xan

A careful examination of the remaining schedule reveals that there is really nothing worth playing for. We will not win the division, we aren't close to a wild card berth, being in 9th place currently for one of the two, or eight place for the last slot. We may be only 2 games out for that last slot, but passing 7 teams is going to require miracle collapses from all of them.

These last two losses are inexplicable and inexcusable, but worse, so early in the season, this team has only pride left. Based on yesterday's exhibition, they really didn't aquit themselves too well in that area, leaving much to be desired in the desire category.

At this point, with so little left to accomplish as a team, this is what I'd like to see:

1) Payton start changing his game plan from "uninspired and redundant" to "beat my best players in positions where they can execute."
2) Every member of the team is auditioning for a slot on next year's team. No one has immunity.
3) Bench players who are consistently out of position or dumb (no need to name names, like JD). Make there a consequence for idiotic play.
4) Enthusiasm. You see more engagement in the activity from the International Astronomical Union.
5) Go back to the drawing board. Learn how to tackle. Learn how to block. Learn how to take proper angles in pursuit. Learn how to catch a damn ball. Learn how to hit a pile near the goal line without coughing up the pig.

I don't care if they beat any other team this season, just stop playing like Dartmouth.

Calvin: "I wish I was a Tiger."
Hobbes: "Common lament."

papz

Until we're mathematically eliminated, I'll look towards the sky.

However another loss or two would slowly change my outlook... however I still wouldn't be gloomy as some.

I smell a winning streak brewing...

darstep

10-6, 9-7 still gives us a great chance, especially in the NFC South. That is what I am hoping for. Changes have to be made. Payton has to see that we must use a different approach. Payton has to find a way to keep ALL of the players involved in the game, offensively and defensively. We will have to win by committee; Brees and Bush CANNOT make it happen by themselves. At some point the players have to execute and make plays and Sean Payton has to position them to do so.

NEXTPROBOWLER

ok ok ok say we make the playoffs then what? get smacked? we all kno this team for whatever reason is not no way ready for a team playin really good like the packers or cowgirls.....we all knew just makin the playoffs is not enough

Euphoria

We will be totally embarrassed going up against the Cowboys. I mean I would like to make the playoffs sure... but at what cost. To get our nose rubbed into our own crap and reminded we are crap. To lose valuable position in the draft for trying to win a few games. I say start training camp this week. The rest of the games or preseason.

papz

Yes tanking now is a great idea. I like the way you think.

xan

I'd never suggest tanking. I am suggesting doing something other than trying to win games the way we're trying to win them. That strategy is clearly not working, especially against the lowest end of the NFL strata.

darstep

[QUOTE=Euphoria;146810]We will be totally embarrassed going up against the Cowboys. QUOTE]

WE own the Cowboys! I'm in Cowboy country...and I know exactly what I just said. Even as ugly as we are playing, we would show up and play against the Cowpokes. I have no way of explaining it, and I hope that I get the chance to not explain it again; somewhat tipical of the Saints performances this year. If we were 1 and 15, the 1 win would have been the Cowboys. Do you know how much blueandsilver would get tucked away if we sent them packing the week after the wildcard round?

**SaintSince67**

SaintFanInATLHELL

That boat sailed after the initial 4 loss streak. All chances for a bye and a home game in the divisional round went poof.

I'll play sunshiner today. The Saints pick themselves up and win the next three games. We beat Tampa in the process. Tampa still has a 3 game stretch where they play Washington, us, and Houston. The possibility of losing 2 of those games could happen, bringing us to a tie with them.
Unfortunately we're still a half game behind because of the division standing (at the time us 3-2, them 3-1). So we'd have to find another december loss for Tampa, preferably a division loss.

But say both Houston and Washington come through and we thoroughly beat TB at home. That 3 game losing streak puts them in our rear view.

Now on to the playoffs (sunshiny here remember). We'd be the third seed hosting a home wildcard game. Then we could hope against hope that we pull Dallas in the divisional round. Remember that it was less than a year ago they were soundly whupped by the Saints. It could happen.

Green bay falls to the Giants (5th seed) in Lambeau, and the NFC championship rolls into the Big Easy! Onto the Super Bowl!

I guess I'll wake up from this sunshiny dream now as it's stranger than fiction.

SFIAH

Super Bowl Championships: New Orleans Saints:1, Carolina:0, Atlanta Chokers: STILL ZERO

Only Atlanta choked in an unchokable situation... Life is definitely good.

xan

You must have seen that scenario in George Bush's "Plan for Peace and Democracy within 30 Days of Invading Iraq."