Parity Victims........

lewpac · 09-26-2007, 01:17 AM

I don't know if this is "smack" or not...........it's not intended to be, but here goes.
As an "old timer" who really hates salary cap/free agency/parity that has taken the NFL hostage, I'm pleased to see that the latest "team de jour", everyones darling, latest "America's Team" has come back to Earth and reality.
Going from last place in 2005 to 10-6 in 2006 (and carrying on like you just won the Super Bowl), and now back to reality..................this is the unfortunate state of affairs in the "new" NFL.................and the Saints are the latest "poster boy" for this madness.
Like Tampa Bay before you, and other "one year wonders" of late, the honeymoon is over and the "bandwagon" is like a rats jumping off a sinking ship. Don't feel bad or alone about this. This is the current mess the NFL has gotten itself into with the "parity" crap, and the Saints are just the latest franchise to experience euphoria, only to be "left at the alter" the following year.
It was inevitable. With all the players and coaches moving around, from team to team, on a yearly basis.............continuity and consistency is hard to come by. Except for a few "usual suspects" (Pats, Colts), it's a crap shoot out there. No one knows from year to year who's going to be a playoff team or not. It's been only three weeks, and the Lions are 2-1, the Packers are 3-0, the Chargers are 1-2 (and fighting amongst each other), the Whiners look good and the Bears look bad. For Heavens sake, Houston is 2-1!!! Cincy lost to Cleveland, the Rams can't score, the Eagles are a psychotic mess, and the Redskins are 2-1 after losing to the hapless Giants!!!
You guys and the Charges have the unenviable "label" of being the "next big thing". The "new order". The "future" of the league. Only to be, in reality, the next "one year wonder" victim of high hopes and false expectations due to parity measures.
Poo-poo this thread if you want. As fans, you may make the mistake of dismissing these thoughts and allowing your hearts to rule over logic. But that does not lessen the logic and truth and the fact that this Saints team IS INDEED the POSTER CHILD of everything I just said. You were perhaps an above average team last year, that got on a little roll in a mediocre NFC. That will happen every year from hear on out. It's only a matter of "who gets hot" at the right time. Hell, in a league where the NFC SB rep could be Seattle, anything goes!! Anything can happen.
And that's a sad state of affairs. It's just a matter of time when we'll all have to sit through a SB involving Cleveland and the Cardinals. And nobody will care outside of Ohio and Arizona!!

'Taint like it used to be...........................

papz · 09-26-2007, 09:05 AM

I enjoyed that... and can't say I disagree with it.

SapperSaint · 09-26-2007, 12:37 PM

Good read PAC. Where are you from?

lewpac · 09-26-2007, 06:03 PM

I've been in Hawaii the last 22 years, but I'm from Penna.......Then Texas, MN, ND and finally Hawaii.
When I lived in Houston (1979-84), I went to the Super Dome I think about 5 times for Saints games and a Sugar Bowl (Penn St. beat Georgia). I love your town and enjoyed New Orleans a great deal. Of course living in Hawaii, you don't get to that many games anymore. I DO get to several NASCAR races every year though....................
And I feel for you guys and I know this hurts. But like I said, blame the NFL and the system that came about in the early '90's for this debacle. Not saying that the coaching staff and players don't need to work and improve to get back to where you were last year......................
There's no "curse" in New Orleans. You guys debunked that several times the last decade or so. Detroit and Philly have a CURSE, but not you guys.
Maybe I'm old fashioned, being 47 and living through the 60's, 70', and 80's watching quality teams develop over time, stay good for a long time, and slooooowwwwly deminish, if at all. "Dynasty's" developed great rivalries and also gave us teams that we watched to see get knocked off their perches.
Also, there's only several teams with "national appeal". Dallas of course, the Raiders, the Steelers, the Whiners (so-so), etc..........the Skins have fans most everywhere, maybe the Packers, Miami, Denver. Outside of that, everyone else only has a "local/regional" fan base.
So, if Tampa Bay plays Cincy in the SB, even though millions will watch the game, nobody outside of Tampa and Cincinnati really gives a crap.
In the old days, when Dallas played Pittsburgh, EVERYONE cared from coast to coast. Raiders vs. Skins. Niners vs. Denver, etc, etc,.................
It's just one mans opinion, but many agree. This new "feel goody-goody" NFL where "isn't it better if everyone gets a CHANCE?" crap exists, I don't like it.
No, you don't "get a chance". That's political correct bullcrap that has reared it's head into pro sports. You "earn" a "chance" by developing a team over a period of time that stands the test of time. Nowadays, anytime that just happens to "gell" and "get hot" at the right time could go all the way to the SB.
It's a crapshoot............................

SapperSaint · 09-27-2007, 04:11 PM

Well Pac, I for one think your the best vistor we've had. Glad you stopped in. Keep posting.

DeadmaN · 09-27-2007, 04:44 PM

I didn't think that was smack
hell I even agree with it

oh and welcome to the black and gold

lewpac · 09-27-2007, 08:12 PM

I'm no "smacker" or "flamer". Anyone hiding incognito behind a computer screen can do that.
However, my opinion may have come across offensive to Saints fans, so that's why I posted here.
I've been studying this phenomena ever since Free Agency was introduced in the mid-90's, and it tore my Cowboys limb from limb. It rendered Dallas neutered of a nucleus that could easily have won several more Rings, Jimmy Johnson or not.
I've had a bad case of "broken heart" ever since, for the last 12 years. I know that Saint fans could easily say "We don't want to hear all your boo-hooing over Dallas". And I would understand that. I've been a fan since '65 and have had more than my share of good times (although I can remember when the Cowboys were labeled the team that "couldn't win the big game").
Even though the Saints spanked the Cowboys, I like so many were pleased to see the Saints success last year. And not just for the same reason the rest of the world got "on board" the New Orleans wagon (Katrina). I'm a bigger fan of the sport than of any one team. True fans, IMO, are just that. It was cool to see the N.O. not only won games, but it was electric and exiting to watch (that, plus I detest the Eagles and the Saints punted their asses out of the tournament). The team and fans have never been show-offs or big mouths or "taunters" or "in your face" folks. All these years, the Saints just come to play and go home............no drama or theatrics which turn people off. The organization is one of the "good guys" in the NFL (unlike Cincy, Atlanta, Philly, and others.....a bunch of thug/cocky/big mouths), so if you like tackle football, you can't dislike N.O.
That said, this letdown after only one great year is in many ways harder to absorb than the Cowboy letdowns I've had to live with the last decade. I've been to the "mountain top" as a fan. I've celebrated the ultimate achievement many times. You guys are so close you can almost TASTE it, and now this.
Hey, it's not over yet, it's a long season. And if anyone can get away with a comeback (in THAT division) it's the Saints. It would also be in keeping with the "feel good" story that started last year. It's a tall order for sure, but 9-7 may win that division. I've looked at your schedule, and you guys could easily go 9-4 the rest of the way.........................

mikesaintfan · 09-28-2007, 01:02 PM

unfortunately this is the NFL...the NO FUN LEAGUE and it is not about anything but making money. When we have that Browns vs Cardinals superbowl evryone will still watch.(as said earlier). It is good buisness to have every fan believe that his team (or hers) has a chance to win it all. It may not sit well with long time fans who watched teams build around a nucleus and develop from year to year but that is the NFL. A fan whos team is in the running buys jerseys, goes to games etc.

welcome to b&g

1 after thought ......If a team was to get some percent of a player's (whom they originally drafted) salary not to count vs the cap it would allow a team to build for years to come and not have to cut a player for salary cap reasons and keep a TEAM together
This would allow a player to get his due money and stay with a team that wanted him in the first place

lewpac · 09-28-2007, 06:02 PM

To each his own. Like I said, it's a matter of perspective and perhaps age.

But one thing you alluded to, that a team that's winning...........it will sell jerseys, merchandise, folks will go to games, etc........

That's another point to my opinion. Example: I've been calling for Dallas to start Marion Barber for two years now. The only reason they keep starting (and playing IMO) Julius Jones is because he was a first round draft pick and they're still trying to justify that. Anyway, back to Marion Barber. I'm a HUGE fan of his. However, I won't be buying his jersey, because in two years he'll be out of Dallas and "free agented" off to Miami or somewhere. T.O............I WON'T be buying that jersey either, because it's just a matter of time.

Another casualty of Free Agency and Salary cap measures. When I was a kid, I could name you the entire starting offense and defense of the Dallas Cowboys..........for 15 years!!! Lots of other teams too! Not anymore........

hagan714 · 09-28-2007, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by lewpac

To each his own. Like I said, it's a matter of perspective and perhaps age....

Nice read fellow old timer. I have to agree. But i would like to add the even the colts and the pats have gone through this. We are in year 2 of rebuilding. The defense is at best a patch worked unit. The infusion of youth on the offense will take time. How the FO handles this is key. The coaches have to let the young guys on the field. Next years draft has to be better than this years. Next year we will have way to many 30+ aged players on the roster. They have to gamble like last year and keep more young players. The example of CB Jones still rings loud. MISTAKE. Thomas has not been on the active roster all year. Bengals saw something in him after the scrimage. So there was a missed opertunty for the saints to add youth to the club. Lets not bring up our 1st fourth round pick. The staff got conservative. The Pats and the Colts are always roling the dice on young players. That is why they keep on clicking. They get playing time and are ready to step in.

09-26-2007, 01:17 AM	#1
lewpac Rookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 27	Parity Victims........ I don't know if this is "smack" or not...........it's not intended to be, but here goes. As an "old timer" who really hates salary cap/free agency/parity that has taken the NFL hostage, I'm pleased to see that the latest "team de jour", everyones darling, latest "America's Team" has come back to Earth and reality. Going from last place in 2005 to 10-6 in 2006 (and carrying on like you just won the Super Bowl), and now back to reality..................this is the unfortunate state of affairs in the "new" NFL.................and the Saints are the latest "poster boy" for this madness. Like Tampa Bay before you, and other "one year wonders" of late, the honeymoon is over and the "bandwagon" is like a rats jumping off a sinking ship. Don't feel bad or alone about this. This is the current mess the NFL has gotten itself into with the "parity" crap, and the Saints are just the latest franchise to experience euphoria, only to be "left at the alter" the following year. It was inevitable. With all the players and coaches moving around, from team to team, on a yearly basis.............continuity and consistency is hard to come by. Except for a few "usual suspects" (Pats, Colts), it's a crap shoot out there. No one knows from year to year who's going to be a playoff team or not. It's been only three weeks, and the Lions are 2-1, the Packers are 3-0, the Chargers are 1-2 (and fighting amongst each other), the Whiners look good and the Bears look bad. For Heavens sake, Houston is 2-1!!! Cincy lost to Cleveland, the Rams can't score, the Eagles are a psychotic mess, and the Redskins are 2-1 after losing to the hapless Giants!!! You guys and the Charges have the unenviable "label" of being the "next big thing". The "new order". The "future" of the league. Only to be, in reality, the next "one year wonder" victim of high hopes and false expectations due to parity measures. Poo-poo this thread if you want. As fans, you may make the mistake of dismissing these thoughts and allowing your hearts to rule over logic. But that does not lessen the logic and truth and the fact that this Saints team IS INDEED the POSTER CHILD of everything I just said. You were perhaps an above average team last year, that got on a little roll in a mediocre NFC. That will happen every year from hear on out. It's only a matter of "who gets hot" at the right time. Hell, in a league where the NFC SB rep could be Seattle, anything goes!! Anything can happen. And that's a sad state of affairs. It's just a matter of time when we'll all have to sit through a SB involving Cleveland and the Cardinals. And nobody will care outside of Ohio and Arizona!! 'Taint like it used to be...........................
lewpac Rookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 27

09-26-2007, 09:05 AM	#2
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,737	Re: Parity Victims........ I enjoyed that... and can't say I disagree with it.

09-26-2007, 12:37 PM	#3
SapperSaint Pink Nightmare Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 3,028 Blog Entries: 7	Re: Parity Victims........ Good read PAC. Where are you from?

09-26-2007, 06:03 PM	#4
lewpac Rookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 27	Re: Parity Victims........ I've been in Hawaii the last 22 years, but I'm from Penna.......Then Texas, MN, ND and finally Hawaii. When I lived in Houston (1979-84), I went to the Super Dome I think about 5 times for Saints games and a Sugar Bowl (Penn St. beat Georgia). I love your town and enjoyed New Orleans a great deal. Of course living in Hawaii, you don't get to that many games anymore. I DO get to several NASCAR races every year though.................... And I feel for you guys and I know this hurts. But like I said, blame the NFL and the system that came about in the early '90's for this debacle. Not saying that the coaching staff and players don't need to work and improve to get back to where you were last year...................... There's no "curse" in New Orleans. You guys debunked that several times the last decade or so. Detroit and Philly have a CURSE, but not you guys. Maybe I'm old fashioned, being 47 and living through the 60's, 70', and 80's watching quality teams develop over time, stay good for a long time, and slooooowwwwly deminish, if at all. "Dynasty's" developed great rivalries and also gave us teams that we watched to see get knocked off their perches. Also, there's only several teams with "national appeal". Dallas of course, the Raiders, the Steelers, the Whiners (so-so), etc..........the Skins have fans most everywhere, maybe the Packers, Miami, Denver. Outside of that, everyone else only has a "local/regional" fan base. So, if Tampa Bay plays Cincy in the SB, even though millions will watch the game, nobody outside of Tampa and Cincinnati really gives a crap. In the old days, when Dallas played Pittsburgh, EVERYONE cared from coast to coast. Raiders vs. Skins. Niners vs. Denver, etc, etc,................. It's just one mans opinion, but many agree. This new "feel goody-goody" NFL where "isn't it better if everyone gets a CHANCE?" crap exists, I don't like it. No, you don't "get a chance". That's political correct bullcrap that has reared it's head into pro sports. You "earn" a "chance" by developing a team over a period of time that stands the test of time. Nowadays, anytime that just happens to "gell" and "get hot" at the right time could go all the way to the SB. It's a crapshoot............................
lewpac Rookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 27

09-27-2007, 04:11 PM	#5
SapperSaint Pink Nightmare Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 3,028 Blog Entries: 7	Re: Parity Victims........ Well Pac, I for one think your the best vistor we've had. Glad you stopped in. Keep posting.

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09-27-2007, 04:44 PM	#6
DeadmaN Saints Junky Join Date: May 2007 Location: Metairie Originally now a Houston transplant Posts: 672	Re: Parity Victims........ I didn't think that was smack hell I even agree with it oh and welcome to the black and gold

09-27-2007, 08:12 PM	#7
lewpac Rookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 27	Re: Parity Victims........ I'm no "smacker" or "flamer". Anyone hiding incognito behind a computer screen can do that. However, my opinion may have come across offensive to Saints fans, so that's why I posted here. I've been studying this phenomena ever since Free Agency was introduced in the mid-90's, and it tore my Cowboys limb from limb. It rendered Dallas neutered of a nucleus that could easily have won several more Rings, Jimmy Johnson or not. I've had a bad case of "broken heart" ever since, for the last 12 years. I know that Saint fans could easily say "We don't want to hear all your boo-hooing over Dallas". And I would understand that. I've been a fan since '65 and have had more than my share of good times (although I can remember when the Cowboys were labeled the team that "couldn't win the big game"). Even though the Saints spanked the Cowboys, I like so many were pleased to see the Saints success last year. And not just for the same reason the rest of the world got "on board" the New Orleans wagon (Katrina). I'm a bigger fan of the sport than of any one team. True fans, IMO, are just that. It was cool to see the N.O. not only won games, but it was electric and exiting to watch (that, plus I detest the Eagles and the Saints punted their asses out of the tournament). The team and fans have never been show-offs or big mouths or "taunters" or "in your face" folks. All these years, the Saints just come to play and go home............no drama or theatrics which turn people off. The organization is one of the "good guys" in the NFL (unlike Cincy, Atlanta, Philly, and others.....a bunch of thug/cocky/big mouths), so if you like tackle football, you can't dislike N.O. That said, this letdown after only one great year is in many ways harder to absorb than the Cowboy letdowns I've had to live with the last decade. I've been to the "mountain top" as a fan. I've celebrated the ultimate achievement many times. You guys are so close you can almost TASTE it, and now this. Hey, it's not over yet, it's a long season. And if anyone can get away with a comeback (in THAT division) it's the Saints. It would also be in keeping with the "feel good" story that started last year. It's a tall order for sure, but 9-7 may win that division. I've looked at your schedule, and you guys could easily go 9-4 the rest of the way.........................
lewpac Rookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 27

09-28-2007, 01:02 PM	#8
mikesaintfan 1000 Posts + Join Date: May 2006 Location: new jersey Posts: 1,070	Re: Parity Victims........ unfortunately this is the NFL...the NO FUN LEAGUE and it is not about anything but making money. When we have that Browns vs Cardinals superbowl evryone will still watch.(as said earlier). It is good buisness to have every fan believe that his team (or hers) has a chance to win it all. It may not sit well with long time fans who watched teams build around a nucleus and develop from year to year but that is the NFL. A fan whos team is in the running buys jerseys, goes to games etc. welcome to b&g 1 after thought ......If a team was to get some percent of a player's (whom they originally drafted) salary not to count vs the cap it would allow a team to build for years to come and not have to cut a player for salary cap reasons and keep a TEAM together This would allow a player to get his due money and stay with a team that wanted him in the first place
	perception IS reality

09-28-2007, 06:02 PM	#9
lewpac Rookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 27	Re: Parity Victims........ To each his own. Like I said, it's a matter of perspective and perhaps age. But one thing you alluded to, that a team that's winning...........it will sell jerseys, merchandise, folks will go to games, etc........ That's another point to my opinion. Example: I've been calling for Dallas to start Marion Barber for two years now. The only reason they keep starting (and playing IMO) Julius Jones is because he was a first round draft pick and they're still trying to justify that. Anyway, back to Marion Barber. I'm a HUGE fan of his. However, I won't be buying his jersey, because in two years he'll be out of Dallas and "free agented" off to Miami or somewhere. T.O............I WON'T be buying that jersey either, because it's just a matter of time. Another casualty of Free Agency and Salary cap measures. When I was a kid, I could name you the entire starting offense and defense of the Dallas Cowboys..........for 15 years!!! Lots of other teams too! Not anymore........
lewpac Rookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 27

09-28-2007, 07:02 PM	#10
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	Re: Parity Victims........ Originally Posted by lewpac To each his own. Like I said, it's a matter of perspective and perhaps age.... Nice read fellow old timer. I have to agree. But i would like to add the even the colts and the pats have gone through this. We are in year 2 of rebuilding. The defense is at best a patch worked unit. The infusion of youth on the offense will take time. How the FO handles this is key. The coaches have to let the young guys on the field. Next years draft has to be better than this years. Next year we will have way to many 30+ aged players on the roster. They have to gamble like last year and keep more young players. The example of CB Jones still rings loud. MISTAKE. Thomas has not been on the active roster all year. Bengals saw something in him after the scrimage. So there was a missed opertunty for the saints to add youth to the club. Lets not bring up our 1st fourth round pick. The staff got conservative. The Pats and the Colts are always roling the dice on young players. That is why they keep on clicking. They get playing time and are ready to step in.
	"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins