Re: Predict the Saints' Record Year 2023
 

Everything you said is highly accurate and I agree that last seasons losses were on DA's poor choices and bad decisions. It's worth mentioning the devastating injuries across the team. But the front office seems to be making better decisions now and have filled in some nice depth pieces. So far the offseason moves have looked impressive...unless you're a national analyst(anal cyst). Almost all Saints fans are enthusiastic again after all the savvy offseason moves made by the Saints front office.

I'm hoping for two things. One: DA learned his lesson about not being aggressive at critical times and hopefully Carmichael gets back the" eye of the tiger" like when he called plays when Payton was out. Even if that mean drafting LSU players. LOL

Two: Learn from from past mistakes and use the fresh insight from the new coaches after a hard reevaluation and long look in the mirror. No more runs between the tackle on 2nd down. Keep your play makers and the field and utilize them.

Last year we didn't have an alpha coach like Payton, and the team was in shambles without a strong willed, OCD, aggressive, dominant alpha male coach. Most of our coaches were lieutenants that needed a spark to energize the team. We need an alpha coach to step up and set the tone like Sean Payton did. It took mild mannered AK getting vocal to fire the team up and start winning some games. Cam and DeMario are leaders not coaches. It should not be players who have to motivate their team.

We missed out on a deep playoff run last year because we fielded a MASH unit and the year before that too. Guido is good to point out that the NFL is a contact sport and injuries happen to every team. However, it feels like our Saints team is snake bit year after year. Recently, we had record setting injuries and also had more players starting in a single season than previously. Anybody know a good snake wrangler?

Re: Predict the Saints' Record Year 2023
 

I am curious if those who blame the 2022 Saints season on injuries nobody could have predicted that won’t happen again in 2023 also expect a healthy Pelicans team to be undefeated / win the west in 2023-2024? To me and I think many other fans who have gotten too downtrodden to still post, the situations with Michael Thomas and Zion Williamson are very similar, except Williamson is a bit younger and has played a bit higher percentage of games the last 3 years. I am hoping that the mirror situation with the Pelicans will force a reset sooner with the Saints, because whatever patience the new orleans fan community had with unlikely recoveries has surely been tested on two fronts this year.

Re: Predict the Saints' Record Year 2023
 

Has he? Zion is a terrific talent but this guy is NEVER on the court. At least MT has an elite body of work in the NFL.

At some point, Zion needs to just go out there and play with the pain. We're talking a tweaked hamstring, not an Achilles. I've seen a few NBA pros go out and play even at 65-70% ... specifically in the postseason .

I'm starting to think it's more mental than physical Zion. You got a** full of money, it's time to show your worth. The Pels needed you vs OKC.

Sorry Bako, didn't mean to go off track with the rant but the Pels got me fired up.

Re: Predict the Saints' Record Year 2023
 

Not named directly K but no mistaking who this is directed at. Indicates a lack of professionalism in all areas is hurting the team … 25 games a year … come on man!

Re: Predict the Saints' Record Year 2023
 

Sorry the link to CJ’s comments didn’t post

https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/AuEA0H9w

Re: Predict the Saints' Record Year 2023
 

No problem haha.

In the past 3 years Michael Thomas has played 10 of 50 possible games or 20%. Over his career Zion Williamson has played 28.5 games per season out of 82 possible or 35%, even higher if you only count the last 3 seasons since he only played 24 games his rookie year. It’s great that Michael Thomas was healthy early in his career but for the last 3 years his percentage availability has been much less than even Zion. Since Zion‘s availability has been almost double, I can’t escape that its much more likely Zion plays a full season than Thomas next year, though neither is likely. As far as body of work, its clear both are elite when healthy.

Re: Predict the Saints' Record Year 2023
 

Even if he stays healthy I expect Thomas to be a shell of his former self. He’s a lot older now than back when was a baller. A huge part of his game is his physicality, not a good attribute for an older player who’s been plagued with injury.
One thing not many are mentioning is the huge turnover among our coaching staff. We downgraded in most cases and the lack of continuity will hurt us.

Re: Predict the Saints' Record Year 2023
 

Where did we downgrade in staff? I thought everyone we recruited were pretty well established with good reputations. Maybe I missed something. We basically got rid of Payton's old crew, good and bad.

Re: Predict the Saints' Record Year 2023
 

10-7 with some blind luck.

Re: Predict the Saints' Record Year 2023
 

Under Over line was set at 9.5 for this season, I place a little bet on the over. Earlier I said I thought even if the over under came in at 10 I would bet the over. People setting the line are setting to get people to bet both side given our individual keen analytical skills.

Going over because I think they will win 10 or more, Saints are my team since 67 and just trying show the faith.