that we have a good shot? Knowing you, I suspect that there are several much better arguments underwriting this one; just curious.

(3) I have a good feeling about Craft, Watson, and Sully. I still also believe we will trade for another corner - offerring one of our WRs (we\'ll have to cut one or two of them anyway). I have a very bad feeling about Hodge and Allen - I don\'t think either will cut it. I hope that one of Watson or Cie will be able to play that last spot, but I think this will be one of our weaknesses.

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

I myself am optimistic too , for the up and coming season .

I figure with a weak secondary , rookie linebackers , fumbalaya under center and an unproven blocker for Deuce . The additional problems in funding the Saints with the state , about the beginning of the traditional December slide , season ticket holders are gonna hang Hasbeen from the Super Dome rafters ..... ;)

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

Another reason for optimism...

No one can be a loser for 37 straight years!

Can they?

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FrankeeFrank wrote:
__________________________________________________
\"Another reason for optimism...

No one can be a loser for 37 straight years!

Can they?\"

___________________________________________________________

Umm....how long have you been a Saints fan? Questions like that scare me :D
please.... If there is a team that can, it\'s the Saints (or Cubs)

But in all seriousness, i can\'t see how we can do too bad this year. Ofcourse, the Saints are artists, creative geniuses (if i may) at finding ways to lose and break your heart. But this year has some magic to it, no doubt.

i\'m glad we are picked to be 3rd or 4th in our division. Less pressure.

I think it depends on our division. i think our division is the toughest one in the NFC by far, we\'ve represented the NFC in every Superbowl since the 4 divisions were created (okay! only 2 superbowls), and still this division is not taken seriously.

The inter-division games will be VERY important. We win those, we\'ll be fine.

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

Ah Granola Boy, let me educate. ;)

You\'re right, there is a difference between CAUSALITY and CORRELATION. The talk of the \"historical trends\", like teams coming from the middle of the pack with young coaches, blah blah blah, that\'s a correlation. The trend shows not necessarily that those attributes will directly lead to the Super Bowl, but sharing those characteristics certainly doesn\'t hurt.

Then there is Causality. Having a good defense does CAUSE a team to be a contender. Having a great RB, a QB capable of going to the SB, two strong lines, and WRs that can torch any field does lead to success in this league.

Finally, there\'s the other \"qualitative\" causal issues to consider. Being a middle of the pack team for a few years may motivate players to win. That desire to prove something can effect focus and desire. It may cause teams, especially early on, to underestimate or misjudge a team (which can lead to some early wins that we know will matter later).

The issue here is that, now more than ever, the Saints share a lot of both correlated and causal characteristics with recent SB teams. While that certainly doesn\'t mean that they\'ll get there, at least this year I\'ve got SOME reason to believe that they can and just may.

[Edited on 8/7/2004 by WhoDat]

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

Ah Ha! There is an argument I can agree with. Nicely put, WhoDat. :)

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

I think that you only question me to get under my skin J - doesn\'t that violate some Ordinance of Granolaton, or a federal law of Tree Huggaria? :)

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

Let\'s not let our optimism get the better of our good sense. When a guy like Detiller projects 8-8, then you have to take that seriously. There are too many questions about this team.

It is possible that all these players could come together and gel into an elite football team?
Yes.

Is it probable?
No. It seems a lot more likely that our rookies will look like rookies out on the field.

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

BMG, I won\'t argue that at all. Unlike some people on this board, I won\'t be surprised if the Saint finish around .500. I definitely see the question marks on D-line, LB, and in the secondary. I know Venturi puts the team at a disadvantage. I agree that the WRs have to prove themselves again and that Brooks is walking a fin line. I agree that if Deuce gets hurt the season could well be cooked and that McCarthy\'s play calling needs to improve. I know that Al Everest needs to learn to run a middle wedge and that Haslett just hasn\'t shown he can put a disciplined team capable of playing to potential out on the field. I agree with Mike when he says that the team didn\'t do a ton in the off-season and that there is still much to be proven.


However, unlike last year, I see our division rivals staying the same or regressing. I see just far too much talent, and I\'m only suggesting that the Aint\'s are going to be 2 or maybe 3 games better. No doubt, they could be 2 or 3 worse.

At this point, without having seen or heard anything in pads, with no injuries and no preseason games played, all I have is what\'s on paper and my gut feeling. Maybe me guts will turn out to have sh-t for brains, but I think this team will get better. There is no reason for them not to - even more reason to think Haslett had better do it or else.

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

Vick has something to prove and early words out of Atlanta are the Birds are lean and mean and ready to go . Panthers give the Saints a hard time every game and now they have a QB who turns it up a notch for them . Bucs are clueless at all angles .

Early prediction

1. Falcons
2. Panthers
3. Saints
4. Bucs

For Hasbeens traditional December slide , the league served it up and made it more interesting . December the Saints play the Panthers twice , the Cowboys and the Bucs and Birds .....Nothing like losing to divisional opponets when trying to make the play offs ..... ;)

[Edited on 9/7/2004 by saintz08]

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The Falcons\' D blows goats. Unless they do something miraculous, Vick will have to put up 28-35 points a game. I know that everyone is drooling over him, but I say he is totally unproven - he\'s played what, a season and maybe a half? Bah. He\'d better be the second coming for all the hype.

I say,

1. Panthers
2. Saints
3. Falcons
4. Bucs

With at most a game or two separating 1, 2, and 3.

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

WhoDat,

Sometimes I ask questions to egg you on. :) I\'m sure that I shouldn\'t, but, honestly, you\'re not the only one I do it too - so I don\'t feel that bad.

More often than not though, I ask so that I don\'t go on some long azz rant about why you may be wrong when I know that you have a far better argument lurking... waiting...

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

That\'s a pretty bold statement. Although our O-Line should be among the best in the league, they won\'t be the dominating unit that the Chiefs had last year for example. And while our defensive ends are very good, the middle is questionable at best. I don\'t know about the Panthers\' depth, but I would trade our front 4 for Buckner, Jenkins, Peppers and Rucker.

I can agree with that. You can argue all you want why this team should be better this year or why they\'ll never get it done as long as Haslett is here, in early July a prediction is pretty much a gut feeling. And my gut feels way better than a year ago.

Reasons for OPTIMISM
 

I know Gary Granola, I was just busting your balls. ;)

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:o ... aie... the pain... so busted... ow...