New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - Too many opportunities wasted

Sorry for this rant like post, but looking back over the years it seems like too many times we have wasted opportunities that are few and far in between.

I feel like for the talent that we have had since 2009, (offensive talent for the most part), we have underachieved when it comes to getting it done in the big games that count.

2010: We had a decent team hampered by injuries, but then lost to the first losing team to enter the playoffs, if that wasn't embarrassing enough we have Beast Quake to remember for the rest of our lives that goes with it. Our top 10 defense folded, and Drew was left by himself to win the game, and ultimately he could not. Oh well we still had the magical year before to remember at the time, but we should NEVER have lost to that team the way we did.

2011: We had probably one of the most potent offenses in NFL history, we were that good, bend, but don't break defense, and i guess that sort of happens when you have the high caliber offense that we did. At home we were untouchable that year. We lost two that we shouldn't have to the Bucs (Sean Payton got hurt) and to the lowly Rams which has become quite the trend in future years. If we don't lose one of these games we would have had home field throughout the playoffs. Yet we squandered that opportunity by losing to teams that we had no business losing to. Although Green Bay went 15-1, if we matched we would've had to travel there, if no one one beat them so in all fairness it kind of worked out, but a second shot at them would've been nice. This year was probably our best chance to get Lombardi number 2, but yet then the defense lets them march right down the field. We were a couple Vernon Davis catches away from playing another game in the Superdome against a lower seeded Giants team where there is no doubt in my mind we would've come out on top, and even if the Giants did beat us at home they would have surely deserved that trophy, not to discredit them, but COME ON WE DONT LOSE AT HOME. We then would've had to play a very good Patriots team in the SuperBowl, but at least we would've made it there, and there is no shame in losing to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Opportunity squandered.

2012: Our whole season ruined because we had this "vicious bounty program" that we just ended up being scape-goats for, and lost two second round picks for it... Give me a break. A year of Drew Brees in his prime, wasted. We also had if not the worst defense of all time, one of them at least yardage wise. Oh well, at least we got a very good safety in Kenny Vaccaro from our draft position, if you want to find any silver lining out of that horrendous year.

2013: Solid start, and hey look our defense finally decided to show up after a year hiatus. The offense didn't fire on all cylinders throughout the year, but the defense played stout, and didn't let us lose too many games. Some turnovers here and there probably could've been the difference. Then after our great start, we start to slowly, but surely turn into this team we have this year that can't win on the road to save its life. We squandered a second seed to the freakin Panthers. Had we not lost to again the lowly Rams, and Jets we could've had a 13-3 season with a second seed. We then lost to the Panthers to hand them the division in a game where our defense fell apart in the closing moments (hmm seems we have a theme here.) A second seed would've likely had the same result, but we wouldn't have watched ourselves play too close with the Eagles, and maybe have better momentum going into Seattle. A game which was very winnable, but it seems when we were on the fringe of getting into the redzone Sean Payton decided to get cute with the play-calling and throw a screen every other play when the run game moved us all the way down the field. The offensive play calling in the second Panthers game and the playoff game in Seattle were very similar and equally as frustrating to watch with very similar results. The opportunities were all there, but yet again we are on the opposite end of these plays. Another great opportunity to make it to the big one, wasted.

2014: We could very well be 3-1 as we are 1-3, a few plays here and there were the difference in the first two games, but the defense once again decided to play Houdini and disappear for another year. If the defense can resemble anything like a normal NFL defense then we have a shot to make the playoffs, but thats a BIG if. I just honestly don't understand where the pass rush went. The key to our defensive failure is the lack of pass rush. Our safeties also have to make up for our slow un-athletic linebackers (save for Lofton for the most part) and all of a sudden weak defensive line that's getting man handled week in and out. Turnovers will never come if the pass rush can't get going, but it is weird that seemingly no one can force one here and there.

I think this team can bounce back and we all know the potential in which they hold, but will they? Who knows, that has yet to be seen. We'll see if the other teams in our division want to hand us the lead, since none of them seem to really want it this year. I think Byrd despite a few missed tackles has been pretty solid, he looked like the only defensive player we had against Dallas. I don't remember getting beat deep over the middle hardly at all this year so what he's doing doesn't exactly translate to the stat sheet. Most of our problem is underneath as teams dink and dunk for massive yardage down the field.

Drafting: As far as defensive players have gone, we must be some of the worst at either seeking talent or developing it defensively. We have drafted close to 30 defensive players and not one of them could be labeled as Elite. We have had good players, but not one elite player. We're lucky we have found gems such as Graham, Evans, Nicks, Colston, Armstead, Strief, and Stills. Our front office for whatever reason does not like to draft linebackers which if you look at all the best teams in the NFC they have great, athletic linebackers that seem to always be around the ball. So as much opportunity we haven't taken advantage of situation wise, its also due to our pitiful drafting on the defensive side of the ball.

I just want whats best for our team, and see how amazing we could be. We really could have at least 2-3 Superbowls and be a dynasty type team if a few things went our way in pivotal moments throughout the past 4 years.