Three Cheers for Sean Payton

QBREES9 · 12-11-2007, 10:19 PM

Yes, Payton has made some mistakes this year. I still think the reverse call at the end of the Tampa game was bad, and it is not clear how much fault Payton bears for our absolutely miserable off-season--and if you are seeking the reason for a disappointing 2007 season, look at this year's free agency efforts and draft.

But I still think that Payton is one of the better coaches in the NFL. He is intelligent and creative, has a sound philosophy on the team he wants to build, apparently works well with others in the organization, has (I still believe) a good eye for talent, and has produced a disciplined team. And with a team that started 0-4, we saw no public discord, and the team has since gone 6-3.

Unlike the large margin of error in college ball--where, as Nick Saban and Bobby Petrino can now attest, exercising control over players requires less subtlety and intelligence and God does favor the biggest battalions--the margin of error in the NFL is small. The talent is too evenly distributed, and the coaching overall is too good. Injuries can make or break a team's season, and overall good health was a major reason for a successful 2006 season just as key injuries have adversely affected our 2007 season.

However, after 29 regular season and two playoff games, this is my verdict on Payton: He is the brightest coach we have ever had and, after Jim Mora, the best. He is clearly superior to Haslett in judgment and discipline, and after a few more seasons, we might be saying he is our best coach ever.

And for those few who spoke of the "fever" and actually sought a new coach recently, take the long view. I realize that Saint fans learn early in life to take the long view because the short view too often engenders much discomfort. But Payton in year one brought us to a conference championship game and in a disappointing year two still has the team in the playoff hunt with three games remaining. Disappointing year. Still in the playoff hunt in week 14. That is an achievement.

And 80 miles up the road, LSU is playing for a national championship. Ask yourself whether you would rather have as the Saints' coach Sean Payton or Les Miles. The disparity in coaching ability between the two is so great that my knuckles should be rapped for posing the question.

So as Atlanta fans watch Bobby Petrino quit after 13 games--a blessing in disguise for the Falcons--here's three cheers for Sean Payton. Regardless of how the next three games turn out.

12-11-2007, 10:19 PM	#1
QBREES9 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Haven Ct Posts: 23,989	Three Cheers for Sean Payton Yes, Payton has made some mistakes this year. I still think the reverse call at the end of the Tampa game was bad, and it is not clear how much fault Payton bears for our absolutely miserable off-season--and if you are seeking the reason for a disappointing 2007 season, look at this year's free agency efforts and draft. But I still think that Payton is one of the better coaches in the NFL. He is intelligent and creative, has a sound philosophy on the team he wants to build, apparently works well with others in the organization, has (I still believe) a good eye for talent, and has produced a disciplined team. And with a team that started 0-4, we saw no public discord, and the team has since gone 6-3. Unlike the large margin of error in college ball--where, as Nick Saban and Bobby Petrino can now attest, exercising control over players requires less subtlety and intelligence and God does favor the biggest battalions--the margin of error in the NFL is small. The talent is too evenly distributed, and the coaching overall is too good. Injuries can make or break a team's season, and overall good health was a major reason for a successful 2006 season just as key injuries have adversely affected our 2007 season. However, after 29 regular season and two playoff games, this is my verdict on Payton: He is the brightest coach we have ever had and, after Jim Mora, the best. He is clearly superior to Haslett in judgment and discipline, and after a few more seasons, we might be saying he is our best coach ever. And for those few who spoke of the "fever" and actually sought a new coach recently, take the long view. I realize that Saint fans learn early in life to take the long view because the short view too often engenders much discomfort. But Payton in year one brought us to a conference championship game and in a disappointing year two still has the team in the playoff hunt with three games remaining. Disappointing year. Still in the playoff hunt in week 14. That is an achievement. And 80 miles up the road, LSU is playing for a national championship. Ask yourself whether you would rather have as the Saints' coach Sean Payton or Les Miles. The disparity in coaching ability between the two is so great that my knuckles should be rapped for posing the question. So as Atlanta fans watch Bobby Petrino quit after 13 games--a blessing in disguise for the Falcons--here's three cheers for Sean Payton. Regardless of how the next three games turn out.