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2theadvocate.com | Sports | Still in the running — Baton Rouge, LA

“You’re in this tunnel and there’s no light right now,” he said. “So you start peeking when you start to see the light, and the only way we’re going to see any light is if we start winning.”

While some observers think the Saints have to win out to make the playoffs, that will be the last thing on Payton’s mind tonight. With three losses in their last four games, he’s just trying to get past this game.

“I think the most important thing is trying to find a way to get win six,” Payton said. “There are four games left and we’re going to have to play better — we’re capable of doing that — and we’re going to have to coach better. This game gives us an opportunity to get this sixth win, and if we don’t play well enough it won’t happen.