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